When I began my search for this week’s feature, I happily ended it in Galena in upper Kent County with this unique house whose original use was a Wayside Chapel. Ironically, one of my new architectural projects is the renovation and addition to a former chapel in Talbot County to create a one bedroom house, so I was curious to tour this charming building. 

The building is sited far back from the street and the former chapel’s off-street parking lot. After parking my car, I strolled up the concrete path between landscaping, including giant hostas, oak leaf hydrangeas and a majestic magnolia and evergreens. I arrived at midday, so walking in the shade provided by the landscaping was a welcome respite from the heat.  Before I opened the front door, I turned around and appreciated how well both the landscaped path and the parking lot gives the building privacy.  

As I walked around the grounds, I admired the building’s one and a half story massing that telescopes down to a one-story porch and vestibule. The vertical blue cladding with white battens and the Gothic arched windows accented with the trefoil symbol give this building its unique charm. The trefoil’s three overlapping circles form a shape resembling a three-leafed clover that early Christians associated with the Holy Trinity. The current Owner’s exterior work included fully rescuing the board & batten siding from layers of paint and restoring the standing seam metal roof.  

At the rear of the former chapel were the altar and apse areas. The current Owner, who is an architecture and preservation buff, extended the rear wall to create a screened porch as part of his careful restoration and upgrades to the building. He then enhanced the building by creating delightful outdoor rooms of a Trex deck and a brick terrace laid in recycled antique bricks. 

From the brick terrace, earth toned random stones set into a bed of smaller stones create a walkway that blends into the deep rear lawn. I envied the towering row of evergreens that created a privacy wall for the lawn. I sat for a while on the metal bench in the shade of massive pecan trees to savor the silence broken only by the sweet sounds of birds. In his landscape design, the Owner carefully selected native plants for low maintenance.  Garden beds at the side of the house contain both plants and vegetables and discreet containers for recycling and composting.  At the rear of the property is a shed for storage with an attached heated greenhouse featuring rain barrels for recycled water.

The former chapel’s vestibule is now a spacious area to welcome guests. The stone flooring is a perfect walk-off material and the original wood beadboard ceiling continues throughout the building. The Owner’s clever use of recycled materials includes the panel that was partially stripped and fitted with historic wrought iron hardware to hide the electrical panel. The globe shaped semi-translucent pendant fixture is the perfect touch.

I love longitudinal vistas through buildings, especially when they begin and end with glass doors. The wide wall opening into the former narthex frames this vista from the foyer. The statue of Mary, the painting of the Madonna and Child and the Holy Water Font on the other side wall pay homage to the building’s former use.

The former narthex was the perfect size for the Owner’s office area. I admired the antique prayer rug that defines the work area and the beautiful antique corner cabinet that provides ample stylish storage for office supplies. The exposed wood beam is part of the post and beam structural system and the antique perforated screen further defines the work area. The panel that is a twin to the one in the vestibule is now a door to a coat closet.

From the narthex/office into the nave/living room, the massing becomes fully clear. The former choir loft was located over the narthex/office and the current Owner added another loft with a connecting space between them that spans to the side wall. Access to the loft is from a wide spiral stair. I loved the spacious living room’s eclectic furnishings from modern sofas and ottomans to the various antiques. The detailing of the loft railing with a mix of solid and vertical plank pickets complement the solid/void pattern of the “zebra” window treatments. These blinds can be half/open, half closed but can be adjusted to become a solid covering for total privacy. Behind the nave/living room next to the narthex/office is a room that could be used as a bedroom.

The demising wall in the living room creates another work space or buffet for entertaining. A former Owner opened up the side wall to add a deep and long bay window that is now a mini-conservatory. Being a cat owner, I could well imagine the Owner’s cat climbing to the top of his carpeted stair tower to bask in the south sunlight and to enjoy the panoramic view through the wide and tall picture windows. I also admired how the black color of the circular stair’s steel disappears into the space and how the chair’s curved back echoes the stair’s curved shape.

Standing at the rear of the living room, I admired the interior architecture of the receding wall planes of the loft projection from the “choir loft” and the telescoping view to the front door. The original wood board and batten ceiling and the wood floors flow though the space and make it seem larger than it is.

As a member of SSPP choir in Easton and a preservationist, I was delighted to discover the original wood plaque with the numbers of a Sunday’s hymn selections many years ago.  At the rear of the  mini-conservatory is bespoke millwork for a bar and behind the circular stair is the only remaining original stained glass window from St. Andrew’s Chapel.

Stepping up from the living room, I realized I had reached the original sanctuary and altar area that has been transformed into a compact and stylish kitchen layout that maximizes the space. Since the custom built cabinetry is dark wood to complement the wood ceilings, the kitchen’s board and batten ceiling is bright white to reflect the light. The bar-height wood surface floats over the zinc countertop. The vertical cedar plank pickets at the side wall is a clever solution for access to the loft area-they can be removed when furniture needs to be placed in the loft area.

The back side and rear walls and the flat ceiling portion of the kitchen are also white to reflect the sunlight. The Owner carefully designed the kitchen’s galley layout for the cooking sequence from the R/F, sink and stove for minimal steps. The butcher block portion of the countertop surrounding the stove makes food prep and creates one step cooking. The location of the R/F at the side wall provided deep storage space for the surrounding bespoke cabinetry for pantry goods.

From the kitchen sink wall of cabinetry, a wide wall opening frames the view of the dining room and the screened porch beyond. The flooring changes from wood to large tiles for easy clean-up, especially for the Owner’s dog’s eating area. The dining room’s spacious size could easily accommodate a wider or longer table and more chairs if needed. The hutch for storage is centered between two windows and the table and chairs are placed perpendicular to the rear wall to maximize the views through the adjacent screened porch and the panoramic views of the landscape.

Opposite the kitchen is a large compartmentalized full bath with ample storage. The warmth of the walnut cabinetry, the sleek stainless steel hardware and the full width and height of the mirror above the lavatory transformed the former chapel’s restroom and storage space. 

I loved the delightful step down Roman shower “room” with a skylight for privacy and sunlight. The mix of tile patterns from the varied diameters of the pebble floor pattern to the accent wall of railroaded thin tiles above the seat that has been claimed by happy plants, to the large tiles of the other walls creates a one of kind shower room complete with jets for a spa experience!

Having fully explored the main floor, I climbed the circular stairs to reach the connecting space that is used as a sitting room between two sleeping areas. I loved the overlook view from the front sleeping area that highlights the railing’s mix of solid walls and openings with vertical plank pickets to the ridge of the kitchen’s slatted wall that peeks over the top of the railing.

The front bedroom over the narthex/office was as carefully detailed with a ledge for storage on one side and curtains opening to access storage under the eaves. The Owner added the fixed transom over the window for additional sunlight.

The other loft bedroom overlooks both the living room and the slatted wall of the kitchen. This cozy sleeping space that spans the width of the building has space for both sleeping and sitting areas. Under the eave of the opposite side wall is ample space for storage. 

The Owner’s clever and imaginative solution that transformed this former wayside chapel into a unique home will certainly inspire me as I begin my design for another chapel! Extensive updates and renovations that respect the original massing and interior architecture created this one-of-a-kind home. Seamless upgrades included new high efficiency heat pumps, central heat and air, new energy efficient windows and a bay window that flood the living room with sunlight and a custom kitchen and bath. 

Outdoor rooms of the cozy screened porch, deck and brick terrace provide areas with views of the mature landscaping for relaxing with family and friends or entertaining a large group. The building is set back far from the Town street by the former chapel’s parking lot that now provides off-street parking for guests, screened by tall trees for privacy. The Owner/Agent is reluctantly leaving his unique home, but since he has caught the restoration bug, he is eager to begin his next project in Galena. If you are a commuter to Wilmington or Philly, or if you are seeking a weekend home, this one of a kind gem is for you! Bravissimo to the Owner/Agent for his fantastic transformation of this piece of Galena’s history! 

 

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For more information about this property, contact John Carroll with Village Real Estate Company LLC at 410-648-6844 (o), 410-708-0247 (c) or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.villageagents.com,  “Equal Housing Opportunity”. 

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Oxford’s Historic District has been a treasure trove for me whenever I begin seeking a house to be featured. This three bay house was probably two rooms deep originally but over time, there have been two additions that were easily accommodated on the property’s deep lot that ends at the shoreline of the Tred Avon River. 

The Town’s brick sidewalk blends into the house’s brick sidewalk that leads to a brick stoop up to the original front door, with half paneled, half glass sidelights and a transom. I admired the façade’s pale caramel siding, long windows with black shutters and 2/2 windows. Along with the landscaping, especially the white dogwood, the architecture gives this charming house great curb appeal. 

The first addition created a kitchen and dining room and the second addition created a main floor family room and a second floor primary suite. I looked forward to seeing the water view from the spacious deck on my tour of the interiors. Both the family room and the primary ensuite overlook the planting beds, edged by a very high hedge for privacy, and the Tred Avon River beyond.   

Beyond the planting beds, the lawn stretches across the width of the property. I was tempted to linger to admire the expansive water views but alas, heavy rain had just drenched the property. I imagined how pleasant it must be to relax on the Adirondack chairs or the Lutyens bench on sunny days to enjoy the prevailing summer SW breezes or to savor what must be magnificent sunsets over the water. 

It was clear when the wife of the Owner couple opened the door to welcome me that the interiors of this house would be quite tasteful. The foyer’s original staircase, wood antiques, and the mirror with its inlaid artwork portraying another house on the water were harbingers of more treasures to come. The swags over the window add color and the adjustable blinds offer views or privacy. With the stairs and hall at one side of the floor plan, the room sizes are maximized and tucked under the stairs is a full bath. The hall connects the rooms to a vista through the house that ends at the rear wall overlooking the gardens and water. 

 

Off the foyer is the stylish front sitting room with the yellow tones in the upholstery of the Chippendale sofa and the chairs and the warmth of the wood antique pieces. I also admired the abstract artwork over the wood chest and the coffee table’s multicolored base and glass top that was designed by the husband. 

Since there is a chimney behind the sofa, the wall opening through the depth of the adjacent wall became a design element with its arched top and trim to evoke paneling. The touches of Chinoiserie in the pillows and the ceramic lamp bases complement the wall hanging on the side wall to the foyer. The glass top of the coffee table allows the colorful Oriental rug to take center stage in the room.

The arched wall opening connects the front sitting room to the cozy den with a fireplace and bespoke millwork for books and a TV. The subtle colors of the upholstery would make it easy to relax with one’s feet resting on the round ottoman to watch TV by the warmth of the “winter” sitting room.

A wide wall opening connects the “winter” sitting room with the dining room. Another large Oriental rug anchors the antique table and chairs under the crystal chandelier and another mirror with a painted scene is above the antique chest.  I especially admired the antique Sheffield silver tea set and the touches of modern art.

It is hard to imagine that the stylish butler pantry area opposite the dining room in the hall was once a powder room. Before this area’s transformation, one had to go through the dining room door to reach both the den and the front sitting room.  The current Owners repurposed the powder room and created the butler pantry with a wet bar by the artisan woodworker Dennis Andrews. Maple is one of my fave choices for cabinetry since its fine, even grain has a light color and smooth texture.  They also created a mini-mud room space with a bench and open shelving next the exterior door. The maple doors that the Owners added as modern accents were the work of artisan woodworker Tom Maddox. 

Previous owners had added the kitchen-family room addition that is the hub of the house. The current owners replaced the cabinet hardware with sleek pulls and replaced the green tile backsplash with a softer colored Travertine tile. The white craftsman style cabinetry highlights the beautiful wood flooring and the wide wall opening gives the cook an expansive water view. 

I loved the eclectic look of the spacious family room with traditional upholstered furnishings along with the modern bespoke millwork and the stair design by Tom Maddox that replaced the previous owners’ circular stair.  Instead of vertical pickets, the walnut pickets are horizontal above maple risers that wrap around the wall and interlock with each other for a seamless design. Another exquisite antique mirror with a painted scene above a Queen Anne table caught my eye.

Other modern touches of the round glass topped end table, the abstract art above the fireplace with its surround and hearth of “Absolute Black” granite and the bespoke millwork by Dennis Andrews floating over the floor add to this room’s great appeal.

At the end of the family room, a pair of double doors infills most of the rear wall and both frames the views of the landscape and water and also leads to the brick terrace under the shade of the primary bedroom’s deck above. This delightful breakfast/informal dining area at the corner of the room with its ceramic dinnerware and candlesticks would make it easy to linger over a second cup of coffee.  

The foyer stairs lead to a landing with its focal point of the exquisite antique clock. Windows on each corner wall filter sunlight both onto the beautiful wood floors and the stairs. The transparent pendant light fixture matches the one in the foyer ceiling. 

At the front of the house is this charming corner bedroom with three windows for abundant sunlight. I loved the red and white toile fabric of the bed’s canopy, skirt and window shades. I was amazed when the wife told me she had sewn them all! 

The other guest bedroom is equally charming with the pale blue walls, fabric headboard and accent pillows in different colors and patterns (also the handiwork of the wife). The window shade matches the headboard and the white bedding make the room seem larger than it is. The runner in shades of red is a perfect finishing touch.

Steps lead down from the twin beds guest bedroom to this charming sitting/workspace with delightful interior architecture from the high knee walls and sloped ceiling. On the other side of this room is the primary ensuite.

The door from the sitting room opens into a short hall past the washer/dryer closet and two clothes closets. I have always wanted a dressing table and this long table with a glass top over fabric has all the space one needs for getting ready for the day.

Past the dressing room is the hall to the stairs down to the family room and to the primary suite. Previous Owners had located the door to the primary bath on the hall. The current Owners relocated the door to opens up into the primary bedroom and the spacious four-piece bath’s layout works so much better. The finishes of the wood lavatory with dual recessed sinks, the glass walled shower with flooring of “Calacatta Gold” marble hexagon mosaic tile, tile flooring and wainscot create an elegant bath. 

The primary bedroom is located at the quiet rear corners of the house. The spacious room has both sleeping and sitting spaces with a fireplace, making this a true haven.  Dual chests of drawers flank the sliding doors to the deck and with the two side windows, there is plenty of sunlight and views of the landscape.

The “bonus room” is the private deck off the primary bedroom, sized to easily accommodate the length of the chaise lounges. The long view over the gardens and lawn ends at the shoreline of the Tred Avon River. The summer view is quite private from the surrounding deciduous trees but the winter sunset view must be even more spectacular, given the location of the house on the water. 

This charming house on the Tred Avon River in Oxford’s Historic District has many original elements including the front door, sidelights and transom; moldings, wood floors, high ceilings and tall windows, that harmoniously exist with the updated kitchen and bathrooms and modern touches of millwork, stair railing, sleek hardware and two-panel doors to create this unique home. Small design choices can have big impacts. The Owners’ clever repurposing the location of the existing powder room replaced the awkward circulation through the house with a hall that offers clear vistas from both the front door and the rear sliding doors overlooking the gardens and the Tred Avon River. Outdoor rooms of the main floor’s brick waterside terrace off the family room and the private deck off the second floor primary bedroom provide views of the gardens and magnificent sunsets over the Tred Avon River. For boating enthusiasts, the long dock provides access for an afternoon on the water.  From its curb appeal to its classic architecture, charming interiors and lovely gardens, this house in the heart of Oxford’s Historic  District is a AAA gem!

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For more information about this property, contact Ray Stevens with Benson & Mangold Real Estate at 410-226-0111 (o), 410-310-6060 (c) or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.raystevens.bensonandmangold.com, Equal Housing Opportunity”.

Photography by Janelle Stroop, Thru the Lens Photography, 410-310-6838, [email protected]

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

It’s not often that I find a contemporary house to feature, so I when I went online and saw this unique contemporary house near Cambridge, I immediately contacted the listing agent to arrange a visit.  On the day of my tour, I drove along the gravel entry drive between walls of tall phragmites and towering Loblolly pines to discover this contemporary waterfront estate on 11.88 private acres with 1,500 feet of shoreline along serene Brooks Creek. 

Built in 2007, the “Y” shaped house has a coastal layout with a compact footprint for minimal disturbance of the site. Its geometric “Y” shape reaches out to maximize water views and its turret peeks through the blue metal roof at the intersection of the three wings of the house for bird’s eye views of the surrounding landscape and water.

Since the temperature on the day of my visit was in the mid 90’s, I was very grateful to park my car at the ground level under the shade of the second floor. In addition to parking,  there is a deck and a low ramp to a one-car garage next to the house.  Two sets of stairs lead up to the second floor; at the front of the house, one set goes up to the main entry’s covered porch with its blue metal roof. 

At the rear of the house, a half flight of steps leads from the parking level to the landing of the second set of stairs for access to both the long elevated walkway to the pier and also to the third floor deck. The house floats above the site and the multiple windows from the two-story bay wall projection, the wrap-around windows at the second floor and the windows and doors at the third floor offer unobstructed panoramic views of Brooks Creek. I walked to the end of the long pier and turned back to admire the massing of the house with its blue and white color scheme that stands out against its green surroundings.

The large front porch furnished with a group of rattan seating leads to the foyer with flagstone flooring and neutral wall color. The splashes of color in the bright yellow chairs, red and white cushions and the multicolored mirror frame introduce the contemporary interior design.  As I walked through the foyer, the vista opened up to the reveal the open plan dining room-living room.  

The spacious dining room accommodates the long black table with its sleek lines and ten chairs, anchored by the rug with its kinetic black and white design. The beautiful wood floors flow into the living room and family room. The side wall of two pairs of wide picture plane windows with operable units open up the space to the landscape. The other wall with a glass door, picture plane window and another operable unit leads to the adjacent deck for water views. The deck is the perfect spot to set up one’s grille for summer entertaining.

From the dining room, the focal point is the solid oak circular stair that connects the second and third floors. The stairs then penetrate the second floor ceiling to the turret above with windows on two walls for fantastic bird’s eye views of the landscape and Brooks Creek. From the table, the angled vista through the living room’s bay wall projection infilled with windows offers views of Brooks Creek.

The living room’s two-story high bay wall of windows offers long views of the landscape and water and I imagine a starry night filled with stars is even more spectacular. The high windows at the side wall bring in additional light to keep this room sunny all day. I loved the colorful art accents, especially the abstract panels on the angled wall that reminded me of Frank Stella’s work.

At the other side wall, another pair of high windows continues the sun’s daily path across the room. The mix of the two full length sofas’ neutral upholstery with accents of bright primary colors creates a fun space for relaxing with family and friends. I especially liked how the bench in front of the window wall is strategically placed for the family pet to doze in the warmth of the sun.

The overlook at the third floor above the sofa define the edge of the Living Room. The oak circular stair becomes a sculptural element and I admired how the railing at the overlook matches the spindles of the stair. The sweeping, angled vista from the living room to the dining room, foyer and kitchen gives depth to the spatial volume.

The blue theme of the exterior siding and roof continues into the gourmet kitchen whose top tier appliances including a Subzero Wolf R/F would please any chef. The ceiling is detailed with a soffit above the upper cabinets for ambient lighting and the stainless steel hood for the Wolf stove is connected to the upper ceiling by sloped planes of drywall. The marble countertops stand out against the deep blue cabinets and the backsplash’s interlocking two-toned colors adds a playful touch. The wide wall opening between the kitchen and the adjacent family room gives the cook a water view.  Behind the kitchen is a hall that leads past the laundry closet to the primary ensuite.

The family room extends across the length of the long leg of the “Y” floor plan. Like the dining room, the mix of the windows’ tall picture planes and operable units wrap around the corner of the room to the side deck to offer panoramic views of the serene landscape to Brooks Creek and the opposite shoreline.

The spacious family room is a great space for relaxing with family and friends since it offers a range of seating groups from the two sofas for watching TV, the red chairs with a large ottoman for relaxing with a book or quiet conversation and the bar stools at the corner bar area. Double doors lead from the bar area to a deck and the pair of French doors at the corner lead to the primary ensuite.

The primary bedroom is located at the quiet corner of the house. Sloped ceiling planes break up the flat areas for added height and the wide window and the doors to the deck offer abundant sunlight and views of the landscape and water. I loved the hues of this delightful room’s blue and green color scheme and  I especially liked how the wavy designs of both the art, the chair and ottoman add a touch of whimsy.

From the bed, one has long views of the water from both the deck and the family room’s windows. The deep soffits contain the HVAC and downlights and the tray portion of the ceiling easily accommodates a ceiling fan at the top of the ceiling.

This cozy deck off the primary bedroom and the family room’s bar area is the perfect spot for watching the sun rise over the far horizon or a quiet spot to relax at the end of the day.  

The five-piece primary bath is located between the family room and the hall to the primary bedroom so it has no exterior window. I admired the Owner’s clever solution of installing glass block at the full height and depth of the shower wall so light filters into the bath from the adjacent hall’s exterior window.

The stairs to the second floor open next to a sitting room with delightful interior architecture from the roof’s gambrel shape and clever floor openings. Partial walls surround these openings that become light wells to filter sunlight down to the dining room below. Daybeds provide extra sleeping space for guests.

My fave part of the house was this view both from the overlook railing down to the living room and also across the upper panes of glass to the undisturbed landscape to Brooks Creek beyond and the expanse of the sky.

Three guest bedrooms are connected both by the interior hall past two half baths and also by doors between the bedrooms. Each room has a gambrel shaped ceiling for added height and colorful interior design that gives each room its own unique personality. This room’s multi-colored striped bedspread inspired the accents of the textured headboard, rug and chair to creates a delightful space.

The middle bedroom’s playful flared metal bedframe, multi-colored stiped rug and bedspread with accents of orange in the coverlet and lampshades gives it its unique charm.

The corner bedroom, with an ensuite bath, has windows on both exterior walls for additional sunlight.  Since I am a Matisse fan, this room would probably be my first choice as a guest for the colorful Matisse frameless art and the geometric patterns of the bed linens in blue, white and orange.  

The coastal design of this two story house with the main living level above parking and storage areas at grade provides both covered parking and also nestles the  footprint of the house into its 11.8 acre site. The only disturbance to the site were the columns to support the two stories of the house above the ground level. Built in 2007 on its point of land, the house’s compact “Y” shaped floor plan created angled walls in the living and dining Rooms that are parallel to the incredible 1,500 linear feet of shoreline for direct views. 

The house is zoned very well with the interconnected living-dining-kitchen-family room area and the primary ensuite at the second floor and a sitting room, and the sitting room, three guest bedrooms and baths at the third floor. The living room’s stunning two-story bay window, wrap around windows at the dining room and family room and the wall of windows and doors at the third floor guest bedrooms open the house to the breathtaking views of the landscape and water. The house’s decks and long vistas from the interior rooms offer sweeping, panoramic views of Brooks Creek.

Outdoor amenities also include a private pier with approximately 3 feet MLW (mean low water), complete with water, electric, and a 12,000 lb boat lift that would please boating or fishing enthusiasts. Hunters would appreciate the duck blind on the property and the abundant wildlife that make this site a rare hunting paradise. 

From watching the sunrise over Brooks Creek to nocturnal star gazing from the second and third floor decks,  this quintessential property offers peace and privacy, only an hour from the Atlantic Ocean beaches and close proximity to Cambridge’s shops and restaurants. All this, and the furnishings are included too! 

For more information about this property, contact Coldwell Banker Real Estate agent Gwen Eskridge at 410-822-9000 (o), or  [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.cbchesapeake.com , “Equal Housing Opportunity”. 

Open House: Saturday, July 12th, from noon to 3:00 pm

Photography by Rolfe Wood, 630-222-3098

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Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Mt. Pleasant was built in the early 1800’s for the happiest of reasons-Daniel Cox Hopper built this brick, one room deep, three-story house so he could carry his new bride over the threshold of the double doors into the center hall of their new home.  As befitting a man who was a prominent local attorney and planter, member of the Maryland House of Delegates and a Lieutenant in the Maryland Militia during the War of 1812, he built the house in style of the day, a transitional Georgian to Federal Manor house on its original 383 tract of land that dates back to the 1600’s.

Today the house sits on 2.7 acres, surrounded by farm fields and vistas of the landscape that has remained remarkably unchanged for over two hundred years. As I came to the end of the allee of trees along the entry drive, I paused to savor this house’s elegant simplicity of gabled roofs, the harmonious symmetry of windows and doors and how the massing telescopes down from the 2-1/2 story main wing to the 1-1/2 story wing.  

As I walked up the steps to the entry double doors, I noticed the “put-log” holes in the brick headers that had supported scaffolding during construction and the lovely Flemish bond of the brick on the front façade.

One of my favorite courses of my architectural education was architectural history. The professor considered older houses to be living things that can convey clues about the styles or details of an earlier period, if one has the time and patience to seek them. This house was very lucky that in 1988, a young family moved in and their mantra became how best to preserve the history of the house, while adapting a two centuries old house to the needs and wants of a growing 20th century family. 

As I walked around the house, the only later addition is the old tin-roofed porch that became the family’s mud room, pantry and powder room. The areas of white brick indicate that the house was once painted and I admired how it gave the facades a look more refreshing than a monolithic brick façade would have been.

After studying the rear façade, I turned around to this serene endless vista of shades of green from the fields, still owned and farmed in stewardship by two generations of the Ward family, edged by mature trees. I marveled at how gorgeous the thick green grass was that seemed like a plush carpet with striations of deeper green. The vista reminded me of how the original acreage must have looked during the Hoppers’ tenure.

I could not resist taking this photo of the juxtaposition of the 1-1/2 story wing of textured brick against the wood cladding of the shed roofed porch, in its setting of the lighter colored brick path, thick green grass, tall orange day lilies gently swaying in the breeze rand the majestic Magnolia in bloom.

The crossroads of the brick path illustrates how one can reach the gardens from both the parking area and the shed roofed addition to the house. The Listing Agent met me in the garden and pointed out the tall Tulip Poplar that once was a mere seedling in Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest Plantation and the yews and boxwoods that were grown from cuttings from Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home.  

The current owners installed the pool and the spacious pavilion open to the breezes is a delightful outdoor room with its view of the garden. The pavilion’s size easily accommodates space for both relaxing on the wicker furnishings or dining al-fresco.

The current Owners wanted to preserve the original entry doors at both the front and rear of the center hall from extreme weather. They located a craftsman in Oregon who built another two sets of double mahogany raised panel doors whose dimensions were a perfect match to the original doors.  At the time the house was built, having doors and windows directly opposite each other provided natural cooling

Over the front entry doors is the original transom, with its muntin profiles that were the prototype for the custom design of the thirty-two new Marvin “Ultimate” insulated windows that replaced the older leaky 1907 “replacement” windows on all the facades. The beautiful antique pieces in the foyer on the original pine flooring were harbingers of more treasures to come.

To the right of the center hall is the Drawing Room; in the hierarchy of the house’s rooms, it is the most prominent space and the primary entertaining space. The room’s details reflect its prominence such as the largest windows in the house, with angled side wood panels to reflect more light, the largest fireplace in the house with its surround and mantel embellished with columns, pilasters, and panels of reeding, and the chair rail around the room that blends into the center hall’s chair rail.  After many, many layers of painstaking removal of paint,  the nuances of the fireplace’s design take its pride of place as the focal point in this exquisite room. I admired the colors of the large Oriental rug, the neutral upholstered furnishings and the warmth that only wood antiques can bring to a space. 

Throughout the house, careful arrangements of  furnishings and art give this house its distinctive personality. The large window at a rear corner of the Drawing Room offers a long vista over the farm fields to the woods beyond. I especially liked how the moldings around the windows gracefully meet the horizontal line of the chair rail and how the soft light gray walls and white trim become a serene backdrop to the interior design.   

Second in the hierarchy of the rooms is the Dining Room off the center hall. The windows are not as large as the Drawing Room, the fireplace is smaller and the chair rail is not as elaborate as the one in the Drawing Room. The rug is sized to accommodate the table and the extra chairs. I wondered if the pendant light was the work of the artisans at Deep Water Landing in Chestertown,  as the Georgian design would be quite appropriate.

The bespoke cupboard in the space between the fireplace and the rear corner of the Dining Room was originally built to contain the china, crystal and silver, as well as wine and liquor. The cupboard’s hardware was lost many years before the current Owners moved in. The notched areas on one side of the doors are evidence of many hands in the past that opened and closed the paneled doors. Before I passed through the doorway leading to the kitchen, I noticed how the side wall of the fireplace has been peeled away to reveal the original plastered wall and remnants of wallpaper. This detail and several other elements throughout the house illustrate the original materials.

Past the Dining Room is the former pantry that is now a laundry/service room and a secondary stair to the upper part of the kitchen wing. Seeking insights about the original layout of the kitchen, the current Owners reached out to old family and friends who were well acquainted with the Robinson family, who lived at the house when it was  dairy farm at the turn of the century. Over a thirty year period, the current Owners have transformed the space with painted maple cabinetry, Brazilian marble countertops and backsplash. The exposed beams were refinished and sealed and the brick chimney at the side wall was left exposed, then repointed and painted white to blend with the cabinetry. The beautiful pine floors were reclaimed from William Paca’s old farm house on the site of the Wye River Plantation, the home of the Maryland signer of the Declaration of Independence. I especially liked how well the white cabinetry highlighted the Owners’ beautiful collection of blue and white ceramics.

The current Owners enclosed the old back porch with its original tin roof for a Mud Room/Pantry. A wall of bespoke cabinetry with a mix of paneled doors to access pantry items is opposite open shelves containing baskets of storage for each family member. The lowest cabinet is deeper so it can also be used for sitting while one takes off boots or wellies. The French door brings light into the room and offers a view of the garden.  There is also a small powder room for convenient clean ups after gardening. The stairs to the cellar are also located here.

 

On my tour of the grounds before I came into the house, I had noticed a large half moon shaped opening that had been bricked in at the side wall of the house. I learned that the opening had once been the only access to the cellar. The current Owners discovered a trap door with a folding stairway and remnants of old limed whitewash on each side of the stair. At each end of the cellar, I marveled at the foundation of massive brick pilings and the vaulted relieving arches at the chimneys’ exterior walls.

As the Weekend Wine Woman at Piazza Italian Market, I noted that the rows of wine were resting on racks in this underground space ‘s perfect temperature for storing fine wine. The cellar also originally contained a Larder where butchered meats and fowl awaited cooking or were larded in fat for preservation.

At the second floor, the spacious Primary Ensuite begins with the bedroom over the Dining Room. Steps down to the 1850’s era wing now contains the Primary Bath, the secondary stairs to the Kitchen, Primary  Dressing Room and Office. The bedroom’s four poster frame fills the space without infringing upon the spatial volume and the soft colors of white and blue create a serene retreat. The original door has been saved in its original state. 

It is difficult to realize that the elegant Primary Bathroom was once a storage room with crumbling lath and plaster walls, an old window with a plywood piece for a window treatment, and wood floors painted brown!  Now the space is transformed with marble flooring and a Brazilian marble top for the dual lavatory’s floating cabinet with porcelain vessels. The glass walled shower and the one-piece eco-flush toilet are finishing touches. The Dressing Room with custom cabinetry completes the ensuite.

The office is located at a quiet corner of the house and it its ceiling was removed to expose the rafters and the two square windows on either side of the chimney. The windows add additional sunlight to the room and the white walls accentuate the stained beams. The side gable wall infilled with bespoke millwork beckons one to select a book and relax in one of the chairs. When one is not working, the table and chair are positioned so one can take a break to look over a computer at the view of the landscape through the window. 

Another set of stairs leads from the second-floor office to a finished attic, with sunlight from the windows and doors leading to storage areas under the eaves. I admired how the exposed stained rafters, ceiling joists and railing stand out against the white walls and ceiling to accentuate the office’s spatial geometry. This bonus room has myriad uses-second office, playroom, teen hang-out, extra sleeping space, etc.

I would be quite content to be a guest in this elegant bedroom opposite the stair hall and the primary bedroom. The four-poster bed, fireplace, armoire and the writing table would please any guest. The fireplace’s exposed wood framing illustrate a fire that occurred long ago from an old chimney fire and shows the sister joist techniques that were used to repair the damage. The fireplace  surround is a simplified reconstruction.  

The interior architecture of the bedroom is left “as-is”, to better study the original construction techniques. Old drywall partially obscures the chair rail, and the walls need to be replastered and the partial paint removal from the door offers clues as to its past colors. The beams are exposed in this room but they would have originally been covered by a ceiling. 

Between the Primary Bedroom and the Guest Bedroom is a bath created by the space that was originally a large open landing off the stairs with a window for cross ventilation. The room’s size now easily accommodates a full bath.

My fave spaces in houses are always the charming spaces that are tucked under the roof’s framing. Here, the white enclosure of the walls, exposed collar beams and the chimney create a soothing space for sleep. The fireplace indicates this room was used all year, perhaps by the family’s children, servants, or enslaved people. The windows that flank the chimney offer bird’s eye views of the landscape three floors below. I lingered in this room because I especially liked the earth tones of this room’s interior design. 

At the opposite end of the third floor is this delightful bedroom with colorful twin beds and the same spatial geometry as the other guest bedroom. The small windows on either side of the fireplace are called “lie on your stomach” windows since their sills are at the same height off the floor as the top of the beds are. The white walls and ceiling reflect the light and the blue accents of the baseboards, the frames of the twin beds and the blue in the rug create a fun and relaxing room for children of all ages.   

The Owners’ philosophy of their stewardship of this remarkable property has been to preserve the house wherever possible as a learning lab of architectural history; while simultaneously adapting is use to accommodate a growing family over time. They thoughtfully left some small areas of walls throughout the house to expose the original techniques of its construction. They also obtained matching grants to become a host site for the University of Delaware’s Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. The cellar’s dirt floor was excavated 18” lower and recovered artifacts helped to document the life of an early 18th century house. 

The house’s architectural characteristics and the shrinking inventory of  historic sites also led the Owners to begin the process for “Mt. Pleasant” to be eligible to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. I have no doubt that this unique house will soon be proudly displaying its plaque. 

Realtors are sometimes accused of “puffing”, or exaggerating a property’s features, but as an architect, I can sincerely state that “Mt. Pleasant” far exceeds all of my selection criteria of site, architecture, interiors and landscape.  The house’s gardens enhance the architecture and the exquisite interiors complement the interior architecture so harmoniously. My compliments to the Owners for preserving, restoring and renovating this important piece of Maryland’s architectural history. I envy the very lucky next steward of this unique property-Bravissimo and Bravissima!

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For more information about this property, contact Laura Batchelor, with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty at 410-673-3344 (o), 571- 276-4375 (c), or [email protected]. For more pictures and pricing, visit sothebysrealty.com/ttrsir “Equal Housing Opportunity”.

Photography by Moses George Cohen, 202-688-8581, [email protected],

https://linktr.ee/delmarvaaerial360 ,www.DelmarvaAerial360.com

Aerial Photography by Delmarva Aerial Photography (Hardware Studios)

The author is indebted to the Owners for sharing their extensive research and detailed explanations of each room’s features, restoration and renovation.

 

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Since my Spy beat is now four counties, I have enjoyed getting acquainted with Cambridge’s streetscapes around Hambrooks Bay with their mix of architectural styles. This charming house caught my eye since I am especially fond of the Dutch Colonial Style. The house was built in the 1930’s, the heyday of cottage design in the US and its gambrel roof with flared eaves and shed dormers are distinctive design elements of this style that maximizes the floor area at the second floor.  

On the day of my visit, I admired the house’s picturesque setting amidst mature landscaping and the front yard’s massive sycamore tree whose wide canopy casts deep shadows onto the lawn. The wide street provides parking on both sides, and its location is only two blocks to the Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh along Hambrooks Bay and the  Choptank River.    

 

As I walked around the house, I admired how the house’s exterior palette of exposed brick foundation, light lap siding and darker shutters stood out against the landscape. Plantings of giant hostas along the exposed brick foundation in front of the higher nandina wrap around the corner to meet the two large hydrangeas that flank the brick chimney. As inviting as the front porch was, I continued my tour of the grounds.

The house’s full shed dormer and the gambrel eaves that blend into the front porch’s shed roof enliven both the side elevation facing the driveway and the garage and give the house its charm.  The house’s side door at grade level was common in the era of cottage design since it led to a half flight of steps up to the first floor kitchen and a half flight down to a basement. The row of crape myrtle at the front side of the garage will soon add its color to the landscape.

From the garage, the massive tulip poplar shades most of the rear yard and the combination of fencing and mature landscaping gives the property privacy. At the rear of the house, a slight extension from the original wall contains a side by side W/D and a full bath, which makes after gardening clean-up easy.  

The deck off the laundry area is a delightful outdoor room for relaxing or dining al-fresco. The full shed dormer provides bird’s eye views of the verdant landscape from the second floor’s bath and two of the three bedrooms.  

After my tour of the grounds, I walked up the wide brick steps that lead to the house’s other outdoor room, the front porch that stretches across the length of the house. The brown wood slat ceiling continues the earth tones of the exterior materials. One of my architectural pet peeves is a porch that is too shallow to allow passing a person seated in a chair. This porch gets high marks for its depth that allows ample space for relaxing on the chairs with family and friends. 

While I admired the front door’s half sidelights and half paneled surround, the Owners came out to welcome me into the spacious foyer with direct sunlight from the large window above the stairs. I wondered if the pair of French doors led to the adjacent room but they actually open into a large closet for family coats. The doors’ frosted glass semi-transparency is a more imaginative solution than wood doors. The bench in front of the radiator has shelves for storing wellies and boots. The wall color, crisp white woodwork and the beautiful wood floors introduces the interior design scheme found throughout the house.  

This house’s design incorporates many period details like the elliptical arch that springs from pilasters and trim at each side to gracefully frame the view of the living room from the foyer. Painting the underside of the arch white instead of the wall color accentuated the opening into the living room. The vista through the living room ends at a fireplace with a pellet stove insert,  flanked by single windows. 

I love dual vistas like this one from the living room’s fireplace to the foyer beyond and through another elliptical arch that frames the dining room. I also appreciated the Owners’ use of bold colors as backdrops to their furnishings, since the living room has ample sunlight from the single side wall windows and the double front window that keep the room bright. 

The corner dining room has a single window on each exterior wall for views of the landscape. I loved the original pressed tin ceiling that floats above the bright red walls. The room’s size could easily accommodate six chairs around the table for family celebrations or dinner parties. 

 

An open doorway leads from the dining room to the kitchen. The upper wall of cabinets has an extra row for infrequently used items. Another doorway leads to the extension containing the adjacent laundry and full bath. The mix of beautiful wood floors, vintage wrought iron hardware, period pendant light fixture and granite countertops create an eclectic look.

I envy any laundry that is not a stack W/D in an alcove like mine! This efficient space has everything one needs with the shelf and the drying rack tucked against the wall but adding a countertop would be very easy. The side door opens into a full bath and an exterior door leads to the deck overlooking the rear yard.

The stairs to the second floor lead to a short hall past two guest bedrooms. This front bedroom’s butter yellow walls highlight the white trim of the moldings and the vintage five panel door. The period five-panel door leads to stairs to the third floor.

Opposite the other guest bedroom is another  guest bedroom with two windows that offer panoramic views of the landscape below. I admired how the diagonal pattern of the bed’s quilt is outlined in blue to complement the walls.

Past the two guest bedrooms, the hall wall is angled at the door to the hall bath. This clever detail creates a linen closet that backs up to the blue bedroom’s closet. The hall bath’s white plumbing fixtures stand out against the light brown wall and the above the toilet is both a shelf for everyday toiletries.  Both the cabinet above the toilet and the shelves recessed into the wall offer additional storage. The window overlooks the rear yard’s landscaping.

The spacious primary bedroom at the end of the short hall spans the length of the house and the door divides the space into two areas. Between the two closets is another arched opening over a window with a seat below. Since the primary bedroom is next to the hall bath, it would be relatively easy to add a bath for the primary bedroom.

 

The steps to the third floor bonus room open into a space that spans the width and length of the house, with access to storage behind the knee walls. Windows at each end and the skylight keep this space sunny for myriad uses-office, studio, hang-out space for kids or grandkids, etc. The space’s former use was as a rehearsal space for several local bands, including “Luke”, “Drawbridge” and the classic rock band “Transfuzion” – an Eastern Shore favorite. 

The real bonus to this house’s location is its being only two blocks away from Gerry Boyle Park with its open spaces for touch football, tennis courts, County sports fields, playground equipment, a pavilion for large group picnics, boat launch, small beach, and fishing. The Park offers front row seats for watching the Eagleman/Iron Man happenings as well the APBA Power boat races and the 4th of July Fireworks. 

This charming house is located just beyond the Historic West End District so there are no restrictions for modifications and the deck could be replaced with a family room addition. Great curb appeal from both its picturesque setting with mature landscaping that includes majestic trees for shade and also the Dutch Colonial architecture that maximizes the second floor rooms’ sizes; outdoor rooms of the large front porch and rear deck; compact floor plan; period details of graceful arched openings, moldings, beautiful wood floors and original five-panel interior doors; basement for storage and a third floor for myriad uses; one-car detached garage; all this and its location between the Dorchester YMCA and Gerry Boyle Park-hard to resist!

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For more information about this property, contact Sharon Real Estate Associate Broker Sydney Cohee, GRI at 410-228-2525 (o), 410-476-7519 (c) or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.sharonre.com ,  “Equal Housing Opportunity.”

Photography by Bill Whaley, www.billwhaleyphotography.com ,(443) 477-1928

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

For many years on my way to Easton, I drove past a long straight driveway lined with mature trees that soon curved out of sight to obscure any view of the house. The property was surrounded by farmland, so I surmised this house was a quintessential Eastern Shore farmhouse. I learned it was originally the farmhouse for the farm but for or nearly 25 years, and this house has also been home to a talented duo of artists whom I met through Piazza a few years ago. They retained me as their architect to help them evaluate a renovation and/or addition vs. selling and buying another house that could offer them one-level living. When they gave me their address, I realized my curiosity would soon be satisfied! 

I went back this week to tour the grounds and I again appreciated how a large group of blooming day lilies on each side of the drive marked the transition to the curved portion of the drive. The vista opens up to the house, framed by mature Willow Oaks, massive English boxwoods, and heirloom plantings. I admired the arrangement of large hostas that stretched out in the planting beds at the front and side of the house.  The driveway blends into a sizeable parking area that also serves the detached three-car garage and a large barn that is the workshop of the artisan woodworker husband of the couple.  The compact massing of the two-story house is articulated by gables on each side, with several one-story areas that create a lively composition. The front hipped roof covers a screened porch that leads to the main entry to the house.  

At the rear corner of the house, a towering Magnolia tree provides both shade and its large beautiful blooms. Entrances to both the family room with its single door flanked by long windows and the door at the other side that leads to the kitchen results in an easy indoor/outdoor flow for entertaining. 

On my first visit as their architect, I told them I love topiary and I christened the shed behind the house the “topiary shed” since except for the single door on one side, it is covered entirely with ivy. Its side wall borders the brick terrace opposite a raised bed containing a dwarf red Japanese Maple and other plants along with pots of annuals. The blue umbrella can be positioned to provide shade when needed over the outdoor dining area.

Most of the property is screened by mature trees but at this spot there is a break in the greenery for this long vista to unfold over the farm fields. On the day of my visit, young shoots of corn were asserting themselves upward in the fields to the far distance line of trees. The wooden planter containing herbs for cooking is directly opposite the door to the kitchen. 

I ended my tour of the grounds with another tour of the interiors. I went back to the front door that opens into a foyer between the office and the living room and I remembered the first time I saw this exquisite room. I had just returned from my annual art visit to NYC, which included a visit to MOMA’s modern furniture gallery. I was amazed at the iconic pieces the artistic couple had acquired or the talented husband had crafted for this room that would grace any gallery. My eyes lingered first over the cardboard chairs made famous by architect Frank Gehry, then over the husband’s creation of both the desk and the table that proudly have their place amongst the iconic pieces. Between the two windows are the “Cone Chair“ by  Verner Panton and the fantastic “Carlton” bookcase of many colors by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis that is clearly the focal point of the room.  

The simple palette of white washed pine paneling that adds texture, white ceiling and the texture of the rug over the beautiful original white oak floors provide an enclosure for the colorful furnishings. The geometry of the black sofa by Jasper Morrison is perfectly complemented by design icons Charles and Ray Eames’ round wood coffee table and their LCW cowhide chair. Jean-Marie Massaud black “Ace Chair’ for Viccarbe. Lighting by Martine Bedin’s floor lamp for Memphis in the corner and the large organic uplight by Ingo Maurer  on top of the bookcase on the side wall provide accent lighting.  

 

I love vistas through imaginative spaces and  I savored this one that ends at a large vintage poster.

It’s quite rare that I can include all four walls of a room, but this living room is the exception. I liked the layering of the wood-burning fireplace surround in front of the bookcases and the simple mantel with the steel candle holders by Albert Paley I had first seen in the wife’s office. The photo of the magnolia by George Holzer pays homage to the massive Magnolia outside.  

After reluctantly leaving the living room, I discovered more treasures. A large rug anchors the Jean Prouvé table by Vitra and the sleek black Maarten Van Severn Chairs with their tubular steel legs. When I asked who designed the one-of-a-kind Chiffonier and the Courtier cabinet, the husband modestly but proudly claimed them as his own designs that he crafted – simply elegant! My fave piece of his was the exquisite Courtier next to the white corner cabinet original to the house. The cabinet slopes front to back and I can’t imagine how many hours it took to design and create this gem!

I love trestle tables and the Trestle Table sideboard was designed and crafted by the husband. The pair of steel candleholders match the design of the  candleholders by Albert Paley in the living room. This view of the dining room shows how connected the spaces are-doorways lead to both the living room and the adjacent family room for easy flow among the rooms. 

The cozy family room off the living room has bespoke millwork by the husband in the corner as well as his “Pirouette” table as a plant stand underneath the double windows. I liked how the millwork height stops just short of the ceiling so the white molding can seamlessly surround the walls and the juxtaposition of the off-white millwork with the plush tufted black seating. It is easy to imagine relaxing in this room for binge watching TV. 

The family room has two zones-one for watching TV with the bespoke millwork creating a cozy enclosure for the sofa. There is ample space for snacks and one’s fave beverage on the oval  “Park Lane” coffee table by Ettore Sottsass for Memphis. The other zone in the rear corner of the room opens up to the landscape with the double window and the glass door flanked by long windows with two chairs for reading in the warmth of the summer sun.   

Even the powder room was carefully and artfully planned. I admired the two- toned finish of the cabinetry and the black lavatory countertop that highlights the white rectangular vessel lavatory. The upper cabinet for storage tucked under the ceiling molding maintains the lines of the room. The frameless round mirror with a beveled edge and the brown hand towel with white oval design adds more geometry. The painting by artist Michael Mota is the perfect finishing touch.  The window adds daylight and the slats of the shutters over the lower panes provide privacy when needed.  

The exterior door to the kitchen opens into a shallow mud room space. The ‘Hang-it-All” coat rack by Charles and Ray Eames is placed strategically over the radiator to dry out damp jackets or gloves and an open-end cabinet in the kitchen provides space for wellies and boots. I liked how the couple kept the original vintage cabinetry and accented it with the rich, warm khaki walls. The graceful arch over the kitchen sink was added by the husband and the pendant lights provide ample task lighting over the sink. The commercial vinyl flooring is highly durable with easy maintenance.  

The stairs to the second floor end at a landing leading to a “T” shaped hall connecting three bedrooms and a hall bath. Opposite the landing is a closet containing the washer and dryer. The short part of the “T” leading to the primary bedroom passes a storage room and closet that could become a bath for the guest bedrooms. Adding a high window to the new bath directly opposite the window over the stairs would provide sunlight into the new bath. Since the existing hall bath is next to the primary bedroom, it could easily become a bath for the primary bedroom. I loved the semi-transparent light fixture from IKEA.

 

The huge primary bedroom spans the full depth of the house with windows on all three walls that clast sunlight onto the light blue wall and beautiful heart pine flooring. The floor lamp by Artek and table lamp by Noguchi add soft lighting. I coveted the large abstract rug by Natalie DuPasquier for Memphis and the wood furnishings of the “wishbone” chair in the corner, the chest of drawers and maple bench that were all designed and crafted by the husband of the couple. The colorful bedspread and artwork are perfect finishing touches for a delightful retreat.  

If the existing storage room becomes a bath for the guest bedrooms, the hall bath would become the primary bedroom by adding another  door to the adjacent primary bedroom. Since the existing bath door is next to the hall laundry closet, leaving it as-is provides easy access for doing laundry. The beadboard wainscot and geometric curtains add charm and the clever open shelf over the lavatory stores everyday items for convenience. The vintage style light fixture adds ample lighting. Like the kitchen, the commercial vinyl flooring is highly durable with easy maintenance.  

The spacious corner guest bedroom has a high shelf above the window trim for display of the couple’s grown son’s childhood toys and collectibles. The two windows offer panoramic views of the landscape below. I appreciated how the oval mirror over the wood chest of drawers is on axis with the door to the hall. The abstract rug and the orange RAR Rocker by Charles and Ray Eames add splashes of color.

The other guest bedroom has total privacy since it only shares one interior wall with the rest of the second floor. Windows at the front and rear walls offer panoramic views of the landscape below. I admired the antique spool bed and the “Angel” artwork that were designed and crafted by Susan Tiffany and the husband of the couple. I appreciated how the oval wood top of the nightstand stretches out to echo the wings of the Angel above. Painting the exposed beams and the ceiling trim blue with the blue and white window treatment were perfect finishes touches in this charming bedroom

 

This special 2+/- acre property is just over a mile from Easton, yet the house’s location at the end of a long and curved driveway, surrounded by farmland, offers privacy and peace. The quintessential Eastern Shore farmhouse has been well maintained by the Owners for nearly twenty-five years. They enhanced the existing mature landscape under the canopy of mature Willow Oaks and a majestic Magnolia with English boxwoods, hostas and annuals for seasonal color. The outdoor room of the brick terrace at the rear of the property provides vistas of the wooded border along the property line, broken by a gap that extends the vista across the fields to the wooded area in the far distance.

The house’s compact floor plan is zoned very well and as their architect, I   collaborated with them for an addition of a main floor primary ensuite. Since they chose to seek another property, a lucky Buyer has the opportunity to make this unique property their own and to explore the myriad possibilities of the various outbuildings, including the huge 125 year old pegged post and beam barn that is a heated and insulated for a workshop or studio, the three car garage and two additional outbuildings on grandfathered footprints. 

The Owners have become treasured friends and I look forward very much to seeing their exquisite collection of iconic furnishings, art and accessories in a new home. Bravissimo and Bravissima!  

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For more information about this property, contact Denis Gasper with Benson and Mangold at 410-822-6665 (o), or 410-310-8437 (c).  For more photographs and pricing, visit www.bensonandmangold.com or contact Dennis at  [email protected],  “Equal Housing Opportunity.”

Open Houses:
June 15th,  10:00-1:00
June 21st, 10:00-Noon
June 22nd, 11:00-1:00[email protected] 

Photography by Broadview Interactive LLC, [email protected]

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Since one of my criteria for selection of a House of the Week is Landscape Design, I always look forward to featuring the work of Landscape Designer Jan Kirsh. Several years ago, the historic Miracle House property was a House of the Week, so my focus then was on its architecture and its unique history. The property with a cottage and one room school house was once a ten week summer haven for Baltimore children whose parents had been exposed to  tuberculosis. The Miracle House’s tranquil setting on the Chesapeake Bay and the fresh breezes, swimming in the Bay and nutritious food helped the children build up their resistance to the disease.  The Miracle House is now a private residence with a main cottage and a school house is now a guest house.  

Soon after the Owner acquired the property, he realized that his existing random collection of plantings did not maximize the site’s potential. Four years ago, he retained Jan Kirsh to re-invent the spaces to “turn the garden around, and to make it into a head turning garden.” 

Kirsh began by accenting the majestic Oak and Loblolly pines with three native flowering Viburnum shrubs strategically placed to act as visual anchors in the entry bed. On the day of my visit,  I admired the golden yellow carex (sedge) a grass-like plant, that are evergreen and how they lighten the shady garden. A texturally rich combination of shrubs and ground covers provide seasonal interest, with flowers, glossy leaves and various shades of green foliage. Many shrubs are evergreen so the garden is not dormant throughout the winter.

Seeing the transformation of the entry drive to the property, I remembered its  “before” look. The Owner was quite fortunate to have these extraordinarily  towering Loblolly Pines and Oaks that evoke an almost ‘Cathedral like’ feeling. The dappled shade they and other trees provide were an asset in his vision for the gardens that would have breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay. 

As I slowly drove along the gravel entry drive that is parallel to the front elevation of the house, I admired how one side of the drive faces the grove of pines and the other side facing the house now has a profusion of green plantings with accents of color. Kirsh told me she had slowly walked the pine area and sprayed white paint in a meandering line to show her landscaping crew the demarcation line where the bed of pine needles would meet the grassy area along the gravel drive. 

New plantings of  epimedium (heart shaped ground cover) and shrubs of dwarf nandina, viburnum, and boxwood offer shades of green. The Owner is especially fond of annuals so  Kirsh added the purple sunpatiens in front of the white dwarf abelia (flowering shrubs).

At the parking area by the main house, I recognized the deep lavender butterfly bushes next to the golden yellow sedge’s thin strands with the evergreen shrub chamaecyparis obtusa (false cypress) as a sentinel in the background. 

After parking my car, I admired how Kirsh’s mix of blue-gray gravel for the driveway and parking area and the 3/8” Delaware gravel walkway areas defines their common edge. The driveway curves to provide parking for the Guest House. In between the houses, more plantings surround the pool area with views of the Bay. Kirsh deftly handled the adjustment and redesign of the parking areas to define +how guests would approach the three entries to the main house and the one entry to the Guest House. 

Groups of Lamb’s Ear, Panicum Virgatum (native ‘switch grass’) and the tall Northern Bayberry that is a native, very hardy shrub, form the edge of the 3/8” Delaware gravel walkway.  

At the corner of the blue chip gravel parking area, a single stone paver marks the transition from the parking to 3/8” Delaware gravel walkway to the main house. I admired the textures of the Lamb’s Ear, Hydrangea shrub and Molinia (commonly called muhly grass). In the early fall, this native grass displays a cloud of delicate pink flowers that is a surprising visual treat. 

What was once a somewhat barren area under the majestic oak and loblolly pines near the entrance to the main house is now a vibrant mix of boxwood, sarcoccoca and viburnum shrubs, pots of tropical plants, “elephant ears” with annual torenia and the low epimedium ground cover. Kirsh’s keen eye for texture, shapes and sizes of plant leaves and how the composition rises from the low epimedium to the tall elephant ears comes together beautifully in this tranquil spot.  

I have long admired Kirsh’s special talent for creating hardscapes. To expand the Owner’s deck onto a terrace that would blend into the front walkway, Kirsh recycled ‘left overs’ from the pool surround, and the masons saw cut the bluestone pavers into strips. Kirsh’s  scale drawing was transferred to the ground and was actually drawn with paint; then Kirsh oversaw the team of masons who installed the work. I loved the textures and colors of the hand selected oversized river rocks and the Owner was quite appreciative of Kirsh’s artistry. 

 

One of Kirsh’s signature paths with random large stone using Mexican beach pebbles as “mortar” connects the deck at the side of the house to the pool.  (This photograph shows the work when it was in progress.)  The grasses to the right are calamagrostis and the grasses to the left are acorus and dark green perennial allium ‘Millenium’ (its splendid small globe shaped flowers are not in bloom yet.)

Before Kirsh was involved with the landscape design, the Owner had turned his keen eye to the design and construction of the swimming pool and its surround of bluestone paving.  Kirsh designed complementary plantings with sweeps of acorus with patches of ornamental grasses and summer blooming allium that continued the very contemporary tone of the Owner’s vision. 

The pool area highlights how unique this site is. The expanse of the Chesapeake Bay could have been too dominant but here it is a partner. The grand view of the Bay is balanced by color, foliage, hardscape and new planters..  

The Owner’s design for the bluestone pool surround widens to include a dining area and wraps around the diving board at the waterside edge of the pool. Blocks of color draw your eye from indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, across the expanse of the glistening pool water’s surface to the maturing background hedges. At the edge of bluestone are yellow acorus, allium, calamagrostis (feathered red grass) with the northern bayberry and callicarpa dichotoma (Beauty Berry) at the back corner.

The trio of texture and color of this part of the landscape at the rear corner of the pool area is exquisite when summer turns into fall. Yellow acorus is between the allium ‘Millenium’ with mature seed heads in the fall and the tall, narrow Calamagrostis (feather reed grass) in flower with plumes is the backdrop to this delightful late season composition.

I have always loved Elephant’s Ears and these newer hybrids with their yellow “spine” and their giant leaves are set against the rear wall of the main house. Steps from the classic restored sunroom lead down to the Bayside hot tub deck.

Given the strong cold winter winds over the Bay, Kirsh specified hardy shrubs and trees. She chose evergreen boxwood as accents along the expanse of lawn to the Bay. At the BBQ grille location, Kirsh chose a tree lilac that is another solution to withstand winter’s cold temperatures and winds from the Bay. Spots of annual color add summer interest to the shrub borders. The flashes of color here are annual Lantana, whose delicate flowers belie its being a tough, deer resistant plant that requires minimal care.  I love to play croquet and the wide and deep lawn would be perfect for the game.

Kirsh specified shrubs including hydrangea paniculata, abelia, weigelia and Osmanthus to both screen the pool equipment shed and to also provide a colorful rotation during the season when the pool is the primary outdoor room. The shrubs form a background for the plantings surrounding the pool, which was Kirsh’s intentional painterly backdrop for the planting. When Kirsh created the  mixed ‘privacy shrub borders’ of paramount importance was her respect of  the views from neighboring properties so that their long views to the broad water of the Bay would remain open. 

 As I strolled past the pool area, I was struck by how Kirsh located the shrubs in offset parallel rows perpendicular to the Bay so one can see the Bay between the rows as you stroll the grounds. When I reluctantly reached my car, I looked back and the diagonal vista of the shrubbery rows seemed to form a continuous  meandering line. I was also impressed how Kirsh creatively re-used existing plants and transplanted them so they could happily thrive in their new locations. She also added kousa dogwoods along the lawn edge where it meets the existing woodland to make a crisp and clean bed line that defines the lawn. 

As I drove away, I contemplated how the grounds were transformed in the years since I last visited this magical spot. The Owner was a true collaborator with Kirsh and he clearly articulated the specific feeling he wanted the grounds to represent. His primary goal was to make the property a space of pure delight for family, friends and visitors with the hope that they celebrated this naturally beautiful setting, enhanced by seasonal gardens, as much as he does. He was fortunate to have had a Landscape Designer as gifted as Kirsh is for his collaborator. She attentively listened when he described his vision, which enabled her to not only meet but also to exceed his goals.  Kirsh appreciated how the Owner’s enthusiasm for the project affected everyone from the contractors to the  installation crew and how he also contributed his labor to artfully placing some of the Mexican beach pebbles in the paths. 

I don’t use these Italian superlatives lightly but bravissimo to the Owner and bravissima to Jan Kirsh for their transformation of this exquisite property! This novice gardener thoroughly enjoyed passing her mini-course on identifying plants by their correct names.

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Landscape Designer: Jan Kirsh, Jan Kirsh Studio, www.jankirshstudio.com, 410-745-5252

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Design with Jenn Martella:” The William Smith House, c. 1794”

On one of my recent Sunday drives, I discovered the quaint town of Hillsboro, just over the Talbot County line.  I learned it is the oldest town in Caroline County and it was named for Lord Hillsboro of Maryland’s Calvert family. Earlier this month, I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art and saw many paintings by Charles Wilson Peale, who briefly resided in Hillsboro. He was  a leading portraitist of the American Revolution, particularly for his depictions of George Washington. 

After crossing the Tuckahoe River, I drove up Main Street for my visit to the William Smith House. This distinguished brick dwelling stands out in its surroundings streetscape of  frame dwellings. The brick was befitting for the residence of a successful grain merchant who lived in an important hub for grain and tobacco.  As I walked up one of the two sets of steps that led the wide stoop, I noticed the white areas of the red brick.  I wondered if the house had once been painted and later during my tour,  I saw an earlier picture of the house with white facades. 

The house is set close to the Town sidewalk so the majority of the deep 0.66 acre corner lot is devoted to its mature landscaping with a parking area off the side street. Passing the side yard, I admired the dogwood as tall as the second floor and one of the largest oak hydrangeas I have ever seen. The house’s exterior color palette of red brick, dark shutters and  white trim is classic and I especially admired the 4/4 wide and tall windows

The house has been altered slightly through many decades, but the character of the original building dominates the architecture and retains the feeling of its 1794 era. Later additions included a brick addition and two frame additions that telescope down from the two-story portion of the house. The story and a half addition contains the kitchen, a side entrance past the laundry area and a full bath. Above is the primary suite’s bathroom and walk-in closet. The one-story addition is a family room surrounded by the lawn and gardens .

The side yard adjacent to the neighbor’s property is fully fenced and I later saw a large formerly feral cat whom the Owner has patiently coaxed him to call her garden home. The crape myrtle will bloom midsummer but now the red roses are preening in the filtered sunlight.  

In the open landscape, giant trees are grouped together and at the ground the cluster of hellebores are beginning to bloom. The pineapple, symbol of hospitality, in the middle of the bird bath stands ready to welcome all avian friends. 

Near the rear of the property, there are two outbuildings, one for lawn and garden maintenance and another for myriad uses-studio, playhouse, etc. 

After my stroll around the house and garden, I was eager to explore the house. The listing agent met me at the wide front door that opened into the foyer of the center hall floor plan.  I admired detailing of the original stairs to the second floor with the dark newel post and cap rail, light colored pickets, stained treads and painted risers and the decorative molding below the edge of the treads.  Opposite the front door is another exterior door that leads to a short flight of steps to the lawn and garden. The stairs have indirect daylight from the window in the hall above.

One could add a glass storm door to the garden door to bring both light into the foyer and also to create a long vista of the garden from the front door. I loved the choice of one of my fave historic colors for the doors and trim. The long Oriental rug adds color and the period pendant light fixture’s glass shape floats serenely in the space. 

 Next to the stairs is the charming living room with a fireplace and original mantel between bespoke millwork. I did not need to turn on a light since there was ample sunlight from the wide and tall windows at the front and rear of the room. The upholstery of the seating around the coffee table pick up the colors in the Oriental rug and I especially admired the upholstered antique settee. Placing the curtain rods for the window treatments very close to the high ceiling accentuates the room’ high ceiling.

On the other side of the foyer is my fave room, the elegant dining room. Sunlight streams into the room through the front and side windows that offer views of the side garden. On top of the refinished mantel is a collection of Native American ceramics and I was delighted to see several pieces from the Acoma Pueblo that are very similar to ones I own. The large Oriental rug anchors the antique wood table and Chippendale chairs and the bespoke millwork at the side of the fireplace with closed cabinets above and glass fronted doors above for display provide ample storage. The Georgian chandelier is the perfect finishing touch.

The focal point of the dining room is a stunning Maryland Eastern Shore “ cross raised panel tombstone arch raised panel barrel back” corner pine cupboard with iron hinges in a deep cranberry color. The listing agent confirmed the Owner once had an antique store in St. Michaels. Small world-I then realized I had bought an iron bed for my guest room from her several years ago!

From the dining room, I stepped down to the open plan kitchen-gathering room. I appreciated how this kitchen combined old and new elements. Combined with the exposed stained beams and the brick wall of the stairs to the attic, this kitchen has so much character. The light colored cabinets’ design have low “feet” instead of a full knee kick. The large island cabinetry with a butcher block top is perfect for baking. At the side of kitchen is a short hall past the laundry area and a full bath to an exterior door leading to a deck that offers a secluded retreat in the fenced garden.

The kitchen overlooks the gathering room with its pitched ceiling and stained collar beams in homage to the kitchen’s older exposed beams. The wide picture window and side window provide panoramic  views of the fenced garden. The half glass/half paneled exterior door is another window overlooking the landscape and leads to a stoop and a paver path to the parking area. The mix of antiques and other furnishings create a charming space for end of workday relaxation. 

There are so many charming details in this house but my fave one is how the steps end at a landing with risers on either side up to the second floor. The graceful curvature of the baseboard and molding flows seamlessly onto each side of the landing and the stair’s cap railing echoes the curvature to the railing above overlooking the foyer.

The width of the hall allows space for a corner mini-office with an antique writing desk and chair for checking emails with daylight from the hall window overlooking the garden. The bookcase holds memories of loved ones to keep one company. Beyond the doorway is the primary bedroom at the corner of the house.

The antique corner cabinet, wood trunk, Oriental rug and wood chair and footstool create a cozy corner for relaxing and the fireplace’s trio of iron candlesticks and waterfowl are charming accents.

I can’t resist canopy beds and this one with its gentle curved open frame is beautiful as it is, but one could easily add a lace canopy.  The front windows provide plenty of sunlight and views of the neighborhood.

The second floor’s bathroom has a claw foot tub outfitted with a shower head. The beadboard wainscot, chair rail, wood floor, rug and both the arched top plantation shutter and window treatments create a charming bath that evokes the house’s period.

I would be a contented guest in this charming bedroom with the bowfront antique chest of drawers, fireplace, Oriental rugs wood pencil post bedframe, duvet and the chair by the window.

The story and a half addition to the house is reached by stairs from both the kitchen and from the primary bedroom if an ensuite is desired. This space is more than mere circulation with its bright yellow walls, the exposed brick of the original part of the house and the beautiful wood floors.  Accents of  the boat sculpture in the window and the large artwork on the brick wall give this space a unique personality.  Windows at each side wall of the stairs keeps the space sunny and bright.

The addition contains a large bathroom and walk-in closet. The antique pie safe is a much more charming storage closet than door to a linen closet.  Along with the pie safe, the wood antique storage unit between the two porcelain vintage pedestal lavatories, wood floors accented with small Oriental rugs and artwork all create a charming eclectic look.  

Desirable deep corner lot with mature landscaping in a small historic town very close to Easton’s shopping, arts and cultural events. Highway 404 is also close by for quick access to the beaches and DC. The Hillsboro Public Landing on the Tuckahoe is only a block from the   property. The house’s appealing architectural style, and the interior’s high ceilings, wide and tall windows, multiple fireplaces, built-in millwork and beautiful original wood floors are combined with modern conveniences for today’s lifestyle.  Brava to the Owner’s interior design and her collection of antiques that give this house its individual personality. If you are seeking a historic property, this gem is one not be missed, at a very competitive price compared to  a restored house in another Eastern Shore Historic District.  

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For more information about this property, contact Broker Nancy McDonald McGuire at Maryland Heritage Properties , 410-778-9319 (o) ,443-480-7342 (c), or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.marylandheritageproperties.com/home , “Equal Housing Opportunity.” For decades, Nancy McDonald McGuire has specialized in representing historic buildings in Maryland in general and the Eastern Shore in particular. 

Photography by Jennifer Martella

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

This is the second opportunity for me to feature a project by Jones & Jones Properties. For the last four years, this talented brother and sister duo has specialized in the restoration of significant residential properties in Chestertown’s Historic District.  Together they develop a vision for a property; then Patrick as craftsman builder makes the vision a reality, assisted by Kathleen’s eye for design elements and finishes. Their first two ventures were the restoration/renovation of historic houses on Water and Cannon Streets and the latter was a previous House of the Week.

Today’s feature is their most ambitious project to date. As Owners and Builder, their restoration/renovation of “The Tilley House” was a labor of love for them. The house’s distinctive mansard roof identifies it as the “Second Empire” architectural style, with its steep lower roof pitch and low higher pitch. Popular from 1855-1885, the style’s name honors Napoleon III’s Second Empire. He retained Baron Haussman for a massive urban renewal project of Paris that created boulevards lined with apartment blocks with mansard roofs that are highly prized real estate today. 

This property’s prominent site at the corner of High and Water Streets offers vistas to the Chester River  from both the front and side porches and many rooms. This photo shows the original part of the house where the mansard roof ended;  later additions had lower gable roofs. I admired the articulated front elevation with the main floor porch and its metal hipped roof, angled bay wall projections at the corner of both floors and the mansard roof’s dormer containing a double unit window. No detail was too insignificant; even the bars of the vents in the brick foundation wall pay homage to the ones in the historic Custom House across the street!  

The bay wall projects into the front porch to expand the view of the Chester River  from the living room. The rest of the porch floor is deeper to easily accommodate chairs. On the day of my visit, it was easy to linger enjoying both the garden of the property cattycorner to this property and the view of the Chester River. High Street slopes down to the waterfront and combined with the height of the porch floor above the brick sidewalk, this porch becomes a private outdoor room.

I first saw this house before renovation work began and I was amazed to see how splendid the spaces have been transformed.  The beautiful original staircase that rises to the third floor was restored and is now a sculptural element against a background of white. Jones & Jones decided to give buyers the option of selecting one’s choice of finishes so they created a list of allowances for buyers to choose finishes that fit their budget. What was formerly a wall behind the stairs is now an arched doorway to the dining room that also extends the perspective from the front door. Another wide wall opening in the stair hall leads to the front parlor.

The solar orientation of the corner living room casts sunlight deep onto the room’s beautiful wood floors that flow throughout the house. The angled bay is a delightful nook in this spacious room and the gas fireplace’s mantel was crafted to be in keeping with the period of the house. Throughout the house, the original window and door trim with rosette corners have been carefully restored.

Behind the parlor is the kitchen-breakfast area and the kitchen layout was carefully thought out around the long existing windows. The window next to the cabinetry is centered on a space that was sized wide enough to accommodate a breakfast bar at the higher countertop. The sleek cabinetry design with a mix of light gray and deep slate blue island should please any cook and the countertop material is another allowance item to suit a buyer’s own taste. I especially liked the design of the cabinet pulls that echoes the R/F door pulls and how the mix of glass and solid fronts of the upper cabinets rise to the underside of the ceiling to maintain the spatial volume. The  kitchen’s location in the middle of the main floor’s open plan layout makes it the hub of the house. 

To support the wide wall opening between the kitchen and dining room, slender offset columns and a corner post define the dining area. The windows are very close to the adjacent neighbor’s house so a window treatment of plantation shutters would add both texture, daylight and privacy. The beadboard wainscot around the perimeter of the space adds texture and an opportunity to add either an accent paint color or wallpaper.

The doors at the corner of the family room lead to a full bath next to a closet facing the kitchen. The other door at the corner is another closet so this flexible space could be a family room with a sofa bed for guests who prefer a main floor bedroom. Throughout the house, the style of the new four-panel doors look like original period doors. 

The pair of French doors and full sidelights overlooks a deck and the yard that is a blank canvas for a gardener to plan their private dream garden. Fences on either side of the yard provide privacy and creates a safe play space for young children and the family pet. At the end of the yard is a garage that can accommodate a single vehicle. The garage’s loft storage is a bonus. 

Beyond the gorgeous staircase at the second floor landing is another wide wall opening framed by a graceful elliptical arch leading to the laundry room and to the primary ensuite at the rear of the house. 

The sumptuous primary bedroom has a gas fireplace opposite the bed wall and views of the Historic District from the two windows. The door next to the fireplace leads to the primary bath and walk-in closet.

The primary bath is compartmentalized with a walk-in closet at the rear corner opposite the dual lavatories. The door to the toilet compartment backs up to the shower-tub area under the window.

The tiled wainscot defines the location of the tub on axis with the window. I admired the dual recessed niches at the shower wall, the options of both a wall mounted and hand held shower heads and the herringbone pattern of the floor tile.

Lucky is the guest who gets to stay in the second-floor corner bedroom with a view of the roofs and treetops of the surrounding Historic District and the Chester River from the bay window and the single window!

Kathleen Jones has a flair for selection of finishes and I loved the leaf pattern and colors of the second floor bath’s shower wall. The size and color of the floor tile evokes the flooring found in Second Empire houses.  

I love mansard roofs for the full height spaces they provide. The front part of the third floor tucked under the mansard roof is finished with two guest bedrooms/offices with the clever detail of the perimeter HVAC built out to form a ledge. Truly a breathtaking bird’s eye view!

The site aerial shows this corner property’s prominence on two of Chestertown’s Historic District’s earliest streets with the neighboring properties of Widehall and the Custom House, the latter of which was one of the original British Royal Ports of Entry to the Americas. The Tilley House was completely renovated last year, including all systems, kitchen and bathrooms. Original period details including the majestic wood stair that rises up three floors, many doors and molding were carefully preserved. The original layout of rooms connected by doors were creatively modified with graceful arches or wide wall openings supported by columns that opened up vistas between the rooms. Sunlight now penetrates deeply onto the beautiful hardwood floors. Instead of a mix of rooms, the main floor is now an open plan living room, kitchen, dining and family room with easy flow among the rooms. 

The front porch for interacting with neighbors on their daily stroll or simply relaxing to enjoy the tranquil view of the Chester River and the rear fenced yard that awaits your own garden design are semi-private and private outdoor rooms.  Other bonuses include the partially finished basement’s ideal temperature for wine storage and the one-car garage for off street parking. 

You can truly make this exquisite property your own by selecting finishes from the Allowances List. This is a rare opportunity to become the next steward of this unique property that combines both 19th century charm with 21st century conveniences that has been meticulously restored and renovated by one of Kent County’s renowned craftsman builders, Patrick Jones. Jones & Jones have set the bar very high for the Historic District and I eagerly await their next project—Bravissimmo and Bravissimma to this talented duo!   

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For more information about this property, contact Murphy O’Neill at Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Real Estate Company, at 410-778-0330 (o),443-480-4275 (c), or  [email protected] .For more pictures and pricing, visit  www.easternshoreofmarylandrealestate.com “Equal Housing Opportunity”. 

Photography by JM real estate photos [email protected]

Upcoming Open Houses Dates: 
Saturday, May 17th from 9:30-11:30 
Sunday, May 25th, 11:00-1:00

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Several of my friends have very fond memories of growing up in this neighborhood off Goldsborough with its long blocks, wide streets with parking on both sides of the streets and rear alleys. This house on a corner lot has been well maintained and it is now being offered for the first time in forty years. Its Dutch Colonial architectural style with its signature gambrel roof maximizes the sizes of the second floor rooms. The symmetry of the front door and windows, exterior color palette of the charcoal gray architectural roofing shingles, light yellow lap siding and white shutters in a mature landscape creates great curb appeal.

The massive deciduous trees provide shade in the heat of summer but now their bare branches frame the distinctive shape of the side elevation’s gambrel roof. A later addition with a low sloped roof and a wide bow window expanded the living space. The high wood fence surrounds the rear yard for total privacy.  

This view of the house shows the distinctive shape and shallow depth of the roof dormers in the steep pitch of the lower portion of the gambrel roof. The low slope roofed addition of a family room and the pitched roof addition of a sunroom overlook the pool area. From the sunroom, sliding doors open onto a  wrap-around deck. 

The large deck has a picnic table and grille awaiting al-fresco dinners by the pool. Two one-car garages at each corner of the property are accessed from the alley.

Between the two garages is a small shed for lawn and garden maintenance. The large pool will soon provide hours of fun in the sun!

The front door opens into the living room with its serene palette of neutrals accented by the Oriental rug, footstool, pillows and the red splash of the throw over the sofa. The pale color of the window treatments and the valances placed directly below the ceiling blend into the wall so the room feels larger than it is. Tall windows provide ample sunlight. 

The rooms flow easily from one to another since they are connected by doors instead of a hall. This room next to the living room was originally the dining room with the stairs at the rear wall leading to the second floor. Sunlight from the front window is projected deep into the room.

Another door leads to the kitchen at the other corner of the house and the layout is divided into two work areas. This area contains the sink, cooktop and island with a butcher block countertop. The row of cabinetry behind the island contains the R/F that creates a compact work triangle. The white cabinetry with upper cabinets rising to the ceiling blend into the white walls and maintain the spatial volume.

The vista from the former dining room’s door is to the charming breakfast table and pair of Windsor chairs that separates the two areas of the kitchen. The wall behind the table contains the wall ovens. Recessing open shelving into the wall was a clever way to provide extra storage.

The second length of cabinetry also contains a second sink for extra prep space or space for crafts. The easy care vinyl flooring is also easy on the feet!

Between the kitchen and the rear sunroom is a full bath opposite the short hall to the family room. Plantation shutters provide both sunlight and privacy. The white background and the green chamfered corners of the floor pattern are reversed in the green background and white diagonal strips of the wallpaper

The long family room is accessed from both the living room and the hall from the kitchen to the sunroom. The sunlight from the wide bow window and rear window TV area balances the cozy feel of the seating around the fireplace.

Since the sunroom is a one-story space, opening up the ceiling to the underside of the roof’s framing gives it architectural character and the pairs of wide sliding doors around the perimeter give the space total transparency for easy indoor/outdoor flow. The white wicker furnishings with colorful cushions create areas for seating and dining. The track lighting can be adjusted for ambient lighting as needed.

The stairs to the second floor rise against the rear wall to a hall connecting the two corner bedrooms and the third bedroom in between. The front wall high knee wall at the spring line for the  gambrel roof adds charming interior architectural character and a comfortable sense of enclosure. I  admired the color palette of this lovely bedroom with the gold bedspread and plaid bed skirt and the design of roses on the pillows and window treatments. Three windows provide ample sunlight and the wood furnishings of the pencil post bed and other pieces add warmth.

The width of both the stairs and the hall creates space for the bathroom at the end of the hall. The white fixtures stand out against the butter yellow walls and the foot of the tub is set against the high knee wall so the shower head is against the high wall. 

The other corner bedroom mirrors the other corner bedroom’s interior architecture of the high knee walls, dormer window in the front gambrel roof and a side window for ample daylight. Blue and gold are complementary colors and here the color scheme creates a serene space for any guest.

Great in-town corner lot location close to the Rails to Trails and the amenities of Easton’s Historic District. Lovingly maintained by its Owner for forty years, it awaits another Owner’s individuality. Charming Dutch Colonial architecture, main floor with a living room, family room and sunroom for relaxing with family and friends. Both the living room and the family room have fireplaces and the sunroom is aptly named for its exterior walls are infilled with wide sliding doors for easy flow to the deck and in-ground pool and hot tub area. The two separate garages off the alley are a unique plus as well as the large pool and deck with outdoor lighting. For the gardener, there is small shed  to maintain the lovely gardens. Great family home!

For more information about this property, contact Mary Haddaway with Benson and Mangold at 410-745-0415 (o), 410-924-8574 (c), or 

[email protected]. For more photographs and pricing visit  www.bensonandmangold.com,  “Equal Housing Opportunity”.

Photography by Greta Clopper

 

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.