Duvall Farm comprises 30 recorded parcels that total 524.9 acres, 151 of which are protected by the Maryland CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program). This state and federally funded program enables landowners to improve their property by controlling soil erosion, establishing and enhancing a wildlife habitat and improving water quality by taking agricultural land out of production for ten to fifteen years. Conservation practices include forested riparian buffers adjacent to streams and restoration of wetlands. Having had the privilege of touring this very special place, I am very grateful for the CREP.

On the day of my visit, I left the Oxford corridor and drove along a one-way gravel driveway through woods of evergreen and deciduous trees and I began to relax in the peaceful silence. After glimpsing a pond through the trees, I arrived at a clearing and discovered a trio of structures, the Main Lodge, Guest Cabin and Wood Shed. 

Being a native Tennessean and an architect who has worked on several historic log structures, I was totally captivated by these buildings.  The Main Lodge is sited at a point of the pond in front of the Guest Cabin that is hidden in the trees. I admired the simple massing of the Main Lodge with its story and a half gable form, enveloped on two sides by a screened porch. Steps on one side of the porch lead to the lawn and a ramp on the other side begins the path from the Main Lodge to the pier.

As I walked around the Lodge, I especially liked how the natural wood rough- hewn siding, window and door trim have been allowed to weather since its completion in 2006.  Now its patina blends into the bark of the sheltering trees and the texture of both the siding and the metal roof creates a very pleasing composition of simple rustic shapes.

The rear elevation of the Main Lodge with the wrap-around porch reaches out to the pond with its wide “grandstand” steps that are perfect for watching children or grandchildren at play. I especially appreciated how the architect sized the bays of the screened panels with a low horizontal railing to maximize the view of the landscape and the pond. Multiple screen doors create an easy indoor-outdoor flow. 

Looking back from the pier, I appreciated how the Main Lodge is sited perpendicular to the Guest Cabin and the Woodshed is sited further back from both structures to create a harmonious grouping. 

Before my tour of the Main Lodge’s interior rooms, I could not resist exploring the exquisite wrap-around porch with one side containing seating areas that offer serene views of the pond. I especially admired the exposed structural members of hand hewn tree trunks that have new lives as porch columns and the round branches have become roof rafters and collar beams.

The other side of the wrap-around porch is furnished as a dining space and I admired the wide plank flooring, the wood chairs, the bench and the colorful accent of the cushions. Behind the table and chairs I discovered two twig rockers sized for wee ones that were a delightful surprise. 

I began my tour of the Main Lodge through the custom wood door that opened into this spacious hall between the kitchen on the right.  Opposite the kitchen is a laundry and full bath. The beauty of the wood surfaces, from the wide plank flooring, walls of horizontal planking, custom doors with incised rails to the narrow ceiling planks create a warm welcome. The vista ends at  the focal point of the house, the brick chimney between the foyer hall and the great room.  The chimney was carefully detailed with grapevine joints around the perimeter and a different colored brick creates a “frame “ for the wild boar taxidermy against its background of smooth joints.  Beautiful Oriental rugs add color and pattern as accents to the wood surfaces. 

I loved the kitchen’s interior design with the beautiful historic warm red Shaker style cabinetry,  granite countertops,  oversize custom door and the fabric window treatments. The beadboard backsplash, ceiling and walls continue the rustic chic look and the white of the ceiling reflects the light from the pendant lighting fixtures. Another Oriental rug is the finishing touch. Opposite the kitchen sink wall is bespoke millwork framing an opening  to the great room.

The full bath’s beadboard walls and ceiling continue the interior design scheme and I admired the juxtaposition of the lavatory cabinet with the antique washstand and the antique towel rack. I love rag rugs and this oval one is scaled perfectly for the size of the space. The window treatments of wood slat window blinds and fabric valances provide both decoration and privacy if needed. 

One former client of mine wanted a story and a half great room that would make guests say “wow” when they entered the room. I silently said “WOW” when I came around the chimney to see this dramatic room’s interior architecture. Walls of wood logs and elastomeric chinking, the exposed wood decking, roof rafters and the majestic hand hewn trusses with acorn finials below the vertical members of the trusses create a stunning space.  The finial design choice was spot-on; acorns from oak trees symbolize strength and longevity and live oaks are one of the heaviest American woods- their grain creates strength for supporting weight and pressure. I admired the harmonious blend of rustic interior architecture with the upholstered furnishings, Oriental rugs and fabric window treatments that add color. Several “wagon wheel” pendant light fixtures float in the room to provide ambient light.

Off the great room is a large mud room with an exterior door. The easy care brick flooring in a herringbone pattern with a boarder of the same brick is a textured background for the Oriental rug. The mix of cabinetry with the sink unit matching the kitchen’s cabinets next to an antique hutch provide ample storage. 

The great room’s fireplace is detailed with reddish brick framing both the firebox and the chimney’s recess infilled with a wood bas-relief celebrating several species of birds both at rest and in flight. From the great room and mud room, the “L” shaped wood stair with simple detailing leads to the loft area. At the stair landing, a fox taxidermy stands guard. 

I paused on the stair landing to savor the multiple textures and colors of the materials from the log/chinking wall, exposed roof framing, simple handrail, brick chimney and the rows of the massive roof trusses-what a celebration of natural materials of wood and brick! 

The stair leads to a large bedroom and half bath, tucked under the gable roof. I admired the brass bed’s blue and white bed linen and how the fabric canopy gently hangs behind and over the headboard. The door next to the bed leads to a long closet that has a small window for daylight. On the opposite wall of the bedroom is a small window overlooking the great room below, with a raccoon taxidermy resting on the window sill. The bedroom’s rugs and furnishings create a soothing haven for restful sleep. 

Next to the sleigh styled chaise is a half bath with a toile hinged screen for privacy. I admired how the HVAC vent was custom made to fit seamlessly into the wood flooring.

Having explored the Main Lodge, I walked across to the charming Guest Cabin with a breezeway centered between two rooms.( It reminded me of my childhood Lincoln Log set that probably planted a seed of my future calling!) One room is a cozy bedroom with a half bath and the other is a storage room. Nearby is an outdoor shower and wash station.

The porch that spans the full length of the space becomes an outdoor sitting room for watching wildlife or simply enjoying the view of the pond. I noted the detailing of the short eaves and the brick piers resting on gravel that is also the drainage area for rainfall.

If I were lucky enough to be a guest, I would happily stretch out on one of the Adirondack Chaise Lounges for an afternoon of napping/reading. I admired the hand hewn marks on the roof beam and the supports and how the one support that is slightly bowed is still strong.

My compliments to the photographer for this “magazine cover” shot through the Guest Cabin to the entry porch of the Main Lodge that begins the entry sequence from the parking area. The breezeway is a great spot to catch cross breezes to cool off on hot days.

Even the woodshed is as carefully detailed as the Main Lodge and the Guest Cabin. Behind the porch area is a room with an enormous emergency generator.

To end my tour, I strolled along the shoreline of the pond where a flock of ducks were enjoying their daily exercise as a heron took flight from the edge of the berm that is a dam for this pond. Sitting on the wood bench and listening to the gentle background sound of the fountain was a soothing respite from my workday.

Closer to the parking area is this grouping of Adirondack chairs surrounding the firepit.  With our fall weather, I imagine this is a popular spot for relaxing and watching the parade of wildlife that call this very special place home.

In the nine years I have been writing to celebrate the best of our area’s architecture and design, this is the first time, as a native Tennessean, that a property spoke so clearly to me. Since my past project experience includes restoration of historic log structures, it was a very special pleasure to see how well this Dream Team of Owner-Architect-Contractor created a grouping of buildings that belies its nineteen years old construction.

Simple geometric forms seamlessly blend into the color palette of the surroundings woods, combining log construction with modern comfort. Outdoor rooms of the Main Lodge’s exquisite wrap-around porch and the Guest Cabin’s front porch that blends into the breezeway offer views of the pond and the abundant wildlife that also appreciate this peaceful haven. The mantra of this special place must be “host, gather and reconnect with each other and nature”-Bravissimo!!

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For information about this property contact Coard Benson, Associate Broker with Benson & Mangold Real Estate at 410-770-9255 (o), 410-310-4909 (c) or [email protected].For more pictures and pricing, visit 

www.coardbenson.com/duvall, “Equal Housing Opportunity.”

Photography by Jim McKee, BroadView Interactive LLC. 703-593-4392,  [email protected]

Architecture by Johnson and Berman, Baltimore, MD. 410-752-2030 

Contraction by: Ilex, www.ilexconstruction.com, 410-519-1900

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 aerial shot illustrates how the house’s octagonal shaped entry gable pays homage to the architectural element of the distinctive “wharf” houses of Tilghman Island that have an eye-catching “W” shape. This house’s octagonal shaped entry is set against the house’s rectangular shape with a full front porch.  The house is sited on a deep 0.42 acre lot and is nestled in a clearing surrounded by mature trees and professionally landscaped grounds.  The dead-end street provides privacy and views of Dogwood Harbor to the Chesapeake Bay. 

The property has great curb appeal beginning with the white fence along the road  that frames the view of the lush landscaping and mature gardens. As I walked up the paved path to the house, I admired the crape myrtle, a magnificent magnolia and fig trees in the front garden. The partial view of the house is both private and welcoming.

The focal point of the charming front elevation is the prominent two-story bay shaped gable with its arched top attic window and the slanted header trim of the windows. The light yellow lap siding and white trim stands out against the green enclosure of tall trees. The full screened porch beckoned me within but the vine covered arbor at the side yard encouraged me to continue my exploration of the grounds. 

The arbor introduces the path along the side elevation that ends at a pea gravel terrace next to this delightful deck, shaded from the midday sun by giant trees. Sliding doors from the sloped roofed living room provide for easy indoor-outdoor flow between the living room and the deck.

As I strolled along the meandering gravel path between the grassed areas, I  passed two outbuildings painted in a deeper yellow hue than the house’s yellow color. The blue trim is the perfect choice as blue and yellow are complimentary and the red accent of the umbrella at the deck dining area is another accent.

 

One outbuilding is completely finished and I admired the gambrel shaped ceiling and the white wainscot with its top aligned with the top of the mantel’s trim. The light gray walls above the wainscot balances the white of the flooring, wainscot and ceiling and the French door and window offer views of the landscape. The contemporary wood wing chairs were a delightful surprise and harbingers of what the house’s interiors might be. 

This space would be an elegant setting for a home office-I could easily imagine writing my Spy House of the Week column here, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.  

The other outbuilding is a blank canvas for the next owner. Myriad options could include a potting barn, workshop, playroom, yoga studio, etc. The sloped ceiling due to the different heights of the side walls creates terrific spatial volume.

Having explored the professionally landscaped grounds, I went back to the front door to begin my tour of the interiors. The screened porch’s bay projection that encroaches onto the porch creates a short passageway to access cozy sitting areas at each corner of the screened porch. I loved the blue accents of both the floor and the ceiling and how the wood flooring is perpendicular to the exterior wall of the house and the ceiling’s slats are parallel. The colorful parrot is a great accent.

I love porch swings and this one suspended above the floor also makes cleaning easy. Both the diagonal latticed wall and the matchstick blinds offer partial or total privacy from the neighbor’s house.  As the Weekend Wine Woman at Piazza Italian Market, I noticed the arrangement of wine glasses in the accent pillow’s design on the swing’s cushion.

The Listing Agent greeted me at the foyer and I realized the octagonal shape of the foyer is broken by the hall, stair and the door to the kitchen. I was delighted to see the interior design’s stylish blend of old and new; the flooring is a mix of original and new and the recessed down lights provide ambient lighting. The diagonal wall opening of the bay projection leading to the dining room, the clear vista from the foyer to the rear wall and the original stair competed for my attention but I chose to explore the dining room first.

Across the stair hall from the dining room is the original paneled exterior door with both inlaid glass and stained glass. I liked how the side stringers for the stair drop down below the ceiling to frame the nook under the stairs that contains the stack W/D. The spacious dining room with the period chandelier, ceiling rosette above the contemporary wood trestle table and the mix of chairs creates an elegant setting for memorable meals.

At some point, the rear shed addition was renovated to become a living room and the wall between the dining and living room was opened wide with a center column for support. The long vista from dining room- living room-deck-landscaping ends at the towering bamboo “fence” at the rear of the property.

I loved the interior design of the living room that spans the full length of the addition. The stylish composition of the modern furnishings grouped on the large muted rug, around the square steel/glass topped coffee table and the rich deep blue of the sofa flanked by tall reading lamps could be a magazine cover!

At the opposite corner of the living room is a more intimate seating  area with deep wood framed, upholstered cushioned chairs and a round ottoman with the propane cast iron stove/fireplace in the corner to radiate heat into the room. The exterior door leads to the side path through the landscaping and the sliding French doors and full sidelight lead to the deck.

The kitchen has multiple access points from the corner doorway to the opposite dining room and living room and a front doorway to the foyer. I loved the painted exposed beams and the checkerboard flooring. There is ample space for both an island (perhaps a reclaimed wood chopping block?) and a breakfast area by the front wall to the screened porch. The painting of the antique Welsh Dresser could be a subliminal message that this spot would be perfect for that timeless storage unit. Built-in corner cabinets provide more storage.

The stair to the second floor ends at a spacious landing that blends into the hall connecting the primary bedroom, full bath, guest bedroom and the snug. 

The octagonal shape of the foyer below is broken by the stair, hall and door to the kitchen but this snug above enjoys the full octagonal shape with walls that wrap around the seating area.  The neutral wall and furnishing colors with a hint of blue makes this cozy space seem larger than it is. 

As a bibliophile, if I were lucky to be a guest, you would find me in this delightful space reading my current Book Club book! The wall opening that contains a second door to the guest bedroom could be infilled to add floor to ceiling bespoke millwork at the Snug’s interior angled walls to create a mini-library. Then the guest bedroom bed could be placed against the diagonal wall to free up more floor space in that room.

White is the classic color of cleanliness and it also sets a background for another owner to personalize the space with colorful towels or accessories.  The paneled walls add texture and the flooring is the perfect scale for the space. Changing the shower curtain to a glass door would expand the space even more. 

The primary bedroom is located at the rear corner of the house and the large room shares the angled wall of the adjacent snug. With windows on all three exterior walls for sun throughout the day, this primary bedroom is a haven of peace and privacy. 

I always enjoy seeing an Owner’s motto for their house and their American Primitive artwork perfectly conveys how I felt about this charming country place! Historic architecture in perfect harmony with contemporary interiors; outdoor rooms of the front screened porch and rear deck for great indoor-outdoor flow; mature trees enhanced by professionally landscaped grounds; spaces filled with sunlight, upgrades and freshly painted; move-in ready-hard to resist!

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For more information about this property, contact Angela Simonelli with Compass Real Estate at 410-429-7425 (o), 410-200-0414 (c) or [email protected] . For more photographs and pricing, visit www.AngelaSimonelli.com Equal Housing Opportunity”.

Photography by Brandon Manchion, [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.

This 0.49 acre property is located along the tranquil water of San Domingo Creek and is only two miles from St. Michaels. The property includes a one-story cottage built in 1968 and a two-car garage with a guest suite above that was built at a later date.  

The property is also associated with a well-known American author, Gilbert Valliant Byron, who is sometimes referred to as the “Chesapeake Thoreau” because both writers had the same birthday. He is believed to be the most prolific single author of works about the Chesapeake Bay from his authorship of 14 books and over 70 articles detailing Eastern Shore Life. There is a stone memorial to the author on the property and his original log cabin is preserved at Pickering Creek.

Between the cottage and the garage/ guest suite above is a large brick terrace with a wood pergola that connects the two structures. At this side, decorative fretwork are attached to each side of the posts that support the framing. Lattice panels at each end of the pergola are transitions from the structures’ solid walls to open space.

The waterside terrace faces N/NE so one can enjoy the view of the water in late morning through the afternoon without glare. Replacing the wood pergola with a conditioned structure would be an option if one needed more living space. 

The waterside elevation shows the difference in massing between the cottage and the two-car garage/guest suite. Each structure has its own outdoor room with the cottage’s screened porch that spans across the width of the cottage and the guest suite’s deck with access from the exterior stairs.  Towering trees shade the structures and the unique 50 foot rear setback is a bonus since new waterfront construction now requires a 100 foot setback.

The depth of the two buildings creates a very private outdoor space for relaxation.  If the total lot coverage could accommodate a pool in this area, the terrace could become part of the pool surround. 

The foyer’s half glass/half paneled entry door opens into a welcoming foyer with easy care quarry tile that blends into brick steps. I realized the window on the side wall indicated this space was probably an addition and now the window provides indirect sunlight and natural ventilation for the adjacent kitchen. 

The foyer blends into the hall from the primary ensuite at the front of the cottage to the kitchen and the open-plan dining-living room and another bedroom ensuite. The hall’s white doors, walls and ceiling reflects the sunlight and the white louvered blinds become part of the wall.

The compact kitchen’s “U” shape is efficient and the cabinets’ color blends into the wall to make the space seem larger than it is. The other side wall of the ”U” contains a large laundry with extra space for pantry storage. Removing the wall between the kitchen and the adjacent dining room above the countertop would create an open plan kitchen-dining-living room. The kitchen’s countertop could then extend over the base cabinets for a breakfast bar.

The open plan dining-living area’s beautiful wood floors are highlighted by the white walls.  At the rear wall, the French door to the adjacent screened porch and the rear and side windows offer panoramic views of the water. The dining room area easily accommodates six chairs but an extra table and chairs could be added for family celebrations.

The rear corner of the open plan space is furnished with a table desk and an ergonomic chair for computer work or children’s homework. Taking a break from the computer to focus on the peaceful view of the water would be refreshing.

The spacious living area easily accommodates two full size sofas and the neutral upholstery is accented with colorful pillows and throws for evenings by the fire. I prefer round coffee tables with full size sofas for easier flow and this rattan one also adds texture. The matching half glass/half paneled corner cabinets provide ample display of family photographs, games, books, etc.  Sitting on the sofa opposite the double window to the screened porch, one enjoys a long vista across the water.

My fave room is usually a screened porch and this porch is a delightful outdoor room to enjoy daily meals or relaxing with family or friends. As an architect, I give this space high marks for the careful detailing of the horizontal framing that maximizes the middle panel’s view of the water that is so close to the house. At the side wall, a wide matchstick blind provides privacy from the neighbor’s house. 

The sitting area of the porch enjoys the long and broad view of San Domingo Creek that was tranquil on the day of my visit. Steps lead down to the rear yard with its riprapped shoreline to both the pier and to the ramp for launching kayaks.

Behind the living room, a short hall leads to this bath that also serves to make the adjacent bedroom an ensuite. The layout works well with the door opening against the wall opposite a linen closet. As a Hitchcock fan, last week I plugged one of his movies and this week I will plug another, “Psycho”. Since seeing that movie many years ago, I have always purchased clear plastic shower curtains! They are also a good way to visually expand the spatial volume since a solid color shower curtain acts like a wall that would give the bathroom a confining tunnel effect.

The guest bedroom’s red, white and blue scheme is cheerful and the chest of drawers and the luggage rack is ready for company.

The primary ensuite is located off the foyer that maximizes its privacy. Opposite the door to the bedroom is a large closet, a walk-in cedar closet  and the primary bath. The king size bed fits easily in between the side windows and another window at the front of the ensuite provides daylight throughout the day. 

I coveted the large cedar lined closet with its closet modular system to keep everything organized and easily accessible. 

The guest suite over the two-car garage is quite spacious with areas for relaxing and watching TV.  The triple unit glass door and full height windows opens up the space to the deck and water views. The mini-bar and a full R/F in another part of the space is convenient for early morning coffee or a late night snack. Behind the mini-bar is the bathroom and the other door leads to a large closet/storage room.

If I were a guest, I would definitely claim this ensuite for its long deck overlooking the water-the perfect spot for a cup of coffee to begin the day or for star gazing at night. In winter when the deciduous trees have dropped their leaves, the view must be even more spectacular.

I ended my tour at the end of the pier on one of the Adirondack chairs with the panoramic and peaceful view of the tranquil San Domingo Creek. 

The well-known real estate mantra is “Location, Location, Location”. I always advise my architectural or real estate clients to choose the property – I can modify the house to suit their needs and wants. This waterfront location with both a cottage and a garage with a workshop, laundry space, ample storage and a guest suite above would be hard to beat. The bonus is its site along the tranquil shores of San Domingo Creek with the buildings’ 50 foot setback that is now 100 foot for new construction. Peace and tranquility from a dead end street but only two miles away are St. Michaels’ shops, restaurants and other attractions. Tall trees offer shade and privacy and outdoor rooms of the terrace with a pergola and the waterside screened porch bring you close to nature and closer to the water than current codes allow. Low maintenance landscaping allows more time for an afternoon on the water from the private pier or kayak launch. Connecting the cottage and the two-car garage/guest suite above with new construction would create a three bedroom, three bath house. The arrival of public sewer provides further expansion possibilities.

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For more photographs and pricing, contact Cornelia C. Heckenbach, Associate Broker at Long and Foster Real Estate, 410-310-1229 (c),  [email protected]  or visit www.stmichaelsmdwaterfront.com,  “Equal Housing Opportunity.”

Aerial Photography by the Maryland Drone Guy, www.marylanddroneguy.com , 443-583-8944

Interior and Exterior Photography by HomeVisit, www.homevisit.com,  833-643-0445

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.

“Lexon”, also known as the Burris-Brockmeyer Farm, in located in Queen Anne County on the outskirts of Centreville. “Lexon” is listed in both the Maryland Heritage Trust and the US National Register of Historic Places for its being an excellent example of a “single pile” (rectangular floor plan, one-room deep) house. The original part of the house is the two-story brick structure that was painted white at some point in its long life. Lexon personifies the range of the county’s colonial residential styles from the Georgian manor houses to the story and a half houses of successful farmers. As befitting a blend of styles, the original  house was simply detailed with window headers of a rowlock row below a jack arch and a square section water table. 

This photograph was taken in 1989 and shows how “Lexon” changed through the centuries with additions of a wood framed wing and the hipped roof porch. The house’s orientation changed too- in the late 18th century, there was no bridge over the Corsica River so the long approach to the house was by land. In the early 1800’s, the house’s orientation changed to the street approach.

My visit was in the early afternoon when the massive trees cast wide areas of shade onto the lawn. As I drove around the house, the side elevation came into view, showing its simple gable roof massing and one-room deep floor plan. The back door stoop’s steps lead to the lawn facing the road. The blend of the original reddish brick and the later paint layer adds texture and character to the facades. The small structure attached to the house is the exterior access to the basement. 

After I parked my car, I paused under the overhanging branches of a massive oak tree to study the juxtaposition of the original brick structure of Flemish bond brick and the addition that was built in 2000. The addition is connected to the house by a short passage and the new wing’s perpendicular orientation is set back in homage to the original house. The addition’s one room deep plan and gable roof echoes the original house’s massing  but its exterior color palette and materials of brick, siding and a red metal roof clearly identify it as a 21st century addition. 

The side wall of the addition overlooks the large pool that is surrounded by fencing and mature trees. The pool area is connected to the addition by the shed roofed screened porch.

How can one resist the charm of a diminutive scale? Strolling around the cleared grounds of this 10 acre haven of peace and privacy, I soon discovered several birdhouses and this charming playhouse tucked into the enclosure of the woods along the lawn. No doubt the next owners’ children or grandchildren will enjoy this cozy hide-a-way!

I began my tour of the house at the foyer. The paneled slate blue entry door is the mirror image of the entry door at the opposite wall and I admired the elegant simplicity of the “U”-shaped stair that rises to the attic level.  The trim and moldings introduce the classic Federal and Greek Revival interior detailing and the beautiful pine flooring in this original wing of the house.  The foyer’s wide wall opening frames the view of the living room.

The elegant room’s white upholstered furnishings stand out against the deep slate blue walls. I admired how the 9/6 windows with their picture frame molding rest on the top of the chair rail so it becomes a continuous band around the room and the transparency of the coffee table’s glass top over the Oriental rug.

The dining room’s color palette echoes the living room’s slate blue walls with white trim. An arched opening is cleverly tucked under the stair landing to access  the foyer. I admired the mix of antiques and the table’s contemporary glass top that maintains the room’s spatial volume and highlights the Oriental rug. The period chandelier is the perfect finishing touch.

From the original part of the house, a wide doorway from the dining room leads to a single loaded hall that connects the original wing to the addition. Off the hall is the laundry and full bath and then the hall ends at this delightful family room that is part of the open plan family-porch-kitchen open plan. I loved the deep olive walls, the white bespoke millwork and the eclectic mix of antiques, especially the chopping block that is now an end table and the breakfast table. The latter has metal ends and two circular metal recesses with a metal strap, placed at diagonal corners that I surmised must have become ashtrays during card games.

The family room’s black stove pipe fireplace becomes a sculptural element and  I admired how the large vintage poster is aligned with the windows that surround it. The open French doors beckoned me into the adjacent screened porch.

Not surprisingly, the screened porch was my fave room for its wide screened panels, the stained wood slat ceiling that follows the angle of the sloped rafters and the random bluestone flooring, perfectly scaled for the size of the room. I especially admired how the horizontal  trim was coordinated with the height of the sleek contemporary furnishings so there are unobstructed panoramic views of the pool. The porch’s close proximity to the pool makes is a convenient spot for respite from too much sun. In the evening, the carriage lamps must cast a soft glow to encourage relaxation.

The open plan layout gives the kitchen a long vista to the Family Room. The width of the kitchen accommodates cabinets on both exterior walls plus an island with bar stools with ample room for circulation. The kitchen is this cook’s dream with its warm wood Craftsman style cabinets, granite countertops, farmhouse sink and stainless steel appliances. 

I could well imagine sitting at the built-in desk area to write my House of the Week columns. The countertop could also be a great surface for crafts or a buffet for entertaining. Next to the kitchen are two storage rooms for pantry items or general storage. Recessed French doors open onto the sidewalk that leads to the parking area for convenient unloading of groceries from one’s car. 

Behind the Family Room’s millwork is a staircase to the Primary Ensuite that spans the length of the family room and kitchen below. At the top of the stair is this cozy space that is furnished as an office. With its wrap-around windows that offer panoramic bird’s eye views of the landscape, it could also be a sitting room for the Primary Ensuite. 

The wall of bespoke millwork with a mix of cabinet doors with vintage wrought-iron hardware and open shelving offers ample storage for office needs. The sofa and chest of drawers could also provide extra sleeping space for guests.

The Primary bedroom has spatial volume from its tray ceiling and the white ceiling and walls reflect the sunlight from the windows in the gable wall. The wood pencil post bedframe and the other wood furnishings add warmth to the space. I especially liked how the bedframe’s posts fit perfectly against the high knee wall. The blue accent pillows pick up the blue from the large rug over the beautiful curly maple flooring in this serene space for relaxation and rest.

The short hall off the stair passes the spacious Primary Bath and a walk-in closet and two other walk-in closets.  The bathroom’s white pitched ceiling and white walls make the space feel even larger than it is and the blue diamond tiles are colorful accents. Opposite the tub are cabinetry with dual lavatories and space for a dressing table.    

To explore the second floor, I circled back to the foyer and went up the stair that ends at an enlarged landing connecting the two guest bedrooms. The stair continues up to the attic level. The vertical paneling, table and lamp and the window at the landing enhances the space to make it more than just a landing. The vista to the adjacent bedroom’s fireplace enticed me to tour that room first.

This spacious guest bedroom is located over the dining room so it has windows at all exterior walls. The door divides the spacious room into sleeping and sitting areas. The gorgeous wide plank wood floors and the original paneling surround of the fireplace adds a special character to this charming room.

The hall bath’s compact arrangement serves both guest rooms. The vintage style pedestal lavatory, tiled walls, wainscot and floors, and the window creates a very appealing space. I especially admired the deep blue color of the tile flooring.  

The other guest bedroom is located over the living room and its light blue walls and Oriental rugs create a serene space for rest and relaxation.  Like the other guest bedroom, there are windows on all three exterior walls and a fireplace. I especially liked the iron bedframe that I believe is a Charles P. Rogers design.

It is always a special pleasure to feature one of the Eastern Shore’s historic houses, especially a US National Register of Historic Places property. Past and present coexist in this rare jewel dating from the 18th century. The house and grounds have been lovingly cared for by the owners who appreciate their being stewards of a historic house.  Classic Federal and Greek Revival interior details, preserved pine flooring, mantels, moldings, original partitioning and paneled walls and the beautiful staircase that rises to three levels are design elements not often found today. The addition provides an open plan family-screened porch-kitchen layout for today’s lifestyle. The fenced pool, luscious gardens and open expanse of lawn for outdoor enjoyment are surrounded by dense trees that stretch to the boundary of the 10 acre property to provide privacy. The property also has a large barn/garage with a partial second floor, as well as an attic and basement for storage.  “Lexon” offers the best of historic context and modern conveniences-what a treasure!

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For more information about this property, contact Biana Arentz at Coldwell Banker Realty, (410) 263-8686 (o), 410-490-0332 (c) or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.bianaarentz.com , “Equal Housing Opportunity”. 

Photography by HomeVisit, Craig Westerman, www.homevisit.com , 833-643-0445

Historic Photo by Ronald L. Andrews, courtesy of the Department of Planning, Maryland Historic Trust, Maryland’s National Register Properties.

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.