Five years ago, I featured this distinctive property in St. Michaels’ Historic District. The property now has a new Owner whom I met recently and she told me about her changes to the landscape and interiors. I was quite intrigued as her style differed from the previous Owners. 

Since many of you take advantage of the winter months to spruce up your homes or plan your landscape for spring, as I am doing, I thought this would be an interesting case study to offer you ideas how small changes in the landscape and interiors can make a big impact. 

On the day of my visit, I was quite relieved to see that the house’s exterior color palette whose earth tones I had admired remained unchanged. I walked up the new herringbone patterned brick walk with its border of brick stretchers between the new extensive landscaping of low plantings. A new “wall” of both a low hedge and a wood gate provide privacy for the front porch. 

Before going inside, I reacquainted myself with the wonderful outdoor rooms of the terrace that wraps around the corner of the house. The former terrace was laid in gray random sized pavers that blended into the landscaping. Now bluestone laid on a diagonal with a border of red brick visually expands the space and adds color. 

New landscaped areas were included in the terrace’s layout that both add color and texture to the terrace and break up the expanse of the solid surfaces. I especially admired the detailing of the brick at the 90 degree corner of the planting areas.   

I discovered that the terrace now ends at a new outdoor room of a fire pit outlined by a brick border that encloses the gravel. The easy care iron seating with cushions set the scene for nocturnal gatherings around the firepit-Smores anyone? New trees and shrubbery were spaced along the wood fence to both break up the length of the fence and to add texture and color. 

The existing sycamore tree now has stone cherubs for companions that are placed among the hostas who thrive in this shady area. New large pavers create a welcome path through this area that is slow to drain. The pavers end at the gate in the fence to the alley where there is guest parking in front of the two-car garage.

When the Owner greeted me at the original magnificent pair of walnut doors with their beautiful mahogany stain, I could see the living room’s former coffered ceiling was now brighter with the simple switch from black to white housings for the recessed lighting and white semi-gloss paint on the ceiling. I had loved the former sleek modern living room but this Owner’s transitional style is equally appealing. The green and white color scheme and the reupholstery of several pieces gives this space a fresh look and I especially admired the floral fabric from Scalamadre. New window treatments of both drapes that span to the underside of the coffered ceiling and up/down translucent shades offer various degrees of privacy. I also noticed the interior solid cherry doors now have solid brass door hinges, knobs, locks and ball catches. 

Full height drapes were also added to the dining area whose table is on axis with the pair of French doors to the fountain in the side garden. On warm nights when the doors are open, the gentle sound of water can join the dinner conversation. I admired the mix of the Chippendale chairs’ solid color cushions and the accent of the patterned wing chairs flanking the sideboard.  The stylized twig chandelier is the perfect size for this space.

Sometimes the only thing one needs to change the look of a kitchen are the bar stools like these that have rattan frames and flowered cushions. The new woven shades add a touch of color to the trio of windows overlooking the terrace.

The main floor layout of this house contains this flexible space with an adjoining bath that could be a primary suite or an office as this Owner needs. The former black millwork with identical bays now has adjustable height shelves and bright coats of red as an accent for the room. I admired  the harmonious mix of the millwork, Chippendale chairs and the beautiful original craftsman style door to the adjacent bathroom.

Bathroom changes are easy to do when the arrangement of the fixtures and the floor tile remains the same as it does here. The Owner added red paint to echo the adjoining room’s millwork, replaced the white cabinet doors with black doors and bronze hardware, and retiled the shower wall to remove the former accent band of tile. 

Powder rooms or compact ones can be easily changed too. The former wall finish was a bead board white vertical board wainscot and beige painted walls. Now the  new blue and white scheme of wallpaper and a sleek blue lavatory cabinet creates a fresh and inviting look. The chrome pulls and legs that frame both the front and back faces of the shallow cabinet that is a perfect scale for this space and adds a splash of color.  I especially admired the mirror’s touches of whimsy of the striped bass/bluefish on the left side and blue fish on the right side that adorn the mirror’s frame. The new 5-1/4 “ walnut flooring was the finishing touch.

The second floor guest bedroom’s new deep salmon colored walls inspired the  window treatments in a fabric with its vertical pattern and colors that complement the wall color.  The soft earth tones of the bedding enhances this serene space for relaxation and rest.

I was relieved that the second floor’s primary ensuite’s interior architecture of the white exposed trusses and decking has remained. I loved the Owner’s selection of soothing light green walls and  the window treatments of large scale roses on a cream colored background. Her clever use of the same fabric to cover the existing window becomes a backdrop for the beautiful wood four-poster bed.

The wood-burning fireplace was replaced with a gas unit and the large cream colored upholstered chairs and an ottoman with accent pillows create a cozy spot for relaxing by the fire. I admired the painting with its perspective scene that adds depth to the chimney and the crisp white mantel and trim color accentuates the beauty of the wall color.

The primary bath has also undergone a change to dual lavatories with a shared cabinet of drawers. Mirrors in thin frames with curved corners are a stylish touch. The shower alcove was enhanced by relocating the door to open into the shower from the lavatory area and new tile to wrap around the shower walls.  

I had specified the same floor tile that the former Owners had selected for this tub alcove; but as it sometimes happens,  later renovations like this one cannot guarantee a color match. The new Owner cleverly solved the problem by adding a black border and tile with a subtle patterned color to create a “rug” for the alcove.

The upper level of the garage is a spacious one-bedroom apartment for extended stay guests and is the now the domain of the Owner’s son. The Owner added the row of cabinets for a mini-kitchen that includes drawers for both the fridge and freezer, dishwasher, sink, and a pull-out trash cabinet. The half-circular open stair leads to the loft bedroom. 

The Owner cleverly incorporated space from the adjacent storage area next to the former half bath and the compact space is now a full bathroom. The veining of the shower surround complements the blue of the lavatory cabinet and the frameless mirror seems to float in the space.

It was a special treat for me to see how one house with great original interior architecture can easily adapt to another interior design style. I admired the current Owner’s design concept that hopefully will inspire those of you who want to refresh your own home.  Redesign and refurbishment involves many consultants, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers and the Owner graciously shared her primary sources:

Contractor: Marr Home Solutions: Ben Marr
Hardscape and Landscape Design: Bob L. Jackson Inc.
New Sprinkler System and Outdoor Lighting: Terra Nova 
Painter: Donnie L Gowe
The Lumberyard: Selected Custom Cabinetry
Ferguson Design Center, Annapolis:  Sconces, plumbing fittings for kitchen and baths, selected cabinets including the apartment mini-kitchen and its appliances.
Atlas Marble and Tile:  Bathroom tile and marble from a quarry in Tuscany, Italy
SolidTops LLC: Second Floor Primary Bath lavatory countertop
Fiona Weeks: All custom window treatments and fabrics for selected  reupholstered chairs
Conn Scott: Selected furnishings and lighting fixtures
Bruce Wilson: Leather reupholstery, Reupholster furniture fabrics & Antique & Classic Cars

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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.

When I first moved to the Eastern Shore, I worked part time for another architect in Wilmington until I could establish my own practice. One of my colleagues had a weekend cottage in Rock Hall and encouraged me to discover this charming village that is known as the “Pearl of the Chesapeake”. After that first visit,  I have returned many times to enjoy window shopping in the retail area, setting up my beach chair on the sandy beach to enjoy the parade of boats on the Bay or to hear live music at The Mainstay. Today’s feature is located in the heart of town, so Rock Hall’s attractions are just a few blocks away. 

When I saw this house’s front elevation during my online search for today’s feature, I was hooked by the massing and symmetry of what I surmised had once been a simple three-bay Victorian with a full front porch. 

The façade was enlivened by the exuberant symmetry of the stacked box bays crowned with articulated gable roofs that penetrate the “T” shape massing of the house and the porch’s angled bay projection.  The roof over the new part of the porch wraps around the angled foyer and creates a welcoming entry.

When I walked up the stone path to the porch, I admired the vibrant colors of this “Painted Lady” included light blue siding and light purple trim around the box bays, darker purple trim around the box bay windows on both floors, the purple cap rail of both the porch’s balustrade and around the corners of the columns. Scallop Hardiplank siding infills the attic gables for texture and contrasts with lap siding below. 

I was also impressed with the mature landscaping around the porch; even though they are dormant now, I could well imagine how colorful the hydrangeas, butterfly bush, viburnum and a rhododendron must be in the spring!    

 

When I walked around the house, I discovered this fab screened porch at the second floor overlooking the rear yard-what a great open air bonus room for bird’s eye views of the lawn and landscaping!

The large storage shed in the rear yard would contain all the lawn and garden maintenance items the next gardener would need. On this sunny day, the mature trees filtered shade onto the lawn. The rear wall of the building behind the house provides privacy for this property’s yard.

My tour of the interiors began at the angled foyer that ends at a pair of stained wood French doors. The doors  open flat against the side walls for a wide view of the stair with its original stained wood balustrade. The hall by the stair offers a vista through the adjacent dining room to the kitchen at the rear of the house. Another pair of painted French doors leads to the living room opposite the wide wall opening that leads to the family room. I admired the simple palette of light wood engineered floors, gray walls, white trim and white ceilings. 

The living room’s focal points are both the box bay and the Gothic arched top wall opening to the stair hall. I admired the eclectic look of the furnishings of antiques, upholstered sofa, trunk coffee table and the bookcase. The listing agent told me the stylish Adirondack style chairs were two of the many repurposed items in the house that give this space an appealing eclectic look.

I love cozy snugs and this one in the box bay would be the perfect spot to relax in the stylish rocker and read a book by the light of the ornate crystal light fixture that was the perfect size for this diminutive space. I also noted the original trim of both the windows’ and doors’ fluted jambs with rosettes on the corners, crown molding and baseboard.  

The living room’s windows at the corner of the room and the Gothic arched opening give this space transparency that makes the room seem larger than it is. I have used antique iceboxes several times in designing a sitting room for clients since they are great storage units for myriad uses. I also liked the color and texture  of the exposed brick chimney with uneven mortar joints that is a great accent.  

On the other side of the hall stair is the family room with another exposed brick chimney and a box bay snug. The snug is a perfect spot for breakfast, puzzles or board games. I also admired other repurposed pieces of the long bench that has a new life as a stylish coffee table and the slanted wood piece below the TV opposite the sofa that could hold books or magazines. At the rear wall opposite the snug is another repurposed piece, a wood mantel that had been mostly stripped of its white paint. Adding a gas fireplace would be the perfect finishing touch for this space. 

The stair hall blends into the open plan dining-kitchen. The antique wood table and chairs are a stylish counterpoint to the contemporary translucent pendant light fixture. The column is another repurposed quirky accent with its texture of residual white paint and bare wood. 

The kitchen’s neutral color scheme of the white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, variegated granite countertop, travertine stone flooring, stained wood slat ceiling that blends into the exposed roof rafters and decking of the kitchen expansion. Adding to the  appealing eclectic look is the clever table of pipe supports, wood top, wood stools for a breakfast or informal dining area.

The long side wall of the kitchen provides ample work surfaces and I liked how the railroaded tile backsplash goes around the window over the sink to the underside of the wood ceiling. The pair of French doors leads to the driveway for off-street parking.

I have written before that every house should have a touch of whimsey like this vintage oven-range combo; or, as William Morris so wisely said “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” 

Behind the side interior wall of the kitchen is a short hall, past a full bath and a laundry, that leads to an exterior door to the rear yard. 

Dressers or small chests are great ways to repurpose them as lavatories. I admired the juxtaposition of the chest with its antique look and the sleek porcelain vessel, sconces and mirror.   

The second floor contains three bedroom ensuites. This spacious primary ensuite’s bedroom and bath spans across the full width of the house.  The double unit window and the half glass, half paneled door to the adjacent screened porch provides ample daylight.

The screened porch that spans across the full width of the house could be a fab summer sleeping porch for the primary bedroom since the solid wall provides seated or sleeping privacy. All this delightful space needs is paint for the exposed rafters and decking and beadboard on the wall. 

The primary bath’ earth tones are very pleasing and I liked the bowfront of both the wood lavatory cabinet and the shower curtain. Replacing the solid color shower curtain with a clear shower curtain would be an inexpensive way to visually expand the space. 

The guest bedrooms are quite spacious since they are located over the living and dining rooms so each bedroom has a box bay. The bay depth easily accommodates a chest like this space has or you could add drawers below a window seat with a cushion for the family pet. Dual aspect rooms like this one  are so much better since they provide more daylight. I loved the serenity of this room with the pale aqua wall color and the quilt of several colors that takes its cue from the wall color and the accent of the exposed brick of the chimney. 

The other guest bedroom also accommodate both sleeping and sitting areas. Barn doors like this one for the closet are great space savers.

This property is zoned for either residential or commercial uses; since each bedroom has a dedicated bathroom, one use could be a B&B. The property also includes a side parcel so there is space for a circular drive for easier access to the street. This spacious house dating from 1910 has been lovingly maintained over the years and its current Owner’s new roof  and low maintenance exterior materials, kitchen and bath upgrades, materials of engineered hardwood flooring, etc. make it move-in ready. The Owner’s interior design including curated antiques and clever use of repurposed pieces showcases this house’ interior architecture. The front porch and the second floor screened porch are delightful outdoor rooms.  Great location in the heart of downtown Rock Hall with walking distance to its restaurants, shops, marina and Rock Hall beach along the Chesapeake Bay-Bravo!

 

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For more information about this property, contact Lynn Hilfiker at Gunther McClary Real Estate, Rock Hall, 410-639-2118 (o), 443-480-1163 (c), or [email protected]. For more pictures and pricing, visit     www.rockhallrealestate.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.

Since today is the first House of the Week for the new year, it is fitting that a new house rings in this new year. As an architect who has designed houses for several urban design projects, I know how important it is to infill older neighborhoods’ vacant lots with new housing that blends seamlessly with the architectural style of the older housing. Vacant lots at corners are especially vexing for they begin to erode two streetscapes; this stylish duplex infills its corner site by using the same floor plan for both units by flipping the original plan for the other unit. 

 

At each end of the duplex, gable roofs with deep eaves take their cue from the neighboring historic houses and a center gable breaks up the long side elevation facing another street. Shed roofs offer protection for the entry doors and a sidewalk wraps around the duplex to the streets at each end of the property. The combination of the luxury vinyl shake siding, parged concrete block foundations with an exterior color palette of the yellow siding white trim and the blue accent of the entry doors create great curb appeal. Instead of concrete pads for parking, both units have parking areas of individual interlocked pavers. Each parking area is outfitted with an electric car charger.   

One side yard has been transformed into private outdoor rooms for both units enclosed by high fences. I especially liked how the wood fence was detailed with bays of both lower solid panels for seated privacy, topped with lattice panels to soften the enclosure.  The grass stops short of the fence so future plantings can add color and texture. Along with the same hardscape pavers used for the parking areas, the demising fence wall defines the terrace area for each unit. 

The entry door opens into an open plan living-kitchen-dining area. The stair has a balustrade on one side to expand the spatial volume of the living area. The white ceilings and off-white walls makes the space seem even larger than it is and accentuates the beautiful high-end luxury vinyl plank flooring.

The sitting area of the open plan layout easily accommodates a full size sofa and loveseat that are positioned across from both the TV and also the two front windows and one side window for views of the neighborhood. 

The “U” shaped kitchen’s quartz countertop’s overhang accommodates four bar stools for breakfast, informal meals or a surface for homework. The custom large pendant lights with their transparent globes adds task lighting and texture.

The kitchen with white cabinets, appliances of stainless steel with black accents and the wide window for views would please any cook. 

The stair’s location creates an offset in the floor plan to define the dining area’s  ample space for a table and six chairs.

The length of the dining area has space for an armoire for storage of china and glassware, serving pieces, placemats, napkins, etc. The pair of sliding doors expands the space for al-fresco dining on the adjacent terrace with its privacy fence.

The dining area blends into a short hall leading to this powder room and the laundry. The window, custom cabinet with the white farmhouse sink, the earth tones of the cabinetry and the large round mirror create a stylish powder room. 

The laundry’s stack washer dryer is next to a counter for folding clothes.  Hampers on the open shelves below are handy for sorting clothes and storage of supplies.

The stair leads to the second floor landing and hall with space for a shallow table. The second floor contains the primary ensuite, two other bedrooms and a hall bath. 

The spacious primary bedroom is located at one corner of each unit. The bedroom’s shape creates space for a chest of drawers next to the walk-in closet and a high chest next to the window for ample storage of clothes. The upholstered chair on the other side of  the window creates a cozy spot for reading. 

The primary bath’s white interior design with accents of black hardware is a pleasing backdrop for one’s color accents of towels, accessories or art.

The primary bath’s large shower has easy-care wall to wall solid surfaces with a recessed space for shampoo, etc. The shower’s glass front panel and door expands the space. 

The middle guest bedroom is a flexible space that could also be an office with a daybed for guests. 

Another guest bedroom is located at a corner of the unit so it has three windows on two walls for abundant daylight. All of the bedrooms are carpeted for quiet. 

The compact hall bath’s interior design of white cabinets, warm bronze hardware and fittings creates an inviting space. The combination tub/shower has sliding glass doors with a deeper bronze frame to complete the sleek look. 

This custom built duplex is brand new and move-in ready for either investors seeking turn-key rental property or homeowners who would live in one unit and rent the other unit; it is also available as a furnished rental. The architecture blends very well with the surrounding houses in the  heart of Easton’s Historic District and close by the property is the Rails to Trails. The first floor plan layout combines the open plan living-dining-kitchen that today’s homeowners seek with the second floor’s primary ensuite, two other bedrooms and a hall bath. Contemporary materials and finishes give this duplex great style and I look forward to the Olde School Builders next project-Bravo!

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For more information about this property, contact Jana Meredith, Associate Broker with Meredith Fine Properties at 410-522-4663 (o), 443-235-3404 (c), [email protected], “Equal Housing Opportunity”.  

Design and Construction by Olde School Builders LLC, 410-690-3221,  [email protected]. 

Photography by TruPlace, www.truplace.com , (301) 972-3201

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.

Design with Jenn Martella: A Christmas Card: “The Snuggery” 

Each year, I enjoy being a volunteer for the Christmas in St. Michaels Tour of Homes. The event is always sold out, so today I offer a Christmas Card to all of you who were not able to join the tour. I am delighted to feature “The Snuggery Inn and Suites”, one of St. Michaels’ most beloved houses, that was part of this year’s tour. The Snuggery Inn and Suites began its life as a two room log cabin on St. Michaels’ harbor and was built by Edward Elliott, builder and his apprentice, Darby Coghorn. In 1870, the house was acquired by Senator Henry Dodson who relocated the log cabin to its present location. As befitting a State Senator, the cabin was enlarged and remodeled but its charming Victorian exterior remains intact.  

Remarkably, Dodson kept detailed documentation that has been an invaluable resource that has been passed down to subsequent owners and is now preserved by the current owners. 

The dead-end street has much more available parking and privacy now that the number of  bed and breakfast establishments on this street has decreased from five to two, The Snuggery Inn & Suites and the Victoriana Inn next door. As I walked up the Town’s brick sidewalk, I admired this view of The Snuggery Inn & Suites with its very appealing massing of the full front porch, shed dormer with the middle bay projecting forward for added interest and the bay windows at the side elevation. I especially admired the unusual zig-zag siding pattern that gives the facades of the shed dormer great character.

 

The deep property extends to the next street and includes two other buildings. A narrow brick walkway along the other side elevation leads to a courtyard between the Snuggery Inn & Suites and a separate two-story guest house that is being renovated.  This elevation is equally appealing in plan offsets and massing with the two-story expanded original cottage and subsequent additions including a pitched dormer. 

As I neared the corner of The Snuggery, I admired the juxtaposition of the shiplap siding with the sawtooth siding and the view of the two-story guest house beyond that frames the courtyard. I also admired how beautifully maintained the paint finish on the shiplap siding was and the Corten steel kinetic sculpture is a great accent. 

The other two “walls” of the courtyard are tall cedars for privacy. The stone circular terrace with a firepit in the middle and the grouping of Adirondack chairs create a delightful outdoor room. I admired the clever seasonal decoration of the urns since their plantings are now dormant.

Some people deck the hall but this porch is decked out to celebrate the holiday season. The porch’s turned columns are turned into candy canes by the wide red ribbons that wind around the columns. The center front door creates cozy areas on each side of the porch. One side has a table and chairs for dining with red drapes and white snowflakes for privacy; the other side has a settee with white cushions and pillows in black, white and red against a backdrop of additional curtains. The metal red drum tables have woven sides so the sunlight can filter through them. 

One of the Owners greeted me at the front door that opened into the original part of the house, with the beautiful log and chinking walls. Wreaths, greenery over the angled fireplace, pine cones in a tray on the coffee table, the Merry Christmas pillow and the decorated tree create a festive look for B&B guests.  The stair leads to the second floor guest ensuite and the half paneled, half glass doors are closed when the Inn has guests as the room beyond is part of the Owners’ Suite.

The room’s corner contains the tall tree perfectly proportioned for the space and behind it is a gingerbread cottage surrounded by a field of “snow”. For guests who are architectural history buffs, the Owners kindly created a board with information about the house’s transformation over two centuries. 

The other side of the original log structure is now a spacious guest ensuite beginning with this sitting area with its accent wall of the original log and chinking exterior wall. The double half paneled, half patterned glass doors provide privacy when the suite is occupied. The corner tree between two settees, Santa pillow and another Santa standing in a wire tray above an antique metal bus that is now a festive end table would make any guest want to linger.  

The cozy nook created by the double unit window between two closets is enhanced by the creche arrangement and wreaths over the windows. I admired the original doors, fluted trim and corner rosettes.

The bonus to the ensuite is its own fireplace, now decorated for the season. The lighted candelabra, the nutcrackers, the gnome resting on the hearth and the swag of greenery creates a festive arrangement. As an architect, I especially liked the display of lighted architectural miniatures on shelves above the mantel. The ensuite’s bedroom and bath are located at the quiet rear of the house.

To continue my tour of the first floor, I walked through the front parlor to the first room in the addition, the Owners’ coffee and cocktails bar. Doors similar in style to the doors that separate the front parlor from the first floor guest ensuite provide privacy when needed. Both the silver tree and the ceramic one on the sideboard, the ceramic Santa head filled with red ornaments and the wreaths over the windows celebrate Christmas.

What would Christmas be without stockings? I loved the Owners’  trio of colorful stockings over their lockers.

The Owners’ coffee and cocktails bar is next to the Owners’  kitchen and sitting room. The clear “bubble” ornaments in the farmhouse sink and the bicycle that is now a TV stand are delightful touches of whimsy  The deep countertop provides room for bar high chairs, now adorned with their furry winter throws. I enjoyed the vista through the room’s bay window projection and across the courtyard to the two-story guest house. 

The kitchen’s color palette of cream colored cabinets, black appliances and earth toned quartz countertops are classic choices, with accents of holiday towels and accessories.

The fireplace is flanked by two high windows that combine daylight with privacy. Family stockings await being filled with goodies on Christmas. The tall Christmas tree in the corner is another focal point and by this time I wondered how many years the Owners have been collecting ornaments! 

Pillows are great seasonal accents and I especially liked both of these-so many cars have been festooned with their choice of trees on their way home and the elegant llama has been enlisted by Santa to help deliver presents.

My fave part of the Owners’ Great Room is this cozy bay wall projection infilled with windows now adorned with wreaths. The Noguchi coffee table is adorned with one of the entries in the St. Michaels’ Gingerbread Contest. The Owners were the winning bidders and now the three bears with their basket spilling out with candy have a permanent home. 

The Owners’ primary ensuite is located over this area and is reached by its own circular stair. 

Having explored the first floor, I went back to the “U” shaped stair with its landing’s “window” of a huge mirror on the wall  that creates an unusual effect of walking up the stair and being able to see someone else starting down the stair!

If I were a guest, I would gladly settle into this charming room at the front corner of the house. I loved the high ceiling plane created by the attic being opened up and leaving the original collar beam to float in the space. Another higher collar beam creates a flat area for great spatial volume. The row of windows at the front shed dormer and the double unit window in the gable wall flood the space with daylight and the soft muted tones are conducive to a restful sleep. I especially liked the radiator cover that has a dual use as a nightstand. 

Each Guest Suite is equipped with a mini fridge that is stocked daily with fresh orange juice, bottled water, half and half and high quality yogurt.

The second floor guest bath is compact but the long lavatory counter can easily accommodate a couple’s toiletries and the window makes the room seem larger than it is.  I especially liked the whimsical touch of more glass “bubbles” in the lavatory.

When the current owners purchased the property, there was a one-story studio that they transformed by added a second floor suite. The stair that connects the two floors can either accommodate a family for the entire cottage or each floor can be used separately. 

In addition, the Owners purchased the rear property that has access to the street at the rear so off-street parking, rare in the Historic District, can be provided to guests. The rear property also has an existing building that will become another Guest House to complete the complex.  

Several years ago, I had featured The Snuggery when it was for sale. This important part of St. Michaels Historic District is so fortunate to have found Owners that improved the property without compromising its historic details. Their master plan for the property includes completing the two-story Guest House and the other structure at the rear of the property-stay tuned for a future article!

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The Snuggery Inn & Suites is located at 203 Cherry St., St. Michaels, MD. For further information, visit their website, www.snuggerysm.holidayfuture.com, or email [email protected].

Photography by the Author

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.

Since last week’s feature was an exquisite historic house, I was thrilled to find this equally exquisite mid-century modern house in Royal Oak for today’s feature. The house is surrounded by tall Loblolly pines with their “feather duster” canopies that provide unobstructed views of Irish Creek. As I walked around the house, I admired how well several offsets in the floor plan create the house’s lively massing.  Deep eave overhangs obviated the need for gutters and created a sleek look. The house’s architecture, the exterior color palette of various shades of gray and the mix of brick and siding creates great curb appeal. 

The house was designed with two levels reached by a split stair off the foyer. To soften the sides of the retaining wall along the stair to the front door, a landscaped berm was created. I especially admired the house’s juxtaposition of solid walls with the transparency of the windows and the screened porch that floats above the ground. The clerestory rising above the roof’s ridge is the crowning touch to this magnificent composition.

This side elvation highlights the house’s outdoor rooms. The elevated screened porch provides maximum water views and the screened panels rise to the underside of the roof rafters to create an airy feeling. The covered area below provides storage of wood and lawn maintenance items. The deck spans across most of the upper level for bird’s eye views of Irish Creek. The deep eaves above the exposed roof rafters add character to the elevations. 

The rear waterside elevation’s clerestory in the middle part of the house above the side wings of the screened porch and the bedroom wing on the other side creates a lively massing. The upper level is almost entirely transparent, including the sloped glass roof of the conservatory. 

All of the house’s elevations are very appealing with this elevation’s pitched roof, upper windows that rise to the underside of the roof rafters and offsets in plan that enliven the façade. The path of stone pavers around the corner of the house leads to the pool area. 

Before I explored the pool area, I turned toward the water and savored the unobstructed view of the protected shoreline and the tranquil view of no other house in sight along the other shore of Irish Creek. Boating enthusiasts will enjoy the maintenance-free Azek pier with new 30K lb. boat lift.

After walking the shoreline, I rejoined the path of stone pavers that ended at a series of spacious outdoor rooms beginning with a terrace with a firepit surrounded by folding chairs. Next was an open air pavilion supported by large columns of textured tiles set horizontally below wood siding. Under the pavilion is a large area for al-fresco dining. Another open air pavilion with a sloped roof  contains an outdoor kitchen luxuriously equipped with every appliance one could need for preparing meals for one’s family or parties. The same tile that was used on the pavilion encases the appliances and unified the two spaces. Seeing the string of light bulbs that outlined the rim of the pavilion’s soffit, I could visualize how lovely their effect would be when the sun begins to set.    

Past the pavilion is a large heated pool with a surround of random sized stone pavers. There is also an in-ground hot tub and an outdoor shower.  If water sports are not for you, the full size tennis court awaits you.

Having explored the grounds, I was primed for a tour of the interiors. From the driveway, brick steps lead up to the front door that opens into the foyer with stairs to the lower and upper levels. I noted how the run to the lower level is longer so the lower level rooms would have high ceilings. The spatial volume,  simply furnished with the sleek table below the Bauhaus print and the colorful art clearly are clues this mid-century house is much, much more than the usual “split level”.   

I admired the carefully thought out detailing of the foyer’s exterior wall infilled with wood framing and glass that rises to the underside of the roof framing for panoramic views of the landscape.  The foyer’s steps ends at a hall that blends into the open floor plan and connects all of the upper floor rooms.

 

The wall of art at the foyer is the back side of the fireplace’s chimney in the open plan living-dining room. The wide hearth floats above the floor since it is cantilevered from the chimney. I admired the proportion of the space from the roof’s slope being just right-neither too low nor too high. The living room’s rear wall grid of wood framing infilled with glass and the wood roof rafters with white decking creates a rhythm of bays that gives the space so much character. As befitting a house surrounded by pines, the beautiful pine floors add warmth to the space and the mid-century modern furnishings complement the architecture. Wide sliding doors lead to the deck that spans across the living room and wraps around the dining room to end at the screened porch.

The corner of the dining room faces the conservatory with its sloped glass roof beyond the rear wall of the dining room. Alas, the conservatory is in its winter dormancy but I could well imagine how colorful plants would create a delightful vista for diners. The dining area’s rear wall of glass and wood and the side wall to the screened porch with its sloped  ransoms above the wide wood sliding doors offer panoramic views of the landscape and water beyond. The thin tubular modern pendant light fixture is suspended in space above the table.

 

Screened porches are usually my fave rooms and this spacious outdoor room is no exception. Its corner location that offers one hundred eighty degree views and cooling summer breezes is the perfect spot for warm weather family dinners or dinner parties with friends. At the rear wall, a door leads to the waterside deck for easy indoor-outdoor flow to the open plan living-dining area.  The sloped ceiling accentuates the airy feeling of this delightful space.

The long deck offers panoramic bird’s eye views of Irish Creek through the tall pine trees.  The rear wall of the open plan living-dining area is beautifully proportioned with picture planes of glass and operable units below and transoms above the wide sliding doors. 

The kitchen is connected to both the dining area and the screened porch. I loved the windows along the sink wall of base cabinets and how only the side wall of this “L” and island arrangement has upper cabinets to maintain the spatial volume. The island’s blue cabinetry and white veined countertop accents the white cabinets and the dark countertop color of the other cabinets. The subtle pendant lights are the perfect finishing touch.  

 

The primary ensuite is located at the quiet waterside corner of the house and its wall of picture plane glass between an operable unit becomes a live mural. The spacious bedroom easily accommodates sleeping and sitting areas.

I admired the compact design of this bathroom and the neutral color palette with an accent of light blue tile is a backdrop to one’s choice of towels and accessories. The five-piece primary bath has a long dual lavatory cabinet and a free-standing glass panel separating the shower/tub area from the toilet.

 

 

Both the window over the tub and a skylight provide ample daylight for the primary bath. A walk-in closet, laundry, and powder room complete the upper level floor plan.

The house was zoned very well with the upper level’s main living areas and primary ensuite and the lower level’s family room with a fireplace, three bedrooms, one office/small bedroom and two baths so visiting family members or guests have privacy.  The family room and the two bedrooms at the rear of the house have their own outdoor rooms below the upper level deck.  

The  lower level also contains a large utility room that has a door to the two-car garage.

Each guest bedroom is a different size and this corner bedroom has a wall of windows for water views and another window overlooking the landscape.

As I walked through the house, it was hard to believe this house was built in 1988 since it has been so meticulously maintained. The 7.9 acre property in sought after Royal Oak ensures privacy and the 500 lineal feet of protected shoreline along Irish Creek offers tranquil views. Mid-century modern architecture and interiors are one of my fave styles so I am sorry the architect of this exquisite house is unknown so he/she could be credited for their thoughtful design and appealing massing of the house.

The upper level floor plan offers great indoor-outdoor circular flow from the open plan living area to the screened porch to the deck. The perfectly proportioned spatial volumes of the upper level rooms whose ceilings are the roof’s exposed roof rafters and decking made me want to linger and enjoy the tranquil panoramic views of the landscape and Irish Creek framed by the house’s rear wall of wood and glass.  The outdoor rooms of the open air pavilion, kitchen pavilion, pool and tennis court are great bonuses. This turn-key property is fully furnished. Bravissimo!

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For details about this property, contact Rob Lacaze, SVP/Realtor with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty at 410-745-2596 (o), 410-310-7835 (c), or [email protected] , “Equal Housing Opportunity”.

Photography by Eve Fishell, Chesapeake Pro Photo LLC, 443-786-8025, www.chesapeakeprophoto.com, [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.

Several of my friends who wanted to purchase historic houses and found Easton’s Historic District too costly have discovered Trappe. Being a history buff, I am always curious to know the origin of a town’s name. I learned Trappe was incorporated in 1827 and its name may have been inspired by either wolf traps or a Trappist Monastery. This charming house caught my eye several years ago when  I featured another House of the Week that was located across the street and I am so pleased to feature this house today. The long and deep lot is located in the heart of Trappe’s residential district and the house and landscaped grounds have been lovingly maintained by its current owner who purchased it from the original owner. As I walked up the driveway for my tour, I admired the original lap siding that has been meticulously sanded down and repainted so it looks like new. The two-bay, two room wide, four rooms deep house’s multiple gables, wrap-around porch, 2/2 windows and bay windows identify its blend of Queen Anne and Victorian styles. 

When the current owner bought the house, the exterior color palette was tan siding with green shutters. She chose an exterior color palette of light gray, white trim and deep mulberry shutters was spot on and gives the house a much better curb appeal. The darker gray of the third floor’s scalloped shakes is a great accent  of both color and texture. The landscaping along the brick sidewalk is a prelude to the manicured landscaping of the grounds; even in the beginning of winter, there is still color in the plantings.

The deep wrap-around porch easily accommodates rocking chairs and circulation space. The light blue-gray ceiling and darker blue-gray flooring contrasts with the white fluted columns. 

The porch ends at the door to the family room for great outdoor-indoor flow. The crape myrtles are sculptural elements and await their next season of color that will provide even more privacy. 

All of the elevations of this charming house are architecturally interesting. The rear elevation’s overlapping gables and the side elevation’s gable enliven the facades. The screened porch is another delightful outdoor room that also adds transparency to the house’s very appealing massing. 

Walking through the gardens along hardscaped paths that varied from gravel to brick to stone pavers led me to this delightful gazebo next to the garage with an apartment above. I especially liked the pendant light fixture so one could dim the light after sunset and savor being surrounded by the sounds of nature to the tune of the wind chimes. 

I later learned from the owner that the gazebo was a pre-fab kit that she and her children assembled! It was tempting to linger and listen to the sounds of the wind chimes but I was eager to explore the full extent of the grounds

My walk ended at this brick terrace surrounded by boxwoods.  I paused on the bench to appreciate the full depth of this unique property and its landscaping. From the bench, the garage-apartment was visible but the house was totally obscured. 

Having explored the grounds, I was quite eager to begin my tour of the house. The front door opens into a spacious foyer with daylight from two windows above the stair. I admired the stair’s detailing with its stained winders and treads,  painted risers that accentuates beauty of the wood and tall oak newel posts whose recessed panels are lined with egg and dart molding . I especially liked how the bottom two treads have curved ends that gracefully spill into the foyer. 

The house was built in 1900 and I was so thankful that the beautiful stained oak balustrade had not been painted over the years! I also admired the trim at the stair wall that adds texture and how both the doors and windows are trimmed with fluted jambs and headers with rosette trim at the corners-details from the era of gracious living.

A stained wood French door leads from the foyer into the living room that was probably the formal parlor of the house when it was built. The windows at the corner look out onto the wrap-around porch. The spacious room easily accommodates seating for a gathering of family or friends. 

My fave room was the large dining room that was probably the family room when the house was built. Currently furnished as a dining room, it is connected to both the foyer and the living room. The subtle bay angled wall of windows, the recessed cabinet with an arched top and glass doors and the fireplace create a wonderful setting for cocktails by the fire and dinner by the windows overlooking the grounds. The light wall and historic trim green color continues throughout the house.

Off the dining room is the family room that also has an exterior door to the wrap-around porch. I admired the stained wood of the exterior door and again was thankful that the house’s doors had not been painted over the original wood. Windows at the corner walls offer views of the gardens.

A short hall off the dining room leads to a powder room, the screened porch, a secondary stair to the second floor and a doorway to the kitchen. The window overlooks the driveway so the distance from this house to the neighbor’s house allows full sunlight into the kitchen. Since the sink is located on an interior wall, the owner cleverly added a mirror detailed like a window. As I stood at the sink, I could see the reflection of the glass in the door at the rear wall of the house overlooking the gardens.

The cozy screened porch is a perfect Snug for relaxing at the end of the day or for warm weather meals. Hedges provide seated privacy and the framing of the screened panels maximizes one’s view of the landscape and the garden shed beyond. Behind the screened porch at the rear of the house is a full bath and laundry and a mud room with an exterior door to the driveway and gardens.

Instead of climbing the secondary stair from the kitchen, I went back to the foyer and climbed the main stair. The stair landing blends into the large hall connecting three spacious bedrooms and the hall bath. 

I especially liked how the balustrade detailing included a full newel post against the wall. I also liked how the wall opposite the stair has an angled edge which gives room for a desk on the wall opposite this window. Mounting a mirror above the desk would provide a view of the window for a respite from computer work. 

The largest bedroom is the primary bedroom located at the front corner of the house with three windows on the two exterior walls for abundant daylight. I noted the radiators for heating which to me is the best source of heat when combined with high velocity AC for thermal comfort.

The middle bedroom has windows on each of its three exterior walls for sunlight throughout the day and bird’s eye views of the side and rear gardens. 

The third bedroom is located at the rear of the house and has the secondary stair leading to the first floor hall. The bedroom has windows on all three exterior walls for sunlight throughout the day. 

The hall bath has doors to both the rear bedroom and to the stair hall. My architect’s imagination kicked in and I believe a second bath could be created next to this one so the new one could be dedicated to the primary bedroom.

The house’s bonus room is the unfinished attic space, accessed by stairs off the landing at the second floor. With windows at each gable end and skylights, this space could be renovated into myriad uses; office, recreation room, studio, etc., or simply storage.

I reluctantly ended my tour of this exquisite house to explore the apartment above the garage. Opposite the building’s entry door is the large gazebo which is a wonderful outdoor room for the apartment.

The apartment’s front gable wall with the two windows and the mix of flat and sloped ceilings creates delightful interior architecture. With a full bath, stack W/D and mini-kitchen, this bonus room with multiple windows would be hard to beat for extended stays. 

This historic gem in the heart of Trappe’s residential district have been meticulously maintained and offers the charm of two appealing architectural styles with modern conveniences. The compact floor plans on both floors maximizes the room sizes and multiple windows provide abundant sunlight. Details including the wood floors, trim and built-ins offer character from an era of gracious living. Garden enthusiasts would enjoy the spacious grounds and add their own finishing touches. The outdoor rooms of the front wrap-around porch, screened porch, terraces in the gardens and the gazebo keep one close to the sights and sounds of nature. The double garage and the apartment above are both a bonus as well as the full third floor attic of the main house. Wonderful property!

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For more information about this property contact Judy Moore with Benson and Mangold at 410-822-0415 (o), 410-463-1730 (c) or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing visit  www.TheMarylandShore.com, “Equal Housing Opportunity”. 

Photography by Janelle Stroop, 845-744-2758, [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.