Wine of the Week: Riviera Ligure Di Ponente Vermentino “Vigneto Isasco”
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Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community
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Since this is the last Wednesday before Christmas Day, today’s feature is a house that has been decorated for the holidays as my Christmas card to all of you. This year’s house was part of the Christmas in St. Michaels celebration. It is a great example of a historic house that has undergone seamless renovations and additions that enhance its original architecture.
Like many Eastern Shore houses, the original structure consisted of the two-story portion with porches that span across both levels that contained the foyer, living room and dining room on the main floor with two bedrooms and a bath on the second floor. The current owners appreciated the original architectural elements of fireplaces in both the living and dining rooms, beautiful pine flooring, nine foot ceilings and tall windows. The story and a half secondary wing that telescopes down from the main wing contained the kitchen and two other rooms that became a blank canvas for the creative owners (one of whom is a celebrated wood artisan) to undertake an extensive renovation that transformed this part of the house. The third telescoped one-story wing overlaps the second wing and contains a garage. On the day I visited, I admired how the yellow lap siding glowed in the sunlight and the white trim and black shutters create a classic look.
The rear waterside elevation dramatically with several additions. A full bath was added to the first-floor bedroom to make it an en-suite with French doors leading from the bedroom to steps down to the lawn. Along with the windows that flank the French doors, the rear wall of the bedroom now has a full view of the water. A wide gable adds both architectural interest and provides better headroom for that portion of the second floor.
The front door opens into the foyer with a vista through the house to the waterside family room. I admired the warm wood stained pine flooring and stair treads that contrast with the white walls.
I also admired the three-dimensional design of the wallpaper and the festive seasonal decorations in the stylish powder room.
From the foyer, a wide wall opening with a beautiful low elliptical arch trimmed with multi-layers of molding frames the living room beyond that spans the depth of the original house. The pendant light fixture with its leafy pattern and candlestick type light bulbs is the perfect finishing touch.
The festive Christmas decorations complement the red rose upholstery pattern of the loveseats flanking the fireplace with its antique mantel below the mirror’s curved design in a dark frame. On either side of the fireplace are built-in millwork with arched tops and open shelves outlined by moldings. I admired the granite caps of the radiator and the half vented/half paneled shutters at the window.
The corner chest is a perfect place for more family photographs and the artwork with its perspective of Sacre Coeur in Paris adds perspective to the wall. I loved this room’s beautiful interior architectural symmetry.
The waterside family room is clearly the hub of the house with a large sitting area, bar and TV. The slate floors float below the coffered ceiling with a white grid outlining the ceiling plane of lightly stained pine planks. The Owner designed and built both the bar and the coffered ceiling.
The family room is now three times the size of the original four-season room. I stood and savored the proportion of this exquisite room with its seven foot tall wrap-around windows and French doors with transoms above for views to the landscape and water. I especially appreciated how the transoms are the perfectly scaled to the muntin pattern of the French doors to create harmonious walls of transparency.
The room between the family room the main floor bedroom was redesigned and christened the Pine Room for its paneling and beams of pine to create a coffered ceiling. Seeing the dollhouse a doting grandmother built for the Owners’ daughter brought back my happy memory of a Christmas Eve long ago. I was banished from the basement where my mother and uncle were busy late into the night on a special project. The next morning they presented their creation, a fully furnished dollhouse, which probably planted a seed for my becoming an architect!
Opposite the living room and next to the foyer is the elegant dining room with pairs of French doors to the sunroom at the rear of the house. I loved this room’s mix of light and dark woods in the table, chairs, sideboard and corner cabinet along with the mix of the two styles of dining chairs. The beautiful china and crystal sets the scene for many memorable meals over the holidays.
The dining room is detailed with layers of molding around the ceiling above the walls with a faux finish in vertical bands in contrasting subtle shades of gray. The fireplace mantel is beautifully designed with projections, moldings and slender columns with a marble surround for the firebox. The niche in the wall next to the fireplace is infilled with an open shelf serving piece below colorful artwork.
The kitchen is the original size and design, but the former black cabinets and traditional hardware are now updated with the cabinets repainted grey and new sleek brushed nickel hardware. I liked how the crown molding around the perimeter of the ceiling was painted the same grey color and the Mexican tile’s hairline joints. The tile color blends well into the pine flooring of the adjacent dining room. The festive reindeer rugs add the perfect accent for the holiday season.
Part of the kitchen renovation was the addition of a bay projection from the front wall that creates a delightful space for the free-standing island with pendant light fixtures that echo the curvature of the island’s wood counter. The unusual wood species is spalted maple. The Owners share my admiration of Toulouse Lautrec as I had this same poster in my dorm room at school.
When I saw the main floor bedroom I assumed it was the primary suite. In fact it is a guest ensuite and I imagine the Owners have a very difficult time encouraging guests to leave. Who could resist the privacy, views of the water and the proximity to the pool for a nocturnal swim?
The second floor was not part of the St. Michaels tour but it also underwent an addition and renovation when one of the children’s bedrooms was enlarged and redesigned to make a master bath and walk in closet. The daughter’s bedroom was enlarged and re-designed by installing new windows to take advantage of the water views and a very dated, small bath was converted to her walk-in closet.
Highly desirable location just outside of the St. Michaels town limits, situated on high ground at the end of San Domingo Creek, this peaceful and private setting is surrounded by farmland and trees to lend a sense of history few homes can offer. Wonderful outdoor rooms of porches on both levels of the original two-story part of the house’s traditional Maryland center hall floor plan and a terrace around the waterside pool with deep and wide stone steps leading down to the lawn and San Domingo Creek. Bravo and Brava to the Owners whose deep love for their historic house guided their additions and renovations to respect the original features while making the house their unique home. A loud bravo to the husband for his talent and woodworking skills found in all the rooms with layers of molding, coffered ceilings and unique wood species that make the interior architecture so special.
Owner Monica Penwell spent many years working in the political arena in DC prior to settling in St. Michaels in 1989. She and her husband Cory raised their three children in St. Michaels. In addition to being a full-time realtor and Associate Broker at TTR Sotheby International Realty’s St. Michaels office, Monica’s community involvement includes serving on the Miles River Yacht Club’s Jr. Sail Committee and Finance Committee, and actively supporting Christmas in St. Michaels, Habitat for Humanity and the St. Michaels Community Center.
Contact Monica at 410-745-2596 (o), 410-310-0225 (c), or [email protected] or visit her website at monicapenwell.sothebysrealty.com , “Equal Housing Opportunity”.
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 referral agent for Meredith Fine Properties. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.
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Editor’s Note: While Spy readers have read and enjoyed Jenn Martella’s architecture and design articles for almost ten years now, very few are probably aware of her life-long love and passion for Italian wine. And for almost the same among of time she’s been writing for the Spy, she’s also been the wine expert at Piazza for the same number of years.
Once a week, Jenn puts her skills to use by penning a delightful review of one of the outstanding wines available at the Italian deli in Easton and we found it so rich in both description and history, we decided to share this with our readers as well.
This is the second week of our Christmas countdown of wines to accompany your beef, pork or fish entree. Last week’s red wine was well received and this week we feature another red to accompany a pork entree. We will taste the Bruncu Boeli Cannonau DOC from the Cantina Osvaldo Soddu winery in Sardinia.
Come join us for a taste on Friday from noon to 5:45 and Saturday from noon to 4:45 for a taste of the nectar that may start you on your way to becoming a centenarian!
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
This distinctive house has always caught my eye on my many trips to Oxford so it is a special pleasure to feature it today. I admire how the shake siding’s and shutters’ monochrome color palette with creamy white trim accentuate the door and window openings and the pleasing rhythm of the house’s five bays with a hipped front porch that spans across the front elevation. Even though the winter equinox will soon be upon us, the scale and variety of the landscaping and the white picket fence greatly enhances the curb appeal.
The house was built in the late 19th century and underwent a total renovation and additions in the late 20th century. The trio of long windows in the gable wing provide stunning views of the sun setting over the Tred Avon from the main floor living room and the second floor primary suite. The “L” shaped pergola defines a brick terrace at the rear wall of the house that ends at two stone paths that meander through landscaping around the pool to the lawn and pier beyond.
The pool is surrounded by a brick low wall with metal fencing between brick piers above so swimmers can see the river and for unobstructed views of the Tred Avon River from inside the house. The wall’s slate slab caps also provide seating after a dip in the water. The outbuilding was originally a single-car garage but with the carport in front, myriad other uses are possible, including a pool house, guest suite or studio.
The partially roofed balcony off the primary suite is a delightful outdoor room with bird’s eye views of the landscape and long views to the confluence of the Tred Avon and the Choptank River beyond. This sunny spot protected from cold winds is perfect for coffee in the morning, watching the sun set or later enjoyment of night caps while gazing at the stars.
During the 1990’s renovation in which the house’s interiors were demolished to the studs and rebuilt, a graceful curved landing was added to the stairs overlooking the foyer. I was intrigued by the original design of the front door’s half paneled/half glass sidelights that actually are hinged to reveal a full screened panel. I made a mental note to remember that clever way to provide natural ventilation for my future architectural clients! When the hvac was added, it was also cleverly hidden through continuous vents above the crown molding. The foyer’s hand painted mural was inspired by the natural beauty of the Eastern Shore and the flooring’s stenciled border is the finishing touch of this elegant introduction to this house’s many charms.
Folding paneled doors lead from the foyer to the study whose interior design is straight out of an English country house in a Masterpiece Theater series. I loved the butternut paneling that surrounds the room and how the crown molding projects further from the window header for a downlight that spills onto the full height window treatments. The panels on each side of the windows can be closed for extra warmth if needed. The current owners discovered the painting over the fireplace of their property’s view of the water and purchased it, long before they bought the house. It now has a place of honor above the mantel. The hinged door to the adjacent powder room is discreetly hidden in the paneled wall.
Like many 19th century historic houses, an arched opening separates the foyer and front rooms from the private part of the house. Here there are two arches outlining a short hall with a door to the elevator and a vista to the front door. The second arch leads to the kitchen-breakfast area and the angled bay window provides room for an oval table and chairs without encroaching onto the circulation path. Under the deep window sills are hinged panels for storage.
The “L” shaped kitchen and island with its creamy white cabinets, quartz countertops, backsplash of hand painted Italian tiles, soapstone sink and brass fitting would please any cook. The long leg of the “L” is opposite a hall lined with another row of cabinets that serve as a butler’s pantry. Next to the cabinet wall is an exterior door to the porte cochere.
As I passed through the door from the kitchen to the dining room, I admired the brass repousse escutcheon plates. I also admired the transparency of the dining room with its mirrored wall and antique sconces above a wainscot wall, the framed mirror between the long windows and the glass fronted etagere that is reflected in the mirrored wall to visually expand the space. The front windows are beautifully detailed with paneling below and fabric valances above. The round table with two pairs of matching chairs creates a charming room in which to linger over dinner.
My fave room is the exquisite living room at the rear of the house that spans the width of the gable wing with panoramic views of the water from the side corner window, the pair of French doors with full transoms and the wide and tall triple unit window. Under the window is a low sofa that becomes a window seat for enjoying the ever changing water views. The comfortable furnishings are grouped around a fireplace between built-in millwork. I admired the earth tones of the room and the Oriental touches of the coffee table and the rattan table set up for the next chess match.
At the front of the house between the stairs are two bedroom ensuites. This charming room has soft pastel colors with white touches of the bed linens and nightstand and the Bermuda cedar pencil post bedframe that is a family heirloom creates a retreat for the young lady of the house.
At the other corner of the house is another bedroom in blue for the young men of the house. The textured light blue wallpaper also camouflages the doors to the closets on either side of the fireplace. The blue and white design scheme with white Oriental style headboards, blue coverlets and pattered ottoman creates a serene room and the octopus artwork halved in two is a fitting accent for a room shared by two.
The primary ensuite has complete privacy from its location at the rear of the house. A short hall past a walk-in closet and built-in closets opposite the primary bath leads to the primary bedroom that has both sleeping and sitting areas with a fireplace between built-in millwork with open shelving and closed cabinetry. The fireplace mantel is an 18th century pine Neoclassical style festooned with scrollwork, urns and images of goddesses. From the sitting area in February, the owners especially enjoy that the sun sets in the middle of the window for a special Valentine’s Day treat.
The bedroom’s soft colors of aqua, light blue and peach create a peaceful and quiet haven. Off the bedroom is a dressing area behind the balcony overlooking the landscape and water below. French doors lead to the balcony overlooking the water. At the outside corner of the balcony’s rail is an antique urn the original owners found on one of their many trips to Europe and echoes the urns of the bedroom fireplace’s mantel design.
I loved the striking and rare South American marble of the lavatory cabinet’s top with hand painted lavatory bowls below and how the marble blends into the tub surround. The full height wall does double duty as a recessed storage niche for towels and as a privacy wall for the toilet compartment beyond. The shells reflected in the lavatory mirror complement the colors of the marble.
Beautiful example of a historic house that has undergone a thoughtful yet thorough renovation without compromising the house’s original details, enhanced by the current owners’ beautiful interiors. The current owners nicknamed their house “The Ship” since it reminds them of being on the bridge of a ship and looking out to sea. After walking the property and enjoying the vistas to the water from inside the house, I could not agree more. The next steward of this exquisite property in the heart of Oxford’s Historic District will indeed be fortunate!
For more information about this property, contact Jane McCarthy at Benson and Mangold Real Estate, 410-822-1415 (o), 410-310-6692 (c) or [email protected] .For more photographs or pricing, visit www.marylandseasternshorehomes.com , Equal Housing Opportunity.” Photography by Janelle Stroop, Thru the Lens Photos, 410-310-6838, [email protected].
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 referral agent for Meredith Fine Properties. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
The Travelers Rest neighborhood is quite convenient to both Easton and St. Michaels. It is a neighborhood I know well for my sister’s in-laws lived there for many years and kindly included me in their family gatherings. The neighborhood’s private and peaceful setting with no through streets provides a safe environment for walking and biking. Today’s featured house is sited on 36 +/- acres, nestled in a clearing surrounded by towering trees along a 640 foot shoreline on Maxmore Creek with broad and long
On the day of my visit, I drove along the gravel driveway as sunlight filtered down through the tall trees. I passed both the one-room guest house and outbuildings before arriving at the main house. The story and a half brick house has an elongated floor plan that maximizes water views from the main rooms. Three gables project from the front wall that both break up the massing and add interest to the façade. Between two gables is a porch with the half glass, half paneled entry door and sidelights for views through the house to the water. Previous owners added the detached red brick garage and the breezeway connection to the house. Since the house’s brick is painted white, painting the garage white would create a seamless composition.
The rear waterside elevation maximizes views from the house, the shed roofed sunroom projection with three walls of glass, and the wonderful outdoor rooms of decks at the rear and side of the sunroom that blend into the wrap-around breezeway that ends at the garage. I especially liked how the corner of the breezeway has a round floor shape and conical roof for panoramic views of the landscape and the water. The breezeway’s side edge faces the pool to provide shade from the midday sun after a dip in the large pool. On the opposite side of the house is the primary ensuite with its gable wing reaching out to the water.
How delightful it must be to relax on this spacious deck overlooking the water! The decks and breezeway create a great outdoor space to accommodate family celebrations or large numbers of guests for parties.
The current owners removed most of the exterior wall between the living room and the sunroom to open up vistas to the water. The living room is now a very pleasant space to watch TV and to enjoy the water views.
My fave room is the sunroom/dining room since I could easily spend all day and evening in this room with its walls of floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors to the deck. The skylights break up the expanse of the flat ceiling and offer additional sunlight during the day and views of the stars at night. The easy care limestone flooring is beautiful with its subtle earth tones and the painted wood slat ceiling offers texture.
The owners also removed part of the interior walls to create an open plan living-dining-sunroom-kitchen area. Columns outline the different areas and subtly define the circulation path. If one can turn away from the sunroom’s water views, the sunroom also offers long radial views of the breezeway’s rounded corner, the kitchen, and the great room and front foyer beyond.
The top-of-the-line galley kitchen would please any gourmet cook. One row of blue base cabinets with a countertop overhang to accommodate bar stools contrasts with the other two walls of white cabinetry. The backsplash’s thin tile bands emphasizes the length of the space and the sleek black hardware and stainless steel appliances complete the look. The sliding doors at the end of the room provide the cook with a full view of the landscape and water beyond.
The great room may have originally been a two-car garage but all traces of its original use are gone in this stylish room with giant trusses floating over the beautiful hardwood floors, white walls and ceilings to reflect the sunlight, and accents of the fireplace’s stacked stone surround and the round window at the apex of the pitched ceiling. Built-in millwork with space for a large TV and the furnishings grouped around the fireplace sets up a truly great room in which to relax with family and friends. Pairs of sliding doors lead to the pool area and behind the fireplace wall at the front of the house are a utility room with a W/D, half bath and an entry door to the covered walkway.
At the other end of the house are the bedroom wings with one gable wing containing two ensuite bedrooms on either side of a hall that leads to the one-story gable wing containing the primary suite. I admired the ceiling treatment of the primary suite’s pitched ceiling with its curvature that takes its cue from the round accent window underneath the peak of the gable. Soft colors, carpet, a wood sleigh bed and loveseat create a space as tranquil as the water view through the pair of sliding glass doors with full sidelights.
The soothing palette continues into the primary bath with light blue walls above a white wainscot of vertical boards, light gray plank flooring and white dual lavatory cabinet with framed mirrors and sconce lighting. Windows on the two exterior walls provide diagonal views of the landscape and water. Next to the freestanding soaking tub is a large shower with a front glass wall.
I truly envied the luxurious primary dressing room with built-in storage opposite two large walk-in closets on either side of the seated height cabinetry!
The second floor tucked under the main wing’s roof framing is a great domain for children of all ages with a recreation room between two bedrooms and a large bath with dual lavatories off the hall. I am very glad to see a trend in bunk beds for children instead of a room for each child for I have very fond memories of sharing stories with my youngest sister after lights out. We didn’t need electrical outlets conveniently located above each mattress as current I-pad users must enjoy in this room. The other bedroom has a door to the secondary stair overlooking the great room below.
Having grown up in a basement rancher with defined rooms off a center hall, I always enjoy featuring a house like this one that has been completely remodeled to open up rooms to each other and to the site that this house does so well. 36 +/- acres, with approximately 30 acres in the Forest Stewardship Program for peace and tranquility, 640 feet of riprapped waterfrontage on the deep waters of Maxmore Creek with long views out to the Tred Avon River from the main rooms are some of this house’s numerous amenities that also include a low maintenance brick exterior, wonderful outdoor rooms of a large wrap around breezeway with flagstone floors, composite waterside deck, and a huge waterside pool with surrounding patio and outdoor shower. The property also includes a pole barn, two additional outbuildings, fenced garden area, detached two-car garage with a bonus room above and a remodeled one bedroom guest house that your guests will very reluctantly vacate. All this and a convenient location to both Easton and St. Michaels-who could ask for anything more?
For more information about this property, contact Barb Watkins with Benson and Mangold at 410-822-1415 (o), 410-310-2021 (c), or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.easternshorehomes.com, “Equal Housing Opportunity.”
Photography by Janelle Stroop, Thru the Lens Photography, 410-310-6838, [email protected]
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 referral agent for Meredith Fine Properties. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
The early decade of the 20th century was the “golden age” of steamships on the Chesapeake Bay. Some catered exclusively to Western Shore city residents who wanted a weekend or a summer vacation on the Eastern Shore to escape the heat of summer. Today’s feature began its life as the “Hilltop Hotel” that welcomed seasonal travelers to its 4.74 acre property. Two years ago, the building and its property underwent a significant renovation without compromising any of the estate’s original historic charm.
As I drove up the access drive that circles around the building to reach the top of its hillside location, I admired how the building’s white siding, dark window trim, door trim and mansard roof stands out against its background of mature trees, manicured lawn and flowering shrubbery. From the angle of the sun, I imagined that the building offers stunning sunsets from seating along its porch that wraps around three sides of the building to also take advantage of the gentle breezes from the Chesapeake Bay.
The building’s one room deep layout with multiple windows and doors offer views of the surrounding landscape. Along with the wrap-around porch, the spacious brick terrace offers another outdoor room for enjoyment of the outdoors. The terrace is well situated for indoor/outdoor flow with pairs of French doors from the living room and the kitchen as well as single doors from the main entry foyer and the mud room.
The half glass, half paneled front door with its original transom opens into the large foyer with a mix of antiques and other wood pieces that create a welcoming space to greet guests. The dark wood of the stair’s balustrade and furnishings contrasts nicely with the beautiful wood floors that have been restored to their original beauty. A powder room is discretely tucked under the stairs to the second floor.
An original door leads from the foyer to the living room that spans the depth of the house. The white window treatments blend into walls of a deeper hue to reflect the sunlight. The large multi-colored Oriental rug sets up the seating arrangement with a stylish collection of eclectic furnishings including the roll top desk, Scandinavian chairs, wood bench and leather sofa that invites one to linger. Accents of the open hanging shelves, the exposed brick chimney and the door to the foyer that was not completely refinished adds additional charm.
Opposite the foyer is the combo family-dining area with another exterior door to the porch. The sofa in the seating area wraps around the front corner of the room with two front and one side windows overlooking the porch. Like the one in my house, the former sewing machine base is the perfect height for an end table and the long mirror on the wall behind the dining area expands the space.
The kitchen is sunny and bright from the front window and the rear pair of French doors leading to the terrace. The spacious layout with its “L” and island arrangement, white cabinets and countertops and stainless steel appliances contrast with the beautiful wood floors.
Opposite the island is a long row of base cabinets that provides extra storage and serves as a buffet for the adjacent dining room. Door openings at both sides of the cabinetry expedites the flow between the rooms. The mix of open wood shelves, closed and upper glass fronted cabinets is a very pleasant design touch.
Between the family-dining area and the kitchen is a mud room with exterior doors to both the rear yard and the porch and a second set of stairs to the second floor.
There are three bedrooms and two baths on the second floor and the spacious primary bedroom includes the second set of stairs to the first floor. Two windows on both of the room’s two exterior walls brings sunlight and offers bird’s eye views of landscape. The pencil post bedframe with a dark wood tone and the neutral tones of the room with accents of the bed throw and the pillows create a serene space.
White is the color of cleanliness and the spacious primary bath with its stylish updates of black and white tile flooring, slender dual lavatory cabinet with dual mirrors, sleek black hardware, glass fronted shower and linen closet creates a very appealing space for two to easily share.
The second floor contains two other bedrooms and a hall bath that are located at the front of the house.
The third floor’s charming interior architecture is shaped by the mansard shaped roof that is one of my fave architectural styles with its steep lower portion of the roof and low knee walls that maximize the floor space. Stairs lead to the corner sitting room with windows on three sides for views of the landscape’s tree tops. The exposed brick chimney is a textured sculptural element and the wrap-around sofas provide ample seating for relaxing or watching TV. Opposite the stairs is a large bedroom at the front corner of the house. Two other bedrooms are arranged along the hall at the side wall of the house with a bath at the end of the hall.
If I were a guest, I would claim the peace and quiet of this corner bedroom on the third floor with its black and white theme of the iron bedframe and patterns of the duvet and wallpapered accent wall that creates a restful retreat. The wood nightstand and blue ottoman add warmth and color to the space.
Conveniently located between Chestertown’s amenities and Rock Hall’s marina and beach, this property is zoned “Crossroads Commercial” so a B&B use is possible but I believe it could also be a wonderful family home. There appears to be enough space to add an elevator to the foyer to access all three floors of the for whatever use the next steward would desire for this unique building. The meticulous restoration/renovation with significant upgrades of this house and grounds is an important part of ongoing efforts to preserve Kent County’s past. Bravo to the current owners for their contribution!
For more information about this property, contact Retha Arrabal with Doug Ashley Realtors at 410-810-0010 (o), 410-708-2172 (c) or [email protected], “Equal Housing Opportunity”.
Photography by Janelle Stroup, Thru the Lens Photography, 410-310-6838, [email protected]
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 referral agent for Meredith Fine Properties. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
It is unusual that three modern houses this month have caught my eye but I could not resist this one. It exceeds all my selection criteria; a waterfront site along the shoreline of Caulk Cove, distinctive architecture by Paul Rovinelli of HP Rovinelli Architects of Cambridge. MA, interiors that complement the architecture and landscaping with Jan Kirsh’s finishing touches.
The property contains the main house with a breezeway connection to a three-car garage with a large storage loft, a lighted platform tennis court, a 50 ft. heated lap pool with a pool cabana furnished with a kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor shower, a dock with 6 MLW depth, a boathouse with mechanical lift, two jet ski lifts and two floating docks. In short, the perfect family home!
As I drove up the short drive to the house, I admired how the architect had used light colored cedar siding in a mix of horizontal and vertical cladding that de-emphasizes the house’s large footprint and how the clerestory tower at the center of the “T” footprint breaks up the massing. The house’s wings with pitched roofs and the cottage style 2/1 windows pay homage to the Eastern Shore vernacular houses.
At the rear waterside elevation, I especially appreciated the architect’s use of angled forms to soften the corners of rooms for diagonal views and the deep triangular gable roof extension over the spacious terrace at the second floor primary suite. Sunlight pours into the house from the tall windows, doors, clerestory and skylights. The fascia of the terrace and balcony areas echoes the color of the deep gray roofing that contrasts with the light colored siding for a very pleasing composition.
The focal point of the spacious foyer is the stair to the second floor that is offset from the rear wall to float above the foyer floor. There is also an elevator at the corner of the space. The beautiful limestone flooring in subtle shades of gray creates a monolithic look as it flows into the adjacent rooms. The floor plan is zoned very well to maximize the water views from all the main rooms and to separate the bedrooms from the living-dining kitchen areas.
On one side of the foyer, a short hall passes two identical guest bedrooms opposite a large bath with front angled walls and the laundry. At the end of the hall is a box bay with a center window for a vista of the landscaping and water. The rear wall of the bedrooms begins as a box bay projection then ends in subtle angled walls so each bedroom has diagonal views of the water. This projection not only creates both a cozy nook in this bedroom and its adjacent twin bedroom but also provides a shared balcony above for the second floor guest bedrooms. All of the bedrooms are detailed with built-ins for storage and an open shelf at the top for display.
On the other side of the foyer is a hall ending in a door to the pool area. Off the hall are the media room and the game room, and both rooms are fully enclosed for quiet. The door to the media room has a direct vista like a telescope through the house to the rear wall’s windows. I admired how the room’s interior design takes its cue from the colors of the abstract still life painting.
Behind the media room is the game room at the front corner of the house. Windows on three sides create a sunny space for relaxation and play. The blue accent walls define the sitting area and the artwork extends the perspective. The exterior door leads to the breezeway connection to the garage.
The longer leg of the “T” shaped floor plan contains the kitchen, living room, dining room and sunroom that is the hub of the house. The space containing the elevator, powder room and pantry separates the kitchen from the two-story hall. I especially liked how the kitchen floats in its space to define halls on either side and how a cut-out in the wall opposite the side wall give the cook a view of the landscape. The words “When you love what you have you have everything you need” that are painted on the wall are the perfect “recipe” for happiness. The sleek modern design of the white cabinets, very striking Brazilian Nero Marinace granite counters, top of the line appliances, two separate sinks and bar seating create a kitchen this cook coveted.
The rear wall of the kitchen is open above the top of the countertop backsplash to the sitting area that is the middle space of the dining-living-sunroom trio of spaces overlooking the water from doors and full height windows. The double-sided fireplace and partial height wall with cabinets divides the sitting area from the dining area. The large textured rug over the beautiful quarter sawn white oak flooring defines the seating area and the blue accent of the sofa defines the edge of the hall.
The dining room has the architect’s motif of slightly angled walls for panoramic views and the patterned rug over the limestone floors defines the stylish dining furniture with its combination of bench and chair seating with the modern pendant lighting above. How especially delightful it must be to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner in this space illuminated by the fire’s glow and the pendant light above.
The sunroom is opposite the sitting area and is a mirror image of the dining room in its geometry. The interior moveable folding glass wall open up the space to the living room and I liked how the horizontal trim between the windows links them together. After an afternoon on the water or in the pool, this is the space that would beckon me to take a nap or to curl up to read my current book.
The stairs to the second floor open into a sitting room that spans the depth of the space with windows on both the front and rear walls. The firebox enclosure is centered on the two-story hall and the exposed chimney pipe rises to the underside of the sloped ceilings. Playful cut outs in the walls, windows and the clerestory windows at the tower element add more sunlight to the sitting room. This space is located between two guest rooms and the sumptuous primary suite. Opposite the guest rooms is another laundry and dumbwaiter between a large nook with closets on the side walls and a clever detail of a triangular shaped wall sloping into the space with windows on each leg of the sloped walls.
The primary bedroom with its rear wall of sliding doors and triangular transoms to the underside of the sloped ceiling creates dramatic interior architecture. The sloped ceiling extends beyond the rear wall to offer shade for the deck. The small accent window over the fireplace is a clever detail and provides direct sunlight. The side walls of the bedroom are infilled with built-ins and closets to minimize the furnishings.
My fave room is the large terrace off the primary bedroom for panoramic views of the landscape and water since the thin deck posts and cable railing disappear into the background. The IPE decking and the outdoor furniture are low maintenance. I could easily imagine sinking into the upholstered furnishings and spending a sunny afternoon enjoying being outdoors. At twilight, it would be the perfect spot for watching the sun set.
The primary spa-bath has a window overlooking the two-story hall for sunlight and privacy. The accessible shower surround of glass and tiled walls include a seat that sets the height of the band of accent tiles around the walls.
In keeping with the excellent zoning of the floor plan, opposite the primary suite and the two-story hall at the front corner of the house is an office suite with two identical shaped offices and doors to a shared balcony for a break from computer work. Leading to the offices is a spacious storage area with side walls of built-in shelving lining the hall surrounding the walk-in closet in the center of the office suite.
Realtors are sometimes accused of “puffing”, or exaggeration of a property’s feature. In this case, superlatives are quite appropriate for this stunning property. The architecture and interiors combine to create spaces of pure delight with ceiling heights varying from flat to sloped that soar to the underside of the roof rafters above floors of limestone and white oak, spacious rooms, cross vistas ending in windows or doors throughout the house to bring the outdoors inside and the clever use of angles in plan and elevation that give this house its distinctive design.
The systems were also carefully planned and include a geothermal HVAC system, radiant floor heating throughout, a back-up generator, and a fire-suppression sprinkler system. The grounds are fully irrigated, and the site design utilizes a sub-surface French drainage system with river rock that eliminates the need for gutters. With the elevator, the next young couple to call this house home could raise a family and welcome their children and grandchildren to this unique property for years to come-Bravo to the design and construction team!
For more information about this property, contact Gene Smith, at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, 410-745-2596 (o), 410-443-1571 (c), or [email protected] . For more photographs and pricing visit genesmith.sothebysrealty.com , “Equal Housing Opportunity.”
Photography by Janelle Stroup, 410-310-6838, [email protected]
Architecture by Paul Rovinelli of HP Rovinelli Architects
Construction by Ilex
Landscaping by Jan Kirsh, for the current owners
Since tomorrow is a day of giving thanks, as I start the eight year of writing this column I would like to express my thanks to my readers, the Owners/Sellers of their amazing properties and the realtors who brought us together-Happy Thanksgiving!
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 referral agent for Meredith Fine Properties. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
During my drive to preview today’s feature, I was listening to my fave NPR program, Scott Simon’s “Weekend Edition”. He interviewed the VP of Chicago’s Morton Arboretum who spoke about 2023 being a “mast” year in which trees drop an overabundance of acorns and other nuts. I learned that “mast” years tend to happen every two to five years from a number of factors, including pollen. After parking my car under a canopy of oak trees, I gingerly made my way across the front yard to the sound of acorns crunching beneath their blanket of leaves. I soon reached a meandering path of random sized stones that enlarged into a welcoming freeform terrace leading to the front door. How fitting that today’s feature is an “Acorn” house!
I admired how well this Acorn house nestles in a clearing with sunlight filtering in from the tall trees and how its exterior palette took its cue from the trees’ bark color. The simple arrangement of shed roofs of different heights and lengths creates a very pleasing composition. I especially liked the bay projection at the side elevation with its “greenhouse” arrangement of glazing, skylights and the triangular accent window under the side eave.
This side elevation reveals the walk-out partial lower level and the wrap-around deck above. The walkway covered by the deck leads to steps beyond to access the deck and the upper deck off the primary suite. The deck at the main level of the house accommodates a hot tub and a table and chairs under the shade of the red umbrella. I especially liked the deck’s railing design of slender light gray posts supporting the thin cable that disappears into the landscape to maximize the view of Bolingbroke Creek.
As I walked around the site high above Bolingbroke Creek with expansive views of protected woodland, I paused several times to savor the peace and privacy of the house’s unique location. I followed the meandering path of large stones and discovered the stone terrace with a table and chairs under an umbrella. This terrace is the perfect spot for relaxing after a day on the water or enjoying an al-fresco meal.
The front door opens into a foyer across from the stairs and I glimpsed white walls and sloped stained wood ceilings beyond for further exploration. The centrally located “L” shaped main stair is above the shorter flight to the lower level and introduces the spatial organization of the floor plan. One shed roof two-story wing contains the main floor bedrooms and bath with the primary suite and an office/bedroom on the second floor. The other shed roof two-story wing contains the open plan living-dining-kitchen area above the partial lower level family room.
At the top of the stairs is the living area with beautiful wood floors and ceilings. The “Goldilocks” slope of the ceiling was “just right”-enough height to create a sense of enclosure without being too high. The wide opening of the wood sliding door and the dual transom with its header to the underside of the sloped ceiling frames the view of the deck, woods, water and sky. I admired the eclectic interior design with its mix of an antique Hoosier cabinet, craftsman coffee table and end tables, contemporary lounge chair and ottoman.
As I turned around from the door to the rear deck, the spatial geometry opened up with the sloped ceilings, the foyer’s full height window with the header of the transom that stretches to the underside of the ceiling, and the partial height walls surrounding the kitchen. The plan offsets and the diagonal vista outlined with expanses of doors and full height windows projects one into the surrounding landscape as if you were in a treehouse.
At the corner of the living room, the wood doors and full height windows to the wrap-around deck offer stunning panoramic views of Bolingbroke Creek.
My fave space is the dining area that projects beyond the main floor walls to create a delightful space. The trio of picture windows and sloped roof windows maximize the view of the water and the low awning windows provide natural cooling in the warm weather months. Round dining tables are conducive to conversation and this table can expand to accommodate more guests. The clever detail of two rows of tile below the awning windows creates space for potted plants and herbs.
The galley kitchen is opposite the dining area and the kitchen’s walls of varied heights provides views of both the foyer below from the deep ledge behind the sink wall and the wood railing of the second floor office/bedroom above. Sunlight streams into the kitchen through the transom over the front door. The tile flooring matches the tile along the dining area’s baseboard and the efficient layout with its neutral palette awaits the next cook’s color accents.
Overlooks are a great way to experience spatial volumes and this overlook provides a diagonal view from the second floor bedroom/office’s down to the main floor’s open plan kitchen-dining-living area to the deck and water beyond. The kitchen’s partial height walls inserted into the open plan further defines the spatial relationships. The deep ledge behind the kitchen sink’s counter would be a great space for plants or a display of colorful ceramics.
The second floor primary bedroom at the rear corner of the house also has wood floors and a wood sloped ceiling. Opposite the bed is a wall of closets for ample storage space. The wide sliding glass door with an uplight/downlight fixture over its header leads to the private balcony overlooking the woods and the water beyond. Stairs lead down from the balcony to the main level deck with the hot tub. The adjacent primary bath has a skylight over the whirlpool tub for natural light and privacy.
Opposite the primary suite at the end of the second floor hall is a large office overlooking the foyer. This pleasant work area has space for two desks, a sitting area for breaks from computer work and sunlight from both the transom window over the front door and the side wall’s window.
The lower level contains a spacious family/media room/fitness area with a freestanding stovepipe fireplace on the opposite wall. Built-in wood millwork along one interior wall has storage for family photographs, books, games and mementos. A wide sliding glass door with a full height window opens onto a terrace that spans the length of the space underneath the wrap-around deck above.
The Acorn Deck House Company has been designing and constructing prefabricated custom homes since 1947 and this home one of the best examples in their portfolio that I have seen. Nestled in a clearing surrounded by almost five acres along Bolingbroke Creek, opposite protected woods, this site offers peace, privacy and the soothing sight and sound of water. You feel part of nature as you walk along the meandering stone paths, relax in the outdoor rooms of the lower level covered terrace, main level wrap-around deck and the primary bedroom balcony or launch your boat from the pier and spend the day on the water. The house is sited on high ground which provides long vistas of the water from both the outdoor spaces and from the interior rooms’ large expanse of sliding doors and full height windows-wonderful contemporary design!
For more information about this property, contact Meg Moran, GRI, with Long and Foster Real Estate-Christies International Real Estate at 410-770-3600 (o), 410-310-2209 (c), or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing visit www.megmoran.com , “Equal Housing Opportunity.”
Photography by Eve Fishell, Chesapeake Pro Photo LLC, 443-786-8025, www.chesapeakeprophoto.com, [email protected]
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 referral agent for Meredith Fine Properties. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
I enjoy selecting each weekly feature to create a mix of contemporary/historic, rural/urban, etc. so today’s feature is a counterpoint to last week’s contemporary house. This house in Easton illustrates many design elements of the Shingle Style with its wood shake siding that wraps around the corners without corner boards, asymmetrical facades enhanced by a gable projection with eave brackets, steeply pitched roof with gables that penetrate the eaves, an entry porch and a side service porch.
Since architectural historians place the “Shingle Style” as a subset of “Victorian”, I liked how the window frames, trim and the bay projection at the side elevation reflect the bright colors of the Victorian Age, balanced by the light colored trim of the fascia and eaves. The quirky alignment of the windows at both the front and side facades gives this house great charm and curb appeal.
The corner lot has fencing around the rear hardscaped yard with a meandering stone path overlay that passes by a former koi pond, firepit, hot tub and play equipment. The rear door of the house leads to a pantry and to the kitchen for ease of serving the outdoor dining area.
At the corner of the property is a three-bay rusticated block carriage house with single doors at both the street and the alley, a single sliding barn door and a double pair of sliding doors for access. The single bay could become an office, studio, or general storage and the attic space has been renovated.
The front door is a half French/half paneled door to filter sunlight into the deep foyer from the porch. I admired the original thin slat oak flooring, original staircase with its walnut newel post and cap rail, slender white balusters and decorative brackets; and the baseboard’s moldings along the top and bottom. The period light fixture completes the look. The louvered door leads to a powder room discretely tucked under the stairs.
Off the foyer is the spacious living room with a fireplace at the front wall. My eye was immediately drawn to the bay projection at the side wall and I especially admired how the layers of molding and decorative brackets framed this cozy space. Plantation shutters over just the bottom of the window panes would provide privacy and allow direct sunlight into the room from this wall in addition to the sunlight from the front window by the fireplace.
The equally spacious dining room’s interior architecture is enhanced by the exposed original hand hewn beams painted to match the wall color that accentuates the structure of the room. The cased opening between the dining room and living room frames a vista of the fireplace from the dining room table. The wall to the left of the framed opening has been partially removed to create a built-in bar/buffet for entertaining. The side wall has both a cased opening to the butler pantry and a pair of original full height frosted glass and paneled doors to a cozy sunroom/office that filter light into the dining room.
At the rear wall of the dining room is another stair to the second floor and to the basement. Since the dining room is quite long, the extra space could be modified to relocate the laundry and create a laundry/mud room by the exterior door to the porch at the side of the house. The rear wall of the dining room would then have an opening opposite the staircase wall for a lovely vista from the dining room table to family photographs, a mirror or artwork hung on the staircase wall.
It is always a pleasure to discover original millwork and I loved the butler’s pantry’s mix of the corner cabinet opposite the wall of closed base cabinets and glass fronted upper cabinets over the original thin oak flooring. The dining room has direct sunlight from the butler pantry’s window.
The work area in this compact, commercial grade kitchen is opposite the R/F wall leading to the walk-in food/wine pantry with extra cabinetry. The color palette is neutral with white cabinets, quartz countertops and stainless steel/black appliances for the next cook to make the space his/her own. I liked how the mix of open shelves and glass fronted upper cabinets don’t encroach upon the spatial volume of the space. Next to the range is a cased opening leading to a pantry filled with cabinetry and countertops for small appliances.
There are four bedrooms and one bath on the second floor. This bedroom is located at one front corner of the house and would be my choice for the primary bedroom. The millwork is designed to contain a small TV and the open shelves contain family photographs and other mementos. One door leads to the small adjacent bedroom that could become a primary bath to create an ensuite with the adjacent large closet.
One of the bedrooms is located under the gable roof at the rear of the house which creates a cozy loft sleeping space that leaves the floor area clear for play and the charming tree mural adds a touch of whimsy.
Another separate stair leads to the attic area that spans across most of the front of the house. The interior architecture is defined by the steep pitch of the roof framing with single windows in the end wall and the front dormer. Drawers, cabinets and open shelves infill the area under the eaves. Although this could be used as a bedroom, I would imagine young children would claim this space as their own for a rainy day playroom or sleepovers.
Convenient in-town location close to the Rails to Trails, cultural events, festivals, shopping and restaurants. Deep corner lot with a rear yard hardscaped for low maintenance and fencing for privacy to enjoy family gatherings or entertaining friends. The carriage house can both accommodate parking and storage and the attic area has been renovated for myriad uses-office, storage, etc. Irresistible charm of historic Shingle Style architecture dating from the early 20th century that has been preserved (thank God the wood shakes were allowed to weather naturally!) and interior period details including the original main staircase, moldings and trim and built-in millwork, combined with upgrades to the bath and the commercial grade kitchen. Great opportunity for the old house enthusiast to become the next steward of this unique property!
For more information about this property, contact Debby Geist-Lyons CREN, with Long and Foster Real Estate. Inc., Easton/Talbot at 410-770-3600 (o), 410-463-7132 (c), or [email protected] . For more photographs and pricing visit https://www.longandfoster.com/homes-for-sale/308-North-Street-Easton-MD-21601-355299615 , “Equal Housing Opportunity.”
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 referral agent for Meredith Fine Properties. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.
Perhaps it is the luck of the Irish that “Shamrock Shores” status went from coming soon to under contract in just four days! Having toured this property, I would believe several factors also contributed to its speedy status trajectory. It would be hard to resist a private 7.5 acre waterfront property with SW views, a main house, guest house and barn and the main house’s spacious rooms with accessibility for aging in place. On the day I visited, I drove along a winding drive shaded by mature trees past the guest house and barn before I reached the main house; the Owner told me later they had relocated the driveway to create a more appealing entry sequence.
As I walked around the house, I admired its close proximity to the shoreline that would not be allowed now and how well the house was sited to reach out to the water. The “L” shape places the garage at the front corner, maximizing the water views for the rest of the house. The architecture is articulated by gables of varied heights that either step down or project from the “L” shape. Not surprisingly, a variety of wide windows punctuate the waterside elevation to open up the house to the water. I especially liked the triangular shaped room at the end of the house for panoramic views of both the water and the landscaping. The exterior color scheme of multi-colored earth toned stone foundation exposed up to the window sills anchors the house to the ground and the blue siding and white trim is quite appealing.
As the Owners welcomed me into the foyer, the house’s open floor plan was immediately apparent through wonderful direct and diagonal vistas. The ceiling pitch throughout the house and wood planks painted bright white both create the perfect scale of enclosure and reflect the sunlight streaming through the windows and sliding doors. The exterior blue color continues inside with the charming faux finish of the foyer’s walls and the blue and white pattern of the rug was the perfect finishing touch. The beautiful floor finish of white oak introduces this finish throughout the house for a Scandinavian touch.
The foyer opens into the family room with its indoor-outdoor feel from the rear wall infilled with sliding door units that tie the space to the deck and water beyond. I imagined how one could spend very pleasant late fall and winter evenings by the fire in this room, watching TV and enjoying the sunset. The wood floating shelves with accent lighting below each shelf flanking the fireplace are a contemporary alternative to built-in millwork. When you are sitting in the comfortable furnishings, all you see is the deck and water beyond as if you were in a suite on a luxurious barge.
The spacious dining room is open to the foyer with a view beyond to the wood paneled sliding barn doors for access to the guest and garage wing. The flat ceiling works well here since it a cozy height for dining and the blue drapery rises to the underside of the ceiling to accentuate the room’s height. The table and chairs are centered on both the triple window for views of the landscape and the hutch between additional chairs to create a pleasing composition.
Behind the dining room and opposite the living room is the kitchen with its water views through the adjoining sunroom. The kitchen’s “L” shaped arrangement, island and top of the line cabinetry and appliances would please any cook. The large island has two levels; one for food prep and a lower level at seating height for breakfast or informal meals. The white cabinets and backsplash blend seamlessly into the surrounding white walls of the adjacent spaces. The upper cabinets rise to the underside of the flat ceiling with some glass fronted doors to display the Owners’ collection of ceramics.
The sunroom must be the hub of the house since it is open to the kitchen and has sliding doors to both the screened porch on one side and to the bluestone terrace on the other side. The expanse of glass of the wrap-around windows and sliding doors without any muntins frame the views of the water. The neutral furnishings emphasizes the spatial volume and the blue accents of the drapery, ottoman/coffee table and pillows create an inviting space in which to linger.
From the sunroom, a hall behind the kitchen and dining room leads to the garage. Off the hall is a spacious laundry, mud room, pantry and two guest bedrooms with a “Jack and Jill” bath.
Regular readers of my column know my favorite room in Houses of the Week is usually the screened porch. This screened porch is exceptional with its serene interior design of the ceiling planks painted white, pale stone flooring in gray tones, teak furnishings and cushions that take their color cue from the flooring. Since the wide screened panels are full height, this room is the perfect spot during warm weather for panoramic views of the landscape and for watching the sun set!
At the other end of the house is the primary suite with the waterside bedroom and bath across the hall from the office and walk-in closet. Pocket doors open into the office furnished with a table desk and a swivel chair for working or turning around to views through the triple unit window and side windows to the landscape for relief from computer work. The color of the paneled walls, millwork on both sides of the room and the wood desk tie the room together.
The sumptuous primary bedroom has both sleeping and sitting areas. The sitting area is offset with a diagonal wall of triple windows for both water and landscape views. The bed in the sleeping area is strategically placed for water views through another triple window above a seat between the built-in millwork. The glass door leads to the deck with steps down to the lawn and pier. I loved this suite’s interior design of the warm sage green walls, creamy white coverlet with earth toned accents of the duvet and pillows and the antique rocker in the sitting area.
The luxurious primary bath has a large window to the water and warm earth tones of the dual lavatory cabinetry with separate storage towers, marble flooring and tub-shower walls. The inset pattern in flooring becomes a “rug” and I especially liked how the flooring seamlessly passes under the glass walls of the shower for accessibility.
The owners lived in the two-story guest house while their home was undergoing its
multi-year, multi-year million dollar renovations of the main house and other structures that incorporated up to date materials, electronics and systems. The two-bedroom guest house is finished to the same level of quality as the main house so guests must reluctantly leave this haven with its large deck overlooking the landscape and water beyond. Nearby is a large barn with ample room for a party space, or to store a car collection or motor home.
Shamrock Shores is a one of a kind property sited at the confluence of Glebe Creek and the Miles River. The main house’s one level, accessible living floor plan is zoned for both family living and privacy and built to the highest level of materials and quality of construction. Bravo and Brava to the Owners for their thoughtful planning, meticulous renovation and interior design of this exceptional property-I will eagerly await to feature their next project!
For more information about this property, contact Tom Crouch with Benson and Mangold Real Estate at 410-745-0720 (o), 410-310-8916 (c) or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit https://thomascrouch.bensonandmangold.com/ , “Equal Housing Opportunity”.
Photography by Janelle Stroop, Thru the Lens Photography, 410-310-6838, [email protected]
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 referral agent for Meredith Fine Properties. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.
The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.