So many of Oxford’s landmark houses have interesting stories and I was quite intrigued to learn about the story this house tells. The building began its life as a schoolhouse in 1899, then was used as a sail loft by the Curtis brothers and in its final metamorphosis became a custom home in 2006. Tax credits from the Maryland Department of Historic Preservation were used and the project was recognized by the Historical Society of Talbot County as well as the DC chapter of the American Institute of Architects and Washingtonian magazine.
This charmer overlooking Town Creek in Oxford has a coastal cottage floor plan with the bedrooms on the first floor, living spaces on the second floor and the entire third floor was a bonus room. A screened porch on the second floor and the third floor deck were great outdoor rooms for water views. Three bedrooms with en-suite baths and the one-story guest house behind the main house easily accommodated family and friends.
I liked the simple cottage form of the house and its exterior color palette of light yellow siding and marine blue trim. I loved how the period charm of the interior stained woodwork, wood wainscot and hardwood floors had not been painted over or covered. The second floor open plan with furniture placement to define the kitchen, dining and sitting areas was a true “great” room. The baby grand, antique dining table and plenty of books made me feel right at home. The minimal overhead kitchen cabinets gave the cook optimal sight lines to be part of the activity. My favorite room was the second floor screened porch overlooking the water that could become a sleeping porch on cool nights.
The spacious master suite with its sleeping and sitting areas had French doors leading outside. The dressing table that was angled at the corner of the room with windows on either side was an inspired decorating touch. The master bath’s dual pedestal sinks and a clawfoot tub continued the historic theme.
For more information about this property, contact Cliff Meredith with Meredith Fine Properties at 410-822-6272 (o) 410-924-0082 (c), or [email protected], “Equal Housing Opportunity”.
Spy House of the Week is an ongoing series that selects a different home each week. The Spy’s Habitat editor Jennifer Martella makes these selections based exclusively on her experience as a architect.
Jennifer Martella has pursued her dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. Her award winning work has ranged from revitalization projects to a collaboration with the Maya Lin Studio for the Children’s Defense Fund’s corporate retreat in her home state of Tennessee. Her passion for Italian food, wine and culture led her to Piazza Italian Market where she is the Director of Special Events, including weekly wine tastings and quarterly wine dinners.
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