Since my most recent Houses of the Week have been historic or Eastern Shore vernacular houses, I felt as the Monty Python movie proclaimed “ and now (it’s time) for something completely different” this week. Rock Hall is always a happy hunting ground for me and this house’s blend of contemporary and craftsman styles caught my eye. The charming coastal cottage was designed by the original owners who built the house in 2014 and the current owners bought the property in 2019. Instead a row of houses aligned along the street, this house and the houses on each side of it are set back from each other to maximize both views and privacy.  At the rear of the property are marshes and Swan Creek and this house’s views of the water expand as one goes from the first floor to the third floor.   

 

The large mature tree frames the view of the front elevation in its setting of lush landscaping and wood fencing for privacy. After parking my car in the gravel driveway lined with granite edging, I walked up a stone path between orange wattle trees and the trunks of crape myrtle trees waiting for their summer debuts. The path becomes a terrace of larger stones that ends at the wide wood steps to the front porch that spans across the front of the house. I especially admired how the house blends into the landscape with the earth tones of the  exterior paint colors the Owners selected and the deep red color of the porch’s metal shed roof and the eave returns at the top floor’s roof were perfect accents. The craftsman roof bracket and the contemporary large round window create a delightful juxtaposition of styles.

The side elevation is long due to its ground floor containing three car bays and another bay for a workshop. To downplay its length, the elevation is enhanced by projections of a box bay and a shed roof and enhanced by the texture of the exposed concrete panels, the vertical board and batten siding, the box bay’s grid of trim and the lattice grid enclosing the porch crawl space. The walls of warm taupe, the white trim bands and the deep red color of the shed roof over the garage doors create an appealing composition.

The side elevation’s box bay grid wraps around the rear elevation’s first and second floors to break up the massing of the house’s rectangular footprint. The French railings add an interesting layer to the elevation and I admired how the posts are aligned with the doors’ frames so the dark pickets disappear into the glass for clear views from within. The pair of sliding doors at the second level and the deck at the third level offer panoramic views of Swan Creek.

The deep rear yard ends at the marshes that blend into Swan Creek and the wooden fence provides privacy. It will soon be spring and the deciduous trees will once again offer shade and color. The row of large light colored stones defining a planting area resembles a giant necklace stretched along the ground. 

My old farmhouse has only a brick stoop instead of a proper front porch so I envied this spacious porch. The fixed shutters cleverly break up the wall of board and batten siding and creates a coastal look. The pale salmon floorboards and the deep blue rocking chairs between a wooden table create a cozy outdoor room for winding down at the end of one’s workday.

The house’s layout is a coastal design with the porch steps breaking up the stair run to the first floor above the garage level. The front door opens into a foyer with an alcove for a hall tree to leave jackets and totes behind. At the top of the stairs is a wonderful diagonal vista of the living-dining room. The large space easily accommodates the sectional sofa and ottoman with the long coffee table whose top was originally a pair of wood doors. The round ottoman is made of thick rope adds great texture.  The windows and French doors are oriented to the view of Swan Creek through the adjacent sunroom. 

One of the current owners uses the sunroom as a studio with the telescope providing breaks for watching wildlife. The thin black French rail disappears into the landscape beyond. One side of the room leads to a small deck with a grille for summer cooking. If one wanted a separate dining room, it would be easy to linger over dinner in this space with twilight views over the water turning into the expanse of the night sky lit by stars.

The box bay in the living room surrounds the fireplace that is a focal point with its stone cladding between built-in cabinets. The high square windows provide privacy and also free up the wall for books, art or family photographs.

Another diagonal vista connects the living-dining area to the kitchen. The storage unit utilizes the space under the landing of the stairs and the mirrored inset wall captures the reflection of the French doors’ glass. Above the wall is a clever “found” stained glass panel that perfectly infills the stair landing’s wall and filters light into the stairwell. The vintage barber’s chair is now retired to its special place in the corner of the room. 

As I moved into the kitchen area, I realized the warm wood top of the island was made from reclaimed pine with a beautiful patina that accents the off-white cabinets. I admired the backsplash’s grid that echoed the house’s exterior walls, the granite countertop and the glass fronted parts of the upper cabinets.  

The stainless steel appliances, playful cabinet pulls that add a touch of whimsy and the geometric patterned rug complete the kitchen’s stylish look.

The second floor has a bedroom at the front of the house with the row of high square windows creating the perfect backdrop for accommodating a range of headboard heights. The built-in storage cupboards flanking a window seat provide ample storage. I especially liked the twig style wood nightstands, the serene colors of the peach and gray bed linens and the light green walls.

The second floor bath is accessed from the hall next to the front bedroom and does dual duty as a powder room for guests. I loved the contemporary touches of the translucent lavatory vessel bowls, the dark, sleek fittings and the fab tile in a truly inspired zig zag pattern that visually expands the space. Opposite the lavatory cabinets are the shower with a front glass wall and the closet for the stack washer and dryer. The window in the toilet compartment has both a frosted panel and a stained glass insert to provide both light and privacy.

The stairs from the second to the third floor opens onto this space that is a perfect office with a work table directly below a skylight for visual breaks from one’s computer. For breaks of another kind, a mini fridge and microwave in a corner are standing by.

As much as I admired the second floor bath, the third floor bath exceeded my expectations. I loved the interior architecture of the white high knee wall and the ceiling with a skylight, juxtaposed with the dark tones of the flooring, cabinetry, tub base and the black fixtures. (Who would have thought of a black toilet and tub) but here, both are in harmony with the interior design. I especially liked the tub surround’s irregular and cascading pebble cladding. The bathroom has pocket doors at each side wall for access from both bedrooms on this floor.

The front bedroom also has great interior architecture from the high knee walls and sloped side ceiling. The focal point of the huge round window beckoned me and as I stood before it, I appreciated how the top rail of the lower section of the thin blinds blocks the view of the road below so all I saw were the roofs and landscape of Rock Hall. The off white interior design and the round window is very Zen; even this light sleeper could imagine nodding off very quickly in this serene space. 

If I were a lucky guest, I would hope to claim this spacious bedroom with knee walls and sloped ceilings that create a calming sense of enclosure. With the adjacent deck, this space becomes an indoor-outdoor ensuite. There is ample sunlight from the skylight, single window and French doors that lead to the deck.

The deck becomes a warm weather sitting room for the third floor bedroom and on summer nights I would be tempted to set up a portable bed and sleep under the stars! 

Location in one of the Upper Shore’s most picturesque villages, close to the sandy beach along the Chesapeake Bay, Marina, shops and the famed Mainstay for live music. Stylish Craftsman/Contemporary architecture surrounded by lush gardens with fencing for privacy; coastal floor plan that begins with a ground floor three-car garage and workshop area; second level with the open plan living-dining-sunroom-kitchen, bedroom and bath/laundry; third level with two other spacious bedrooms, office area and hall bath. A full front porch for relaxing plus panoramic bird’s eye views of Swan Creek and wildlife in the marsh and Swan Creek from both the second floor’s sunroom and the third floor deck. This house offers both privacy and peace- as I walked through the rooms, I was struck by how quiet the house was, due to the 2 x 6 exterior walls and extra insulation. All this and a Rock Hall location too! 

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For more information about this property, contact Cindy Genther, 2024 Top Sales Producing Associate for the Bay Area Association of Realtors, at Rock Hall Properties Real Estate, 410-639-4003 (o), 443-480-1953, (c) or [email protected]. For more pictures and pricing, visit www.rockhallproperties.com ,  “Equal Housing Opportunity”.

Photography by Steve Buchanan Photography, 301- 996-7295

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.

When I moved to the Eastern Shore 21 years ago, I drove around to select a town in which I hoped to live. Claiborne became my first choice for several reasons; its mix of house styles, its village life and as a history buff, I was intrigued by its unique place in Talbot County’s history. From the wonderful reference book “Where Land and Water Intertwine”, I learned Claiborne once had a steamboat and railway terminal that served multiple ferry lines for transporting day trippers, vacationers, farm goods, etc., prior to 1952, when the first span of the Bay Bridge was built. The wood rail fence separates this property from the original parking lot for the ferries and the railroad.

“The Koast”, today’s featured property, was once the ticket office for the ferries. Before I went inside the house for my tour, I walked along Bayside Drive that had been the railroad track and soon the road became a grassy jetty where I saw remnants of the pilings that once supported the train shed. I made a mental note to return later for what must be spectacular sunsets over the Eastern Bay and the Chesapeake Bay. On that sunny day, I savored the water that glistened in the sunlight and the long vista of blue water that blended into the thin blue line of the far horizon of the Western Shore.  

A path of random sized stones leads to the cottage’s front entry stoop that faces west to the Eastern Bay and to the Chesapeake Bay.  Outdoor spaces of the private dock at the riprapped shoreline, the brick terrace with a hot tub, picnic table, wooden glider, Adirondack chairs and chaises are positioned throughout the lawn for sunset watching. 

The cottage has undergone several additions and was fully updated and renovated in 2012. Additions included a one-story sunroom, laundry and a carport that accommodates two cars. There is also an accessory structure that is sized for a single car garage but is currently used for storage.

The deep blue entry door opens into a spacious open plan living-dining area parallel with the shoreline with long windows offering water views. The white walls and ceiling reflect the sunlight over the beautiful original wood floors. 

The window at the side wall next to the fireplace was the original “ticket window” and was relocated next to the fireplace when the sunroom was added. The comfortable seating and the fireplace create a cozy space for watching TV. 

The living-dining area’s windows on three walls keep this space sunny throughout the day.  I admired the cedar chest that does dual duty as a coffee table like mine does-(great storage for DVD’s) and I loved the sofa’s blue and white fabric.  

The dining area can easily accommodate tables like this one that can expand for holidays or other family celebrations.  The blue accents of the living room are echoed by the stair wall and the kitchen partial height wall. Wood paneling at each end of the living and dining room area and the solid wood railing that leads to the second floor breaks up the white walls and adds texture.

The dining area’s corner location has windows on the two exterior walls for panoramic views of the water. The glass-fronted hutch compliments the one in the living room.  The wide wall opening above the blue partial height wall leads to the kitchen and the door next to the hutch leads to the sunroom for easy flow among the rooms. 

The kitchen’s wall opening is capped by a  wood ledge and stools to create  a breakfast bar. The beautiful wood floors stand out against the off-white cabinets, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances.  The tile backsplash continues the accents of blue throughout the house.

The kitchen’s “L” shape opposite a row of additional  cabinetry and the R/F has ample workspace. I admired how the tile backsplash continues to the underside of the ceiling.

The sunroom addition was offset from the exterior walls of the living-dining area so views from the lining-dining area’s windows were not impacted. The sunroom’s  long wrap-around windows offer panoramic views of the water. The row of high ribbon windows bring in additional sunlight without compromising the placement of art on the wall. 

Sunrooms are usually my fave rooms and this charming room with the craftsman style rocker, cozy seating and work area could keep me captive all day. The off- white walls and ceiling make the room seem larger than it is and reflects the  sunlight. The diagonal vista through the large picture window to the water was mesmerizing.  The electric fireplace adds extra warmth when needed and the exterior door gives direct access to the waterside yard.

Between the kitchen and the carport is the laundry/mudroom with an exterior door to the carport for convenience of unloading groceries. As the Weekend Wine Woman at Piazza, I was pleased to see the well-stocked wine rack!

 

 

Compact cottages don’t often have a main floor bedroom so this charming bedroom off the living room is a bonus for aging in place.  The white beadboard closets along the side wall add texture and I admired how the side walls of the closets are angled to maximize the amount of sunlight to penetrate the room from the window.  I also appreciated how the light blue color of the other walls extended onto the ceiling to accentuate the geometry of the closet wall. The blue and white color scheme with the bed linens and the patterned upholstered chair creates a serene retreat.

The vibrant blue and white pattern mixes of wallpaper, shower curtain and window treatment enliven the bathroom. The wood design of the lavatory continues the cottage theme and the high window provides privacy. One door opens into the main floor bedroom and the other door opens into the short hall by the stairs to the second floor.  

The stairs to the second floor open to story and a half, three bay layout with  single dormer windows in each bay offering water views. The knee walls clad in white beadboard blend into the other white walls and ceiling to create charming interior architecture. The deep slate blue side wall is both an accent wall and also a backdrop for art. This space is currently used as an office but it could be a playroom or teen space for older children.

This spacious bedroom would please any guest and the knee walls are higher for built-in storage. I admired the mix of patterns of the wallpaper and the bedspread and the wood piece that acts as a headboard. The blue shades of the nightstand, chest of drawers in the rear dormer and the rocking chair complete this stylish retreat. 

The second floor bath is a half bath tucked into the other single window dormer off the office/sitting room.  As an architect, I believe the two single dormers could be revised to become one shed dormer. The shed dormer would connect the storage space under the eaves to the existing dormers so a  “Jack and Jill” full bath with access from both bedrooms could be designed. 

In addition to the front single window dormer, the other bedroom has a large window in the side gable wall for long views to the water. The two closets at the rear wall of the room provide storage for office needs. If another bedroom is needed, the bed could be placed at the front of the room for water views from both windows. 

Cottages are one of my fave architectural styles for their compact floor plans and cozy spaces. Add a site with stunning water views across the Chesapeake Bay, combined with a fully renovated house that is an important part of Talbot County’s history and you have an irresistible opportunity to become the next steward of this historic property!

 

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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]
Historic photograph from the 2-24-23 Talbot Spy article “Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Catching the Train Out of Claiborne”, with the photograph provided by Nancy Aldrich.
“Where Land and Water Intertwine”, An Architectural History of Talbot County, Maryland, by Christopher Weeks, with contributions by Michael O. Bourne, John Frazier, Jr., Marsha L. Fritz and Geoffrey Henry; published by the Johns Hopkins University Press and the Maryland Historical Trust.
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 unique property is nestled in a setting of mature trees and lush landscaping that gives it privacy from the main road. The original two-story, three room house’s first owner was probably a waterman and there are views of Dogwood Harbor from the rear of the property. The house dates from the early 1900’s and has undergone extensive renovations through the years, without compromising its historic character that gives it so much charm. The addition of the front entry both breaks up the massing and provides space for a foyer, coat closet and powder room. 

As I walked around the property, I admired additions by previous owners that enhanced the house’s original footprint. The family room addition with window walls on three sides has panoramic  views of the landscaping and the canopy of mature trees provide shade. The stack of firewood becomes a natural fence along the gravel drive.

The paved terrace off the family room is a delightful outdoor room, surrounded by layers of landscaping. The purple bench and blue umbrella provide accents of color until the spring blooms appear. The covered grille patiently awaits its service for al-fresco dining during the warmer months to come. 

My fave elevation is the rear elevation that shows the very appealing massing of the original two-story house and the additions of the family room and the sunroom. Multiple windows offer views of the landscaping and long views of Dogwood Harbor. I admired how the exterior color palette of shades of green cleverly enables the house to become one with the landscape and how the landscape design’s layers begins with the base of pachysandra below flowering bushes curving outward from the birdbath. 

From the house, a path of large random stones meanders through the deep rear yard past the garage/boat shed. The shed has been updated with water and electric and offers myriad uses of a workshop, studio, etc. The stone pavers end at another outdoor room of a circular terrace with light green chairs for relaxing en plein air. 

As much as I enjoyed walking around the lush landscaping, I eagerly anticipated experiencing the house’s interiors for its array of artisanal crafts, since my mother’s membership in the Southern Highlands Craft Guild inculcated a love of crafts in me from a young age.  As I walked into the foyer, I was immediately  enchanted by an array of visual delights from the painted canvas floor coverings, ceramic umbrella stand, bow front chest with a folk sculpture, framed art, to the painted metal sconces. I loved the vista from the front door up the steps of multicolored painted risers accented by swimming fish, that ends at a four paneled white with green panels. I especially admired the accent color of the stairwell’s walls and the vistas of the adjacent rooms through the framed opening in the foyer wall.

The living room has ample sunlight from the double-unit window on the side wall and the front single window. The beautiful  original wood floors, light green walls, colorful rug that anchors the seating of the sofa, rattan chairs that add texture, wood furnishings and framed art that gives perspective to the wall creates an inviting room for relaxing. 

Instead of halls, the circulation space is absorbed into the open plan layout of the house that begins with the living room and its glimpses of the other rooms. I especially liked the opening to the adjacent family room that was a window on the original exterior wall. Standing there, I could see through the family room’s window wall to the landscape beyond. I also admired the collection of blue and white Chinoiserie pieces in the antique secretary. 

My fave room is the family room addition with its accents of pink, for in color psychology, pink induces feelings of calmness and nurturing. I loved the cozy enclosure created by the pitched ceiling with slender tie rods and skylights and the wrap-around long windows. The vintage free-standing wood stove becomes a sculptural element and is centered on a glazing mullion so the view of the landscape is unobstructed.  I loved the craftsmanship of the floor lamp and the painted wood animals on the interior “window”  below the giant fish. The quintet of tall Japanese lamps and the skylights must make this space absolutely enchanting at night.

The spacious family room has cross vistas to the dining room and kitchen as well as a glimpse of the primary bedroom’s balcony above.

The dining room is defined by a column at one corner and two walls of art and wood furnishings. I was very pleased to see on the rear wall of art a small Sicilian ceramic flat ornament that is identical to the one I bought from my sister’s shop, Simpatico. The dining room’s size easily accommodates family dinners or additional tables for entertaining or holiday celebrations. 

The “U” shaped kitchen is located in the original part of the house with vistas to the dining and family rooms. I collect Oaxacan colorful wood carvings of animals so I was enchanted by these colorful animals facing the mermaid in the center of the fireplace mantel and the artisan metal animal sculpture on the hearth. The door next to the pig peeking out from the wall leads to a long pantry so upper cabinets in the kitchen can be minimized and the cooks’ views are maximized.

The  sunroom at the rear of the house is a four-season room with panoramic views of the lush landscape. The sloped ceiling provides just the right amount of cozy enclosure and clever space for a bookshelf at the side wall. I admired the vertical wood paneling painted in light green and the eclectic mix of furnishings that creates a cozy spot for relaxation. 

The stairs lead to the second floor’s two bedrooms, one bath and the laundry alcove. The primary bedroom has great interior architecture from the side gable wall, the high knee wall behind the bed and the skylights.  I appreciated how the slight slope of the ceiling behind the bed was painted the wall color, not the white ceiling color, so the side walls end equally at the gable wall. 

The wood bedposts maintain the spatial volume of the room and I admired the crocheted bedspread that reminded me on the one I have in my guest room that was the handiwork of my great-grandmother. If one did not want the balcony railing overlooking the rooms below, it would be relatively easy to extend the primary bedroom’s floor to create a low knee wall below the skylights.

This large bathroom off the hall currently serves both bedrooms. Next to this space is a long walk-in closet off the primary bedroom that could be divided into  to a full bath and closet space for a primary bedroom ensuite.

I would welcome being a guest in this charming and colorful bedroom. The interior design of the rug’s stenciled pattern, the texture of the matchstick window treatments, the fish artwork that picks up the colors of the bedspread and the artisan accents of the fish sculpture, the chair, and the sinuous iron towel rack creates a unique space. The oversized upholstered chaise is the perfect spot for reading a book before bedtime.

This exquisite Tilghman Treasure gets an A+ for exceeding my selection criteria of site, architecture, interiors and landscaping. The combination of  Eastern Shore vernacular architecture and interior renovations without sacrificing the original details and materials creates a very unique home. All the major upgrades (roofing, windows, HVAC, crawl space, etc.), have been done. My compliments to the Owners for their stylish and imaginative interiors that are filled with color, art and artisanal crafts that gives their house such personality-Bravo and Brava!

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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 Truplace, www.truplace.com,  (301) 972-3201

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 is always gratifying for me to see an older house in need of renovation to be given a new life through renovation/restoration. This house’s eclectic mix of styles of its Victorian shape, 2/2 windows, full front porch and the Queen Anne accents of the multiple gables and the tower gives this house charming curb appeal. 

This is the second time I have featured a house by this developer and once again his attention to preserving historic features combined with the quality of new workmanship has produced  another gem. The house is set back from the Bozman-Neavitt corridor on a quiet dead-end street containing only seven properties. Behind the house at the rear of the property are two outbuildings; one small shed and a larger one offering myriad uses-a single car garage, workshop, office/studio, etc.

The facades of the one room wide, two to three rooms deep house are outlined with white corner boards that contrast with the mix of new light gray shake and lap siding for texture. The slight offset in plan breaks up the side façade and I especially liked how the original diamond patterned shake siding that infills the gables has been preserved. The accent of the red metal roof is a cheerful finishing touch.

I admired how the side elevation highlights the tower with its flared eaves and how the massing steps down from the main gable roof with very low sloped roofs at this side. The outdoor rooms of the full front porch and the wide steps at the pair of sliding doors overlook the deep side yard. As I stood on the steps, I saw glimpses of nearby Harris Creek and the steps could perhaps be modified to become a deck for al-fresco dining. As I walked around the side yard, I discovered another glimpse of Harris Creek at a spot that could be perfect for a gazebo for closer proximity to the water.

After strolling around the 1.03 +/- acre site, I walked up to the front porch whose depth could easily accommodate a swing at the side and other seating. I admired the texture and low exposure of the original siding and the blue accents of the half French/half paneled door and sidelights below a full transom.

The front door opens into the stair hall with a closet wall defining a foyer that provides a windbreak. The beautiful engineered wide plank wood floors flow throughout the first floor rooms and the tall light gray  walls both accentuate the color of the floors and also reflect the sunlight from the new large windows.

As I walked around the corner of the foyer’s closet, the full extent of the first floor’s transformation unfolded. A dropped soffit cleverly defines the living room’s edge of the open plan area and also hides the HVAC. Two wall openings offer views of the kitchen and dining areas.

The large windows reach to the underside of the ceiling molding. On the day of my visit, sunlight poured through two front and side windows of the living room and was reflected in the white ceiling and light gray walls.  The house has been partially staged but this spacious room could easily accommodate more seating.

I love diagonal vistas and this one from the corner of the living room shows the vista that creates the living-dining-kitchen open plan for great flow among the spaces. The diagonal wall at the stairs creates space for a powder room under the stairs and lessens its protrusion into the living area.  My visit timing was perfect since the angled wall also catches the reflection of one of the front door’s sidelights!

The pantry in the corner and the dropped soffit define the spacious dining area whose length could easily accommodate a longer table for family celebrations or entertaining. The pair of sliders creates a transparent wall of glass for long views to the side yard with its edges of mature landscaping for privacy.

The galley kitchen with a large island layout extends the full length of the space.  In addition to the dining area’s pair of sliders, two windows on the side wall of the kitchen and the double-unit window in the rear wall keep this space sunny and bright throughout the day.  

The cabinets and veined quartz countertops blend into the white walls to maintain the spatial volume and the stainless steel appliances complete this stylish kitchen’s design. The island’s long countertop with an overhang for bar stools can also be a buffet for entertaining.

I admired the decorative touches of the textured tile backsplash in a muted accent color and the sleek cabinet hardware. I especially liked the large transparent pendant lighting over the island that disappears into the space. 

The stairs to the second floor lead to a double loaded hall between two bedroom ensuites, another bedroom, a hall bath and laundry. This primary bedroom ensuite is located at the front corner of the house. The high windows along the side wall makes its easy for one to have a tall headboard for a bed. The front windows offer peaceful views of the historic church and its cemetery and the windows’ lengths allow sunlight to fully penetrate the room.

The primary bath is located over the foyer below and the neutral finishes await one’s choice of towels and accessories.  I especially liked the details of  the tiny polygonal tiles in various shades of gray and the white grout that accentuated the tiles’ shapes; the sleek lavatory fitting and the door hardware. 

The same tile is repeated in the shower area with its tiled walls of white and gray shades.

This bedroom at the rear corner of the house also has an ensuite bath. The single windows at each exterior wall of the bedroom offer sunlight and views of the landscape. 

The rear bedroom’s bath’s shower spans the width of the room to visually enlarge the space and has the same wall and floor finishes as the primary bath. The recessed storage shelf is handy and the window in the shower for daylight is a plus. I  especially liked the texture of the lavatory cabinet and the towel with its polygonal design that cleverly echoes the floor tile shape.

Wonderful transformation of a 1900’s house with upgrades from 2024. The 1.03 acre property has two outbuildings, one of which could have myriad uses- a single car garage, workshop, studio, etc. and the spacious side yard has glimpses of nearby Harris Creek. Charming architectural style, outdoor rooms of the full front porch and side wide steps; main floor open plan with high ceilings, beautiful floors, tall windows for abundant sunlight, gourmet kitchen, three bedrooms and three baths (two ensuites). All this and close proximity to the amenities of St. Michaels!

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For more information about this property, contact Debra Crouch with Benson and Mangold Real Estate at 410-745-0415 (o), 410-924-0771 (c) or  [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit  www.debracrouch.bensonandmangold.com ,  “Equal Housing Opportunity”. 

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

Developer: QB Properties, LLC, 703-628-9015

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 street in Chestertown’s Historic District has been featured many times for its gems and the middle house in this colorful streetscape is today’s feature. When the current Owners bought the house, they had been told the three houses were built by a father for each of his daughters, so they would be close to his house further up the street. 

The house’s appealing eclectic look begins with the Victorian touches of the  full porch’s very low sloped roof supported by turned columns with chamfered bases and tops and the 2/2 windows; the Italianate details of the porch’s exposed eave brackets and the double arched top windows at the attic level;  and the piece de resistance is the unusual roof shape of the single dormer that reminded me of a Tudor lady’s mantle. Great details that create great curb appeal!    

The houses are aligned with each other so the porches encourage interactions with neighbors and plantings add some privacy. The white furnishings of the porch swing and Adirondack chairs stand out against the blue floor to create a cozy seating group and the Victorian front door’s fretwork adds texture to the space. 

The slight offset in the truncated “L” shape of the one room wide, five rooms deep house enables windows at the front part of the house to have long views of the side  and rear terraces. The arched arbor separates the side “service” area for HVAC equipment and storage for bikes from the rear terrace, accessed by the house’s side door that is protected by the low sloped roof with brackets.

The fully fenced, low maintenance yard, enhanced by mature trees for shade and other greenery, ends at the alley with parking for two cars. The yard’s spaciousness provides a safe area for children’s play, exercise for the family pet or for simply relaxing in this private outdoor room or the other terrace when spring has once again awakened the beauty of the garden. 

The front door opens into a hallway with vistas through doorways to both the living  room at the side wall and dining room at the end of the hall. My old farmhouse has shallow treads and high risers so I especially liked these deeper wood treads accented by white risers. The exquisite carved newel post introduces the wood balustrade with painted pickets and stained cap rail that extends to the third floor. The white walls highlight the beautiful wood floors found throughout the house. Behind the first part of the stairs, a sloped ceiling creates an alcove off the hall that could be fitted with cubbies, hall tree for coats, hunt table, etc. The period detail of the doorways’ fluted jambs adds texture to the white walls.

The living room’s white walls reflect the sunlight from the two front windows and one rear window and the white shutters over the bottom portion of the window can be adjusted for seated privacy when needed.  The room’s period details includes picture molding around the perimeter of the room and the rosette trim at the corner of each window. The mix of white and floral upholstered pieces and the artwork that adds perspective to the wall creates a charming room for relaxation. 

The focal point of the living room is the angled fireplace with a surround of deep gray soapstone panels with subtle Arts & Crafts decorative carvings. The mirror over the fireplace becomes another window and catches the reflection of the artwork over the sofa. The doorway next to the fireplace leads to the dining room.

The spacious dining room’s fireplace between the doorways matches the living room’s fireplace. The perimeter of the light colored neutral walls are detailed with picture molding and a chair rail interrupted by the two side windows opposite a single window. The size of the room easily accommodates this table for six but the room’s length could also accommodate a longer table for family holidays or entertaining.

Behind the dining room is a short hall opposite this full bathroom. I loved the period touches of the basket weave tile floor and the pedestal sink juxtaposed with the contemporary design of the shower’s tiled wall and non-slip pebble flooring. The shower’s glass door that spans the width of the rear wall expands the space visually. The stylish black accents  of the shower frame, fittings, free standing storage unit with a glass front and side and accessories create an updated and very stylish bathroom. The finishing touch is the window with its diamond patterned leaded and stained glass design that the Owners commissioned from a stained glass workshop in Baltimore.

There is a direct vista from the kitchen to the living room through the dining room’s doorways that are aligned with each other. The kitchen’s bright blue walls, the red accent of the lamp on top of the wood breakfast bar and the stainless steel appliances stand out against the bright white of the cabinetry and the dark quartz countertops. Instead of a full backsplash, the wall between the base and upper cabinets is enhanced by a row of miniature artwork.  These original watercolors are the work of notable local artist Marcy Dunn Ramsey, whose work can also be found in Chestertown’s Watershed restaurant and other locations.

The glass fronted and backlit upper cabinets both highlight the colorful pieces within and also minimize the mass of the cabinets. The accent blue wall leads to the rear room of the house.

This multi-purpose room that overlooks the rear yard has potential for several uses as a TV room with a sofa bed for extra guests, office, or a main floor bedroom. The wide window offers panoramic views of the yard and the urban landscape beyond. 

Removing the side exterior door would give privacy to this room if a main floor bedroom is desired. Adding a small space off the kitchen’s exterior wall and relocating both the exterior door and the stack W/D from this room’s closet would allow the former W/D space to become a closet for a main floor bedroom. 

The stairs from the main floor end at a dual landing with one hall continuing past the guest bedrooms along the side of the house. Another short hall leads both to the spacious primary bedroom and to another run of stairs to the third floor. The primary bedroom is located over the living room below and its closet is carved out of one back corner of the room. Placing the rod for the window treatments at the ceiling’s edge maintains the spatial volume of the room.

This flexible space has doors to both the primary bedroom and also to the hall so it could easily become another guest bedroom, office as shown, a family room or renovated to become a bathroom and walk-in closet for a primary ensuite. The hall door is opposite the window in the hall and with the two windows at the exterior of this room, the space has ample sunlight.

The hall bath has been as stylishly renovated as the main floor’s bathroom’s transformation. Gone are the days of platform Jacuzzis-my architectural clients want both a soaking tub and shower and the wall mounted rain shower head  here solves both wants. The white beadboard wainscot flows seamlessly around the room below the window sill and the top of the lavatory cabinet. The soothing light aqua walls and the wood accents of the mirror’s frame, the sconces and the towel hooks are perfect finishing touches.

At the rear of second floor is another bedroom and it reminded me of my guest bedroom with its white iron frame and light aqua walls. The large rug adds color and the white shutters that cover the lower parts of  the two windows add privacy. The rocking chair next to a well-stocked bookcase provides opportunities for reading before bedtime.

I envied the stairs to the third floor attic space since the access to my attic is only a pull-down stair!  I was very pleasantly surprised to find what awaited me as I reached the top step.

The stairs opened into this spacious bonus room with delightful interior architecture from the low knee walls, the side gable wall and the front dormer with the bright white walls and ceiling reflecting the sunlight from the windows. The worktable placed under the dormer windows with bird’s eye views of the urban roofscapes and treetops gives one a break from work when needed. Painting the floor, side wall and millwork the aqua color was an inspired choice!

 

This historic gem offers an irresistible combination of charming eclectic architecture and  interior period details including wood floors, stair balustrade with exquisite carved newel posts, moldings and two fireplaces with the stylish updated bathrooms and the kitchen that would please any chef. Large windows fill the rooms with sunlight that is reflected off the white or light colored walls.  The outdoor rooms of the full front porch for interacting with neighbors and the private fenced rear yard for family fun with two brick terraces enhanced by mature trees and lush greenery are perfect spots for relaxing at the end of the day. The house’s flexible room layout offers the potential for a main floor bedroom or a second floor primary ensuite. The staircase ends at a “bonus room” that offers myriad possibilities-office, studio, playroom, or teen gathering space with bird’s eye views of the rooftops and mature trees of downtown Chestertown. Wonderful renovation and bravo for the bold color choices!

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For more information about this property, contact Andy Alderdice at Long and Foster Real Estate, 240-497-1700 (o), 301-466-5898 (c), or [email protected]. For more pictures and pricing, visit www.andy4homes.com ,“Equal Housing Opportunity”.

Photography by TruPlace, 301-972-3201

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.