The Eastern Shore has been the setting for several movies such as one of my favorite romantic comedies, “Runaway Bride”. Continuing this trend, “Tred Avon Manor,” a magnificent country estate in Royal Oak, was the setting for several scenes from the movie “Jackie”.
When I first reviewed the pictures, I thought this was a new house. I was amazed to learn the original house dates from 1800 and that its exquisite craftsmanship is due to a meticulous and thorough renovation.
I loved the architectural character of the front elevation with its twin dual gables inset with half-moon decorative attic windows, front porch with a smaller gable to mark the front entry and end wing with a large picture window and dormer above.
The rear elevation is equally appealing with its porch that extends almost the length of the house for expansive views to the Tred Avon river beyond. I loved the symmetry of the end bay windows with three sets of French doors in between. I especially appreciated that the doors were truly “French”- no vertical mullions to narrow the views from within. The end wing has a picture window and dormer that is identical to this room’s front elevation.
The interior details such as the transom windows above the paneled doors and moldings have been carefully restored to their original splendor. I loved the contrasting design elements in the kitchen with perimeter white cabinets and contrasting dark island cabinets, the white wood beamed ceiling above the darker wood floors and the crisp contemporary cabinet hardware with period pendant fixtures were all deft touches.
The serene master bath picture made me linger to “soak” in the details such as the arched ceiling over the vanity cabinet opposite the large shower and separate soaking tub.
The guest house has the same exquisite craftsmanship and details found in the main house with its porches, gable wall and dormer window. A truly one-of-a -kind property!
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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