I know this house well as I had it under contract when I moved from Pittsburgh in 2004. Unfortunately, the buyer for my Pittsburgh house was not able to obtain financing so I had to reluctantly withdraw my offer for this charming bungalow. Even after fifteen years, all the features that first attracted me to the property are even better. The corner lot’s landscaping has grown taller and broadened out to provide privacy for the side yard and the front porch that is partially screened. All the Craftsman style details were unaltered-the wide shed dormer at the front elevation, the arrangement of rooms, the narrow French doors on either side of the fireplace, the wood stair balustrade, the beautiful wood floors, trim and period doors. In 2004, I had a sheltie and the rear fenced yard would have been the perfect spot for her to enjoy being outdoors under plenty of shade from the mature trees while I gardened. The French door from the deck would have provided quick access for that last walk before bedtime.
The main floor plan is typical of early 20th century bungalows. The front door opens onto the living room that spans the full length of the house with the stair to the second floor at one side for flexible furniture arrangement. Behind the living room what was probably the original dining room is currently used as a TV room next to the kitchen. Stairs from the kitchen lead to the deck at the rear yard and then to the basement. Behind the dining room and the kitchen is the original sunroom that is currently a roomy office and a powder room. Narrow half-French doors on either side of the brick fireplace lead to the screened portion of the wrap-around porch. The stair leads to a center hall on the second floor with a large bath and two bedrooms. The rear bedroom connects to a room that could become a dressing room or office.
Two of the five houses I have called home so far have been bungalows; I simply can’t resist their quirky charm. This bungalow on its corner lot, landscaping for privacy, rear yard with terrace under mature trees and plantings, porches and great floor plan is irresistible too-someone else agrees for this bungalow is under contract. Once again, I missed my chance!
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], “Equal Housing Opportunity”.
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.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.