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June 22, 2025

Centreville Spy

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Food and Garden Notes

Wine of the Week: Dardinello Sicilia DOC Zibibbo 2023

June 20, 2025 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

Ciao Tutti!

Last month at Piazza Italian Market, we tasted a dry white wine from one of my fave Sicilian wineries, Cantina Assuli, located in  the far NW part of Sicily. Recently, Emily and I tasted another of their white wines, the Dardinello Sicilia DOC Zibibbo 2023 ( $15.99, 12.5% ABV), which we will be tasting this weekend. “Zibibbo” is Arabic for “raisin” as Sicily is closer to Africa than it is to mainland Italy. In Sicily, “Zibibbo” is the name given to the Muscat of Alexandria grape variety, which is eaten fresh, dried into raisins or vinified into sweet or dry wines. 

Dardinello Sicilia DOC Zibibbo 2023 ( $15.99, 12.5% ABV)

Like Assuli’s other artistic and imaginative labels, “Dardinello” is the brave and courageous Saracen knight who was killed by the character Rinaldo in Ludovico Ariosto’s epic poem Orlando Furioso that was later turned into an opera. 

Assuli’s 130 hectares of vineyards are near Trapani on the Mediterranean Sea

Assuli’s 130 hectares of vineyards are near Trapani on the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps like no other region of Italy, Sicily’s unique climate relentless sun, breezes scented by the Sea and the intense minerality of the soil combine to impart a distinctive taste to its  wines, under the watchful eye of Assuli’s Winemaker Lorenzo Landi. 

Assuli is now managed by the third generation of the Caruso family. Their portfolio of 100 organic indigenous grape varieties includes Grillo, Insolia, Lucido, Nero d’Avola, Perricone, Syrah and Zibibbo.  

What I like about Zibibbo is its freshness, notes of peach and other citrus fruits, and its balance of both minerality and salinity.  Not surprisingly, Zibibbo’s best pairings are seafood, especially shellfish and grilled fish as well as Piazza’s Brie and Camembert cheeses. Come in from the forecasted weekend heat and join me Friday from noon to 5:45 or Saturday from noon to 4:45 to enjoy a taste of this refreshing white wine!

Cin Cin!

Jenn

Piazza Italian Market is located in the Talbot Town Shopping Center at 218 N. Washington St., suite 23, in Easton, MD.


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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Food and Garden Notes

Design with Jenn Martella: Dutch Colonial Gem

June 19, 2025 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

Mature landscaping frames the Dutch Colonial gambrel roof and flared eaves

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.    

 

Brick foundation contrasts beautifully with layered siding and shutters.

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.

Gambrel eaves blend effortlessly with dormer and porch roof lines.

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.

Privacy enhanced by fencing and tulip poplar canopy in the rear yard.

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.  

Deck provides seamless connection to landscaping and outdoor relaxation.

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.  

Front porch depth enhances functionality while complementing earthy tones.

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. 

Frosted glass sidelights pair with woodwork and radiant natural light.

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.  

Elliptical arch adds architectural elegance to the living room entryway.

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. 

Dual arches frame dynamic sightlines connecting living spaces.

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. 

Pressed tin ceiling adds vintage charm atop bold red walls.

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. 

 

Granite counters meet vintage hardware in this eclectic culinary space.

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.

Compact laundry layout opens directly to the deck and rear yard.

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.

Butter yellow walls highlight original moldings and five-panel doors.

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.

Landscape views harmonize with blue accents and quilt design details.

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.

Recessed shelves and cabinetry optimize storage without crowding space.

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.

Double closets flank arched window seat overlooking mature trees.

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.

 

Expansive bonus room with knee-wall storage and sunny skylight.

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. 

Open parkland with panoramic views, sports facilities, and recreation.

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!


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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Design with Jenn Martella

Wine of the Week: Verdicchio Di Matelica DOC

June 13, 2025 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

Ciao Tutti!

This weekend, we will taste a new wine to our collection, the Verdicchio Di Matelica DOC ($19.50, 13% ABV) from the Societa Agricola Bisci winery in the commune of Matelica, Le Marche. The Wine Expert Ian D’Agata, who wrote the tome “The Native Grapes of Italy” considers Verdicchio to be the greatest white grape in all of Italy. It is a rare grape that is indigenous to Le Marche with miniscule quantities grown in Argentina and Brazil.

Le Marche, between Umbria and the Adriatic Sea, is five times longer than it is wide. Matelica enjoys a distinctive microclimate of ample sunlight, constant breezes and dry nights due to its setting in the Alta Valle dell’ Escino, the only valley in Le Marche that lies parallel to the Adriatic Sea, nestled between the Natural Park Monte San Vicino and the towering Sibillini Mountains.

Bisci was founded in 1972 and contains 25 hectares, 18 of which are planted with Verdicchio grapes. Bisci is now run by the second generation, brothers Mauro and Tito. 1998 was their first vintage from vines dating from 1978 and in 2019 the first certified organic wines were produced. Their Verdicchio di Matelica’s award winning vintages were 2008, 2011, 2016 and 2019. In 2018, Gambero Rosso chose the Verdicchio di Matelica 2018 as its Tre Bicchieri winner.

Emily and I tasted this Verdicchio with our rep recently and we liked it for its clear scents of peach and white flowers, fresh taste and good balance, with the bitter note in the finish that is characteristic of this grape. This is a great aperitivo for summer evenings, with Piazza’s Marcona almonds, prosciutto and aged cheeses, or pair it with fish or white meat ntrees.

Come join me Friday from noon to 5:45 or Saturday from noon to 4:45 to taste this fascinating white wine!

Cin Cin!

Jenn


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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Food and Garden Notes

Design with Jenn Martella: Farmhouse Meets Modern 

June 12, 2025 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

Long, tree-lined driveway curves gently, unveiling the farmhouse’s timeless façade framed by lush greenery.

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! 

Gabled roofs and varied one-story structures create a captivating blend of compact yet dynamic architecture.

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.  

A towering magnolia anchors the rear, seamlessly connecting indoor spaces to the thoughtful landscape.

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. 

A serene brick terrace borders raised gardens and ivy-clad walls, blending nature with functionality.

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.

Landscape opens to sweeping farm views, creating a natural connection between home and countryside.

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. 

A carefully curated entry sets the stage for iconic mid-century furnishings in the living room beyond.

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.  

Muted textures and bold designs highlight the dynamic interplay of geometry and color in the space.

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.  

 

A creative corridor view reveals an eclectic mix of artwork that punctuates the calming white interiors.

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

Layered architectural elements showcase integrated shelving and design icons in every direction.

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.  

Sleek, handcrafted furniture blends tradition with modern craft in this inviting dining space.

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!

Wide doorways create fluid connections between spaces, enhancing flow and versatility.

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. 

Custom cabinetry and plush seating balance craftsmanship with cozy design in a media-filled nook.

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. 

Light pours into the reading corner where furniture frames views of the tranquil outdoor scenery.

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.   

Refined geometry meets functionality with streamlined details and contrasting cabinetry finishes.

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.  

Character-filled, retro cabinetry is framed by added arches and pendant lighting for subtle updates.

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.  

A landing with “T” connections offers opportunity for future expansion, bathed in soft natural light.

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.

 

Expansive windows flood this retreat with light, complemented by artisanal furniture and vibrant accents.

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.  

Thoughtful details like wainscoting and open shelves maximize utility and create visual interest.

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.  

High shelving and colorful accents bring playful energy to this cozy guest retreat with sweeping views.

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.

Exposed beams and artisan touches make this private guest sanctuary a perfect blend of character and calm.

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!  


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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Design with Jenn Martella

Wine of the Week: La Lupinella Superiore DOCG

June 6, 2025 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

Ciao Tutti!

This weekend at Piazza Italian Market,we will taste a new wine to our collection, the La Lupinella Superiore DOCG ($21.50, 13.5 ABV) from the Bitossi Winery’s Sant’ Ansano vineyard in Toscana. This wine area contains the Montalbano Hills and has long enjoyed a reputation for producing great wine that led to its being recognized as early as 1796 as a prestigious wine area.  “Lupinella”  is named for a local wildflower and the eye-catching label was designed by an American artist, Don Carney. The “Lupa” (wolf) image pays homage to . the legendary she wolf. In Roman mythology, she rescued the twins Romulus and Remus who were abandoned in the Tiber River and nursed them until a shepherd found and raised them. The twins grew up to found the city of Rome. 

La Lupinella Superiore DOCG ($21.50, 13.5 ABV) from the Bitossi Winery’s Sant’ Ansano vineyard in Toscana

The Bitossi family has been in Toscana since the 16th century where they first became renowned ceramic artisans. The clay soil of their land is the common denominator of both the raw material that is spun to create their ceramics and the amphoras in which their wines are now made. Artist Don Carney also designed several tile patterns for the family. I have several pieces of Italian ceramics so I was fascinated to learn that since the early 1920’s, some of the most important Italian and international designers such as Aldo Londi and Ettore Sottsass have collaborated with Bitossi in their laboratories in Montelupo Fiorentino.

In the late 1970’s,Vittoriano Bitossi acquired parcels of land SW of Florence that would become his vineyards, in the commune of Vinci (birthplace of Leonardo). Like many other winemakers, he began making wine for his family and for local consumption until the mid-1990s when Bitossi sought distributors and importers for their wines. 

Today, Owner Marco Bitossi and Winemaker Manuela Marzi work their 10 hectares in Montespertoli and 2 hectares in Sant’Ansano. Their vineyards of Canailolo, Colorino, Sangiovese and Trebbiano are certified organic and their annual production is 2500 cases. Emily and I tasted La Lupinella recently and we liked its aromas of fresh red berries, its medium body, light tannins and long finish. La Lupinella is named “Rossa” for its variety of grapes including Sangiovese (85%),Canaiolo (15%) and Trebbiano (5%). 

We thought it was a refreshing take on Sangiovese so come join me on Friday from noon to 5:45 and Saturday from noon to 4:45 to see if you agree!

Cin Cin!

Jenn


Piazza Italian Market is located in the Talbot Town Shopping Center at 218 N. Washington St., suite 23, in Easton, MD.

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Food and Garden Notes

Design with Jenn Martella: Pin Oak House

June 5, 2025 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

Symmetrical elegance and Federal-style details frame the iconic silhouette of “George.”

The streets surrounding Idlewild Park contain a variety of  house styles including this distinguished Federal style house on its deep corner lot. Elements of the Federal style that are found in this house include its five-bay symmetrical  arrangement of both horizontal and vertical rows of 6/6 windows and shutters surrounding the fanlight over the door in a shallow entry vestibule. The main house was built in 1948 and with a one-story sunroom at one side.  

Each week on my way to choir practice at SSPP Church, as I drove past this stately whitewashed brick house, I admired its setting with an ivy-covered iron fence along the Town sidewalk and the towering presence of the majestic “Grand Campion Pin Oak” of Talbot County. The Owners nicknamed the tree “George,” and the spread of his canopy extends over half of the street! At night, recently installed uplighting at the property’s front and back yards adds drama to the nocturnal facades.

Layered landscaping unfolds beneath the graceful canopy of “Martha,” embracing hardscaped geometry.

The deep rear yard contains both hardscape and landscape, including  a smaller Pin Oak the Owners named “Martha” for they imagined her arms were reaching out to “George” and a large crape myrtle whose summer blooms are not far away.  Gardeners would be enchanted by the plantings including irises and tulips, the fragrance of honeysuckle and the gentle sound of the koi pond’s waterfall.  On the day of my visit, I admired the shadows of the trees’ limbs that overlap the joints of the hardscape’s joints. The openness of the terrace’s outdoor room is balanced by the screened enclosure of the gazebo with its long vista over the garden to the house. The property’s bonuses are the storage outbuilding at the rear of the property and off-street parking for three cars, accessed from the side street. 

Behind the red front door, harmonious vistas and precise architectural flow through the center hall plan.

A red door signifies welcome, safety and prosperity and this house’s red door opens to multiple vistas from the entry vestibule that clearly define the center hall floor plan for  easy flow among the rooms. On either side of the door are newly installed custom closets with wood doors, crown molding and the sisal stair runner. The light gray walls and crisp white trim are discrete backdrops for the Owners’ furnishings of antiques and other pieces.

 

Refined symmetry meets warmth with bespoke millwork and the timeless charm of a wood-burning hearth.

The wide wall opening at one side wall of the foyer frames the view of the spacious living room that spans the full depth of the house. I admired how the furnishings’ upholstery picked up colors from the beautiful Oriental rug over the refinished original wood floors. The working wood burning fireplace adds ambiance during winter evenings between the bespoke millwork for one’s display of family photos, books, collectibles, etc. The French door leads to the adjacent family room. 

Grasscloth walls, wide windows, and rich brick ground this cozy retreat in its history

Since the family room’s exposed foundation was brick and the wall cladding is siding, this room might have originally been an open porch with a brick floor. Now the earth tone of the grasscloth wall covering creates a cozy spot for watching TV or for unwinding after one’s workday. The plantation shutters over the wide windows provide privacy or filtered sunlight.

Glass-paneled views lend versatility to this space for games, dining, or endless garden gazes.

The rear wall of the family room has a glass paneled door with steps to the rear landscaped and hardscaped yard. The table and chairs can be an informal dining space or space for board games, cards or my fave, puzzles.  As I stood in front of the wide window opening in the original brick wall of the house, I savored the long vista through the living room, past the powder room, and ending at the kitchen.

Antique grace meets architectural precision beneath the glow of a crystal chandelier.

I made my way back to the foyer to its other wide wall opening into the exquisite dining room filled with antiques including the graceful oval wood table and Queen Anne chairs below the period crystal chandelier. Another large and beautiful Oriental rug anchors the tables and chairs. 

Mahogany details shine against brocade-inspired walls, echoing timeless elegance for gatherings.

I especially admired the dining room’s stunning mahogany breakfront with silver pieces glistening behind the glass doors. The wood wainscot and the Thibaut wallpaper whose pattern resembles brocade wraps around the room to create an elegant setting for memorable meals. The finishing touches of the custom window treatments blend into the wallpaper for a unifying look.

Sleek granite countertops and stainless appliances redefine this historic kitchen for a gourmet future.

Previous Owners had remodeled the kitchen with tile flooring, wood cabinets and granite countertops. The dual ovens, gas stove, island cooktop and stainless appliances are ready to please the next gourmet cook. The side door opens into a short hall past the powder room to the living room.

Thoughtfully contrasted cabinetry frames functional beauty with garden views.

The island’s color contrasts with the other wood cabinets and the overhang at the edge provides space for breakfast or snacks. The window over the sink overlooks the landscaped side yard.

A pet-friendly entrance harmonizes mudroom utility with backyard vistas through French doors.

At the rear of the kitchen is a cozy area with a half French/half paneled  door with a view of “Martha”. The pet door insert for the family dogs allows them to freely access the large fenced back yard for their daily exercise. The door is also the primary access from the parking area so the space is a combo mud room/breakfast room with a wall mounted rack for jackets and coats and a chest of drawers for storage. The wood table and bentwood chairs creates a restful spot for that second cup of morning coffee. Opposite this area is a wet bar/coffee bar, conveniently located  for outdoor entertaining. 

Vintage charm and period-inspired design transform the first-floor powder room into a refined functional corner.

The main floor’s powder room has privacy from its location on the hall between the living room and the kitchen. The vintage pieces of both the nightstand that has a new life as a lavatory and the towel rack, the white wainscot and light blue walls create a delightful period -inspired space. 

A sunlit nook creates architectural utility with scenic views over lush landscapes.

The combo of the stairs that lead to the second floor and the hall width to the guest bedrooms creates a wide nook with a window overlooking the rear yard’s landscaping. The nook has myriad uses but this mini-office is perfect for a household that needs two office areas.

Expansive dimensions accommodate antique craftsmanship, defining serenity within elegant simplicity.

The second floor also contains three bedrooms and two baths. The corner primary bedroom spans the full depth of the house. The room’s spacious size easily accommodates the scale of the antique furnishings and I especially admired the beautiful bed frame with its four posts with an arched headboard. The door at the corner leads to a walk-in closet next to the primary bath at the front of the house. This buffer from traffic on the street creates a serene space for sleep.

Delicate toile wallpaper and carefully chosen repurposed pieces elevate this space with a designer’s touch.

I loved the primary bath’s designer toile wallpaper with its pattern of flying dragonflies that stretches the space. A former sideboard now has a new life as a stylish lavatory and the tile flooring’s color complements the wallpaper. The plantation shutters’ slats can be adjusted for sunlight or privacy. 

Dual-purpose design captures open views across the lush greenery of the rear yard.

The rear corner guest bedroom also overlooks the rear yard landscaping and is currently furnished as a home office. The two windows offer panoramic views of the neighborhood.

Tranquil light green walls complement tailored furnishings for guest-centered comfort.

The front corner guest bedroom has everything a guest requires- soothing light green walls, colorful floral bedspread with matching valances over the windows, highboy, desk with a computer, and a TV strategically placed opposite the bed.    

A vintage porcelain sink sublimely enhances this compact, sunlit retreat.

This compact hall bath’s spatial volume feels larger than it is due to the light colored walls and to the white vintage porcelain lavatory’ s legs, instead of a cabinet on the floor. The wide window provides ample light and the plantation shutters’ slats can be adjusted for sunlight or privacy. 

Sloped ceilings and high knee walls create inviting architectural charm under the gable ends.

Another staircase leads to the third floor hall with two guest bedrooms, one bath and a large storage closet. The two spacious guest bedrooms are tucked under the gable ends at each side of the house, which creates delightful interior architecture with high knee walls and sloped ceilings to the underside of the framing above. The wide doors at the knee walls open into storage areas. The other bedroom has a single wide window at the gable wall. 

Storage solutions blend seamlessly with cozy nooks for bird’s-eye views of rooftops and treetops

Each third floor bedroom has identical charming nooks at the rear wall that create mini-dressing areas with wide closets. The top of the built-in seating is hinged for more storage. What a marvelous space to stretch out and enjoy the bird’s eye views of the landscape below and the rooftops and treetops of Easton! 

This stately house’s numerous amenities begin with its prime location on a deep corner lot with views of Idlewild Park and the house’s landscaped rear yard, off-street parking, classic Federal architecture and mimimal hall space that creates a compact floor plan with easy flow among the rooms. Spacous living room and formal dining room, cozy family room, gourmet kitchen, primary ensuite on the second floor and two other bedrooms, one of which is a spacious office, two other guest bedrooms on the  third floor tucked the gable walls create a home for family living. The beautiful wood floors, high ceilings, moldings and trim, custom plantation shutters, stair runners, window and wall treatments are a gracious backdrop for the next Owner’s furnishings.  There is abundant storage on every floor, including a dry basement, with both interior and exterior access, that contains a laundry and many storage racks. Outdoor rooms of the fenced rear yard’s large stone terrace and screened gazebo for relaxing to the soothing sound of the koi pond’s waterfall, and off-street parking from the side street. The Owners have meticulously maintained and improved the house and grounds so it is move-in ready- Bravo!


For more information about this property, contact Tiffany Cloud with Meredith Fine Properties at 410-745-8060 (o), 570-751-8637 (c), or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.meredithfineproperties.com, “Equal Housing Opportunity.”  Tiffany Cloud is both the Owner and the MD licensed Listing Agent.

Photography by JM Real Estate Photography, www.jmrealestatephotos.com , [email protected] , 410-971-0027

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Looking at the Masters

Wine of the Week: Langhe Nas-Cetta del Commune di Novello 2021

May 30, 2025 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

Ciao Tutti!

This weekend at Piazza Italian Market we will taste a white wine from the Langhe Nas-Cetta del Commune di Novello 2021 ($26.99, 12.5% ABV) from the Azienda Agricola Cogli  L’Attimo di Serena Anselma in Piemonte. “Cogli L’Attimo” translates as “seize the moment”, which a fitting phrase for how this wine has made its way to Piazza’s shelves. 

This weekend at Piazza Italian Market we will taste a white wine from the Langhe Nas-Cetta del Commune di Novello 2021 ($26.99, 12.5% ABV) from the Azienda Agricola Cogli L’Attimo di Serena Anselma in Piemonte.

Last year, Emily attended Vinitaly, which is the leading international wine & spirits trade fair for exhibitors, buyers and wine lovers. Emily sought out small scale producers, one of which was Serena Anselma, who asked Emily for advice about breaking into the US market. Emily seized the moment and contacted one of Piazza’s importers, Doria Wines, since they seek out artisanal winemakers. The brother and sister duo of Marco (Torino) and Cristina (DC) seized their moment and Marco visited Serena and now they represent Cogli L’Attimo!  The winery is a perfect fit to Doria Wines’ criteria of native grape varieties, sustainable farming, minimal intervention, small scale production and winemakers who are personally involved from planting the vines to bottling. 

Serena Anselma

Serena Anselma left her career of teaching languages to fulfill her dream of producing wine from her family’s old vineyards, whose grapes had previously been sold for bulk production.  In 2016, she founded her own winery on her grandparents’ land in Novello, one of the eleven municipalities that produce Barolo. Her annual production is small (about 15,000 bottles). Her winery may be less than ten years old, but it is rooted in the beautiful Langhe hills. She works with Sergio Molino, a renowned oenologist, to produce wines that are authentic native varieties since a great wine is dependent upon the quality of the grapes.  

Currently, Serena produces Barolo cru Cerviano Merli, Nebbiolo d’Alba, Barbera d’Alba, Dolcetto d’Alba, Nas-cetta and one orange wine. The native grape Nas-cetta almost disappeared, but has a new life thanks to its rediscovery by small producers in the municipality of Novello like Serena and her wine entered the market in 1994. Eight years later, it became part of the Langhe DOC. In 2010, the Langhe Nas-cetta del Comune di Novello DOC designation was created to recognize only one municipality, Novello, for the use of 100% Nas-cetta grapes. 

Emily has fond memories of this white wine’s floral and fruity aromas and its vibrant citrus flavor. Pair with fresh seafood or risottos, white meat entrees with lemon and herbs, dishes with asparagus or fennel, goat or feta cheese.  

Come seize your moment and join me Friday from noon to 5:45 or Saturday from noon to 4:45 and celebrate this new wine’s debut at Piazza!

Cin Cin,

Jenn


Piazza Italian Market is located in the Talbot Town Shopping Center, suite 23, in Easton, MD

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Food and Garden Notes

Design with Jenn Martella: Landscaping at The Miracle House

May 29, 2025 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

With guidance from Jan Kirsh, the previously random space was transformed into a picturesque garden nestled beneath towering oak and pine trees, perfectly harmonizing with its surroundings on the Chesapeake Bay.

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.

Majestic pines and oaks provided “good bones” for the stunning redesign.

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. 

Lush plantings along the entry drive blend vibrant textures and colors amid dappled light from the canopy above.

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).

Thoughtful gravel textures and meticulous plant arrangements redefine pathways between the main house and guest house.

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. 

A dynamic blend of butterfly bushes, golden sedge, and evergreens adds depth to the driveway landscape.

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. 

Soft lamb’s ear and hardy native grass form a striking border along the pathway’s edge

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.  

Native grasses and delicate blooms guide the transition between driveway and walkway with seamless textures.

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. 

Layered greenery, tropical accents, and thoughtful composition revive the entry under towering trees.

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.  

Repurposed bluestone pavers and oversized river rocks merge craftsmanship and artistry in the terrace design.

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. 

 

Subtle asymmetry and natural tones define this unique stone path linking the deck to the pool area.

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.)

Bluestone paving and complementary plantings balance bold views of the Chesapeake Bay with rich textures.

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..  

Wide bluestone terraces connect the pool and dining space, highlighting interplay between structure and color.

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.

Plumed feather grass contrasts vibrant blooms, creating a harmonious late-season visual near the pool area.

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.

Towering elephant ear hybrids with bold lines accent the sunroom steps leading to the waterfront deck.

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.

Hardy shrubs and pops of annual color frame the expansive lawn, perfect for outdoor activities.

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.

Layered shrub borders with gaps for Bay views showcase a thoughtful blend of privacy and visual appeal.

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.


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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Design with Jenn Martella

Wine of the Week: 2021 Cannonau Capo Ferrato DOC

May 23, 2025 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

Ciao Tutti!

This weekend at Piazza Italian Market we will taste the 2021 Cannonau Capo Ferrato DOC ($15.99, ABV 13.5%) from the Cantina Castiadas winery. Founded in 1959, the winery takes its name from the region in which it is located, in the picturesque southeastern part of  Sardinia in the Cannonau di Sardegna DOC denomination.  “Capo” translates as cape or promontory and “ferrato” probably refers to the iron rich soils of this region. “Capo Ferrato” also pays homage  to the beaches of Capo Ferrato on the Tyrrhenian Sea NE of inland Castiadas. 

   

Cantina Castiadas is considered one of Sardinia’s most esteemed wineries. Its unique location near to both the rugged mountainous landscapes and also the picturesque Costa Rei beaches, results in grapes of exceptional quality, due to their daily optimal solar exposure balanced by cooling breezes from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The vineyards are rooted in clay soils and granitic sands and produce wines of intense minerality from their vinification in stainless steel vats that preserves the cannonau grape’s natural character. Always present is the fragrance of the macchia, the ubiquitous low ground cover found all over the island. ( If you are a fan as I am, of Daniel Silva’s books, one of the protagonists makes regular visits to a retired Mafioso for advice and during his drive, he savors the macchia’s fragrance on his way the Mafioso’s compound). 

Cantina Castiadas now has 115 hectares containing 14 grape varieties. The Capo Ferrato Cannonau is full bodied, 100% Cannonau grape, with ripe raspberry and strawberry aromas, and delicate floral notes with well balanced tannins and a long velvety finish. The bonus is the wine contains three times the amounts of anti-oxidants, compared to other red wines, resulting in cardiovascular benefits almost ten times higher than varieties of grapes from other areas of Italy. The cannonau grape was featured in Netflix’s feature “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones”.

Pair the Capo Ferrato Cannonau with hearty dishes of roasted lamb, grilled veggies,  Piazza’s aged cheeses or pasta with rich tomato sauces and spicy sausages.  For those of you who have tasted our current Pala Cannonau, come join me Friday from noon to 5:45 or Saturday from noon to 4:45 to compare tastes.  If you haven’t tried wines from Cannonau grapes, come taste and start your “Live to 100” journey. 

Cin Cin, 

Jenn 


Piazza Italian Market is located in the Talbot Town Shopping Center at 218 N. Washington St., suite 23, in Easton, MD

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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Food and Garden Notes

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

May 22, 2025 by Jennifer Martella Leave a Comment

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

Stately brick façade showcases 18th-century craftsmanship in this historic grain merchant’s home.

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. 

Classic architecture meets nature with expansive windows and towering dogwoods.

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

Thoughtful additions harmonize with the original 1794 design, creating a timeless silhouette.

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 .

Vibrant roses bask in filtered sunlight beside the carefully fenced garden retreat.

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.  

Majestic trees provide shade for blooming hellebores and a hospitable birdbath centerpiece

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. 

Versatile outbuildings combine utility with charming period details.

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

Historic staircase design accentuated by intricate molding and indirect natural light.

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. 

Original millwork and large windows frame the sunlit living space with timeless elegance.

 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.

Flooded with natural light, ample storage, refinished mantle, and a Georgian chandelier define this dining space.

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.

Rare antique corner cupboard adds a striking focal point to this elegant room.

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!

Exposed beams and brick elements connect modern convenience with rich historic character.

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.

Vaulted ceilings and oversized windows invite nature into this cozy off-kitchen retreat.

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. 

Uniquely curved moldings around the stair landing enhance architectural fluidity.

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.

Bright, airy hallway offers antique accents and views of the lush garden below.

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.

A serene corner of the primary bedroom, complete with an inviting fireplace.

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.

Sunlight and views of the historic streetscape in the Primary bedroom frame elegant open canopy bed

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.

Period details like beadboard wainscot and a clawfoot tub define this timeless second-floor bathroom.

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.

Charming period pieces and a sunny window create a welcoming guest retreat.

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.

Brightly lit stairwell showcases exposed brick and artistic accents in a seamless transition space.

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.

Eclectic touches like a pie safe and vintage fixtures give this bathroom a unique visual appeal.

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.  


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.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: Design with Jenn Martella

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