As I was searching for this week’s feature, I had just finished watching Season Five of “The Parisian Agency” so France was on my mind and this house spoke to me. The Second Empire style became popular in France during the reign of Napoleon III, France’s “Second Empire”. Its origin was actually in the 17th century designs created by the French architect Francois Mansart, for whom the distinctive roof style is named. The mansard roof with dormers, flared, shallow eaves and the bay window are the most recognized Second Empire design elements that made this style the dominant one in America between 1860 and 1880. 

Some Second Empire houses also had full front porches, but this house’s front porch has been modified and infilled with windows. The  mansard roof with its very low upper pitch and steep lower pitch is both stylish and functional since the steep lower pitch enables the entire third floor level to be fully usable.

Slate was the common roofing material for the steep lower slope of a mansard roof but this house’s horizontal cladding in a contrasting color to the siding accentuates the roof’s form well. I admired the two-story bay wall projection that was probably a later addition and how the upper portion flares out to create a box bay with decorative fretwork. 

The rear addition contains the kitchen and the laundry on the main floor and two bathrooms on the second floor. This clever solution both upgraded the house and also consolidated the plumbing layout for cost savings. I was sorry that my visit was too early to see the majestic Magnolia in bloom! 

The original front porch now has a new life as a four seasons room with easy care brick flooring and the mix of furnishings creates a cozy space for relaxation.

When I opened the front door, the magnificent curved stair reminded me of historic houses in Charleston or Savannah. I especially admired the detailing of the two curved lowest treads, how all the stained wood treads stand out against the white risers and the contrast of the dark and sinuous cap rail. I especially liked how the sunlight from the side window cast its shadow onto the wall and the jamb of the front parlor’s doorway and the window on the second floor cast another shadow that caught the curvature of the cap rail. 

The front entry’s original door, transom and half paneled/half glass sidelights with layers of molding and trim introduces the extensive trimwork found throughout the house. Even though my tour was on an overcast day, the entry had ample daylight from the large window at the side wall and the door surround. The period pendant light fixture was the perfect touch.

Before exploring the house, I walked around the stairs to fully appreciate the curvature of the stair’s molding and the interlocking decorative trim underneath the treads. I especially admired the dual curvature of the stair trim below and the cap rail above.

From the stair hall, a doorway leads to the front parlor with its focal point of the stunning stained oak mantel infilled with a mirror and iron firebox cover. Three windows wrap around the corner of the room and a wide wall opening connects the parlor with the adjacent family room and dining room to create an open plan. The family room and dining room are separated by  a partial wall of storage with a center opening framed by partial height columns and pilasters at each corner. The nine and half foot ceilings make the main floor rooms look larger than they are.

The family room’s focal point is the wide bay wall projection infilled with windows for panoramic views of Trappe’s Historic District. The space is furnished with a tabletop chess board and two chairs but its solar orientation would also make it a charming spot for breakfast. The wall opposite the sofa and coffee table can easily accommodate a wall mounted TV. The beautiful white moldings and cornices tie the room together to complement the wall color. The window and door openings are trimmed in fluted trim with rosette corners throughout the house.

Standing between the columns in the partial height wall, I savored how the family room’s bay wall projection is on axis with the identical bay wall projection in the dining room. The beautiful wood antiques add warmth to the space and the round dining table is the perfect choice to complement the angled wall. The deep open shelves on the side wall can easily accommodate platters or serving pieces.  The console table is tucked into the recessed wall space with accent lamp lighting  and the mirror above becomes another window. 

Passing through a doorway in the family room, I discovered the powder room, kitchen and laundry areas located in the addition to the house. The window next to the sink overlooks the rear yard so the cook can watch children at play and the side exterior door leads to a porch at the side street for ease of unloading groceries from one’s car. The kitchen’s stylish upgrades of stainless steel appliances, white cabinets and black granite countertop and full backsplash that surround the center island appealed to this cook.  The breakfast table and chairs  are next to another stair to the second floor.

The laundry/mud room has an exterior door that leads to a small deck overlooking the rear yard. If one needed counter space, the dryer could replace the sink and a shallow shelf or table could be placed under the high window.

Instead of using the kitchen’s single flight of stairs to the second floor, I returned to the entry hall’s original staircase so I could again admire its geometry of curves and angles.  Another full flight of stairs leads to the third floor.

The second floor of the original part of the house contains a center hall between two back to back large bedrooms and a smaller bedroom across the hall. Both of the large bedrooms have windows on two exterior walls for ample daylight. The nine foot ceilings create very pleasing spatial volumes.

The space on either side of the parlor’s chimney contains closets for each large bedroom and this bedroom at the rear of the house also has a window on each exterior wall for ample daylight.

It is easy to be charmed by diminutive spaces and the small bedroom has a big asset in its box bay infilled with windows for panoramic views of Trappe’s Historic District.  At the left side of the box bay is a recessed area that could accommodate a crib for a nursery or a desk for an office.

The second floor’s two baths are side by side and this large one with its wood wainscot, lavatory cabinet and lower cabinets for storage is a great family bathroom so the smaller bath could be a dedicated primary bath.

The view from the third-floor stair landing highlights the continuous railing that unwinds itself down to the first floor.  The third floor has not been renovated and is a blank canvas awaiting one’s imaginative use-playroom, teen hangout, studio long-term storage…? The views through the windows of the rooftops and treetops is truly a bird’s eye view!

Even though the Lakeside development offers new homes, I much prefer Trappe’s Historic District gems like this Second Empire-style three-story house that offers both historic charm and a newly renovated condition. Its location equidistant to both Oxford and Easton in a quiet town has great appeal. High ceilings, extensive moldings, beautiful wood floors and the stunning staircase with its continuous handrail that rises to the third floor, open plan parlor-family room-dining room and newly renovated kitchen offers a great layout for family living. The deep corner lot also has a detached storage building and the house’s furnishings may be purchased separately from the real estate!

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For more information about this property, contact Bob Shannahan with Shoreline Realty, Inc,  at 410-822-7556 (o) 410-310-5745 (c) or [email protected].  For more photographs and pricing, visit www.shorelinerealty.biz , “Equal Housing Opportunity”.

“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.

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.

As an ardent proponent of historic preservation, I am honored that today’s feature is “Highfield”, the home of Michael and Ann Bourne since 1989. Michael Bourne was a giant in the field of historic preservation in the Mid-Atlantic region. His research and drawings of historic structures and sites in Kent County are now housed in the Historical Society of Kent County. His dedicated effort to document for future generations almost every historic building in Chestertown led to the formation of the non-profit group, Preservation. Inc. and many philanthropic projects that rescued houses in danger of demolition. His book “Historic Homes of Kent County”, and his contribution to “Chestertown Maryland, An Inventory of Historic Sites”  are my go-to sources for background information on historic houses I have featured. 

The five-acre site offers peace and privacy and includes two outbuildings; one is outfitted as a wood-fired brick oven bakery and the other is a storage building for lawn maintenance.

The design of this special house was a labor of love for the Bournes; his degree in architecture and the couple’s fondness for the vernacular farmhouses of Suffolk County in England they had admired during many visits to that region resulted in the design of this one of a kind house. Details including the steep pitched roof, “catslide” roof slope at the east end of the house, the tall, articulated chimney, multipaned windows,  and enclosed front entry reflect their sophisticated taste and serious attention to every detail. The landscape design was also carefully considered and includes multiple perennial beds, including this border along the brick path leading to the front door which starts with daffodils in the spring and moves to columbine and yellow lilies in late summer.  

I especially admired the careful attention to the window arrangement and how the sill of the tall and wide window above the stair aligns with the headers of the first-floor windows.

Every elevation of this house is beautiful; I loved the massing of the main roof’s hip to the vent just below the roof’s ridge and how the lower pitched roof over the screened porch also provides a wide dormer for the primary suite above. The house’s colors of nature in shades of brown blend into the surrounding trees.

The rear and other side elevation is my fave one-the wide two-story window dominates the façade and the trim caramel color accentuates each window and the eaves for contrast against the light lap siding. From my weekly viewing of the BBC House and Garden Network’s architect George Clarke, the Brits love their conservatories and the corner wrap around windows of the mini-conservatory await the flowering plants of spring.

 

The custom front door opens into a foyer tucked under the stairs and the “bridge” that links the two bedroom ensuites on the second floor. The tall triple window unit above the stairs floods the stairs with sunlight and the warm butter yellow walls with the stained floors and trim enclose a cozy space for relaxing. 

Throughout the house, the Bournes’ art collection includes many of their daughter’s works, including  four miniatures in the Great Room.

The front door’s artisan unique wrought iron hardware introduces both the antique and reproduction hardware found throughout the house.

The spacious living room with its warm blue walls, custom grey carpet, and red accents spans the depth of the house. Its focal point is the Hamstone fireplace surround with detailed beveled trim that forms a gentle ellipse around the opening to the firebox’s lining of oversized brick. Front and side windows offer direct views of the landscape and the pair of French doors between full height windows leads to the adjacent screened porch. 

The deep screened porch is a wonderful outdoor room for easy outdoor-indoor flow to the living room and to the terrace. I admired the flagstone flooring with a brick border and the slight elliptical shape of the header trim of the screened panels. The dark structural framing and the darker screened framing contrasts with the warm white of the ceiling planks.

To fully appreciate the spatial height of the two-story Great Room, I walked back under the one-story foyer and then into the magnificent two-story space with its triple height windows in a 5-4-3 vertical pattern overlooking the landscape. As I was mesmerized by the window wall, the side warm butter yellow wall appeared to change color as a ray of sun cast its shadow on the wall. This room blends historic elements and the Bournes’ love of British vernacular design with energy efficiency of the window wall’s SSE solar orientation combined with a six-zone heating system results in low energy bills!

The earth tones of the interior design are enlivened by accents of color in the deep slate blue freestanding Danish stove and the discreet Runtal panel radiator underneath the window sill along with the red wing chair. Having written an article several years ago about Chestertown’s talented Deep Water Landing’s artisan chandeliers, I recognized their work floating above in the space.

The simple elegance of the wood table, Windsor chairs, and centerpiece of a copper container of African violets between two brass candles sets the scene for memorable meals with views through the window wall to the landscape beyond. I especially liked how the window muntins cast a checkerboard of shadows onto the tabletop. 

The very wide wall opening between the Great Room and the kitchen creates an open plan for easy flow between the rooms. The spacious “U” shaped kitchen with another row of cabinetry behind the island appealed to this cook. I admired the contrast of the butcher block countertops for chopping or kneading bread with the darker cabinetry, another accent of red in the walls and another Deep Water Landing artisan chandelier.

I admired the openness of the kitchen with the pairs of double units at the rear wall and the triple window overlooking the adjacent mini-conservatory. The space is full of sunlight since there are no upper cabinets!  I much prefer the Brits’ preference of a pantry off the kitchen that this layout has.   =

 

At the corner of the house next to the kitchen is a space divided into a stairwell to the basement and a mud room. The wrap-around window sills will soon be adorned with colorful plants.  The stairwell leads to the full basement with a large ante-space, laundry room, playroom, and workshop.

The mud room’s easy care quarry tile flooring flows through the space with pegs for jackets, a bench for taking off one’s Wellies after time in the garden and an umbrella stand. At the end of the mud room is a powder room. The exterior door leads to large stone pavers that curl around the corner of the house to the terrace and the screened porch.

 

The study at the front of the house is accessed from both the Great Room and a short hall between the kitchen pantry and a row of kitchen cabinetry. The projection of the pantry’s side wall creates a nook in the study. With a cushion and pillows, the nook becomes a cozy break from computer work or a spot for the cat to bask in the sunlight from the quad window unit. The ergonomic chair, leather-topped mission oak desk and the bespoke millwork are all one needs in a quiet corner study for work.

The bridge at the top of the stairs is offset from the front wall to allow open space for the large window at the front of the house to provide daylight for both the foyer below and the bridge. The windows at the rear wall of the Great Room below also provide daylight and views of the landscape. Beyond the bridge is a wall opening leading to the guest ensuite and the stairs to the second guest ensuite on the third floor.

The primary bedroom is located over the spacious living room at the west end of the house. The tray ceiling, triple unit window on the west and  two double unit windows provide ample sunlight throughout the day. The room’s focal point of the canopy bed with its delicate leaf pattern, the oversize chair for reading before bedtime, the antique wood pieces and the expanse of the teal carpet create a restful retreat. Since the laundry is located in the basement, there is a laundry chute hidden in the built-in cupboards next to the chimney wall behind the bed.

The five piece primary bath has two lavatory cabinets with hexagonal Kohler sinks, an over-sized soaking tub, shower, and toilet and is handsomely accented by deep blue Portuguese delft tiles, several delicate watercolors, and  pots of plants.

The second floor guest ensuite bedroom has serene light green walls and mix of wood, rattan, and upholstered furnishings. The mahogany closet doors for this bedroom were reclaimed from an antique armoire. A full bath and a dressing room with a laundry chute complete the ensuite.

The third floor guest bedroom has delightful interior architecture from the knee walls and the sloped ceiling. The spatial geometry creates chamfered corners for both the wood doors and trim. I admired the four-poster bed’s colorful bedspread and the wooden trunk that is now a stylish table. 

Walking around the grounds, I appreciated the pastoral views and marveled that this peaceful haven was only three miles from downtown Chestertown! I lingered on the terrace by the flower bed bursting with texture and color from the arrangement of low to tall plants and flowers that are  beginning to awaken from their winter dormancy.

 

As I strolled through the grounds of this five acre property and the rooms of this unique house, I felt I was visiting one of Great Britain’s National Trust properties.  ”Highfield” personifies the Bournes’ deep commitment to both preservation and their appreciation of Great Britain’s historic architecture. The Bournes’ attention to detail is evident in the planning of the gardens and every room of the house.  Details like the Hamstone fireplace, newel posts in the stairs, antique doors and antique hardware, stained floors and trim, etc., give the house its inviting warmth and unique character that make “Highfield” a rare gem. The outbuilding that is equipped as a bakery with a brick oven could be transformed into a charming guest house, but guests would be reluctant to leave this peaceful haven, only three miles from downtown Chestertown. Lucky indeed is the person who becomes the next steward of this magnificent property. My highest praise for “Highfield”-Bravissimo!

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For more information about this property, contact Nancy McDonald McGuire at Maryland Heritage Properties , 410-778-9319 (o) ,443-480-7342 (c), or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.marylandheritageproperties.com/home , “Equal Housing Opportunity.” 

Contractor: Phillips Home Builders
Photography: Stephen Buchanan, Nancy McDonald McGuire, and Ann Bourne.
Aerials: Stephen Buchanan, buchananphotography.com

Selected botanical art by Atwater Designs, www.atwaterdesigns.com

“Chestertown Maryland, An Inventory of Historic Sites” , based upon an historic site survey conducted by Robert Neill, Michael O. Bourne, and Kathleen B. White, with additional survey information by Marsha Fritz, Robert J.H. Janson-La Palme and Peter Newlin

“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.

The Historical Society of Kent County, www.kentcountyhistory.org, 301 High Street, Chestertown, MD, (410) 778-3499

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 house, designed by its Architect/Owner, is sited on a narrow peninsula between the Honga River and the Chesapeake Bay. The 0.9 acre lot includes a dock with a boat lift across the entry road, a driveway that can accommodate two cars and a bayside outbuilding. The aerial shot illustrates the house’s simple form, but make no mistake, there is nothing simple about this house- it is simply elegant. Every vista and detail have been carefully thought out by thinking inside the box to create a harmonious whole.  

Since the Architect was his own client, he was free to incorporate minimalist design elements he always wanted into this house. He chose a metal roof to hear the sound of rain as it hit the metal; maple flooring instead of the ubiquitous oak;  “allthread” suspension steel rods and turnbuckles to support the entrance canopy and interior exposed steel structural elements. His finishing touch was the small balcony off the second floor where he could feel suspended in air as he savored mid-summer sunsets on the far horizon. 

Before I went in for my tour, I admired the front façade’s carefully composed arrangement of large and small windows that identify the hierarchy of the functions within. The uniform color palette of shades of gray from the exposed foundation of concrete masonry units covered in dark gray plaster, lighter gray Hardie lap siding and the very light gray steel roofing makes the building seem larger than it is. 

The rear elevation has spectacular views  of the Chesapeake Bay and is almost totally transparent except for the solid portion that covers the staircase to the second floor. The elegant grid of the large windows was carefully thought out to utilize stock picture windows and sliding doors from the Home Depot! The waterside outdoor rooms of the first floor’s deck that spans across the length of the house has steps to the lawn and the balcony at the corner of the second floor provides front row seats for the parade of small craft and freighters to and from Baltimore. The small accessory structure was reclad and reroofed to match the house.

The Architect/Owner greeted me at the front door and even though I had seen the MLS pix, I was mesmerized by the living room’s spatial volume and the play of sunlight through the window grid onto the side wall. Both the detailing of the window wall with steel tubular columns and the minimalist window shades in their fully open position maximizes the view across the Chesapeake Bay to the far horizon.

The expanse of white walls and ceiling reflect the sunlight on the walls and the beautiful maple flooring. The combination of the first floor being elevated above the grade and the high sill height of the front windows blocks the view of cars on the street. Except for the trim around the entry door, all of the doors are frameless and have latches instead of hinges. That detail and the windows framed in drywall instead of trim maintain the minimalist look. 

I admired the juxtaposition of the classic “Arco” light and the antique wood piece from Venezuela. The Architect/Owner told me he meticulously stripped and restored the treasured family piece so it now has pride of place in the living room.   I also admired the clever arrangement of holders arranged on the wall near the front door-so easy to drop one’s keys, etc. upon arriving home. The room’s soothing neutrals of the large kilim, the deep caramel seating that picks up the rug’s background color, pillows and the granite top that matches the kitchen countertop create a serene space for relaxing. 

The window wall grid wraps around the corner to offer a panoramic view with the bonus of delightful shadows cast onto the wall. The Swedish wood stove that accommodates vertical logs is a sculptural element and does not block the water view from its position diagonally across from the corner structure. I was quite surprised to learn from the Architect/Owner that what I thought was bespoke  low sleek cabinetry actually came from IKEA! The mix of the top open shelf and closed door provides great storage for DVD’s and I was lucky that one of my fave  Bach pieces was providing background music during my tour.

The open plan living-dining-kitchen’s ceiling plane drops in height at the dining-kitchen area below the second floor loft. Another kilim anchors the glass tabletop and sleek modern chairs. The stylish triangular pendant lighting fixtures are by Fuschia and their transparency blends into window wall beyond.

The partial height wall separates the dining area from the kitchen and I admired the waterfall detail at each end that frames the white insert. The upper cabinets float just under the ceiling plane and their frosted panels both contrasts with the white panels of the other upper cabinets and also expands the space visually. The stairs with the treads’ pine grain contrasts with the monolithic look of the maple flooring and the white risers clearly define each step. 

This compact yet highly efficient kitchen also contains IKEA cabinetry and the Architect/Owner carefully thought out the cabinetry layout. He cleverly set an upper cabinet that is usually placed above a range over a base cabinet to house his “wall” oven above the range.  The stainless steel appliances, white cabinets and the veined granite countertops pleased this cook very much.

Behind the core area of the kitchen and adjacent primary bath is a hall connecting the living room with the primary ensuite. The wall depth was designed to have a recess to accommodate the IKEA adjustable shelving units that are set on casters for ease of cleaning and/or moving. The high square windows provide both daylight and privacy. The break in the shelving units leads to the primary bedroom’s four-piece bath that is also a powder room for guests. The hall vista ends at the full height mirror set against the wall for added perspective.

The spacious primary bedroom spans from the front to back corners of the house. The soft window treatments allow sunlight to filter into the room while maintaining privacy. The kilim anchors the reading and writing area of the bedroom with the stylish woven chaise and IKEA desk with its wood pull down surface. I dearly coveted the stylish lamp with its striped base and mesh metal shade.

The low cabinetry is a twin to the living room’s unit and the nightstands are also from IKEA. Sconces above the bed are mounted the perfect height for reading  and the simple right-angled uplights above add ambient light. The rear wall facing the water fills half the wall and the low horizontal window is set at the perfect height for a first look at the water each morning before rising to begin the day.

The spacious dressing room is outfitted with both a Closet Maid system and wood storage units with ample storage for two. The window tucked below the stair run adds sunlight and a view of the water.

The four-piece primary bath includes a corner shower and a tub. The IKEA shallow lavatory with a porcelain top and tiled high backsplash floats above the tiled floor that extends around the shower walls.

The mirror with a shelf below extends to the corner of the tub with ample storage for both lavatory and tub. The floor tile continues up and around the tub enclosure for a seamless look that expands the space visually.

Retracing my steps back to the stairs, with each step upward I enjoyed an increasingly expansive view of the water, ending at the maximum view at the wide window with its sill just above the second floor landing.  I turned around to savor the angled framing like buttresses at the exterior window wall that were the source of the diagonal shadows on the living room’s wall. The Architect/Owner explained how the window wall at the landing is the only unit that was required to have tempered glass.

At the top of the stairs is a room with another wrap-around window at the corner that matches the living room’s corner unit for symmetry. A sliding door leads to a balcony for a bird’s eye panoramic view of the water, a fresh air break from work or a spot to enjoy spectacular sunsets. The room is currently used as an office-workout area but with some modification it could become a bedroom. Off the short hall from this room to the loft overlooking the living room is a large storage room that contains a stack washer/dryer and a full bath. 

The balcony is a perfect spot for a break from work, or for savoring the sunsets at the end of the work day.

The loft area is furnished as a TV room with a grid of open shelving creating a partition separating this area from the drafting area beyond. The splash of the red futon and the black and white accents of the rug and pillows create a cozy space for watching TV. The railing’s glass panels and slim wood cap disappear into the upper wall of the living room. 

I dearly envied having this fab workspace with its views of the water for breaks from drawing or writing! 

The view from the loft work space overlooking the living room shows how deep the sunlight penetrates the room to create delightful patterns on the wall through the day. Who needs artwork when you have a daily kinetic play of light on the wall?

One of Le Corbusier’s famous quotes was “ Space and light and order. Those are the things that men (and women) need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep.”  This fab nocturnal shot highlights how well the talented Architect/Owner “thought inside the box” to create a simple yet elegant design through this remarkable house’s transparency, skillful space planning, white walls and ceilings to reflect the sunlight, carefully chosen color accents and stylish lighting fixtures throughout the house. 

Great design is not necessarily expensive-in the hands of a master architect and his clever use of materials and products from Home Depot and IKEA, he created  a truly unique and tranquil haven  without blowing his budget. Bravissimo!

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For more information about this property, contact TTR Sotheby’s International Realty agent Joan Wetmore  at 410-673-3344 (o), 410-924-2432 (c) or [email protected]  or TTR Sotheby’s International Realty agent Melissa Tippett at 410-280-5600  (o), 410-241-7409 (c) or [email protected] For more photographs and pricing, visit redfin.com/MD/Fishing-Creek/2522-Hoopers-Island-Rd-21634/home/14735018, “Equal Housing Opportunity.”

Photography by Moses George Cohen, 202-688-8581, [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.

The first neighborhood I discovered after I moved to the Eastern Shore was Travelers Rest. My sister’s in-laws’ property along the Tred Avon River was the scene of many family gatherings and they kindly included me. I soon appreciated how sought after the neighborhood was, due to its being set back far from highway 33/St. Michaels Rd. and its close proximity to both Easton and St. Michaels. Since there were no through streets, it is perfect for walks or biking after family feasts!
The six acre property contains the original early 19th century house with later addtions, a pool and two barns, one of which serves as a garage. The house is sited perpendicular to the inlet that leads to the Tred Avon River.
Featured in “Where Land and Water Intertwine,” “Sunnyside” stands proudly in its vintage Eastern Shore vernacular style.
The wonderful reference book “Where Land and Water Intertwine” includes “Sunnyside” and this photograph in the book shows the one-room deep house with the slightly higher roof on the left room that breaks up the massing. The house’s story and a half architecture with a red brick chimney, dormer windows, historic green shutters and the white horizontal wood siding is a great example of vintage Eastern Shore vernacular style.
Updates to the charming early 19th century architecture seamlessly blend historic and modern with beautifully varied rooflines.
The house was expanded by a former owner who added a wing at the left side but the setback respects the original form of the house. The house was also updated to include a family-kitchen open plan at the other end of the house that faces the water. The varying roof ridges break up the massing and creates a quite pleasing front elevation against its background of mature trees.
Respectful additions maintain the integrity of the original structure.
The side and rear elevations show how much the additions respected the original part of the house. The exterior door with steps to grade leads to the laundry room for clean up after a dip in the pool. The picnic table’s view of the water makes it a perfect warm weather spot for snacks or meals.
Sun-drenched pool area with natural privacy from surrounding trees.
The pool area is open to the sun and has privacy from the trees at the edge of the property. The bird bath is a mini swimming pool for the birds who live in the bird house on top of the post.
Tranquil pier with picturesque views of the shoreline.
I ended my tour of the grounds at the pier. Sitting on the bench, I admired how the undulating shoreline of the adjacent properties framed the long view across the river from this tranquil spot.
Inviting foyer featuring original wood floors and hand-painted grasscloth wallpapering.
The front door opens into a large foyer with a recessed alcove that is enhanced by the warm wood tones of the original wood floors, the antique desk and the ornamental mirror. I especially admired the hand-painted grass cloth sourced by the Owner’s DC designer and the vista through the living room to the stairs.
Spacious living room bathed in sunlight through its wide, long windows
The large living room has three wide and long windows on each exterior that provide abundant sunlight. The diagonal pattern of the rug anchors the seating group and makes the spacious room seem even wider than it is. I have a pair of Bergere chairs in my living room and this room’s chairs in their striped pattern also add a touch of French flair. At the side of the room is one of two staircases to the second floor and the alcove with a gentle elliptical arch leads to the main floor primary suite.
The living room’s layout drives focus to the lovely fireplace, which is which is surrounded by 19th-century furnishings.
The focal point of the living room is the fireplace that is surrounded by the room’s collection of 19th century furnishings and artwork. This photograph highlights the beautiful wood floors and how the complementary colors of light blue and pale yellow create a serene space for relaxation.
Elegant dining room, pairs rustic beams with a crystal chandelier for a lived-in luxury feel.
The stylish dining room is located in the original part of the house and its interior design makes it my fave room. I admired the golden walls and window treatments; the juxtaposition of the crystal chandelier with the hand-hewn beams; the patterned rug that is a twin to the living room’s rug, and the Chippendale table, chairs and sideboard that add timeless elegance. A secondary stair leads to the second floor.
Functional pantry space with potential for conversion into a convenient powder room.
Off the dining room is a pantry/storage room with an exterior door. This space could be converted into a powder room with built-in cabinets for storage that would also be convenient for pool users.
Panoramic views and historic green trim enhance the family-kitchen area.
Opposite the stairs in the dining room is the open plan family-kitchen area with windows that wrap around the corner for panoramic views. The wall opening at the kitchen side has been fully extended to connect the two spaces. This is the hub of the house with the seating group around the TV and a workspace area. I admired the trim’s historic green color around the windows and on both the baseboard and the ceiling trim.
Well-coordinated kitchen and family room areas showcasing water views.
The diagonal vista from the corner of the kitchen, family room and workspace area shows how well the areas flow together. The white cabinets become part of the wall and contrast with the wood floors. The window over the sink gives the cooks a view of the water and the high glass shelf in front of one muntin of the window doesn’t block the sunlight or view and is a display space. The high side table with its dark finish that is now an island separates the areas and the countertop could be replaced with a deeper one to accommodate bar stools.
Having just an alcove for my stack W/D, I envied this sunny laundry/mud room with a bench for sitting down after gardening and taking off one’s wellies or hanging up one’s jackets on the pegs behind the door. Even the laundry has art-the clothes line with white clothing swaying in the breeze is a charming touch of whimsy.
Serene primary bedroom with panoramic landscape views
I retraced my steps back to the living room so I could tour the primary suite that was added by the previous owner. The alcove off the living room leads to a short hall that ends at the spacious primary bedroom and the primary bath. The bedroom is located at the front corner of the house and three windows offer panoramic landscape views. The yellow and brown tones, the patterns of both the bedskirt and window treatments and the lovely antiques creates a soothing space for rest and relaxation.
Spacious primary bath featuring vintage style and opportunities for dual lavatories.
The door to the primary bath opens to the side wall of a linen closet and the large room accommodates a tub/shower next to the toilet, a vintage style pedestal lavatory and a rattan settee. The pale wall color highlights the beautiful wood floors. If one wanted a dual lavatory, moving the closet door to face the hall door would leave space for a dual lavatory across the rear wall to the window.
The large second-floor bedroom is bright and inviting with its white walls and warm wood floors, a connecting suite adds flexibility.
The addition of the primary suite wing created two sets of stairs to the second floor. This huge bedroom located over the primary bedroom is connected to a smaller room, creating a suite for a sitting room or sleeping space for guests’ young children. The room’s high knee walls and sloped ceiling areas creates a soothing enclosure and the white walls and ceiling expands the room’s spatial volume.
Cozy office with abundant sunlight from dormer windows.
Next to the hall bath that serves both bedrooms is a small room currently furnished as an office. With the dormer windows on each exterior wall and the sloped ceiling that follows the underside of the roof rafters, sunlight reflected off these surfaces provides sunlight through the day. I could easily imagine myself at the rolltop desk writing my Spy articles or spreading out architectural sketches on the drop leaf table.
Bedroom with striking red accent wall, water views, and skylight sits over the kitchen
The bedroom at the other end of the house is located over the kitchen-family area. The red accent wall highlights the room’s high knee walls and sloped ceiling duplicated in the other bedroom. This bedroom’s side gable wall has double unit windows for water views and its bonus is the skylight for star gazing after bedtime.
Sought after location convenient to both St. Michaels and Easton; great example of the quintessential Colonial architecture of the Eastern Shore; waterfront property with six acres for peace and quiet; well-maintained house with updates that complement the house’s historic features; one-level living with a spacious primary suite and an open-plan family-kitchen with water views; pool and private pier for family fun outdoors; two staircases to the second floor large bedroom suites for additional privacy; pool and private pier for family fun outdoors-great property!
For more information about this property, contact Gary Marquardt at Long and Foster Real Estate Company at 410-820-7707 (o), 410-725-6238 (c) or [email protected] , “Equal Housing Opportunity”.
Photography by Janelle Stroup (410) 310-6838, [email protected]
“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.

It is sometimes challenging to find contemporary houses in our area to feature, so I was delighted to see a picture of this home with steep gables that reminded me of Swiss chalets.  I then knew the title for this article had to be “Twin Peaks”. On the day of my tour, I drove along the road lined with houses sited on top of the ridge and I almost passed by two brick piers with “Twin” on the left pier and “Peaks” on the other! 

Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic site and architecture design philosophy in harmony with nature is best expressed in his quote” No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Hill and house should live together, each the happier for the other.” As I continued my approach past the houses on either side of this property, I realized this house was indeed not “on a hill” but was sited between the top of the hill and the Tuckahoe River. 

The three-story house in nestled in the woods and opens up to the water with window walls on the second and third floors and a deck that offer panoramic views up and down the river. Between the two chalet roofed forms, the deck flows into a recessed area with a long table for al-fresco dining. The deck also provides protection for the ground floor’s concrete terrace that is both a warm weather game room and a protected storage area for firewood. 

Steps from the deck to the ground floor connects the house to the landscape with other options for relaxing outdoors on a grouping of Adirondack chairs at the side of the house or the pier at the shoreline. At the rear of the house, you are totally unaware of the adjacent houses built on top of the hill and the house’s earth toned colors of the siding and roofing blends into its wooded setting. 

 

The deck’s span across the house creates bird’s eye views of the water and connects the chalet roof forms of the living room and the family room for easy indoor-outdoor flow. Its furnishings for sitting and dining create a great outdoor room for entertaining.  At the deck level, you also see the subtle bow of the window walls’ perimeter for panoramic views of the water. 

The chalet roof forms of the rear elevation extend through the house to the front elevation. From the parking area, a sturdy covered walkway leads to the entry door at the third floor. The bridge allows the rooms on the second and third floors of the house to have windows for daylight and peaceful views of the landscape. 

The front door opens to a “T’ shaped hall leading to two bedroom ensuites and overlooks to both the living and dining rooms on the second floor. I admired the beautiful pine floors and how the knotty pine walls provide texture and break up the expanse of the walls in contrast to the floor’s pine planks. The craftsman style door is in keeping with the chalet vibe. At one end of the “T” are the stairs down to the second floor. 

Both third floor bedrooms have great interior architecture from the high knee walls and the flat portion of the ceiling. I especially admired the detailing of the front walls’ trio of low fixed glass panes without sills that allow the wood floor to float above the landscape beyond and the large windows above for landscape views. The low octagonal window above the bedding is the perfect height for the family pet to enjoy a private landscape view.  Both the front wall and the rear wall of the bedroom have white painted vertical cladding and white rafters that balances the side walls of knotty pine. 

Coming out of the bedroom, I was mesmerized by the spatial volume of the overlook to the family room below. The horizontal framing creates a “ceiling” plane for the family room’s seating area and the black color of the horizontal and sloped framing accentuates the geometry of the two-story space. What a fab vista across the river to the opposite shore!

One of the second floor baths has wood flooring and light gray walls of vertical cladding that blends into the light gray tiles of the shower surround. The glass shower door, large round mirror, the black fittings and hardware on the white lavatory cabinet complete the stylish look. 

This third floor bedroom is a twin to the other bedroom’s interior architecture, window design, materials and colors.  This bedroom has a view of the covered walkway bridge.

Having explored the third floor, I was eager to see the main floor below. Like the other chalet style roof, the horizontal framing creates a “ceiling” plane for the living room’s seating area below and the black color of the horizontal and sloped framing accentuates the geometry of the space. The wood stairs with black railings weaves through the framing to the living room below. 

The living room’s beams are wide and deep so they can contain not only the structural depth necessary for support but also recessed lighting for the room. The dramatic window wall also has a door to access the deck. The two-story living room with its high knee walls and sloped ceiling that follows the underside of the roof framing is a dramatic space with tranquil views of the water and the  opposite shoreline.

The stairs’ open risers and design becomes a sculptural element.  The interior wall of the living room is partially clad in stone to accent the TV and the fireplace. Doors behind the wall lead to the primary ensuite.

The front wall of the second floor is at grade level, since the house is set back from the ivy covered bank that was cut into the hill. The bank’s slope allows sunlight to infill the space and gives the primary suite total privacy. The window wall infilled with planes of glass and transoms maximizes the views of nature and the soft colors of the furnishings create a restful sleeping space.

The stylish primary bath’s mirror above the dual lavatory, the shower’s mix of tiles in varying sizes, textures and colors and the pendant lighting create a one of a kind primary bath. I especially admired how the circular elements of the mirror are centered over each lavatory. 

The kitchen is located between the primary ensuite and the living-dining area. The white cabinets stand out against the pale gray walls and the island’s contrasting color adds interest to the space. The veined granite of the island’s countertop and the backsplash in colors of gray, blue and white add great texture. Over the island is a pendant light whose thin frame and candlelight style bulbs disappear into the space’s volume. The doorway to the adjacent family-dining area aligns with the door on the other side of the kitchen to the living room for easy flow through the house. 

The kitchen’s island is on axis to the deepest part of the deck that accommodates a long table and a grille for warm weather meals. At this level of the house, there is a direct view to the river and the shoreline beyond.

The family-dining area spans the depth of the house and the spacious size easily accommodates a full size wrap-around sofa for relaxing at the end of the day or Sunday afternoon naps. The black framing wall and ceiling grid breaks up the length of the room and provides ambient lighting.   especially enjoyed standing in the middle of the room and admiring the views through both the front and rear walls infilled with glass for bringing nature inside. Behind one sofa are the stairs to the ground floor.

This view of the ivy covered bank outside the dining area is a perfect illustration of biophilic design, a movement whose aims are the creation of spaces that are in harmony with, and connect to, nature. I recently completed a CE course on biophilic design to renew my architectural license and learned more about the biophilic principles that connect us to the natural world to improve our physical and mental well-being. Most of the examples were of interiors that featured living “green” walls. Imagine how different this space would be if the original Owner had opted for a concrete retaining wall instead of this living sloped wall covered in ivy! I stood before the wall just after morning fog had lifted and silently thanked him/her felt for this peaceful view.

The ground level includes a media room and storage areas. The outline of the concrete flooring underneath the deck above creates a warm weather room for games. 

Tranquil setting along the Tuckahoe River for panoramic views; peace and privacy from the siting of the house “of the hill”; outdoor rooms of the second floor deck that spans across the house and the ground floor’s concrete terrace; main floor primary suite with two other bedrooms ensuites on the third floor; contemporary style with Swiss chalet roof forms; all this and close proximity to Easton. I believe Frank Lloyd Wright would agree that this hill and house live together, “each the happier for the other.” The listing agent told me an agent had shown the house to a native Swiss who loved it, but you don’t have to be Swiss to be intrigued by this unique house that has been totally renovated and is fully furnished!

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For more information about this property, contact Melissa Tippett with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty at 410-280-5600  (o), 410-241-7409 (c) or [email protected] .For more photographs and pricing, visit https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/associate/180-a-df210824131810858986/melissa-tippett ,“Equal Housing Opportunity.”

Photography by Moses George Cohen, 202-688-8581, [email protected],

https://linktr.ee/delmarvaaerial360

www.DelmarvaAerial360.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.