Design with Jenn Martella: A Christmas Card: “The Snuggery”
This restored Victorian exterior, originally a log cabin, reflects a harmonious blend of history and elegance.
Each year, I enjoy being a volunteer for the Christmas in St. Michaels Tour of Homes. The event is always sold out, so today I offer a Christmas Card to all of you who were not able to join the tour. I am delighted to feature “The Snuggery Inn and Suites”, one of St. Michaels’ most beloved houses, that was part of this year’s tour. The Snuggery Inn and Suites began its life as a two room log cabin on St. Michaels’ harbor and was built by Edward Elliott, builder and his apprentice, Darby Coghorn. In 1870, the house was acquired by Senator Henry Dodson who relocated the log cabin to its present location. As befitting a State Senator, the cabin was enlarged and remodeled but its charming Victorian exterior remains intact.
Remarkably, Dodson kept detailed documentation that has been an invaluable resource that has been passed down to subsequent owners and is now preserved by the current owners.
The zig-zag siding on the dormer adds architectural intrigue to the well-balanced massing of porches and bays.
The dead-end street has much more available parking and privacy now that the number of bed and breakfast establishments on this street has decreased from five to two, The Snuggery Inn & Suites and the Victoriana Inn next door. As I walked up the Town’s brick sidewalk, I admired this view of The Snuggery Inn & Suites with its very appealing massing of the full front porch, shed dormer with the middle bay projecting forward for added interest and the bay windows at the side elevation. I especially admired the unusual zig-zag siding pattern that gives the facades of the shed dormer great character.
This expanded elevation features thoughtful plan offsets and a pitched dormer that highlights its layered history.
The deep property extends to the next street and includes two other buildings. A narrow brick walkway along the other side elevation leads to a courtyard between the Snuggery Inn & Suites and a separate two-story guest house that is being renovated. This elevation is equally appealing in plan offsets and massing with the two-story expanded original cottage and subsequent additions including a pitched dormer.
Distinctive sawtooth siding meets shiplap, with a kinetic sculpture providing a modern artistic accent.
As I neared the corner of The Snuggery, I admired the juxtaposition of the shiplap siding with the sawtooth siding and the view of the two-story guest house beyond that frames the courtyard. I also admired how beautifully maintained the paint finish on the shiplap siding was and the Corten steel kinetic sculpture is a great accent.
The circular stone terrace, framed by tall cedars, creates a defined and intimate outdoor space.
The other two “walls” of the courtyard are tall cedars for privacy. The stone circular terrace with a firepit in the middle and the grouping of Adirondack chairs create a delightful outdoor room. I admired the clever seasonal decoration of the urns since their plantings are now dormant.
Red ribbons transform turned columns into festive candy canes, framing cozy seating and dining areas.
right side of porch
Some people deck the hall but this porch is decked out to celebrate the holiday season. The porch’s turned columns are turned into candy canes by the wide red ribbons that wind around the columns. The center front door creates cozy areas on each side of the porch. One side has a table and chairs for dining with red drapes and white snowflakes for privacy; the other side has a settee with white cushions and pillows in black, white and red against a backdrop of additional curtains. The metal red drum tables have woven sides so the sunlight can filter through them.
Exposed log walls and historical details connect the entry space to The Snuggery’s 19th-century origins.
One of the Owners greeted me at the front door that opened into the original part of the house, with the beautiful log and chinking walls. Wreaths, greenery over the angled fireplace, pine cones in a tray on the coffee table, the Merry Christmas pillow and the decorated tree create a festive look for B&B guests. The stair leads to the second floor guest ensuite and the half paneled, half glass doors are closed when the Inn has guests as the room beyond is part of the Owners’ Suite.
A tall Christmas tree complements original detailing while showcasing the home’s transformation story.
The room’s corner contains the tall tree perfectly proportioned for the space and behind it is a gingerbread cottage surrounded by a field of “snow”. For guests who are architectural history buffs, the Owners kindly created a board with information about the house’s transformation over two centuries.
The log accent wall adds warmth to this inviting ensuite parlor, perfect for relaxation or holiday stays.
The other side of the original log structure is now a spacious guest ensuite beginning with this sitting area with its accent wall of the original log and chinking exterior wall. The double half paneled, half patterned glass doors provide privacy when the suite is occupied. The corner tree between two settees, Santa pillow and another Santa standing in a wire tray above an antique metal bus that is now a festive end table would make any guest want to linger.
Ornate original trim details frame the cozy nook, complete with seasonal decor and natural light.
The cozy nook created by the double unit window between two closets is enhanced by the creche arrangement and wreaths over the windows. I admired the original doors, fluted trim and corner rosettes.
Decorated shelves and a festive mantel breathe life into this functional and visually striking fireplace.
The bonus to the ensuite is its own fireplace, now decorated for the season. The lighted candelabra, the nutcrackers, the gnome resting on the hearth and the swag of greenery creates a festive arrangement. As an architect, I especially liked the display of lighted architectural miniatures on shelves above the mantel. The ensuite’s bedroom and bath are located at the quiet rear of the house.
Cheerful holiday decor brightens this multifunctional space, connecting the parlor and kitchen seamlessly.
To continue my tour of the first floor, I walked through the front parlor to the first room in the addition, the Owners’ coffee and cocktails bar. Doors similar in style to the doors that separate the front parlor from the first floor guest ensuite provide privacy when needed. Both the silver tree and the ceramic one on the sideboard, the ceramic Santa head filled with red ornaments and the wreaths over the windows celebrate Christmas.
Personal touches, like stockings above the custom lockers, add cozy charm to the functional spaces.
What would Christmas be without stockings? I loved the Owners’ trio of colorful stockings over their lockers.
The bay window projection and whimsical details create a warm, inviting ambiance with courtyard views.
The Owners’ coffee and cocktails bar is next to the Owners’ kitchen and sitting room. The clear “bubble” ornaments in the farmhouse sink and the bicycle that is now a TV stand are delightful touches of whimsy The deep countertop provides room for bar high chairs, now adorned with their furry winter throws. I enjoyed the vista through the room’s bay window projection and across the courtyard to the two-story guest house.
Classic design elements meet practicality, with festive accents adding a seasonal spark to the space.
The kitchen’s color palette of cream colored cabinets, black appliances and earth toned quartz countertops are classic choices, with accents of holiday towels and accessories.
The centerpiece of the Great Room, this brick fireplace is flanked by high windows and festive family touches.
The fireplace is flanked by two high windows that combine daylight with privacy. Family stockings await being filled with goodies on Christmas. The tall Christmas tree in the corner is another focal point and by this time I wondered how many years the Owners have been collecting ornaments!
Holiday accents, like the detailed tree and quirky llama, bring personality to each corner of the home.
Pillows are great seasonal accents and I especially liked both of these-so many cars have been festooned with their choice of trees on their way home and the elegant llama has been enlisted by Santa to help deliver presents.
This alcove with bay windows invites light and cheer, boasting a gingerbread centerpiece and wreaths.
My fave part of the Owners’ Great Room is this cozy bay wall projection infilled with windows now adorned with wreaths. The Noguchi coffee table is adorned with one of the entries in the St. Michaels’ Gingerbread Contest. The Owners were the winning bidders and now the three bears with their basket spilling out with candy have a permanent home.
The Owners’ primary ensuite is located over this area and is reached by its own circular stair.
A mirrored wall at the stair landing creates visual depth and adds an unexpected contemporary touch.
Having explored the first floor, I went back to the “U” shaped stair with its landing’s “window” of a huge mirror on the wall that creates an unusual effect of walking up the stair and being able to see someone else starting down the stair!
Exposed attic beams and natural light create a serene, airy guest suite ideal for restful stays.
If I were a guest, I would gladly settle into this charming room at the front corner of the house. I loved the high ceiling plane created by the attic being opened up and leaving the original collar beam to float in the space. Another higher collar beam creates a flat area for great spatial volume. The row of windows at the front shed dormer and the double unit window in the gable wall flood the space with daylight and the soft muted tones are conducive to a restful sleep. I especially liked the radiator cover that has a dual use as a nightstand.
Each Guest Suite is equipped with a mini fridge that is stocked daily with fresh orange juice, bottled water, half and half and high quality yogurt.
Ample counter space and playful glass accents elevate the compact design of this ensuite bathroom.
The second floor guest bath is compact but the long lavatory counter can easily accommodate a couple’s toiletries and the window makes the room seem larger than it is. I especially liked the whimsical touch of more glass “bubbles” in the lavatory.
The two-story guest house offers versatile accommodations, blending historic charm with modern convenience.
When the current owners purchased the property, there was a one-story studio that they transformed by added a second floor suite. The stair that connects the two floors can either accommodate a family for the entire cottage or each floor can be used separately.
In addition, the Owners purchased the rear property that has access to the street at the rear so off-street parking, rare in the Historic District, can be provided to guests. The rear property also has an existing building that will become another Guest House to complete the complex.
Several years ago, I had featured The Snuggery when it was for sale. This important part of St. Michaels Historic District is so fortunate to have found Owners that improved the property without compromising its historic details. Their master plan for the property includes completing the two-story Guest House and the other structure at the rear of the property-stay tuned for a future article!
The Snuggery Inn & Suites is located at 203 Cherry St., St. Michaels, MD. For further information, visit their website, www.snuggerysm.holidayfuture.com, or email [email protected].
Photography by the Author
Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.
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