“Lexon” showcases 18th-century single-pile design with Flemish bond brickwork and classic Georgian influences.

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

From it’s original layout to the 1989 additions, Lexon tells a story of historic evolution, including the wood-framed wing and hipped roof porch.

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

The gabled roof and one-room-deep floor plan highlight the home’s symmetry and historic simplicity.

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

Massive oaks shade the walk to the thoughtfully recessed addition, which complements the original house with a respectful nod to 21st-century design.

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

The gable-roofed addition overlooks the lush pool area, framed by the surrounding mature trees.

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

A quaint playhouse, nestled along the wooded edge, evokes fond memories of simpler times.

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

The slate blue paneled entry is graced with Federal-style trim and a hand-crafted “U”-shaped staircase.

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

Classic windows and chair rail detailing enhance the proportional elegance of this serene living room.

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

A clever arched doorway under the staircase complements the room’s Georgian-inspired architectural symmetry.

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

The family room’s bespoke millwork and warm hardwood flooring accentuate the open layout of this inviting transitional space.

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

The stove pipe fireplace anchors the room’s aesthetic, connecting it seamlessly to the screened porch.

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

Wide-screened panels, bluestone flooring, and natural materials make this an idyllic indoor-outdoor retreat.

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

Functional yet warm, the kitchen features Craftsman-style cabinetry and a central island for entertaining.

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

French doors and a thoughtfully placed built-in desk area offer both convenience and utility in the thoughtfully designed kitchen.

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

Wrap-around windows flood this private second-floor office with natural light and sweeping views.

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

Custom millwork blends practicality and character in this potential sitting room or creative workspace.

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

Sanctuary vibes flood the primary bedroom thanks to the tray ceiling which, adds volume, while rich wood finishes create warmth in this restful retreat.

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

White beams and blue diamond accents bring a fresh, open feel to this spacious, spa-like bath.

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

The landing’s thoughtful paneling and natural light make it more than just a passage between floors.

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

Original wide plank floors and a refinished fireplace convey the timeless charm of this second-floor sanctuary.

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

The vintage-inspired design, with wainscoting and deep blue tile floors, balances elegance and function.

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

Light blue walls, cozy fireplace and abundant natural light define the large second guest room.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 1889 façade boasts Victorian design elements, including stained glass windows, a gambrel roof, and intricate finials.

The original meaning of the adjective “high” meant importance or superior rank. The term “high street” first appeared in use in the 12th century as the name given to an urban street that became the main retail corridor of a town. It was also the widest street in order to make it easier for farmers to move livestock to market. It was important for retail establishments with a High Street address to have distinctive architecture to entice shoppers within. 

In 1889, S. Frank Smith, retained  Walter Pippin, a second generation builder, to design and build a distinctive three-story building on Chestertown’s High Street. The brick building’s first floor would contain a store with large and tall windows  for product display. The angled sides of the windows would draw shoppers to the entrance door, protected from the weather by both its recessed location and a shallow shed roof supported by brackets.   

The top two floors would be Mr. Smith’s residence. As befitting the residential architecture of that late Victorian/Second Empire period, the upper floors were highly detailed. The second floor center windows’  featured solid panels below stained glass panels, flanked by single windows with an upper stained glass panel and a slender vertical muntin below. Below the windows, a  shallow balcony spanned across the front façade with a thin black metal handrail. The balcony was not only decorative- one could open one of the windows and climb over the bottom panel to sit on the balcony. The gambrel roof was clad in slate with finials and at the third floor a pair of conjoined gable windows capped with a conical gable and the single triangular dormer windows were also capped with finials. 

This 1910 photograph dates from the time the building was the Brambles Harness Shop, with the original façade as it was built in 1889.  

A mid-century renovation dramatically altered the original façade, replacing key architectural details.

Regrettably, in the mid-1960s, the building had to endure a complete front façade change. The center door was relocated and the main floor-to-ceiling bay display windows were replaced with an angled wall of glass beneath an oversized Chippendale-style portal.  The original second-floor windows were removed and replaced with 6/6 windows, and the third-floor dormer windows’ finials were removed. As a preservationist, I am glad that at least the third-floor gables and windows were left intact!

Architect John Hutchison’s vision restores the building’s 1889 aesthetic, modernizing the gambrel roof with asphalt shingles.

Luckily, this distinctive building has been transformed back to its 1889 origin by Architect John Hutchison of Chestertown. He graciously shared his design concept to convey the building’s journey from demolition to transformation. The only change of material from the original building is the gambrel roof that is now replaced with rows of architectural asphalt shingles whose color and pattern pay homage to the original slate.

A striking color palette celebrates the building’s historic identity while enhancing its curb appeal.

Fortunately, this building was built next to a wide alley, so the residential upper floors had windows and daylight on all sides of the building. This was important to enable cross ventilation in an era without HVAC but the left side windows were blocked when the adjacent building was constructed. The exterior color palette gives this building great curb appeal-this exquisite gem has long been one of my fave buildings in this part of Chestertown’s Historic District streetscape.

Carefully restored brickwork, arched headers, and carriage lights emphasize the structure’s historic craftsmanship.

The alley elevation shows the partial third floor defined by the gambrel roof shape. This side of the building has been carefully enhanced by restoring the brick façade, refurbishing or and replacing windows and installing a rhythm of stylish period surface mounted carriage lights. I especially admired the color range of the brick and the double arched brick headers above the windows. The improvements have created a very pleasant pedestrian thoroughfare from the building to parking areas at Cannon Street. 

An adaptable main floor concept suits diverse commercial needs while preserving the building’s character.

Having designed the building’s exteriors,  John Hutchison focused upon the interiors. This floor plan and perspectives illustrate his imaginative design to attract a commercial tenant for the main floor of the building. The space could easily accommodate food related businesses such as an Artisan Bakery, Chef’s Table Experience, Culinary Collective, Culinary Studio, Farm to Fork Bistro, Food Incubator, Morning Latte & Loaf Bar, Pop-Up Restaurant Space, Seasonal Tasting Room, or Shared Commercial Kitchen. Other uses could include a Custom Cobbler Boutique, Elevated Apothecary Boutique, Holistic Herb and Remedy Studio, Private Practice (with living quarters above) or Tech-Media Studio. What a great opportunity to live downtown and to have a tenant on the main floor!

Original windows flood the living room with natural light, highlighting refinished wood floors and an airy layout.

The new concept for the building retains the original two bedroom, two bath apartment that spans the depth of the second floor and the partial third floor bedroom ensuite. At the alley side of the building is a stair to the apartment that opens into a large foyer. From the foyer, a hall along the side wall of the apartment connects the guest bedroom, primary ensuite, kitchen-dining room and the living room. Behind the foyer is a full bath for the guest bedroom.   

The focal point of the living room at the corner of the building facing High Street are the front wall’s windows, now in their original locations as described in John Hutchison’s design concept drawings. Along with the side windows facing the alley, daylight spills into the room over the beautifully refinished wood floors. The color palette of the baseboard, window trim and off-white walls are a serene blank slate for the next resident to add their own touches.  

The preserved fireplace mantel adds charm to this transitional space, leading to the modern kitchen.

The spacious living room has the original fireplace’s mantel. Since the chimney is still intact, perhaps the chimney could be outfitted with a gas fireplace. The door at the rear of the living room leads to the stairs to the third floor and behind the stair wall is the kitchen-dining area.

A sleek blend of white cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a functional island defines the contemporary kitchen design.

Mr. Smith would not recognize his kitchen with this stylish renovation, featuring an “L” and island layout, white cabinets, a railroaded tile backsplash, and accents of stainless steel/black glass appliances, as well as countertops of white quartz with subtle gray veining. The island is an extra workspace, and its overhang accommodates bar stools. The tall upper cabinetry, designed for maximum storage, floats just below the underside of the ceiling. The wide 2/2 window at the side wall brings daylight into the space. One has the option to add a dining table and chairs here or in the adjacent living room. 

Thoughtfully preserved architectural features, including frosted windows, enhance the spacious Primary Suite.

Next to the Kitchen-Dining is a laundry room off the hall and the Primary Ensuite’s bathroom.  The hall’s original window was left intact and the window panes were changed to frosted glass since the side wall is now against another building. The spacious Primary Bedroom has a large walk-in closet in the wall opposite the bath. 

Stylish finishes, a glass-enclosed shower, and double vanities position the bath firmly in the 21st century.

The four-piece Primary Bath features a double lavatory cabinet with storage drawers between the sink doors. The neutral deep blue gray cabinetry, stylish lighted mirror, sleek lavatory fittings, cabinetry and glass-walled shower place this bathroom clearly in the 21st century instead of the bath’s original late 19th century! 

Subtle frosted windows and timeless tilework balance privacy and modern design in the guest bath.

Behind the Primary Ensuite is a guest bedroom across the hall from this bathroom with its soaking tub and hand-held shower fitting. The lightly frosted lower panes of the window provide filtered daylight and privacy and I admired the floor tile that is scaled perfectly for this space. 

Natural light streams into the third-floor stairwell, connecting to an expansive private retreat.

The third-floor bedroom ensuite would be my choice if I were lucky to be a guest. Windows on three sides provide sunlight throughout the day. The spacious room that spans the full width and depth of this floor can accommodate both sleeping and sitting areas. 

Unique triangular dormers frame the top-floor suite, creating a dramatic and light-filled sanctuary.

The third-floor ensuite’s exquisite front wall with the center double window between two triangular dormers is not your usual bedroom wall but it adds immeasurable character to this delightful space. The side door leads to a full bath with a shower and a linen closet. Another closet opens against the wall opposite the corner triangular dormer. This private and quiet ensuite offers fab bird’s eye views of the buildings and treetops of Chestertown’s Historic District.  

My architectural thesis project was the revitalization of a block in my hometown’s downtown in the mid 70’s. So many of the storefronts were empty and I designed apartments on the second floor to encourage downtown living and urban revitalization still remains one of my fave design projects. It was a special treat for me to feature this one-of-a kind building that is an outstanding example of how a mixed-use renovated building can be a catalyst for further renovations. The building’s exquisite front façade has been carefully preserved and has recaptured its pride of place in the heart of Chestertown’s Historic District by the careful and creative talent of architect John Hutchison.

This project had a remarkable team, who all felt that the work “was a four-year labor of love to bring this magnificent building back to its original glory.”  Owner/Builder Mark Newman located the original building plans at the Kent County Historical Society, who were also generous with their time and effort. Mark also worked closely with preservationist Elizabeth Beckley to maintain the standards of historical restoration according to the Maryland Historic Trust and the United States Park Service. Mark also praised both architect John Hutchison for being “an amazing partner in this project,” and also Mat Warrington for his skills as a Master Carpenter for the project’s success. 

I hope a tenant for the main floor comes forward soon-Bravissimo to the design team and to the preservation consultant for an outstanding job!

For more information about this property, contact Stacy Kendall, Owner/Broker at Cross Street Realtors, 410-778-3779 (o), 301-443-480-3453(c) or [email protected] . For more photographs and pricing, visit www.csrealtors.com, “Equal Housing Opportunity”. 

Architect:  John Hutchison Architecture, www.johnhutcharch.com , 410-449-0466
Preservation Consultant: Elizabeth Beckle, 410-708-9573
Contractor: Property Owner with Project Foreman and Lead Carpenter Mat Warrington
Steve Buchanan Photography, www.buchananphotography.com, 301-996-7295 

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