This street between the heart of downtown Chestertown and Washington College is a quiet short cross street with congenial residents who hold block parties and Holiday Open Houses for their neighbors. The house is sited on a lot with open space behind the rear of the property that is protected from development which extends the view from the house to the trees beyond. The mix of brick and wood lattice foundation, light green lap siding with creamy white trim, the center front door surrounded by windows and the front porch that is slightly inset from the front façade all contribute to the house’s charm. One of my design pet peeves is using unadorned square posts to support porch roofs so I especially appreciated the detailing of this porch with the caps, trim and plinths for the columns and stair newel posts. The lattice at one side gives some privacy but lets the light and breezes filter in and flow through this delightful outdoor room.
The entry is separated from the living room by a wide elliptical arch that opens the stair to the room. A corbeled brick fireplace with a wood stove insert at the front of the room flanked by windows is another focal point and the hardwood floors create a restful spot for relaxing at the end of the day. The bold red walls of the dining room and the white corner cabinet between the two windows also caught my eye. I have the same style of upholstered chairs in my dining room and the fully upholstered chairs in this room are great extra seating around the Queen Anne styled table and chairs.
I love to cook and this large kitchen is well designed with its “C” shape, island with stools opposite another wall of cabinets with a wall oven. The kitchen extends into the butler pantry and wet bar area that ends at the French doors to the deck overlooking the rear yard. The wood cabinets with period hardware, stainless steel appliances, solid surface countertops and hardwood floors create a great spot for cooking with direct access to both the dining room and the deck for dining with family and friends.
The second and third floors contain the master bedroom and bath with a soaking tub and separate shower. Two other bedrooms, another bath and laundry complete the floor plan. The third floor is a great space with its knee walls and sloped ceilings that is furnished as a wonderful bedroom and sitting area divided by the stairs. The house was renovated in 2008 and the current tenants have lovingly maintained it.
For more information about this property, please contact Jennifer Mobley at Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Real Estate Company, 410-778-0330 (o), 443-350-5917 (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.
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