Set on an expansive double lot, this Craftsman bungalow offers timeless architecture and privacy.
I have been besotted with bungalows since early childhood, when my family would drive every Sunday to visit my paternal grandparents. Instead of the rectangular brick rancher that was my childhood home, my grandparents’ red brick one and a half story bungalow had a steep roof and deep front porch that wrapped halfway around each side wall. Wide brick steps led up both to the front door and also led down each side of the porch to the rear yard- great play spaces for us cousins on rainy day visits. I also remember the solid brick railings along the steps that were capped with yellow brick that I now know were “stretcher” courses.
Craftsman bungalows still remain one of my fave architectural styles; I have driven past this charming Craftsman bungalow in St. Michaels’ Historic District many times so I was thrilled to finally be able to feature this gem that underwent a thorough interior renovation in 2023.
Tapered columns, a steep roofline, and mixed materials create a harmonious and inviting façade.
The property is located on a highly coveted street and its double lot enables the house’s rooms to receive ample daylight and provides privacy. Just enough trees complement the house without obscuring one’s view of its very appealing massing and mix of materials. The front porch was originally open but its screening was installed without compromising the design of the original tapered columns that flare to meet the beam above with its overhang. I admired the earth tones of the gray textured foundation walls and column bases, the taupe lap siding, the reddish-orange brick steps and roofing and white trim. Along with the steep roof and wide dormer, these materials and their detailing give this bungalow huge curb appeal.
Centered on the lot, the elevated deck overlooks the fenced yard, perfect for relaxation and play.
The house is centered in the double lot and its elevated deck overlooks the wide and deep yard. Steps lead to a grouping of Adirondack chairs for relaxing under the shade of the towering evergreen tree. The fenced lawn provides a safe play area for young children, grandchildren or pets at play.
The deep yard spans to a rear street, offering privacy and opportunities for additional landscaping.
This deep lot spans to the rear property line at another street for additional privacy since one isn’t looking at the back yard of another house. I admired the design of the deck’s steps with an intermediate landing and its angled bottom treads that gently flow into the yard. Gardening enthusiasts could enjoy adding more planting beds along the fence for color and texture as well as strategically planting trees to provide even more privacy.
This low-maintenance deck provides easy kitchen access for al fresco dining and entertaining.
The spacious rear deck with its materials that require minimum maintenance is an open-air counterpoint to the screened front porch. The deck has direct access to the kitchen that creates an easy indoor-outdoor flow for al-fresco dining. The dark color of the deck’s railing allows the vertical pickets to disappear into the landscape. The fence that borders the other street is indented to provide two parking spaces, which is unusual for some streets in the Historic District.
A Craftsman-style entry door divides this private outdoor room into cozy seating and dining spaces.
The front screened porch is a delightful outdoor room and its raised floor and solid railing provides privacy. The beautiful Craftsman style entry door divides the space into distinct sitting and dining areas. I admired the rich wood tones of both the wood slat ceiling and the flooring, the artisan sconces and how the horizontal framing is set close to the outside face of the solid railing. This detail gives just enough space for a bibliophile to place a mug of coffee or snacks as one is engrossed by their latest book selection.
Artisan columns and sculpted details frame this light-filled dining area with abundant transparency.
The dining area is surrounded by the screened walls of the porch and the triple unit window in the living room that give it great transparency. I especially admired the artisan detailing of the corner tapered column with its curved portion springing from the top layers of trim and how the other end of the curved portion is notched where it meets the beam. The rug’s border of tiny triangles and its zig-zag field adds a touch of whimsy and texture to the space. I could also envision how the deep cap of the solid railing could accommodate colorful potted plants in the springtime, or it could simply be a perfect perch for a small pet.
The vestibule creates a welcoming entry sequence, complementing the Craftsman-inspired details.
The listing agent met me at the front door that opens into a vestibule. She explained that the current owners preferred this entry alcove instead of the door opening directly into the living room. I certainly agreed since it also adds a sequence of discovery for visitors like me as I glimpsed a view of the living room through the side opening in the vestibule. I admired the artwork whose size and perspective above the stylish side table becomes a window to a beautiful landscape.
The Craftsman fireplace and triple window unit anchor the light-filled, thoughtfully designed living room.
The living room’s interior design was a harbinger of more sophisticated and elegant design choices by the owners. I coveted the Stickley chair over the abstract rug and I admired the neutral interior design scheme with the subtle weaving of the upholstered pieces, pillows that echoed the color of the brick fireplace and the clever repurposed wood coffee table top. The fireplace’s Craftsman design with its headers over the firebox and the top corbeled brick courses, capped with a simple stained wood cap is a focal point for the room. The side windows flanking the fireplace and the triple window unit overlooking the front porch offer both sunlight and expansive views of the neighborhood. I also admired the windows’ Craftsman detail of the molding above the headers and the sill that projects slightly beyond the jambs to overhang the apron trim.
Partial-height walls with double columns define the elegant transition from living to dining space.
As I walked through the living room, I discovered my fave Craftsman detail to define adjoining spaces-the partial height wall with double columns on each side of the dropped beam that spans across the wide wall opening between the living and dining rooms. The open plan layout then gracefully unfolds from living room to dining room to kitchen.
Recessed paneling and modern finishes in the dining area blend tradition with contemporary elegance.
The partial height wall defining the dining room from the living room is enhanced by recessed panels, trim projections and the trim at the top of the columns. The round wood tabletop on an antique base is encourages conversation. The simple lines of the modern upholstered chairs with sleek curved sides and the modern pendant lighting set the scene for memorable dinner parties.
The remodeled kitchen features rich maple cabinetry, quartz counters, and striking geometric floors.
The owners’ transformation of their kitchen was stunning. I admired the maple cabinetry and how the dark stain contrasts with the lightly veined white quartz countertops and the geometric flooring in shades of brown. The striking artwork of the horse’s profile and the elegant pendant lighting over the long island are great finishing touches.
The L-shaped layout and center island create efficiency and emphasize the kitchen’s functionality.
To me, an “L” shaped kitchen with a center island like this one is best since it creates a tight work triangle. The stainless steel appliances complement the cabinetry and I couldn’t resist touching the backsplash whose texture highlights the wall. The upper cabinets rise to the underside of the ceiling for a sleek look to emphasize the room’s height. The window over the sink offers views of the rear yard.
This bright snug features caramel-toned seating, cozy footstools, and a view to the rear yard.
The house’s main floor plan is divided into two areas; an open plan living, dining and kitchen area and a hall that connects a bedroom, bath and this charming snug with windows overlooking the side and rear yards. I admired the interior design of the light brown walls, the caramel colored leather loveseat across from the TV, two square upholstered footstools for extra seating or for moving over in front of the loveseat to put one’s feet up to relax at the end of the day.
The original steep stairs were located off the hall; the current owners cleverly relocated the stairs to the side wall, increased their width and added a craftsman style newel post. This change had the added benefit of gaining storage under the new stair accessed by a door to the hall.
A triple window and eclectic neutral design highlight this spacious, light-filled main floor bedroom.
From the snug, a short hall passes by a bathroom and ends at this spacious bedroom that could be a main floor primary ensuite. The bedroom’s triple window overlooks the front porch and a side window adds more daylight. I admired the eclectic interior design of this charming room with its neutral shades balanced by the rug’s colorful kinetic pattern.
Stylish lighting and geometric design elements add sophisticated touches to the spacious hall bath.
The three piece spacious hall bath has ample lavatory space for two guests and I especially admired the stylish light fixture over the equally stylish geometry of the mirror’s design.
Conveniently located upstairs, redesigned sliding doors match the home’s original Craftsman style.
At the top of the stair to the second floor, the laundry closet is conveniently tucked into a deep closet. The design of the new sliding doors are identical to the original five-panel doors found throughout the house. The distinctive pendant light fixture with its circles floating in space casts ample light onto the stair and hall.
A high gambrel ceiling and serene palette create a peaceful retreat in this spacious primary bedroom.
The second floor contains two bedrooms and a hall bath and this spacious bedroom is the owners’ primary bedroom. Located in the middle of the floor, the bedroom borrows space from the attic for a high gambrel ceiling tucked under the roof’s ridge. The neutral interior design with accents of the artwork and patterned pillows creates a serene space for sleep. The original five-panel door leads to a long walk-in closet that the current owners use as an office. Another walk-in closet is on the opposite wall.
A gable window floods the five-piece bath with natural light, while modern details enhance function.
The large five-piece bath’s long dual lavatory, toilet compartment, shower and soaking tub is flooded with daylight from the triple unit window in the gable dormer at the front of the house. The patterned rug over the flooring adds a “splash” of color to the neutral interior design.
A gambrel ceiling adds height to this Scandinavian-inspired guest bedroom, perfect for a cozy stay.
Another guest bedroom is located opposite the primary bedroom so it also enjoys a gambrel shaped ceiling for extra height. I admired the Scandinavian feel of the furnishings and I coveted the sleek lamp bases on the nightstands. The neutral palette with touches of color and pattern would be my choice if I were a lucky guest!
This quintessential Craftsman bungalow is located on one of the most sought after streets in St. Michaels’ Historic District and is rarely offered for sale. Both the double lot that spans to the rear street and the two off-street parking spaces are unique bonuses. The owners respected and highlighted the house’s original details while they made subtle changes to the floor plans to update the house for today’s lifestyle. Updated kitchen and baths were the finishing touches to make this house move-in ready for a lucky buyer. The outdoor rooms of the front screened porch and the deck overlooking the fenced rear yard are harbingers of springtime outdoor living. This property’s close proximity to St. Michaels’ amenities of “Restaurant Row”, San Domingo Park and the Rails to Trails makes it hard to resist. If you are a Craftsman Aficionado like me, this one’s for you- bravissimi to the owners for their stylish and sophisticated interiors!
For more information about this property contact Dawn Lednum, ABR, SRES, Broker Owner, Chesapeake Bay Real Estate Plus LLC at 410-745-6702 (o) 410-829-3603 (c) or [email protected]. For more pictures and pricing, visit www.cbreplus.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.
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