I rarely miss an episode of either “Masterpiece Theater” or Masterpiece Mystery” on PBS. They appeal to me not only for their terrific programming but also for the great British country manor houses featured from Agatha Christie’s home in Devon to Castle Howard, the site of “Brideshead Revisited”.
“Rockcliff”, circa 1783, reminded me of a British country manor house in its setting of over five acres with a main house, guest house, two-stall barn, tack room, fenced horse pasture and water access to the Choptank river beyond. The two-story brick main house is framed by a background of mature trees and broad lawn.
I liked how the main house has three distinct wings that telescope down to the kitchen wing. There are four fireplaces, including one in the spacious eat-in kitchen that has been updated with cabinetry and appliances while preserving the original wide-plank hardwood floors and beamed ceiling. I loved this kitchen and could easily imagine preparing a winter meal while my guests sat at the breakfast table and we all enjoyed the warmth of the fire.
A garden with a footbridge separates the main house from the one story guest house. The guest house has a deck across the full length of the house and a sunporch for views to the peaceful landscape beyond. The period furnishings complement the house and add to its charm. I especially liked the bedrooms with beamed ceilings and canopy beds. A charming rural retreat so close to Easton!
For more information about this property, contact Long and Foster Real Estate Inc. agents Cornelia Heckenbach at 410-745-0283 (v), 410-310-1229 (c) or [email protected] or Janet Freeh at 410-745-0283 (v), 410-924-0658 (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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