I always enjoy featuring a house in my neighborhood and this custom designed house is nestled in a clearing, surrounded by mature trees. There are only a few houses along this short lane so peace and privacy is ensured for the residents. This house’s rear yard gently slopes down to tranquil Harris Creek, where a private pier with boat lift and deep-water access awaits boating, paddle boarding or kayaking enthusiasts.  

The rear elevation of the house opens up to the water with multiple windows and a screened porch. My neighbors are the second owners of the property and have made extensive improvements so this house is move-in ready!

A circular driveway off the lane leads to this traditional style house with an “L” shape so the major rooms have water views.  The service wing of the two-car garage, mud room and laundry completes the house’s compact footprint for minimal disturbance of the site.  Multiple gables and the varied heights of the roof ridges break down the massing.

The previous owners added a pool and deck whose location had to conform to the Critical Area setbacks. The current owners converted the pool to salt water and they also enhanced the pool area with several modifications. Steps lead from the deck that blend into a terrace of random sized pavers with both an area for a table and chairs for al-fresco dining  and also a circular fire pit area. An outer ring of a low wall for seating and Adirondack chairs can accommodate a group around the firepit for conversation and watching the wildlife that share this property. The gas firepit makes this a special place to be enjoyed throughout the year. The current owners also added the cozy outdoor room of the screened porch for respite from the sun after an afternoon in the pool or on the water. 

This view of the terrace shows how easily its large size could accommodate outdoor family celebrations or parties. The deep treads are safer to use for all ages, especially when one is carrying large platters of food. 

Chairs and chaise lounges are strategically placed around the pool area that is slightly elevated for relaxing and enjoying the views across the water. The trees’ lack of density also maximizes the views of the water.  

The front door opens into a spacious two-story foyer. I stood and admired the  direct vista through the house’s rear wall infilled with French doors to the opposite shoreline of Harris Creek. I admired the mix of the modern side table opposite the rich wood of the antique hat-umbrella rack and how the off-white walls highlight the beautiful red oak hardwood floors found throughout the house. The foyer’s wide wall opening leads to the open plan living-dining area. 

At the side wall of the foyer, a pair of French doors open into this room that could be a formal dining room or a large office as the current owners use it.

The open plan living-dining area has ample seating, anchored by the large Oriental rug, for gathering around the fire and/or watching TV. Pairs of French doors with full height sidelights offer views of the pool and the water beyond. The dining table can be fully extended as shown for holidays or other family celebrations.

Without leaves, the dining table reverts to its smaller oval version for everyday meals. Bespoke millwork recessed into the interior wall and the long countertop  create ample room for both mixing drinks and also setting out trays of appetizers for entertaining. The glass fronts of the upper cabinets showcase crystal and glassware and add transparency to the wall. 

The current owners’ beautifully appointed kitchen is a cook’s dream with its Kitchen- Aid appliances, granite countertops, butler’s pantry, dry bar and an oversized island with seating. The space is open to both the dining area and another seating area for water views.  

My fave room is this “Snug” off the kitchen area, with its bow-shaped rear wall that offers panoramic views of the water. Both the single French door and pair of French doors create an easy indoor-outdoor flow to the pool, terrace and firepit. The “Snug” is a delightful space for that second cup of coffee to start one’s day or for guests to keep the cook company while he/she prepares a meal. 

Behind the kitchen is a double loaded corridor connecting the kitchen to the two-car- garage. Opposite this pantry is a powder room and beyond is the laundry and an extension of the pantry with cabinetry for more storage and a second R/F. At the end of the hall is a door leading to a bonus room that is a great mud room/pet bathing space. 

The two-car garage is divided into two bays with a demising wall so one bay could be a workshop. The bay nearest the mud room has a stair to access the attic storage area.

After exploring part of the main level, I returned to the foyer to explore the bedroom wing. On the other side of the living room is this a cozy den with a gas fireplace and TV. I could well imagine sinking into the plush leather sofa for an evening of binge watching Netflix’s line-up for the evening. The pair of French doors and full sidelight provide both water views and access to the adjacent screened porch.

The current owners added the cozy screened porch with its panoramic views across the pool to the landscape and water beyond.

At the front of the bedroom wing of the house is an ensuite bedroom with everything a guest would require. The headboard is the perfect height for leaning back and reading before bed. The interior design of the earth tones and the blue accents of the bedding creates a soothing space for sleep. 

The spacious primary ensuite is located at the quiet rear corner of the house. The double unit window for water views and the single windows flanking the bed provide ample daylight. The single French door provides access to the adjacent screened porch and its door to the pool deck. The fireplace and TV make this space a serene retreat. The finishing touch is the pet door to the screened porch for the owners’ cat.  

The current owners updated both baths in this wing of the house. The primary bath is next to a long walk-in closet so the bathroom arrangement easily accommodates dual lavatories and a window seat with storage below. The free-standing millwork has open shelves for easy access to towels and a recessed area  outfitted with a coffee maker and mugs to jump start one’s day. The angled glass door of the shower meets the wall of the toilet compartment and a  window in the side wall filters daylight into both the toilet compartment and the shower. Behind the shower is a large linen closet in the hall between the two bedroom ensuites for easy access.  

I retraced my steps back to the foyer to explore the second floor’s three additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a welcoming family room that provide comfortable accommodations for both family and guests.  This cozy room with a daybed has great appeal for its antique frame, colorful pillows and the chair and ottoman for reading before bedtime. The double-unit window provides bird’s eye views of the water. 

If I were lucky enough to be a guest, I would claim this spacious room tucked under the gable wall and two knee walls with both a sleeping area and a sitting area and for its interior design of warm earth tones. The two other bedrooms share a hall bath. 

Another gable wall encloses the large recreation room for rainy or snow days for a ping pong match or my fave diversion, doing a puzzle on the side table. Around the room, access panels lead to storage under the eaves.

As a neighbor, I am naturally biased about my quiet neighborhood with one access street and several short lanes that branch off of it-perfect for long walks, biking or walking one’s dog. The current owners’ additions of the screened porch, terrace and firepit are delightful outdoor rooms with easy indoor-outdoor flow to commune with nature and wildlife. Their updates of the gourmet kitchen and main floor baths greatly enhance the main floor one-level living arrangement. Bedrooms on both floors easily accommodate guests.  This waterfront property on a quiet lane with the main floor ‘s one-level living layout is hard to resist!

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For more information about this property, contact Kathy Christensen, Vice-President with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty at 410-673-3344 (o), 410-924-4814 (c) or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit  www.kathychristensen.com ,“Equal Housing Opportunity.”

 Photography by Janelle Stroop, Thru the Lens, 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.

I have featured several houses along this street in Bozman and the tantalizing glimpses of this house always intrigued me as I slowly drove past it.  I am so pleased to be finally showcasing this exceptional property today. The house is sited on more than 10 acres along the tranquil shoreline of Caulk Cove and has both open farm fields for endless vistas and also professionally landscaped grounds.

The custom designed house was built in 2013 and although its total square footage is almost 8,500 gsf on two levels,  the rooms feel cozy and the acreage ensure peace and privacy. I love puns and this house is aptly named “Point Taken” for its taking a prime spot along Caulk Cove.

After driving along a driveway flanked by tall Crape Myrtle trees, I arrived at the parking area next to a large fountain.  The house is surrounded by mature trees and I admired its massing of gable wings that were grouped perpendicular to each other. The massing is enhanced with numerous shed dormers, a half circle gable at one side, chimneys, steep roof pitches and porches to create this a one of a kind residence. 

My entry sequence began with a long sidewalk lined with more Crape Myrtle trees.  I appreciated the low height of the risers that were delineated in stone to contrast with the larger pavers that were laid on the diagonal for greater interest. A deep porch spanned across the front of the house and is further deepened to create a recess for the double entry doors. I admired the wide stone chimney with its detailing of notches in the stone just below the cap.

The rear elevation of the house opens up to the expansive water views with the main level’s continuous arrangement of outdoor rooms including a covered porch between two screened porches. I admired the careful design of the porches’ horizontal detailing that maximized clear views of the water from the sitting areas. Steps lead down from the open porch areas to the lawn and the firepit surrounded by Adirondack chairs. Dormers at the second story offer bird’s eye views of the water. 

 

To begin my tour of the interiors, I went back to the front porch, where the Owner and Listing Agent met me at the large foyer that is the same length as the adjacent living room’s width. Being an architect, I noticed how carefully this room’s interior architecture was designed. Layers of trim on the drywall create a grid of both solid wall planes that blends into the transparency of the sidelights and transoms of the wide pair of doors. I especially appreciated the accents of the chimney’s stone wall, the rich “Hermes’ Orange” bespoke millwork that is a backdrop for a settee and an antique bench and the texture of the “pebble” rug. Soaring twelve foot ceilings and rich hardwood floors were harbingers of the materials that I found throughout the main level of the house. 

Many homes have the front entry door(s) opening directly into the living room but I prefer the discovery of walking around the chimney as I did here to discover the open plan living-dining area below the coffered ceiling that ties the spaces together. The options of seating with a pair of chairs by the fireplace or the TV and the larger seating area in the middle of the space works very well. The bespoke millwork, including a wet bar, is ready for entertaining.  

At the rear wall of the open plan living-dining area, pairs of French doors with transoms and windows rise to the underside of the coffered ceiling.  Full height window treatments provide privacy when needed. 

The dining area flows seamlessly between the kitchen and living room and the large rug anchors the long table and chairs. The beautiful table on the wood floor defines the two areas and its position is perfect for setting out appetizers for entertaining.

The dining room’s wide wall opening connects the kitchen to the living-dining open plan and provides a view of the water for the kitchen. This stunning kitchen’s interior architecture of the diamond patterned coffered ceiling, wood floors, hand crafted walnut cabinetry with both white and leathered granite countertops and a Wolf six-burner dual oven range is a cook’s dream. The dual islands are practical; one is for food prep and has a view through the adjacent porch to the landscape and water; the other island has bar height chairs for breakfast or homework.  

Behind the kitchen is a fully equipped butler’s pantry with extensive cabinetry, generous counter space, a secondary refrigerator and sink, dual dishwashers, a wine refrigerator and an electric oven. A combination of open shelves for cookbooks and glass fronted upper cabinets for storage of serving pieces, crystal and china completes the design. The wide wall opening leads to the front hall’s French doors to access the front porch.

Off a secondary hall is a well-appointed laundry room with ample cabinetry, generous counter space and a double window for daylight that would make doing laundry much less of a chore. Next to the laundry is a powder room and a mudroom with access to both the side wall of the front porch and the attached two-car garage.

The house is zoned very well with the main floor bedrooms being far apart from each other for privacy. This guest bedroom is located off the secondary hall from the foyer and its large double unit window overlooks the side terrace. The gray walls, colorful duvet and pillows creates a serene spot for sleep. 

Having explored one side of the house, I returned to the foyer to explore the other guest ensuite and the primary ensuite. If I were lucky to be a guest, I would choose this lovely retreat with its many shades of neutral colors and textures; especially the rug with its raised pile, and the warmth of the wood antiques. I could easily imagine reclining on the chair and ottoman or propping up against the headboard of the sleigh bed for reading before bedtime. Opening up the French doors to the porch would be a delightful way to start the day!

Next to the guest bedroom is the stair to the second floor that is offset from the foyer. The graceful curved wall with its ascending curvature of both wall and ceiling and the widening and curvature of the treads is a great focal point. This space was also carefully thought out in the placement of the trim against the walls for a stunning effect.

The wide wall opening at the stair with its pair of paneled doors leads to the den/TV room that also connects to the primary bedroom. The ceiling plane was carefully detailed with a row of coffers between soffits on both long walls; one side contains recessed lights; the other side projects slightly over the bespoke millwork and the chimney breast. At the corner is a recessed area under the stair that is a fully equipped bar. 

From the den/ TV room, pocket doors lead to the spacious primary bedroom with its dramatic deep blue tray ceiling with hidden lighting. The rear wall’s French doors and a double unit window to the adjacent private screened porch offer indirect views of the landscape and water. The bed is positioned for both the views and it is also across from the TV and fireplace.  The soft colors create a serene haven. 

The primary ensuite’s private screened porch has a pair of doors leading to steps down to the lawn. With options for relaxing on the chaise or enjoying breakfast at the round table, this delightful space is a bonus room for the primary bedroom. Hardware was installed for a bed swing-perfect for warm summer nights! 

The “L” shaped Dressing Room is divided into two compartments; this one has bespoke millwork with mirrored doors; the other compartment has a grids of rods and shelving for easier access.

The primary bath is arranged very well with the jacuzzi tub opposite the toilet compartment and the lavatory opposite the large half circle shower with its exterior wall of glass block that floods the space with daylight. The mirrors above the lavatories captures views of the glass block wall.

The second level features nine-foot ceilings and is anchored by a spacious family room with a stone hearth and chimney for the wood-burning fireplace. The different areas of seating, billiards area and wet bar, create an ideal family gathering space for popcorn and movies. 

This level also has two ensuite bedrooms and the third bedroom near the bath behind the recreation room currently includes custom built-in bunk beds. This room was originally designed as a home office and offers flexibility to be restored to its original use. 

Having explored both floors of the house, I went downstairs to explore the outdoor rooms. The home’s exceptional design extends seamlessly outdoors, with a spacious wrap-around screened porch, accessed by French doors from both the kitchen and the living-dining area, leading to an open-air porch with a wood-burning fireplace and outdoor entertainment setup for great indoor-outdoor flow. 

Steps lead down from both the open porch and the screened porch to bluestone walkways and terraces. The irregular outlines of the terraces blend into the lush plantings.  

The terrace leads to a twenty foot by forty foot lagoon-style Gunite pool with a waterfall feature, near the  outdoor kitchen and a waterside fire pit offering stunning sunset views over the cove. The plantings and mature trees provide privacy.  

Additional site features include a greenhouse with raised garden beds, fenced garden area, professional landscaping with accent lighting, and a full irrigation system. The private dock with approximately 6’ MLW offers two boat slips, a floating dock and access to waterfront dining and premier fishing throughout the Chesapeake Bay and surrounding tributaries.

The property also includes a charming one-bedroom guest house with a luxury kitchen, open living area with fireplace and screened porch.

This truly exceptional property is the work of three “Wonder Women” who designed the house: the Owner with her clear vision, the Architect who translated the vision into reality and the Interior Designer who enhanced the interior architecture-Bellissime!

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For more information about this property, contact Kim Crouch Ozman with Benson and Mangold Real Estate at 410-745-0415 (o), 410-829-7062 (c) or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.kimcrouchozman.com , “Equal Housing Opportunity”. 
Architecture by Christine Dayton, www.cdaytonarchitect.com, 410-822-3130
Interior Design by  Sherry Peterman
Construction by Focus Construction, www./focus-construction.net, 410-690-4900
Landscaping by Dobson Tree and Landscape Inc.,(410-745-6935
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.

Five years ago, I featured this distinctive property in St. Michaels’ Historic District. The property now has a new Owner whom I met recently and she told me about her changes to the landscape and interiors. I was quite intrigued as her style differed from the previous Owners. 

Since many of you take advantage of the winter months to spruce up your homes or plan your landscape for spring, as I am doing, I thought this would be an interesting case study to offer you ideas how small changes in the landscape and interiors can make a big impact. 

On the day of my visit, I was quite relieved to see that the house’s exterior color palette whose earth tones I had admired remained unchanged. I walked up the new herringbone patterned brick walk with its border of brick stretchers between the new extensive landscaping of low plantings. A new “wall” of both a low hedge and a wood gate provide privacy for the front porch. 

Before going inside, I reacquainted myself with the wonderful outdoor rooms of the terrace that wraps around the corner of the house. The former terrace was laid in gray random sized pavers that blended into the landscaping. Now bluestone laid on a diagonal with a border of red brick visually expands the space and adds color. 

New landscaped areas were included in the terrace’s layout that both add color and texture to the terrace and break up the expanse of the solid surfaces. I especially admired the detailing of the brick at the 90 degree corner of the planting areas.   

I discovered that the terrace now ends at a new outdoor room of a fire pit outlined by a brick border that encloses the gravel. The easy care iron seating with cushions set the scene for nocturnal gatherings around the firepit-Smores anyone? New trees and shrubbery were spaced along the wood fence to both break up the length of the fence and to add texture and color. 

The existing sycamore tree now has stone cherubs for companions that are placed among the hostas who thrive in this shady area. New large pavers create a welcome path through this area that is slow to drain. The pavers end at the gate in the fence to the alley where there is guest parking in front of the two-car garage.

When the Owner greeted me at the original magnificent pair of walnut doors with their beautiful mahogany stain, I could see the living room’s former coffered ceiling was now brighter with the simple switch from black to white housings for the recessed lighting and white semi-gloss paint on the ceiling. I had loved the former sleek modern living room but this Owner’s transitional style is equally appealing. The green and white color scheme and the reupholstery of several pieces gives this space a fresh look and I especially admired the floral fabric from Scalamadre. New window treatments of both drapes that span to the underside of the coffered ceiling and up/down translucent shades offer various degrees of privacy. I also noticed the interior solid cherry doors now have solid brass door hinges, knobs, locks and ball catches. 

Full height drapes were also added to the dining area whose table is on axis with the pair of French doors to the fountain in the side garden. On warm nights when the doors are open, the gentle sound of water can join the dinner conversation. I admired the mix of the Chippendale chairs’ solid color cushions and the accent of the patterned wing chairs flanking the sideboard.  The stylized twig chandelier is the perfect size for this space.

Sometimes the only thing one needs to change the look of a kitchen are the bar stools like these that have rattan frames and flowered cushions. The new woven shades add a touch of color to the trio of windows overlooking the terrace.

The main floor layout of this house contains this flexible space with an adjoining bath that could be a primary suite or an office as this Owner needs. The former black millwork with identical bays now has adjustable height shelves and bright coats of red as an accent for the room. I admired  the harmonious mix of the millwork, Chippendale chairs and the beautiful original craftsman style door to the adjacent bathroom.

Bathroom changes are easy to do when the arrangement of the fixtures and the floor tile remains the same as it does here. The Owner added red paint to echo the adjoining room’s millwork, replaced the white cabinet doors with black doors and bronze hardware, and retiled the shower wall to remove the former accent band of tile. 

Powder rooms or compact ones can be easily changed too. The former wall finish was a bead board white vertical board wainscot and beige painted walls. Now the  new blue and white scheme of wallpaper and a sleek blue lavatory cabinet creates a fresh and inviting look. The chrome pulls and legs that frame both the front and back faces of the shallow cabinet that is a perfect scale for this space and adds a splash of color.  I especially admired the mirror’s touches of whimsy of the striped bass/bluefish on the left side and blue fish on the right side that adorn the mirror’s frame. The new 5-1/4 “ walnut flooring was the finishing touch.

The second floor guest bedroom’s new deep salmon colored walls inspired the  window treatments in a fabric with its vertical pattern and colors that complement the wall color.  The soft earth tones of the bedding enhances this serene space for relaxation and rest.

I was relieved that the second floor’s primary ensuite’s interior architecture of the white exposed trusses and decking has remained. I loved the Owner’s selection of soothing light green walls and  the window treatments of large scale roses on a cream colored background. Her clever use of the same fabric to cover the existing window becomes a backdrop for the beautiful wood four-poster bed.

The wood-burning fireplace was replaced with a gas unit and the large cream colored upholstered chairs and an ottoman with accent pillows create a cozy spot for relaxing by the fire. I admired the painting with its perspective scene that adds depth to the chimney and the crisp white mantel and trim color accentuates the beauty of the wall color.

The primary bath has also undergone a change to dual lavatories with a shared cabinet of drawers. Mirrors in thin frames with curved corners are a stylish touch. The shower alcove was enhanced by relocating the door to open into the shower from the lavatory area and new tile to wrap around the shower walls.  

I had specified the same floor tile that the former Owners had selected for this tub alcove; but as it sometimes happens,  later renovations like this one cannot guarantee a color match. The new Owner cleverly solved the problem by adding a black border and tile with a subtle patterned color to create a “rug” for the alcove.

The upper level of the garage is a spacious one-bedroom apartment for extended stay guests and is the now the domain of the Owner’s son. The Owner added the row of cabinets for a mini-kitchen that includes drawers for both the fridge and freezer, dishwasher, sink, and a pull-out trash cabinet. The half-circular open stair leads to the loft bedroom. 

The Owner cleverly incorporated space from the adjacent storage area next to the former half bath and the compact space is now a full bathroom. The veining of the shower surround complements the blue of the lavatory cabinet and the frameless mirror seems to float in the space.

It was a special treat for me to see how one house with great original interior architecture can easily adapt to another interior design style. I admired the current Owner’s design concept that hopefully will inspire those of you who want to refresh your own home.  Redesign and refurbishment involves many consultants, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers and the Owner graciously shared her primary sources:

Contractor: Marr Home Solutions: Ben Marr
Hardscape and Landscape Design: Bob L. Jackson Landscape Inc.
New Sprinkler System and Outdoor Lighting: Terra Nova 
Painter: Donnie L Gowe
Photographer: Brandon Manchion
The Lumberyard: Selected Custom Cabinetry
Ferguson Design Center, Annapolis:  Sconces, plumbing fittings for kitchen and baths, selected cabinets including the apartment mini-kitchen and its appliances.
Atlas Marble and Tile:  Bathroom tile and marble from a quarry in Tuscany, Italy
SolidTops LLC: Second Floor Primary Bath lavatory countertop
Fiona Weeks: All custom window treatments and fabrics for selected  reupholstered chairs
Conn Scott: Selected furnishings and lighting fixtures
Bruce Wilson: Leather reupholstery, Reupholster furniture fabrics & Antique & Classic Cars

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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.

When I first moved to the Eastern Shore, I worked part time for another architect in Wilmington until I could establish my own practice. One of my colleagues had a weekend cottage in Rock Hall and encouraged me to discover this charming village that is known as the “Pearl of the Chesapeake”. After that first visit,  I have returned many times to enjoy window shopping in the retail area, setting up my beach chair on the sandy beach to enjoy the parade of boats on the Bay or to hear live music at The Mainstay. Today’s feature is located in the heart of town, so Rock Hall’s attractions are just a few blocks away. 

When I saw this house’s front elevation during my online search for today’s feature, I was hooked by the massing and symmetry of what I surmised had once been a simple three-bay Victorian with a full front porch. 

The façade was enlivened by the exuberant symmetry of the stacked box bays crowned with articulated gable roofs that penetrate the “T” shape massing of the house and the porch’s angled bay projection.  The roof over the new part of the porch wraps around the angled foyer and creates a welcoming entry.

When I walked up the stone path to the porch, I admired the vibrant colors of this “Painted Lady” included light blue siding and light purple trim around the box bays, darker purple trim around the box bay windows on both floors, the purple cap rail of both the porch’s balustrade and around the corners of the columns. Scallop Hardiplank siding infills the attic gables for texture and contrasts with lap siding below. 

I was also impressed with the mature landscaping around the porch; even though they are dormant now, I could well imagine how colorful the hydrangeas, butterfly bush, viburnum and a rhododendron must be in the spring!    

 

When I walked around the house, I discovered this fab screened porch at the second floor overlooking the rear yard-what a great open air bonus room for bird’s eye views of the lawn and landscaping!

The large storage shed in the rear yard would contain all the lawn and garden maintenance items the next gardener would need. On this sunny day, the mature trees filtered shade onto the lawn. The rear wall of the building behind the house provides privacy for this property’s yard.

My tour of the interiors began at the angled foyer that ends at a pair of stained wood French doors. The doors  open flat against the side walls for a wide view of the stair with its original stained wood balustrade. The hall by the stair offers a vista through the adjacent dining room to the kitchen at the rear of the house. Another pair of painted French doors leads to the living room opposite the wide wall opening that leads to the family room. I admired the simple palette of light wood engineered floors, gray walls, white trim and white ceilings. 

The living room’s focal points are both the box bay and the Gothic arched top wall opening to the stair hall. I admired the eclectic look of the furnishings of antiques, upholstered sofa, trunk coffee table and the bookcase. The listing agent told me the stylish Adirondack style chairs were two of the many repurposed items in the house that give this space an appealing eclectic look.

I love cozy snugs and this one in the box bay would be the perfect spot to relax in the stylish rocker and read a book by the light of the ornate crystal light fixture that was the perfect size for this diminutive space. I also noted the original trim of both the windows’ and doors’ fluted jambs with rosettes on the corners, crown molding and baseboard.  

The living room’s windows at the corner of the room and the Gothic arched opening give this space transparency that makes the room seem larger than it is. I have used antique iceboxes several times in designing a sitting room for clients since they are great storage units for myriad uses. I also liked the color and texture  of the exposed brick chimney with uneven mortar joints that is a great accent.  

On the other side of the hall stair is the family room with another exposed brick chimney and a box bay snug. The snug is a perfect spot for breakfast, puzzles or board games. I also admired other repurposed pieces of the long bench that has a new life as a stylish coffee table and the slanted wood piece below the TV opposite the sofa that could hold books or magazines. At the rear wall opposite the snug is another repurposed piece, a wood mantel that had been mostly stripped of its white paint. Adding a gas fireplace would be the perfect finishing touch for this space. 

The stair hall blends into the open plan dining-kitchen. The antique wood table and chairs are a stylish counterpoint to the contemporary translucent pendant light fixture. The column is another repurposed quirky accent with its texture of residual white paint and bare wood. 

The kitchen’s neutral color scheme of the white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, variegated granite countertop, travertine stone flooring, stained wood slat ceiling that blends into the exposed roof rafters and decking of the kitchen expansion. Adding to the  appealing eclectic look is the clever table of pipe supports, wood top, wood stools for a breakfast or informal dining area.

The long side wall of the kitchen provides ample work surfaces and I liked how the railroaded tile backsplash goes around the window over the sink to the underside of the wood ceiling. The pair of French doors leads to the driveway for off-street parking.

I have written before that every house should have a touch of whimsey like this vintage oven-range combo; or, as William Morris so wisely said “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” 

Behind the side interior wall of the kitchen is a short hall, past a full bath and a laundry, that leads to an exterior door to the rear yard. 

Dressers or small chests are great ways to repurpose them as lavatories. I admired the juxtaposition of the chest with its antique look and the sleek porcelain vessel, sconces and mirror.   

The second floor contains three bedroom ensuites. This spacious primary ensuite’s bedroom and bath spans across the full width of the house.  The double unit window and the half glass, half paneled door to the adjacent screened porch provides ample daylight.

The screened porch that spans across the full width of the house could be a fab summer sleeping porch for the primary bedroom since the solid wall provides seated or sleeping privacy. All this delightful space needs is paint for the exposed rafters and decking and beadboard on the wall. 

The primary bath’ earth tones are very pleasing and I liked the bowfront of both the wood lavatory cabinet and the shower curtain. Replacing the solid color shower curtain with a clear shower curtain would be an inexpensive way to visually expand the space. 

The guest bedrooms are quite spacious since they are located over the living and dining rooms so each bedroom has a box bay. The bay depth easily accommodates a chest like this space has or you could add drawers below a window seat with a cushion for the family pet. Dual aspect rooms like this one  are so much better since they provide more daylight. I loved the serenity of this room with the pale aqua wall color and the quilt of several colors that takes its cue from the wall color and the accent of the exposed brick of the chimney. 

The other guest bedroom also accommodate both sleeping and sitting areas. Barn doors like this one for the closet are great space savers.

This property is zoned for either residential or commercial uses; since each bedroom has a dedicated bathroom, one use could be a B&B. The property also includes a side parcel so there is space for a circular drive for easier access to the street. This spacious house dating from 1910 has been lovingly maintained over the years and its current Owner’s new roof  and low maintenance exterior materials, kitchen and bath upgrades, materials of engineered hardwood flooring, etc. make it move-in ready. The Owner’s interior design including curated antiques and clever use of repurposed pieces showcases this house’ interior architecture. The front porch and the second floor screened porch are delightful outdoor rooms.  Great location in the heart of downtown Rock Hall with walking distance to its restaurants, shops, marina and Rock Hall beach along the Chesapeake Bay-Bravo!

 

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For more information about this property, contact Lynn Hilfiker at Gunther McClary Real Estate, Rock Hall, 410-639-2118 (o), 443-480-1163 (c), or [email protected]. For more pictures and pricing, visit     www.rockhallrealestate.com ,“Equal Housing Opportunity”.

Photography by Steve Buchanan Photography, 301-996-7295, http://www.buchananphotography.com .

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.