When I moved to the Eastern Shore 21 years ago, I drove around to select a town in which I hoped to live. Claiborne became my first choice for several reasons; its mix of house styles, its village life and as a history buff, I was intrigued by its unique place in Talbot County’s history. From the wonderful reference book “Where Land and Water Intertwine”, I learned Claiborne once had a steamboat and railway terminal that served multiple ferry lines for transporting day trippers, vacationers, farm goods, etc., prior to 1952, when the first span of the Bay Bridge was built. The wood rail fence separates this property from the original parking lot for the ferries and the railroad.

“The Koast”, today’s featured property, was once the ticket office for the ferries. Before I went inside the house for my tour, I walked along Bayside Drive that had been the railroad track and soon the road became a grassy jetty where I saw remnants of the pilings that once supported the train shed. I made a mental note to return later for what must be spectacular sunsets over the Eastern Bay and the Chesapeake Bay. On that sunny day, I savored the water that glistened in the sunlight and the long vista of blue water that blended into the thin blue line of the far horizon of the Western Shore.  

A path of random sized stones leads to the cottage’s front entry stoop that faces west to the Eastern Bay and to the Chesapeake Bay.  Outdoor spaces of the private dock at the riprapped shoreline, the brick terrace with a hot tub, picnic table, wooden glider, Adirondack chairs and chaises are positioned throughout the lawn for sunset watching. 

The cottage has undergone several additions and was fully updated and renovated in 2012. Additions included a one-story sunroom, laundry and a carport that accommodates two cars. There is also an accessory structure that is sized for a single car garage but is currently used for storage.

The deep blue entry door opens into a spacious open plan living-dining area parallel with the shoreline with long windows offering water views. The white walls and ceiling reflect the sunlight over the beautiful original wood floors. 

The window at the side wall next to the fireplace was the original “ticket window” and was relocated next to the fireplace when the sunroom was added. The comfortable seating and the fireplace create a cozy space for watching TV. 

The living-dining area’s windows on three walls keep this space sunny throughout the day.  I admired the cedar chest that does dual duty as a coffee table like mine does-(great storage for DVD’s) and I loved the sofa’s blue and white fabric.  

The dining area can easily accommodate tables like this one that can expand for holidays or other family celebrations.  The blue accents of the living room are echoed by the stair wall and the kitchen partial height wall. Wood paneling at each end of the living and dining room area and the solid wood railing that leads to the second floor breaks up the white walls and adds texture.

The dining area’s corner location has windows on the two exterior walls for panoramic views of the water. The glass-fronted hutch compliments the one in the living room.  The wide wall opening above the blue partial height wall leads to the kitchen and the door next to the hutch leads to the sunroom for easy flow among the rooms. 

The kitchen’s wall opening is capped by a  wood ledge and stools to create  a breakfast bar. The beautiful wood floors stand out against the off-white cabinets, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances.  The tile backsplash continues the accents of blue throughout the house.

The kitchen’s “L” shape opposite a row of additional  cabinetry and the R/F has ample workspace. I admired how the tile backsplash continues to the underside of the ceiling.

The sunroom addition was offset from the exterior walls of the living-dining area so views from the lining-dining area’s windows were not impacted. The sunroom’s  long wrap-around windows offer panoramic views of the water. The row of high ribbon windows bring in additional sunlight without compromising the placement of art on the wall. 

Sunrooms are usually my fave rooms and this charming room with the craftsman style rocker, cozy seating and work area could keep me captive all day. The off- white walls and ceiling make the room seem larger than it is and reflects the  sunlight. The diagonal vista through the large picture window to the water was mesmerizing.  The electric fireplace adds extra warmth when needed and the exterior door gives direct access to the waterside yard.

Between the kitchen and the carport is the laundry/mudroom with an exterior door to the carport for convenience of unloading groceries. As the Weekend Wine Woman at Piazza, I was pleased to see the well-stocked wine rack!

 

 

Compact cottages don’t often have a main floor bedroom so this charming bedroom off the living room is a bonus for aging in place.  The white beadboard closets along the side wall add texture and I admired how the side walls of the closets are angled to maximize the amount of sunlight to penetrate the room from the window.  I also appreciated how the light blue color of the other walls extended onto the ceiling to accentuate the geometry of the closet wall. The blue and white color scheme with the bed linens and the patterned upholstered chair creates a serene retreat.

The vibrant blue and white pattern mixes of wallpaper, shower curtain and window treatment enliven the bathroom. The wood design of the lavatory continues the cottage theme and the high window provides privacy. One door opens into the main floor bedroom and the other door opens into the short hall by the stairs to the second floor.  

The stairs to the second floor open to story and a half, three bay layout with  single dormer windows in each bay offering water views. The knee walls clad in white beadboard blend into the other white walls and ceiling to create charming interior architecture. The deep slate blue side wall is both an accent wall and also a backdrop for art. This space is currently used as an office but it could be a playroom or teen space for older children.

This spacious bedroom would please any guest and the knee walls are higher for built-in storage. I admired the mix of patterns of the wallpaper and the bedspread and the wood piece that acts as a headboard. The blue shades of the nightstand, chest of drawers in the rear dormer and the rocking chair complete this stylish retreat. 

The second floor bath is a half bath tucked into the other single window dormer off the office/sitting room.  As an architect, I believe the two single dormers could be revised to become one shed dormer. The shed dormer would connect the storage space under the eaves to the existing dormers so a  “Jack and Jill” full bath with access from both bedrooms could be designed. 

In addition to the front single window dormer, the other bedroom has a large window in the side gable wall for long views to the water. The two closets at the rear wall of the room provide storage for office needs. If another bedroom is needed, the bed could be placed at the front of the room for water views from both windows. 

Cottages are one of my fave architectural styles for their compact floor plans and cozy spaces. Add a site with stunning water views across the Chesapeake Bay, combined with a fully renovated house that is an important part of Talbot County’s history and you have an irresistible opportunity to become the next steward of this historic property!

 

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For more information about this property, contact Ray Stevens with Benson & Mangold Real Estate at 410-226-0111 (o), 410-310-6060 (c) or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.raystevens.bensonandmangold.com, Equal Housing Opportunity”.
Photography by Janelle Stroop, Thru the Lens Photography, 410-310-6838, [email protected]
Historic photograph from the 2-24-23 Talbot Spy article “Talbot Historical Society Project Rewind: Catching the Train Out of Claiborne”, with the photograph provided by Nancy Aldrich.
“Where Land and Water Intertwine”, An Architectural History of Talbot County, Maryland, by Christopher Weeks, with contributions by Michael O. Bourne, John Frazier, Jr., Marsha L. Fritz and Geoffrey Henry; published by the Johns Hopkins University Press and the Maryland Historical Trust.
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 unique property is nestled in a setting of mature trees and lush landscaping that gives it privacy from the main road. The original two-story, three room house’s first owner was probably a waterman and there are views of Dogwood Harbor from the rear of the property. The house dates from the early 1900’s and has undergone extensive renovations through the years, without compromising its historic character that gives it so much charm. The addition of the front entry both breaks up the massing and provides space for a foyer, coat closet and powder room. 

As I walked around the property, I admired additions by previous owners that enhanced the house’s original footprint. The family room addition with window walls on three sides has panoramic  views of the landscaping and the canopy of mature trees provide shade. The stack of firewood becomes a natural fence along the gravel drive.

The paved terrace off the family room is a delightful outdoor room, surrounded by layers of landscaping. The purple bench and blue umbrella provide accents of color until the spring blooms appear. The covered grille patiently awaits its service for al-fresco dining during the warmer months to come. 

My fave elevation is the rear elevation that shows the very appealing massing of the original two-story house and the additions of the family room and the sunroom. Multiple windows offer views of the landscaping and long views of Dogwood Harbor. I admired how the exterior color palette of shades of green cleverly enables the house to become one with the landscape and how the landscape design’s layers begins with the base of pachysandra below flowering bushes curving outward from the birdbath. 

From the house, a path of large random stones meanders through the deep rear yard past the garage/boat shed. The shed has been updated with water and electric and offers myriad uses of a workshop, studio, etc. The stone pavers end at another outdoor room of a circular terrace with light green chairs for relaxing en plein air. 

As much as I enjoyed walking around the lush landscaping, I eagerly anticipated experiencing the house’s interiors for its array of artisanal crafts, since my mother’s membership in the Southern Highlands Craft Guild inculcated a love of crafts in me from a young age.  As I walked into the foyer, I was immediately  enchanted by an array of visual delights from the painted canvas floor coverings, ceramic umbrella stand, bow front chest with a folk sculpture, framed art, to the painted metal sconces. I loved the vista from the front door up the steps of multicolored painted risers accented by swimming fish, that ends at a four paneled white with green panels. I especially admired the accent color of the stairwell’s walls and the vistas of the adjacent rooms through the framed opening in the foyer wall.

The living room has ample sunlight from the double-unit window on the side wall and the front single window. The beautiful  original wood floors, light green walls, colorful rug that anchors the seating of the sofa, rattan chairs that add texture, wood furnishings and framed art that gives perspective to the wall creates an inviting room for relaxing. 

Instead of halls, the circulation space is absorbed into the open plan layout of the house that begins with the living room and its glimpses of the other rooms. I especially liked the opening to the adjacent family room that was a window on the original exterior wall. Standing there, I could see through the family room’s window wall to the landscape beyond. I also admired the collection of blue and white Chinoiserie pieces in the antique secretary. 

My fave room is the family room addition with its accents of pink, for in color psychology, pink induces feelings of calmness and nurturing. I loved the cozy enclosure created by the pitched ceiling with slender tie rods and skylights and the wrap-around long windows. The vintage free-standing wood stove becomes a sculptural element and is centered on a glazing mullion so the view of the landscape is unobstructed.  I loved the craftsmanship of the floor lamp and the painted wood animals on the interior “window”  below the giant fish. The quintet of tall Japanese lamps and the skylights must make this space absolutely enchanting at night.

The spacious family room has cross vistas to the dining room and kitchen as well as a glimpse of the primary bedroom’s balcony above.

The dining room is defined by a column at one corner and two walls of art and wood furnishings. I was very pleased to see on the rear wall of art a small Sicilian ceramic flat ornament that is identical to the one I bought from my sister’s shop, Simpatico. The dining room’s size easily accommodates family dinners or additional tables for entertaining or holiday celebrations. 

The “U” shaped kitchen is located in the original part of the house with vistas to the dining and family rooms. I collect Oaxacan colorful wood carvings of animals so I was enchanted by these colorful animals facing the mermaid in the center of the fireplace mantel and the artisan metal animal sculpture on the hearth. The door next to the pig peeking out from the wall leads to a long pantry so upper cabinets in the kitchen can be minimized and the cooks’ views are maximized.

The  sunroom at the rear of the house is a four-season room with panoramic views of the lush landscape. The sloped ceiling provides just the right amount of cozy enclosure and clever space for a bookshelf at the side wall. I admired the vertical wood paneling painted in light green and the eclectic mix of furnishings that creates a cozy spot for relaxation. 

The stairs lead to the second floor’s two bedrooms, one bath and the laundry alcove. The primary bedroom has great interior architecture from the side gable wall, the high knee wall behind the bed and the skylights.  I appreciated how the slight slope of the ceiling behind the bed was painted the wall color, not the white ceiling color, so the side walls end equally at the gable wall. 

The wood bedposts maintain the spatial volume of the room and I admired the crocheted bedspread that reminded me on the one I have in my guest room that was the handiwork of my great-grandmother. If one did not want the balcony railing overlooking the rooms below, it would be relatively easy to extend the primary bedroom’s floor to create a low knee wall below the skylights.

This large bathroom off the hall currently serves both bedrooms. Next to this space is a long walk-in closet off the primary bedroom that could be divided into  to a full bath and closet space for a primary bedroom ensuite.

I would welcome being a guest in this charming and colorful bedroom. The interior design of the rug’s stenciled pattern, the texture of the matchstick window treatments, the fish artwork that picks up the colors of the bedspread and the artisan accents of the fish sculpture, the chair, and the sinuous iron towel rack creates a unique space. The oversized upholstered chaise is the perfect spot for reading a book before bedtime.

This exquisite Tilghman Treasure gets an A+ for exceeding my selection criteria of site, architecture, interiors and landscaping. The combination of  Eastern Shore vernacular architecture and interior renovations without sacrificing the original details and materials creates a very unique home. All the major upgrades (roofing, windows, HVAC, crawl space, etc.), have been done. My compliments to the Owners for their stylish and imaginative interiors that are filled with color, art and artisanal crafts that gives their house such personality-Bravo and Brava!

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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 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.

It is always gratifying for me to see an older house in need of renovation to be given a new life through renovation/restoration. This house’s eclectic mix of styles of its Victorian shape, 2/2 windows, full front porch and the Queen Anne accents of the multiple gables and the tower gives this house charming curb appeal. 

This is the second time I have featured a house by this developer and once again his attention to preserving historic features combined with the quality of new workmanship has produced  another gem. The house is set back from the Bozman-Neavitt corridor on a quiet dead-end street containing only seven properties. Behind the house at the rear of the property are two outbuildings; one small shed and a larger one offering myriad uses-a single car garage, workshop, office/studio, etc.

The facades of the one room wide, two to three rooms deep house are outlined with white corner boards that contrast with the mix of new light gray shake and lap siding for texture. The slight offset in plan breaks up the side façade and I especially liked how the original diamond patterned shake siding that infills the gables has been preserved. The accent of the red metal roof is a cheerful finishing touch.

I admired how the side elevation highlights the tower with its flared eaves and how the massing steps down from the main gable roof with very low sloped roofs at this side. The outdoor rooms of the full front porch and the wide steps at the pair of sliding doors overlook the deep side yard. As I stood on the steps, I saw glimpses of nearby Harris Creek and the steps could perhaps be modified to become a deck for al-fresco dining. As I walked around the side yard, I discovered another glimpse of Harris Creek at a spot that could be perfect for a gazebo for closer proximity to the water.

After strolling around the 1.03 +/- acre site, I walked up to the front porch whose depth could easily accommodate a swing at the side and other seating. I admired the texture and low exposure of the original siding and the blue accents of the half French/half paneled door and sidelights below a full transom.

The front door opens into the stair hall with a closet wall defining a foyer that provides a windbreak. The beautiful engineered wide plank wood floors flow throughout the first floor rooms and the tall light gray  walls both accentuate the color of the floors and also reflect the sunlight from the new large windows.

As I walked around the corner of the foyer’s closet, the full extent of the first floor’s transformation unfolded. A dropped soffit cleverly defines the living room’s edge of the open plan area and also hides the HVAC. Two wall openings offer views of the kitchen and dining areas.

The large windows reach to the underside of the ceiling molding. On the day of my visit, sunlight poured through two front and side windows of the living room and was reflected in the white ceiling and light gray walls.  The house has been partially staged but this spacious room could easily accommodate more seating.

I love diagonal vistas and this one from the corner of the living room shows the vista that creates the living-dining-kitchen open plan for great flow among the spaces. The diagonal wall at the stairs creates space for a powder room under the stairs and lessens its protrusion into the living area.  My visit timing was perfect since the angled wall also catches the reflection of one of the front door’s sidelights!

The pantry in the corner and the dropped soffit define the spacious dining area whose length could easily accommodate a longer table for family celebrations or entertaining. The pair of sliders creates a transparent wall of glass for long views to the side yard with its edges of mature landscaping for privacy.

The galley kitchen with a large island layout extends the full length of the space.  In addition to the dining area’s pair of sliders, two windows on the side wall of the kitchen and the double-unit window in the rear wall keep this space sunny and bright throughout the day.  

The cabinets and veined quartz countertops blend into the white walls to maintain the spatial volume and the stainless steel appliances complete this stylish kitchen’s design. The island’s long countertop with an overhang for bar stools can also be a buffet for entertaining.

I admired the decorative touches of the textured tile backsplash in a muted accent color and the sleek cabinet hardware. I especially liked the large transparent pendant lighting over the island that disappears into the space. 

The stairs to the second floor lead to a double loaded hall between two bedroom ensuites, another bedroom, a hall bath and laundry. This primary bedroom ensuite is located at the front corner of the house. The high windows along the side wall makes its easy for one to have a tall headboard for a bed. The front windows offer peaceful views of the historic church and its cemetery and the windows’ lengths allow sunlight to fully penetrate the room.

The primary bath is located over the foyer below and the neutral finishes await one’s choice of towels and accessories.  I especially liked the details of  the tiny polygonal tiles in various shades of gray and the white grout that accentuated the tiles’ shapes; the sleek lavatory fitting and the door hardware. 

The same tile is repeated in the shower area with its tiled walls of white and gray shades.

This bedroom at the rear corner of the house also has an ensuite bath. The single windows at each exterior wall of the bedroom offer sunlight and views of the landscape. 

The rear bedroom’s bath’s shower spans the width of the room to visually enlarge the space and has the same wall and floor finishes as the primary bath. The recessed storage shelf is handy and the window in the shower for daylight is a plus. I  especially liked the texture of the lavatory cabinet and the towel with its polygonal design that cleverly echoes the floor tile shape.

Wonderful transformation of a 1900’s house with upgrades from 2024. The 1.03 acre property has two outbuildings, one of which could have myriad uses- a single car garage, workshop, studio, etc. and the spacious side yard has glimpses of nearby Harris Creek. Charming architectural style, outdoor rooms of the full front porch and side wide steps; main floor open plan with high ceilings, beautiful floors, tall windows for abundant sunlight, gourmet kitchen, three bedrooms and three baths (two ensuites). All this and close proximity to the amenities of St. Michaels!

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For more information about this property, contact Debra Crouch with Benson and Mangold Real Estate at 410-745-0415 (o), 410-924-0771 (c) or  [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit  www.debracrouch.bensonandmangold.com ,  “Equal Housing Opportunity”. 

Photography by Janelle Stroop, Thru the Lens Photography, 410-310-6838, [email protected]

Developer: QB Properties, LLC, 703-628-9015

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 street in Chestertown’s Historic District has been featured many times for its gems and the middle house in this colorful streetscape is today’s feature. When the current Owners bought the house, they had been told the three houses were built by a father for each of his daughters, so they would be close to his house further up the street. 

The house’s appealing eclectic look begins with the Victorian touches of the  full porch’s very low sloped roof supported by turned columns with chamfered bases and tops and the 2/2 windows; the Italianate details of the porch’s exposed eave brackets and the double arched top windows at the attic level;  and the piece de resistance is the unusual roof shape of the single dormer that reminded me of a Tudor lady’s mantle. Great details that create great curb appeal!    

The houses are aligned with each other so the porches encourage interactions with neighbors and plantings add some privacy. The white furnishings of the porch swing and Adirondack chairs stand out against the blue floor to create a cozy seating group and the Victorian front door’s fretwork adds texture to the space. 

The slight offset in the truncated “L” shape of the one room wide, five rooms deep house enables windows at the front part of the house to have long views of the side  and rear terraces. The arched arbor separates the side “service” area for HVAC equipment and storage for bikes from the rear terrace, accessed by the house’s side door that is protected by the low sloped roof with brackets.

The fully fenced, low maintenance yard, enhanced by mature trees for shade and other greenery, ends at the alley with parking for two cars. The yard’s spaciousness provides a safe area for children’s play, exercise for the family pet or for simply relaxing in this private outdoor room or the other terrace when spring has once again awakened the beauty of the garden. 

The front door opens into a hallway with vistas through doorways to both the living  room at the side wall and dining room at the end of the hall. My old farmhouse has shallow treads and high risers so I especially liked these deeper wood treads accented by white risers. The exquisite carved newel post introduces the wood balustrade with painted pickets and stained cap rail that extends to the third floor. The white walls highlight the beautiful wood floors found throughout the house. Behind the first part of the stairs, a sloped ceiling creates an alcove off the hall that could be fitted with cubbies, hall tree for coats, hunt table, etc. The period detail of the doorways’ fluted jambs adds texture to the white walls.

The living room’s white walls reflect the sunlight from the two front windows and one rear window and the white shutters over the bottom portion of the window can be adjusted for seated privacy when needed.  The room’s period details includes picture molding around the perimeter of the room and the rosette trim at the corner of each window. The mix of white and floral upholstered pieces and the artwork that adds perspective to the wall creates a charming room for relaxation. 

The focal point of the living room is the angled fireplace with a surround of deep gray soapstone panels with subtle Arts & Crafts decorative carvings. The mirror over the fireplace becomes another window and catches the reflection of the artwork over the sofa. The doorway next to the fireplace leads to the dining room.

The spacious dining room’s fireplace between the doorways matches the living room’s fireplace. The perimeter of the light colored neutral walls are detailed with picture molding and a chair rail interrupted by the two side windows opposite a single window. The size of the room easily accommodates this table for six but the room’s length could also accommodate a longer table for family holidays or entertaining.

Behind the dining room is a short hall opposite this full bathroom. I loved the period touches of the basket weave tile floor and the pedestal sink juxtaposed with the contemporary design of the shower’s tiled wall and non-slip pebble flooring. The shower’s glass door that spans the width of the rear wall expands the space visually. The stylish black accents  of the shower frame, fittings, free standing storage unit with a glass front and side and accessories create an updated and very stylish bathroom. The finishing touch is the window with its diamond patterned leaded and stained glass design that the Owners commissioned from a stained glass workshop in Baltimore.

There is a direct vista from the kitchen to the living room through the dining room’s doorways that are aligned with each other. The kitchen’s bright blue walls, the red accent of the lamp on top of the wood breakfast bar and the stainless steel appliances stand out against the bright white of the cabinetry and the dark quartz countertops. Instead of a full backsplash, the wall between the base and upper cabinets is enhanced by a row of miniature artwork.  These original watercolors are the work of notable local artist Marcy Dunn Ramsey, whose work can also be found in Chestertown’s Watershed restaurant and other locations.

The glass fronted and backlit upper cabinets both highlight the colorful pieces within and also minimize the mass of the cabinets. The accent blue wall leads to the rear room of the house.

This multi-purpose room that overlooks the rear yard has potential for several uses as a TV room with a sofa bed for extra guests, office, or a main floor bedroom. The wide window offers panoramic views of the yard and the urban landscape beyond. 

Removing the side exterior door would give privacy to this room if a main floor bedroom is desired. Adding a small space off the kitchen’s exterior wall and relocating both the exterior door and the stack W/D from this room’s closet would allow the former W/D space to become a closet for a main floor bedroom. 

The stairs from the main floor end at a dual landing with one hall continuing past the guest bedrooms along the side of the house. Another short hall leads both to the spacious primary bedroom and to another run of stairs to the third floor. The primary bedroom is located over the living room below and its closet is carved out of one back corner of the room. Placing the rod for the window treatments at the ceiling’s edge maintains the spatial volume of the room.

This flexible space has doors to both the primary bedroom and also to the hall so it could easily become another guest bedroom, office as shown, a family room or renovated to become a bathroom and walk-in closet for a primary ensuite. The hall door is opposite the window in the hall and with the two windows at the exterior of this room, the space has ample sunlight.

The hall bath has been as stylishly renovated as the main floor’s bathroom’s transformation. Gone are the days of platform Jacuzzis-my architectural clients want both a soaking tub and shower and the wall mounted rain shower head  here solves both wants. The white beadboard wainscot flows seamlessly around the room below the window sill and the top of the lavatory cabinet. The soothing light aqua walls and the wood accents of the mirror’s frame, the sconces and the towel hooks are perfect finishing touches.

At the rear of second floor is another bedroom and it reminded me of my guest bedroom with its white iron frame and light aqua walls. The large rug adds color and the white shutters that cover the lower parts of  the two windows add privacy. The rocking chair next to a well-stocked bookcase provides opportunities for reading before bedtime.

I envied the stairs to the third floor attic space since the access to my attic is only a pull-down stair!  I was very pleasantly surprised to find what awaited me as I reached the top step.

The stairs opened into this spacious bonus room with delightful interior architecture from the low knee walls, the side gable wall and the front dormer with the bright white walls and ceiling reflecting the sunlight from the windows. The worktable placed under the dormer windows with bird’s eye views of the urban roofscapes and treetops gives one a break from work when needed. Painting the floor, side wall and millwork the aqua color was an inspired choice!

 

This historic gem offers an irresistible combination of charming eclectic architecture and  interior period details including wood floors, stair balustrade with exquisite carved newel posts, moldings and two fireplaces with the stylish updated bathrooms and the kitchen that would please any chef. Large windows fill the rooms with sunlight that is reflected off the white or light colored walls.  The outdoor rooms of the full front porch for interacting with neighbors and the private fenced rear yard for family fun with two brick terraces enhanced by mature trees and lush greenery are perfect spots for relaxing at the end of the day. The house’s flexible room layout offers the potential for a main floor bedroom or a second floor primary ensuite. The staircase ends at a “bonus room” that offers myriad possibilities-office, studio, playroom, or teen gathering space with bird’s eye views of the rooftops and mature trees of downtown Chestertown. Wonderful renovation and bravo for the bold color choices!

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For more information about this property, contact Andy Alderdice at Long and Foster Real Estate, 240-497-1700 (o), 301-466-5898 (c), or [email protected]. For more pictures and pricing, visit www.andy4homes.com ,“Equal Housing Opportunity”.

Photography by TruPlace, 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.

The nucleus of St. Michaels’ town plan began in the 18th century with the individual land speculator, James Braddock, who was an agent employed by the firm Gildart and Gaywith of Liverpool. Braddock soon ventured out on his own to acquire property that grew to thirty six lots grouped around a central square, now known as St. Mary’s Square. Its boundaries were Market (now Talbot)St., Mulberry, Chestnut and Water St. Today’s feature is located on one of these original streets and the lot was purchased in 1845 by Mary Thomas. She built a “single story frame dwelling with back buildings in good repair”, according to the book, Historic St. Michaels, An Architectural History by Elizabeth Hughes. Ms. Hughes surmised that the current house may have incorporated part of that original single story structure. 

This classic 19th-century two-story, three-bay house is one room wide and three rooms deep at the main floor. The third room is a one-story previous addition at the rear of the house. The cream-colored siding and deep green shutters are a classic color palette and the white fence along the border between the Town sidewalk and the front yard is part of fencing that fully encloses the property.

A brick –sidewalk and steps lead up to a brick stoop at the front door below a pitched roof supported by brackets. The long 6/6 windows at the front and the side corner of the house offer a panoramic view of the streetscape from the first and second floor rooms. 

The warm weather months can bring amusing interactions between tourists and residents of this street that is a pedestrian link to the waterside restaurants.  A friend of mine who is a resident but whose lot is not fenced looked out her window one summer day to see a man sitting on her front porch talking on his cell phone. When she came outside, he was startled to see she was not in period dress. He told her he thought St. Michaels was like Williamsburg, where tourists could visit homes!  

The one-story addition has a center French door between full sidelights for access to  the deck with steps to the deep rear yard. The umbrella that shades the dining area is a welcome reminder that in a few months it will be spring when we can once again enjoy our outdoor spaces. The strings of light add a festive look in any season’s twilight.

The deep lot extends to the edge of the parking lot at Muskrat Park. The shed for lawn and garden maintenance blends into the tall wooden fence at the property’s rear and side lines. Next to the shed are two off-street parking spaces with access from Church Street; a coveted bonus on this street where not all houses have driveways. The snow covering the ground that contrasts with the fencing and trees accentuates how wide and deep the rear yard is and the privacy it offers. The elevated deck’s table and chairs under the shade of the umbrella or the picnic table farther in the yard offer al-fresco dining options. 

The location of the entry door at the house’s side wall creates a spacious dining area at the front of the open plan living-dining area. The large Oriental rug defines the dining area’s wood table and chairs and I admired how the chairs’ upholstered seats pick up the colors of the rug. I also admired the Asian touches of the armoire’s textured door and the base of the lamp at the side table. The large clear glass globe light fixture above the dining table reminded me of an upside down oversized brandy glass and its transparency discretely disappears into the room’s volume. 

The open plan living-dining area has abundant sunlight from the two front windows and single windows at each side wall of the house. I loved the exposed massive wood beam that may have been the front wall of the original one-story house. Here it cleverly delineates the dining area from the living area. The living area’s large colorful Oriental rug, mix of antiques and comfortable upholstered pieces grouped around the wood stove insert in the brick chimney created a welcoming space. I admired the window treatments’ combination of plantation shutters over the lower half of the double-hung windows that provide seated privacy and the fabric valances at the underside of the ceiling.   

The focal point of the living area is the chimney with a wood stove insert and a 19th-century wood mantel. The wood pieces add warmth and the large painting adds perspective to the wall. I could well imagine spending a quiet evening relaxing by the fire in this charming space. 

The stairs to the second floor are on axis with the front door so the living-dining area has minimal circulation space for flexible furniture arrangements. The circular coffee table makes it easy to move though the room. I imagine the Owners’ dog Tater is especially fond of napping on the long sofa in this lovely room!

 

The wall opening at the end of the living area leads to a large kitchen with its R/F wall next to the stairs. I love the quirky details that have been preserved in historic houses-here the powder room is tucked under the stairs so the door and trim have chamfered corners. The kitchen has a mix of closed cabinets and open shelves for ample storage with accents of the dark quartz countertops and the stainless steel appliances. The Craftsman style cabinet fronts with their minimal grain compliment the beautiful pine flooring’s knots and color variation. 

The current Owners added the stainless steel appliances and the colorful touches of the backsplash above the gourmet stove and the rug. Former Owners added the addition and fully removed the wall between the kitchen and the adjacent family room to create an open plan area.

The open plan kitchen-family room has a wide double window above the sofa that creates an inviting space to lean back against the colorful accent pillows and relax at the end of the day. Like the living room’s round coffee table, this round coffee table over the oval rag rug makes circulation easy to and from the adjacent rear deck. The kitchen counter overhang creates space for a breakfast bar. 

This vista of the family room showcases its bead board ceiling’s geometry created by the low-sloped hipped roof. The double unit window and the triple unit’s French door between full glass sidelights gives a sunroom feel to this delightful space. From the sofa, one can enjoy the expansive view of the rear yard.

Opposite the sofa is ample wall space for a large screen TV. Next to the TV wall is a door leading to the laundry/mud room with an exterior door leading to the side yard. 

 

The stairs to the second floor end at a single loaded hall and the windows at each end of the hall provide daylight. The interior walls become a gallery and I especially admired the artwork at the top of the stairs that depicted a boat and its reflection in the water. The vertical boards create a wainscot may have been part of the original house.

The spacious primary bedroom spans the full width of the house and the front wall’s trio of windows and the side walls’ single windows flood the space with light. The pale neutral colors and the wood furnishings create a serene space.

The current Owners transformed the hall bath beautifully. The heated flooring in a tile pattern I have specified for many of my architectural clients is a perfect vintage look for this historic house.  The accents of the slate blue door and window trim complement the neutral cabinetry and the glass shower door both expands the space and also highlights the shower’s other tiled walls.  Next to the lavatory cabinet are recessed open shelves for towels and other storage.

It is unusual to find a large walk-in closet with one, much less two, windows for daylight in an historic house and this “bonus” room is organized with California Closet accessories so every item has its place.

The guest bedroom’s window overlooks the side yard and its soft blue and gray color scheme is very soothing. I especially liked the framed mirrors over each nightstand that become interior “windows”. The closet’s penetration into the room creates a natural alcove so I would be tempted to add a cushioned seat below the window with either a drawer for storage or a shelf for a child’s favorite bedtime story books.

Another flight of stairs leads to the partial third floor’s two bonus rooms tucked under the ridge of the roof with windows at each side wall. One room is furnished as an office and another is this guest bedroom. 

This charming historic house that dates from the beginning of St. Michaels urban plan has both a very deep lot and off street parking, quite unusual for the original part of the Historic District. The fully fenced property has a central location offering close proximity to shops, restaurants, museums, the Rails to Trails, boat ramps and the summer concert series in Muskrat Park. 

This house has been meticulously maintained and enhanced by the current Owners’ renovation and tasteful interiors. The house has undergone many upgrades without compromising the details of its historic character and the new antique heart-pine floors in the TV room complement the beautiful wood floors throughout the house. To me, this is a great example of a “Goldilocks” house-not too big and not too small,  with stylish upgrades that make it move-in ready. This historic gem is a very appealing starter home, retirement home, or weekend getaway-showings begin this Saturday!

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For more information about this property, contact Tom Crouch with Benson and Mangold Real Estate at 410-745-0415 (o), 410-310-8916 (c) or  [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.thomascrouch.bensonandmangold.com,  “Equal Housing Opportunity”. 

Photography by Janelle Stroop, Thru the Lens Photography, 410-310-6838, [email protected]
Window treatments by Higgins and Spencer, 902 S. Talbot St., St. Michaels, 410-745-5192
“Historic St. Michaels, An Architectural History” by Elizabeth Hughes, published by Historic St. Michaels-Bay Hundred, 1996

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.