As you drive past the sign that welcomes you to St. Michaels, the next two blocks of the streetscape’s architectural style consists primarily of bungalows. This charming bungalow has recently been totally renovated and now proudly leads the parade of bungalow homes. The original front porch that had been previously infilled has now been opened up and the metal awnings that once obstructed the views from the front windows are gone. The new exterior color palette of light gray paint on the exposed brick foundation, white siding, black shutters, red chimney and gray architectural shingle roofing give the house a fresh and inviting look.
The main roof extends to become a shed roof over the front of the living room and the porch. A trio of windows at the living room and the double windows in the shed dormer above at the second floor are classic elements of bungalow design that have timeless appeal. The brick foundation at the porch gracefully transitions via brick side walls with sloped tops on either side of the short flight of steps to brick piers below. From the porch, side window and rear double windows provide views to the living and dining rooms. A new white Craftsman style handrail surrounds the open sides of the porch and the beautiful stained new Craftsman style door beckons you inside.
The interior layout of the main floor has been dramatically opened up for a clear vista from the front door to the rear door in the kitchen that leads to a deck overlooking the back yard with steps down to a terrace shaded by a tall mature tree. Beautiful hardwood floors flow throughout the house and the sunlight from multiple windows creates warm and inviting spaces. I especially liked the living room with the front long triple windows, side windows opposite each other and the shorter windows flanking the side fireplace for sunlight throughout the day. The dining room is opposite the living room with front double windows to the porch along with shorter side wall windows and walls for art.
The galley kitchen has a clever “L” countertop extension with knee space for a breakfast or quick snack perch, white cabinets with dark granite countertops for contrast and stainless steel appliances. Windows over the sink and a window by the rear exterior door add sunlight and a sliding barn door is deft touch for hiding the basement stairs.
The master bedroom and bath is located at the rear of the house and the stairs create a hall for the master suite for privacy from the rest of the main floor. The other bedrooms and baths are located on the second floor and each bedroom has pitched ceilings that follow the roof slope. One of the bedrooms has an ensuite bath so it could be an alternative master suite. In the hall, another space saving sliding barn door conceals the stack W/D and the door is detailed with reclaimed wood and translucent panels.
Captivating renovation that has restored this charming bungalow to its former glory- Bravo!
For more information about this property, contact Monica Penwell with Meredith Fine Properties at 410-822-2001 (o), 410- 310-0225 (c) or [email protected]. For more photographs and pricing, visit www.meredithfineproperties.com, “Equal Housing Opportunity”.
Photography by Janelle Stroop, 845-744-2758, [email protected]
Spy House of the Week is an ongoing series that selects a different home each week. The Spy’s Habitat editor Jennifer Martella makes these selections based exclusively on her experience as a architect.
Jennifer Martella has pursued her dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. Her award winning work has ranged from revitalization projects to a collaboration with the Maya Lin Studio for the Children’s Defense Fund’s corporate retreat in her home state of Tennessee.
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