Whenever I drove to Queen Anne County to tour a House of the Week, I always enjoyed stopping to shop at The Bohemian Trading Company across from Kingstown Park. Along the other side of the park was a row of houses that date from the early part of the 20th century. The architectural styles range from bungalows to today’s feature, a charming American Four Square house. The street ends at the Chester River where one can look across to Chestertown and admire the row of postcard perfect historic houses that always remind me of Charleston, South Carolina.

 

This one-half acre property is surrounded by mature trees and its full front porch overlooks Kingstown Park that is a wonderful neighborhood asset. Since the street ends at the Chester River, there is only neighborhood traffic making it safe for walking one’s dog or riding a bike to the riverbank. 

 

I was quite pleased that the photographer included this aerial view illustrating the square roof shape, full porch and attic dormer that clearly identifies this house’s  architectural style as American Four Square. I have written before that one of the former houses I called home was this style and it remains one of my favorites. The aerial also shows the property’s corner location for extra privacy, an outbuilding fronting the driveway, the deep rear yard and how the house is nestled in a clearing of mature trees. 

The street side elevation is classic American Four Square. The screened porch is detailed with rusticated stone piers, tapered columns and hipped roof.  The main square hipped roof is topped by a wide dormer with a double unit window. The asymmetry of the window arrangement at the second floor is due to the location of the stairs to the second floor that just adds to the house’s charm.  

One side elevation faces the gravel driveway with the screened porch’s second door and steps leading down to the gravel driveway for convenient access by guests since there are no town sidewalks along the street. The one-story shed roofed part of the house was probably an open porch that has been infilled to contain a short hall next to a full bath and the laundry. The laundry’s exterior door leads to a covered deck.

The deep yard offers plenty of space for play and gardening, with the clever re-use of a former grille as a greenhouse. The grille next to the deck and covered porch stands ready for al-fresco dining.

The rear yard offers privacy from its border of mature trees; all it needs is a hammock under the majestic trees that shades the yard.

The full front porch is a delightful outdoor room with its interior architecture of painted wood slat ceiling, yellow lap siding and slightly tapered columns resting on rusticated block piers and the stained wood flooring. The front door’s center position divides the porch into sitting and dining areas. 

The front door defines the two room wide floor plan. The large windows with blinds for privacy bring both indirect daylight from the front porch and direct daylight from the side wall. I especially liked the front door’s clever detail of alternating clear and frosted glass, which is a great way to have daylight without sacrificing privacy. The light wall color accentuates the beautiful hardwood flooring.  

I admired the zigzag look of the stair that overlooks the living room with its outline of the stained treads and the white skirt board. The openness of the stair visually expands the living room.

A wide wall opening connects the living room to the dining room. Like many houses of the early part of the 20th century, the fireplace is angled instead of being placed squarely on the wall. This corner fireplace not only allows the heat to radiate into a larger portion of the room and reach more distant areas but it also frees up more wall space for windows and art. With the sofa against the stair, the side chairs complete the seating arrangement around the fireplace.

The spacious dining room could easily accommodate a larger table and chairs for family celebrations. Like last week’s  featured house, I wondered if the wide wall opening once had pocket paneled or French doors but I did not see any clues it did. I admired the detailing of the  trim around the baseboard, windows and doorway and how both the window’s header and sill trim extend beyond the jamb trim.

The kitchen is located in the middle of the floor plan and is connected to the dining room, laundry and family room. The easy care flooring extends into the adjacent laundry and the wide window over the sink gives the cook a view of the side yard. The neutral finishes and stainless steel appliances await the next owner’s accessories.

I always envy houses with actual laundry rooms since I have only a stack W/D in a hall alcove. This laundry also can do double duty as a pantry with its upper cabinets and a microwave. The window and door overlook the roofed deck leading to the rear yard.

This cozy room off the kitchen and opposite the stair could be a great snug with a sofa against the stairs for views through the front and side windows providing  ample daylight. Adding a wall mounted TV and more shelving for books would be great finishing touches. The corner door leads to the basement with windows at each end for daylight and ample storage space.

The stairs to the second floor end at a short hall surrounded by three bedrooms and a family bath. Two bedrooms are located at the front of the house with this primary bedroom located at a quiet rear corner. The front bedrooms have single windows on each exterior wall but this primary bedroom has two windows overlooking the rear yard and another side window.  

The spacious family bath has easy care vinyl flooring that evokes the polygonal tiles usually found in houses dating from the 1920’s. The soaking tub outfitted with a hand held shower, the wide pedestal sink  and the wall mounted mirror/medicine cabinet are also vintage pieces. The white paneled wainscot and the light blue wall above, punctuated by the two windows for daylight, create a charming family bath. 

There is a second door to the adjacent primary bedroom. If a main primary bedroom ensuite were desired, the main floor’s bathroom and hall could perhaps be extended for a one-story primary ensuite that could wrap around the deck. 

This charming house has great appeal from both its neighborhood location along the Chester River and its highly desirable corner lot opposite Kingstown Park. The house’s American Four-Square architectural style creates a compact floor plan with minimal halls to maximize room sizes, enhanced by neutral wall finishes and beautiful hardwood floors with abundant daylight from large windows. Outdoor rooms of the front screened porch and rear deck expand your warm weather living space and the deep rear yard surrounded by mature trees creates a play space for children or family sports. Great property!

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For more information about this property, Courtney Chipouras, Vice President, TTR  Sotheby’s International Realty and MBA | RSPS: Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist at 410-410-3344 (o), 410-200-1224 (c) or [email protected] .For more photographs and pricing, visit www.mychesapeakehome.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.

I always look forward to visiting Oxford and I arrived via the ferry. After treating myself to ice cream at the Scottish Highland Creamery, I was ready for my tour.  Walking along the Town’s brick sidewalk, I soon crossed a street to this corner property. I admired the charming white picket fence that surrounded the front yard and the hardscape mix of the brick sidewalk and a gravel path lined with random sized stones leading to the side yard. The balanced mix of grass and mulched beds with plantings with nary a weed in sight created a welcoming vista.

The two-bay house has a full hipped roofed porch with intricately detailed columns and delicate fretwork springing from the sides of each column and spaced along the eave. I admired the large main floor windows and the double windows at the second floor with darker blue shutters than the blue of the original front door. Before I explored the interiors, I “took the one less traveled by” and strolled down the gravel path to study the other elevations to understand the massing. 

 

I discovered that the house had doubled in length from its original two room wide, three rooms deep layout when it became a B&B. One side entrance leads to a hall with a half bath, laundry and utility room and the other entrance leads to an apartment above the two-car garage at the rear of the house. The mature deciduous and crape myrtle trees provide shade and privacy. 

 

The rear addition to the house is a different style than the original part of the house. The one-story section between the two-story sections of the house allowed the second floor rear windows of the original house to remain. Having a two-car garage is a significant bonus in the heart of Oxford’s Historic District. Part of the side yard is a terrace and a fenced playground for children and pets at play.

The cozy terrace has privacy from the landscaping along the side of the property and the upholstered outdoor furnishings offer a quiet spot to linger over lunch or to relax and unwind with cocktails before dinner.  

 

The listing agent greeted me at the front door and I loved the long vista through the house with daylight from the long window at the side of the foyer. Bead board blue wainscoting wraps around the adjacent living room’s wide chimney, resulting in a wide ledge at the end of the foyer; the ledge no doubt was a great place to display brochures for the former B&B guests. I admired the original stair with winders to reach the second floor and the contrast in the white risers and the stained wood treads accentuated the stair’s curvaceous shape. The beautiful period chandelier was a perfect nod to the house’s Victorian past.  

As the B&B guests once did, I went first to the office area behind the foyer. The blue beadboard wainscot flowed into this room that was the check-in room for B&B guests. Now it is a charming space for a home office with bespoke millwork for display of family photographs, books, memorabilia, etc. The antique table under the window has ample room for both a monitor and printer and the sheers over the wide window offers privacy and filtered sunlight.

I went back to the foyer and into the living room with both front and side wide and long windows that rise to the underside of the ceiling to bring in abundant daylight. The fireplace is the focal point of the room and the comfortable upholstered furnishings would encourage one to relax and enjoy an evening by the fire. As an avid reader, I noted the lamps spaced around the room for reading or ambient lighting at night.

I paused by the wide wall opening between the living and dining rooms and I suggested to the Listing Agent that originally this deep opening would have had pocket doors. When I looked closely, I could see that years of painting had obscured the doors but edges were slightly visible. It would be wonderful to liberate the doors and to discover whether they were solid panels or French doors! Another wide wall opening frames the wide bay window at the side of the dining room. This spacious room would easily accommodate family holiday dinners.  

The spacious room that is connected to both the office and the kitchen has a beautiful breakfront and a round table for encouraging conversation over breakfast or informal meals. The bay window expands the space and offers diagonal views of the houses along the side street.  The easy care flooring flows into the kitchen.

Having worked at a B&B one summer, I imagine the long island enables the cook to arrange a breakfast buffet for guests and the butcher block surface is great for making pastry. The sink at the end of the island is equally convenient to both the range and R/F to save steps. The accents of the stained pine trim break up the white walls and ceiling. 

The side wall of the kitchen has an entry from the fenced area and a hall that leads to the powder room, laundry and utility room. Next to the exterior door to the brick terrace is a bench with storage below for wellies and gardening tools. 

The addition to the house added a main floor ensuite with bedroom located on the quiet side yard of the house. The gentle curvature of the wood rocker was identical to the one my mother used when she rocked me to sleep. This multi-use room could also allow a couple to “age in place” with its use first as a family room until a main floor primary suite is desired.  

This ensuite also has a small bedroom that is perfect for guests with babies or toddlers. It was created by enclosing part of one side of the two-car garage; the space that is left easily accommodates bikes for exploring Oxford or going on the ferry, a golf cart, or sports equipment. 

The second floor layout has three ensuites at the front section of the house. The apartment over the garage is not connected to the house and is accessed by a its own side entrance. This charming ensuite would be a perfect primary bedroom. I admired the soft earth tones of the room that take their cues from the lovely rug over the beautiful pine floors. I usually don’t care for beds on a diagonal but here its placement works well between the windows at the corner of the room. 

The primary bath also has an adjacent cozy dressing room with two closets. The bath’s floral wallpaper and the light green tile walls enclose the bath’s compact and efficient space. 

Next to the primary ensuite is a guest bedroom overlooking the side and rear yards. The light blue color scheme creates a restful retreat. This bedroom has its own large bath across the hall. The third bedroom ensuite is located at the end of the hall. 

To reach the apartment over the garage, the Listing Agent led me outside to the exterior door at the side of the house that opened onto a stair to the second floor apartment. The dramatic interior architecture begins with the pitched ceiling and the deep dormer that extends from the exterior wall over the roof of the covered balcony.  The wing walls on either side of the dormer create niches for display or cascading plants. I was tempted to pull the shear window treatments away from the side pairs of tall windows for a full view of Town Creek that I glimpsed from the French doors but instead I walked outside for a panoramic view.

The view of Town Creek must be even more pleasing once the deciduous trees have lost their leaves. I stood and savored the clear vista unobstructed by the facades of other two-story buildings that might have been built along the street. 

The side walls of the great room have a row of windows that give the kitchen area at the back of the great room views and sunlight. Staining the woodwork and using stained trim at the ceiling changes accentuates the room’s interior architecture. The rear blue wall covers the stair down to the exterior entry and the other partial height wall covers the stair to the loft above. The loft space has a cozy bedroom space and through the wood handrail one sees the view through the dormer window. Behind the loft is a storage room.

The apartment also two spacious bedrooms and a shared bath. If I were a guest, I would hope to have this corner bedroom overlooking the private side yard instead of the street. The complimentary colors of the yellow walls and the blue window treatments create a soothing blank slate for one’s furnishings.

A sojourn in Oxford never disappoints and I once again I admired a circa 1875 home in the heart of the Historic District. This property’s  close proximity to Town Park, the ferry and the Scottish Highland Creamery has great appeal and the two-car garage with a rental apartment above with its own exterior entrance are rare bonuses. The meticulously kept grounds and outdoor rooms of the full front porch offers opportunities to interact with neighbors and the side terrace provides privacy for relaxing or al-fresco dining.  The main floor addition of a family room with a full bath allows the option of “aging in place” and having ensuite bedrooms for children and/or guests is another plus. Delightful property!

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For more information about this property, contact Jane McCarthy at Benson and Mangold Real Estate, 410-822-1415 (o), 410-310-6692 (c) or [email protected] .For more photographs or pricing, visit  www.marylandseasternshorehomes.com , Equal Housing Opportunity.”

Photography by Janelle Stroop, Thru the Lens Photos, 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

Duvall Farm comprises 30 recorded parcels that total 524.9 acres, 151 of which are protected by the Maryland CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program). This state and federally funded program enables landowners to improve their property by controlling soil erosion, establishing and enhancing a wildlife habitat and improving water quality by taking agricultural land out of production for ten to fifteen years. Conservation practices include forested riparian buffers adjacent to streams and restoration of wetlands. Having had the privilege of touring this very special place, I am very grateful for the CREP.

On the day of my visit, I left the Oxford corridor and drove along a one-way gravel driveway through woods of evergreen and deciduous trees and I began to relax in the peaceful silence. After glimpsing a pond through the trees, I arrived at a clearing and discovered a trio of structures, the Main Lodge, Guest Cabin and Wood Shed. 

Being a native Tennessean and an architect who has worked on several historic log structures, I was totally captivated by these buildings.  The Main Lodge is sited at a point of the pond in front of the Guest Cabin that is hidden in the trees. I admired the simple massing of the Main Lodge with its story and a half gable form, enveloped on two sides by a screened porch. Steps on one side of the porch lead to the lawn and a ramp on the other side begins the path from the Main Lodge to the pier.

As I walked around the Lodge, I especially liked how the natural wood rough- hewn siding, window and door trim have been allowed to weather since its completion in 2006.  Now its patina blends into the bark of the sheltering trees and the texture of both the siding and the metal roof creates a very pleasing composition of simple rustic shapes.

The rear elevation of the Main Lodge with the wrap-around porch reaches out to the pond with its wide “grandstand” steps that are perfect for watching children or grandchildren at play. I especially appreciated how the architect sized the bays of the screened panels with a low horizontal railing to maximize the view of the landscape and the pond. Multiple screen doors create an easy indoor-outdoor flow. 

Looking back from the pier, I appreciated how the Main Lodge is sited perpendicular to the Guest Cabin and the Woodshed is sited further back from both structures to create a harmonious grouping. 

Before my tour of the Main Lodge’s interior rooms, I could not resist exploring the exquisite wrap-around porch with one side containing seating areas that offer serene views of the pond. I especially admired the exposed structural members of hand hewn tree trunks that have new lives as porch columns and the round branches have become roof rafters and collar beams.

The other side of the wrap-around porch is furnished as a dining space and I admired the wide plank flooring, the wood chairs, the bench and the colorful accent of the cushions. Behind the table and chairs I discovered two twig rockers sized for wee ones that were a delightful surprise. 

I began my tour of the Main Lodge through the custom wood door that opened into this spacious hall between the kitchen on the right.  Opposite the kitchen is a laundry and full bath. The beauty of the wood surfaces, from the wide plank flooring, walls of horizontal planking, custom doors with incised rails to the narrow ceiling planks create a warm welcome. The vista ends at  the focal point of the house, the brick chimney between the foyer hall and the great room.  The chimney was carefully detailed with grapevine joints around the perimeter and a different colored brick creates a “frame “ for the wild boar taxidermy against its background of smooth joints.  Beautiful Oriental rugs add color and pattern as accents to the wood surfaces. 

I loved the kitchen’s interior design with the beautiful historic warm red Shaker style cabinetry,  granite countertops,  oversize custom door and the fabric window treatments. The beadboard backsplash, ceiling and walls continue the rustic chic look and the white of the ceiling reflects the light from the pendant lighting fixtures. Another Oriental rug is the finishing touch. Opposite the kitchen sink wall is bespoke millwork framing an opening  to the great room.

The full bath’s beadboard walls and ceiling continue the interior design scheme and I admired the juxtaposition of the lavatory cabinet with the antique washstand and the antique towel rack. I love rag rugs and this oval one is scaled perfectly for the size of the space. The window treatments of wood slat window blinds and fabric valances provide both decoration and privacy if needed. 

One former client of mine wanted a story and a half great room that would make guests say “wow” when they entered the room. I silently said “WOW” when I came around the chimney to see this dramatic room’s interior architecture. Walls of wood logs and elastomeric chinking, the exposed wood decking, roof rafters and the majestic hand hewn trusses with acorn finials below the vertical members of the trusses create a stunning space.  The finial design choice was spot-on; acorns from oak trees symbolize strength and longevity and live oaks are one of the heaviest American woods- their grain creates strength for supporting weight and pressure. I admired the harmonious blend of rustic interior architecture with the upholstered furnishings, Oriental rugs and fabric window treatments that add color. Several “wagon wheel” pendant light fixtures float in the room to provide ambient light.

Off the great room is a large mud room with an exterior door. The easy care brick flooring in a herringbone pattern with a boarder of the same brick is a textured background for the Oriental rug. The mix of cabinetry with the sink unit matching the kitchen’s cabinets next to an antique hutch provide ample storage. 

The great room’s fireplace is detailed with reddish brick framing both the firebox and the chimney’s recess infilled with a wood bas-relief celebrating several species of birds both at rest and in flight. From the great room and mud room, the “L” shaped wood stair with simple detailing leads to the loft area. At the stair landing, a fox taxidermy stands guard. 

I paused on the stair landing to savor the multiple textures and colors of the materials from the log/chinking wall, exposed roof framing, simple handrail, brick chimney and the rows of the massive roof trusses-what a celebration of natural materials of wood and brick! 

The stair leads to a large bedroom and half bath, tucked under the gable roof. I admired the brass bed’s blue and white bed linen and how the fabric canopy gently hangs behind and over the headboard. The door next to the bed leads to a long closet that has a small window for daylight. On the opposite wall of the bedroom is a small window overlooking the great room below, with a raccoon taxidermy resting on the window sill. The bedroom’s rugs and furnishings create a soothing haven for restful sleep. 

Next to the sleigh styled chaise is a half bath with a toile hinged screen for privacy. I admired how the HVAC vent was custom made to fit seamlessly into the wood flooring.

Having explored the Main Lodge, I walked across to the charming Guest Cabin with a breezeway centered between two rooms.( It reminded me of my childhood Lincoln Log set that probably planted a seed of my future calling!) One room is a cozy bedroom with a half bath and the other is a storage room. Nearby is an outdoor shower and wash station.

The porch that spans the full length of the space becomes an outdoor sitting room for watching wildlife or simply enjoying the view of the pond. I noted the detailing of the short eaves and the brick piers resting on gravel that is also the drainage area for rainfall.

If I were lucky enough to be a guest, I would happily stretch out on one of the Adirondack Chaise Lounges for an afternoon of napping/reading. I admired the hand hewn marks on the roof beam and the supports and how the one support that is slightly bowed is still strong.

My compliments to the photographer for this “magazine cover” shot through the Guest Cabin to the entry porch of the Main Lodge that begins the entry sequence from the parking area. The breezeway is a great spot to catch cross breezes to cool off on hot days.

Even the woodshed is as carefully detailed as the Main Lodge and the Guest Cabin. Behind the porch area is a room with an enormous emergency generator.

To end my tour, I strolled along the shoreline of the pond where a flock of ducks were enjoying their daily exercise as a heron took flight from the edge of the berm that is a dam for this pond. Sitting on the wood bench and listening to the gentle background sound of the fountain was a soothing respite from my workday.

Closer to the parking area is this grouping of Adirondack chairs surrounding the firepit.  With our fall weather, I imagine this is a popular spot for relaxing and watching the parade of wildlife that call this very special place home.

In the nine years I have been writing to celebrate the best of our area’s architecture and design, this is the first time, as a native Tennessean, that a property spoke so clearly to me. Since my past project experience includes restoration of historic log structures, it was a very special pleasure to see how well this Dream Team of Owner-Architect-Contractor created a grouping of buildings that belies its nineteen years old construction.

Simple geometric forms seamlessly blend into the color palette of the surroundings woods, combining log construction with modern comfort. Outdoor rooms of the Main Lodge’s exquisite wrap-around porch and the Guest Cabin’s front porch that blends into the breezeway offer views of the pond and the abundant wildlife that also appreciate this peaceful haven. The mantra of this special place must be “host, gather and reconnect with each other and nature”-Bravissimo!!

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For information about this property contact Coard Benson, Associate Broker with Benson & Mangold Real Estate at 410-770-9255 (o), 410-310-4909 (c) or [email protected]. For more pictures and pricing, visit www.coardbenson.com/duvall

 

Photography by Jim McKee, BroadView Interactive LLC. 703-593-4392,  [email protected]

Architecture by Johnson and Berman, Baltimore, MD. 410-752-2030 

Contraction by: Ilex, www.ilexconstruction.com, 410-519-1900

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.

This aerial shot illustrates how the house’s octagonal shaped entry gable pays homage to the architectural element of the distinctive “wharf” houses of Tilghman Island that have an eye-catching “W” shape. This house’s octagonal shaped entry is set against the house’s rectangular shape with a full front porch.  The house is sited on a deep 0.42 acre lot and is nestled in a clearing surrounded by mature trees and professionally landscaped grounds.  The dead-end street provides privacy and views of Dogwood Harbor to the Chesapeake Bay. 

The property has great curb appeal beginning with the white fence along the road  that frames the view of the lush landscaping and mature gardens. As I walked up the paved path to the house, I admired the crape myrtle, a magnificent magnolia and fig trees in the front garden. The partial view of the house is both private and welcoming.

The focal point of the charming front elevation is the prominent two-story bay shaped gable with its arched top attic window and the slanted header trim of the windows. The light yellow lap siding and white trim stands out against the green enclosure of tall trees. The full screened porch beckoned me within but the vine covered arbor at the side yard encouraged me to continue my exploration of the grounds. 

The arbor introduces the path along the side elevation that ends at a pea gravel terrace next to this delightful deck, shaded from the midday sun by giant trees. Sliding doors from the sloped roofed living room provide for easy indoor-outdoor flow between the living room and the deck.

As I strolled along the meandering gravel path between the grassed areas, I  passed two outbuildings painted in a deeper yellow hue than the house’s yellow color. The blue trim is the perfect choice as blue and yellow are complimentary and the red accent of the umbrella at the deck dining area is another accent.

 

One outbuilding is completely finished and I admired the gambrel shaped ceiling and the white wainscot with its top aligned with the top of the mantel’s trim. The light gray walls above the wainscot balances the white of the flooring, wainscot and ceiling and the French door and window offer views of the landscape. The contemporary wood wing chairs were a delightful surprise and harbingers of what the house’s interiors might be. 

This space would be an elegant setting for a home office-I could easily imagine writing my Spy House of the Week column here, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.  

The other outbuilding is a blank canvas for the next owner. Myriad options could include a potting barn, workshop, playroom, yoga studio, etc. The sloped ceiling due to the different heights of the side walls creates terrific spatial volume.

Having explored the professionally landscaped grounds, I went back to the front door to begin my tour of the interiors. The screened porch’s bay projection that encroaches onto the porch creates a short passageway to access cozy sitting areas at each corner of the screened porch. I loved the blue accents of both the floor and the ceiling and how the wood flooring is perpendicular to the exterior wall of the house and the ceiling’s slats are parallel. The colorful parrot is a great accent.

I love porch swings and this one suspended above the floor also makes cleaning easy. Both the diagonal latticed wall and the matchstick blinds offer partial or total privacy from the neighbor’s house.  As the Weekend Wine Woman at Piazza Italian Market, I noticed the arrangement of wine glasses in the accent pillow’s design on the swing’s cushion.

The Listing Agent greeted me at the foyer and I realized the octagonal shape of the foyer is broken by the hall, stair and the door to the kitchen. I was delighted to see the interior design’s stylish blend of old and new; the flooring is a mix of original and new and the recessed down lights provide ambient lighting. The diagonal wall opening of the bay projection leading to the dining room, the clear vista from the foyer to the rear wall and the original stair competed for my attention but I chose to explore the dining room first.

Across the stair hall from the dining room is the original paneled exterior door with both inlaid glass and stained glass. I liked how the side stringers for the stair drop down below the ceiling to frame the nook under the stairs that contains the stack W/D. The spacious dining room with the period chandelier, ceiling rosette above the contemporary wood trestle table and the mix of chairs creates an elegant setting for memorable meals.

At some point, the rear shed addition was renovated to become a living room and the wall between the dining and living room was opened wide with a center column for support. The long vista from dining room- living room-deck-landscaping ends at the towering bamboo “fence” at the rear of the property.

I loved the interior design of the living room that spans the full length of the addition. The stylish composition of the modern furnishings grouped on the large muted rug, around the square steel/glass topped coffee table and the rich deep blue of the sofa flanked by tall reading lamps could be a magazine cover!

At the opposite corner of the living room is a more intimate seating  area with deep wood framed, upholstered cushioned chairs and a round ottoman with the propane cast iron stove/fireplace in the corner to radiate heat into the room. The exterior door leads to the side path through the landscaping and the sliding French doors and full sidelight lead to the deck.

The kitchen has multiple access points from the corner doorway to the opposite dining room and living room and a front doorway to the foyer. I loved the painted exposed beams and the checkerboard flooring. There is ample space for both an island (perhaps a reclaimed wood chopping block?) and a breakfast area by the front wall to the screened porch. The painting of the antique Welsh Dresser could be a subliminal message that this spot would be perfect for that timeless storage unit. Built-in corner cabinets provide more storage.

The stair to the second floor ends at a spacious landing that blends into the hall connecting the primary bedroom, full bath, guest bedroom and the snug. 

The octagonal shape of the foyer below is broken by the stair, hall and door to the kitchen but this snug above enjoys the full octagonal shape with walls that wrap around the seating area.  The neutral wall and furnishing colors with a hint of blue makes this cozy space seem larger than it is. 

As a bibliophile, if I were lucky to be a guest, you would find me in this delightful space reading my current Book Club book! The wall opening that contains a second door to the guest bedroom could be infilled to add floor to ceiling bespoke millwork at the Snug’s interior angled walls to create a mini-library. Then the guest bedroom bed could be placed against the diagonal wall to free up more floor space in that room.

White is the classic color of cleanliness and it also sets a background for another owner to personalize the space with colorful towels or accessories.  The paneled walls add texture and the flooring is the perfect scale for the space. Changing the shower curtain to a glass door would expand the space even more. 

The primary bedroom is located at the rear corner of the house and the large room shares the angled wall of the adjacent snug. With windows on all three exterior walls for sun throughout the day, this primary bedroom is a haven of peace and privacy. 

I always enjoy seeing an Owner’s motto for their house and their American Primitive artwork perfectly conveys how I felt about this charming country place! Historic architecture in perfect harmony with contemporary interiors; outdoor rooms of the front screened porch and rear deck for great indoor-outdoor flow; mature trees enhanced by professionally landscaped grounds; spaces filled with sunlight, upgrades and freshly painted; move-in ready-hard to resist!

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For more information about this property, contact Angela Simonelli with Compass Real Estate at 410-429-7425 (o), 410-200-0414 (c) or [email protected] . For more photographs and pricing, visit www.AngelaSimonelli.com Equal Housing Opportunity”.

Photography by Brandon Manchion, [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.

This 0.49 acre property is located along the tranquil water of San Domingo Creek and is only two miles from St. Michaels. The property includes a one-story cottage built in 1968 and a two-car garage with a guest suite above that was built at a later date.  

The property is also associated with a well-known American author, Gilbert Valliant Byron, who is sometimes referred to as the “Chesapeake Thoreau” because both writers had the same birthday. He is believed to be the most prolific single author of works about the Chesapeake Bay from his authorship of 14 books and over 70 articles detailing Eastern Shore Life. There is a stone memorial to the author on the property and his original log cabin is preserved at Pickering Creek.

Between the cottage and the garage/ guest suite above is a large brick terrace with a wood pergola that connects the two structures. At this side, decorative fretwork are attached to each side of the posts that support the framing. Lattice panels at each end of the pergola are transitions from the structures’ solid walls to open space.

The waterside terrace faces N/NE so one can enjoy the view of the water in late morning through the afternoon without glare. Replacing the wood pergola with a conditioned structure would be an option if one needed more living space. 

The waterside elevation shows the difference in massing between the cottage and the two-car garage/guest suite. Each structure has its own outdoor room with the cottage’s screened porch that spans across the width of the cottage and the guest suite’s deck with access from the exterior stairs.  Towering trees shade the structures and the unique 50 foot rear setback is a bonus since new waterfront construction now requires a 100 foot setback.

The depth of the two buildings creates a very private outdoor space for relaxation.  If the total lot coverage could accommodate a pool in this area, the terrace could become part of the pool surround. 

The foyer’s half glass/half paneled entry door opens into a welcoming foyer with easy care quarry tile that blends into brick steps. I realized the window on the side wall indicated this space was probably an addition and now the window provides indirect sunlight and natural ventilation for the adjacent kitchen. 

The foyer blends into the hall from the primary ensuite at the front of the cottage to the kitchen and the open-plan dining-living room and another bedroom ensuite. The hall’s white doors, walls and ceiling reflects the sunlight and the white louvered blinds become part of the wall.

The compact kitchen’s “U” shape is efficient and the cabinets’ color blends into the wall to make the space seem larger than it is. The other side wall of the ”U” contains a large laundry with extra space for pantry storage. Removing the wall between the kitchen and the adjacent dining room above the countertop would create an open plan kitchen-dining-living room. The kitchen’s countertop could then extend over the base cabinets for a breakfast bar.

The open plan dining-living area’s beautiful wood floors are highlighted by the white walls.  At the rear wall, the French door to the adjacent screened porch and the rear and side windows offer panoramic views of the water. The dining room area easily accommodates six chairs but an extra table and chairs could be added for family celebrations.

The rear corner of the open plan space is furnished with a table desk and an ergonomic chair for computer work or children’s homework. Taking a break from the computer to focus on the peaceful view of the water would be refreshing.

The spacious living area easily accommodates two full size sofas and the neutral upholstery is accented with colorful pillows and throws for evenings by the fire. I prefer round coffee tables with full size sofas for easier flow and this rattan one also adds texture. The matching half glass/half paneled corner cabinets provide ample display of family photographs, games, books, etc.  Sitting on the sofa opposite the double window to the screened porch, one enjoys a long vista across the water.

My fave room is usually a screened porch and this porch is a delightful outdoor room to enjoy daily meals or relaxing with family or friends. As an architect, I give this space high marks for the careful detailing of the horizontal framing that maximizes the middle panel’s view of the water that is so close to the house. At the side wall, a wide matchstick blind provides privacy from the neighbor’s house. 

The sitting area of the porch enjoys the long and broad view of San Domingo Creek that was tranquil on the day of my visit. Steps lead down to the rear yard with its riprapped shoreline to both the pier and to the ramp for launching kayaks.

Behind the living room, a short hall leads to this bath that also serves to make the adjacent bedroom an ensuite. The layout works well with the door opening against the wall opposite a linen closet. As a Hitchcock fan, last week I plugged one of his movies and this week I will plug another, “Psycho”. Since seeing that movie many years ago, I have always purchased clear plastic shower curtains! They are also a good way to visually expand the spatial volume since a solid color shower curtain acts like a wall that would give the bathroom a confining tunnel effect.

The guest bedroom’s red, white and blue scheme is cheerful and the chest of drawers and the luggage rack is ready for company.

The primary ensuite is located off the foyer that maximizes its privacy. Opposite the door to the bedroom is a large closet, a walk-in cedar closet  and the primary bath. The king size bed fits easily in between the side windows and another window at the front of the ensuite provides daylight throughout the day. 

I coveted the large cedar lined closet with its closet modular system to keep everything organized and easily accessible. 

The guest suite over the two-car garage is quite spacious with areas for relaxing and watching TV.  The triple unit glass door and full height windows opens up the space to the deck and water views. The mini-bar and a full R/F in another part of the space is convenient for early morning coffee or a late night snack. Behind the mini-bar is the bathroom and the other door leads to a large closet/storage room.

If I were a guest, I would definitely claim this ensuite for its long deck overlooking the water-the perfect spot for a cup of coffee to begin the day or for star gazing at night. In winter when the deciduous trees have dropped their leaves, the view must be even more spectacular.

I ended my tour at the end of the pier on one of the Adirondack chairs with the panoramic and peaceful view of the tranquil San Domingo Creek. 

The well-known real estate mantra is “Location, Location, Location”. I always advise my architectural or real estate clients to choose the property – I can modify the house to suit their needs and wants. This waterfront location with both a cottage and a garage with a workshop, laundry space, ample storage and a guest suite above would be hard to beat. The bonus is its site along the tranquil shores of San Domingo Creek with the buildings’ 50 foot setback that is now 100 foot for new construction. Peace and tranquility from a dead end street but only two miles away are St. Michaels’ shops, restaurants and other attractions. Tall trees offer shade and privacy and outdoor rooms of the terrace with a pergola and the waterside screened porch bring you close to nature and closer to the water than current codes allow. Low maintenance landscaping allows more time for an afternoon on the water from the private pier or kayak launch. Connecting the cottage and the two-car garage/guest suite above with new construction would create a three bedroom, three bath house. The arrival of public sewer provides further expansion possibilities.

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For more photographs and pricing, contact Cornelia C. Heckenbach, Associate Broker at Long and Foster Real Estate, 410-310-1229 (c),  [email protected]  or visit www.stmichaelsmdwaterfront.com,  “Equal Housing Opportunity.”

Aerial Photography by the Maryland Drone Guy, www.marylanddroneguy.com , 443-583-8944

Interior and Exterior Photography by HomeVisit, www.homevisit.com,  833-643-0445

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.