Since my move to the Eastern Shore twenty years ago, I have enjoyed learning more about my adopted home’s historic architecture through day trips and research.  A customer I met through hosting wine tastings at Piazza Italian Market suggested I visit the Lands Point winery near Chestertown. He mentioned that his sister and brother-in-law are not only the proprietors of the winery but they also live in a historic house on the property that dates from 1674. 

I was further intrigued when I learned that the late Michael Bourne, Kent County’s most illustrious architectural historian, had provided architectural advice to the Owners for additions to their property. I knew then that this day trip would be quite memorable and indeed it was. This picture dates from 1977, when the house was included in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties (MIHP). This is a repository for documents gathered through on-site descriptions (in this case, by Michael Bourne) and analysis of architectural elements.

Both the site and the main house are steeped in history. In 1659, the property was originally granted by Cecil Calvert, the 2nd Lord Baltimore, to Lieutenant General Josias Fendall, the 4th proprietary Governor of the Maryland Colony. Later it was the home for 150 years of six generations of one of the founding Quaker families of Kent County. Before roadways were established in the 20th century, Worton Creek was the “highway” for visitors and commerce. Guests to this house would arrive by boat and climb the hill to the entry door at the “front” (now rear) elevation. In the post-Civil War era, it was also utilized as a stop for commercial side-wheeler Steamboats. 

The three-bay, two and a half story main wing of the house was probably built between 1783-1795, with another two and a half story kitchen wing   built in the 1830’s.  This rear elevation faces west and its brick façade was laid in common bond without a water table, as is the case with all other elevations aside except the front elevation.   

As I walked around the main house, I especially admired this view that shows both the setbacks and the telescoping of the three wings. The metal roofing connects the three wings. The last one and half story wing was clad in lap siding since it was an addition for which the Owners retained Michael Bourne as a consultant to complement the original part of the house. 

Michael Bourne also consulted with the current owners for the “front” additions, one of which has a shed roof next to the other gable-roofed addition that is a delightful sunroom. 

The house is sited at the crest of the hill, no doubt to capture breezes and for the tranquil view of Worton Creek. The “higher style” detailing for only the main wing of the house’s “front” elevation of bricks laid in Flemish bond with a water table was befitting for the  elevation that guests saw when they arrived at the pier and began the walk to the entry door under the gable roofed porch. The wrap-around windows of the sunroom offer panoramic views of the landscape, centuries old trees and Worton Creek.

When I saw this exquisitely detailed small building across from the main house, I presumed it might be an original smoke house. I later learned that the structure actually dated from the mid-20th century and its former use was a garden shed. The current owners found and purchased 18th century bricks from a building in Millington, MD, that had been razed and used the bricks whenever repairs to the main house’s brick needed to be done.  Michael Bourne’s suggestions transformed the shed by cladding the concrete masonry with the reclaimed brick, accented by white brick, a new metal roof to match the main house and a mini-chimney.  The building is now the home of the owners’ beloved Maremma dog, Minnie, who is a treasured member of the Owners’ family.

This picturesque rural scene illustrates that Lands Point is a working farm in addition to a winery. The old and large silo is used for storage of spare wood and fence posts now. Next to the silo, a two-story metal barn houses a workshop for repairing farm equipment. The red masonry barn houses the vineyard tractor, cutter and sprayer storage. Behind the red barn is another metal barn which houses the winery and equipment for processing the grapes into wine.

The current Owners have spent the majority of their lives on the Eastern Shore. In 2008, they planted grapes as a hobby but as interest in their venture grew, they converted the property’s waterside guest house into a Tasting Room that opened to the public in 2022.

To me, the best vineyards are family-owned artisan winemakers who control the process from planting grapes to bottling, which the Lands Point Owner/Winemaker does. As a farmer first, he knows good wine starts and ends with good grapes that become their red and white wines. The grapes thrive in their microclimate of the southeast facing sloped vineyard; sandy loam, well-drained soil and cool late Northern Eastern Shore summer evenings with natural morning and evening air convection currents.  This special terroir results in a taste profile visitors will enjoy; alas, this visit was a reconnaissance trip for me so I look forward to bringing friends in the near future for a tasting!

Guests who book tastings continue driving along the entry drive to the property’s Guest House that contains the Tasting Room.  I had parked my car by the main house so I enjoyed my leisurely stroll down the shady road on a sunny day and soon vistas of Worton Creek peeked through the majestic trees. As I drew nearer to the Guest House/ Tasting Room, the red door of a small shed caught my eye. 

I took a quick detour from the driveway to discover this exquisite building that contains the pool equipment and I noted how it is perfectly sited on axis with the centerline of the pool.  The white siding, wood shake roofing with a dovecote cupola, arched topped wood doors with a diagonal pattern, wrought iron hardware and its perfect scale and proportion enables this small building to make a big statement.  I presumed Michael Bourne was also its designer but the Owners actually bought this prefab garden shed from a company in South Carolina! 

I traced my steps back to the gravel drive that ends curvaceously at the spacious parking lot at the front of the Guest House/Tasting Room. Low brick borders separate the parking area from the brick sidewalk to the pool area for a change in texture. Given the site’s topography, only the roofs of the farm buildings in the far distance are visible from the parking area. 

The waterfront guest house has a new life as the “Big White Dog Tasting Room”, named after the Owners’ 120 lb. live-stock guardian dog, Minnie.  This location far from the main house provides ample indoor and outdoor seating areas with spectacular views of Worton Creek and the surrounding waterfront. Wine tastings are held both indoors in the Big White Dog Tasting Room or, when weather permits, at various scenic venues along the waterfront. 

The original guest house dating from the early 1940’s was demolished down to the foundation. Then the Owners retained Michael Bourne to design a new 18th century period Guest House that was built in 2007. When the Owners decided to welcome guests to the winery, they converted part of the Guest House into a Tasting Room, that guests can enter from either the front entrance overlooking the parking lot or from this side entrance that opens directly into the Big White Dog Tasting Room. Since there is no second floor, the side elevation was beautifully detailed with French doors, full sidelights, transoms and a half circle below the exposed ceiling framing The wide brick terrace is between the edge of the pool area and the landscaping around the pool equipment shed.

The interior of the Big White Dog Tasting Room has an airy feel since the spatial volume rises to the underside of the roof rafters. The white ceiling and the dormer windows on opposite walls bring more sunlight into the space and highlight the bright blue walls. The earth tones of the dark wood floors, large area rug and large dark leather chairs around the circular tables by the fireplace adds a cozy pub feel. The sofa and chairs at the front wall offers another seating option for privacy. I admired how the brick hearth in the herringbone pattern ends at a window seat for a seamless look.  The side wall is a mirror image of the wall by the pool area but these doors lead to an intimate screened porch for more seating during tastings. Additional doors next to the fireplace lead to a spacious brick terrace.

I admired how the Guest House/Big White Dog Tasting Room’s rear elevation is almost fully transparent from the rhythm of the long windows and transoms, the screened porch and the telescoping of the building’s massing.

French doors at the Big White Dog Tasting Room lead to this charming brick terrace with expansive views of Worton Creek and the parade of boats to the nearby wharf at Handy Point Marina. The bright red umbrellas provide shade for visitors to enjoy a glass of wine and samples from the tasting menu over lunch.

After pausing to admire the view from the brick terrace, I walked along the high bank of the river that is lined with tall trees overlooking Worton Creek. Behind the firepit are chairs for relaxing in the shade with a glass of the winery’s wine as one savors the tranquil view of the water.

Near the firepit is a picnic table/designated smoking area. I am not a smoker but this spot would be perfect for ordering food from the tasting menu for a  picnic lunch and a glass of wine. 

My leisurely stroll crossed this narrow asphalt path to the water and it seemed too narrow for vehicles. The Owner later explained that the early owners were tobacco farmers who would pack up large wooden barrels full of their harvested and dried tobacco leaves which they rolled downhill  to the waiting ships. The barrels would then be hauled on board for their journey down Worton Creek to the Chesapeake Bay and ports beyond.

As I continued my walk along the shoreline, I passed between two majestic Sycamore trees that framed the vista down to the pier. Lands Point Winery is one of the few wineries on the Eastern Shore that is accessible by boat. Present-day boaters can arrive for tastings in the same way as the 18th-century visitors arrived long ago.

 

I retraced my steps back to my car and drove past Minnie in her fenced outdoor kennel. This picture shows Minnie in a rare moment of repose, due to her farm duties of protecting the  property and the chicken flock!  

I ended my tour of Lands Point Winery by resolving to return with friends very soon for a day trip and tasting. Lands Point Winery’s specialization is traditional dry wines from six grape varieties, equally divided between red grapes (Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin and Petit Verdot), along with the white grapes (Chardonel, Sauvignon Blanc and Vidal Blanc).To accompany the wines, their tasting menu offers charcuterie boards, a variety of cheeses, fruit and cheese plates, selections of tinned fish or seafood and specialty chocolate collection from around the world. 

Group tastings are available by appointment. After your tasting, you can shop for Lands Point Winery branded accessories and apparel in the Tasting Room’s Winery Shop. If you are a historic architecture buff, appreciate wine or just want an afternoon savoring the tranquil waterfront views and parade of boats, Lands Point Winery and Vineyard beckons you for a memorable visit! 

 

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Lands Point Winery and Vineyard is located at 22620 Handy Point Rd. Chestertown, MD, 21620 and is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, on  Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 7:00 pm.  Make a reservation via email: [email protected] or visit www.landspointwinery.com. 

Before your visit, please read the Winery’s Policies (including no pets, outside alcohol or food). Due to the Winery being a historic property with sloping topography, ADA accessibility is not possible. Please be mindful that the main house is a private residence and admire its beauty from the driveway. 

Photography by Jenn Martella

Historic photograph courtesy of the MHIP

Photographs of the Tasting Room Interior, Tasting Room and Minnie the Dog are courtesy of Lands Point Winery 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photography by Rolfe Wood, 630-222-3098

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