Eastern Shore Real Estate | September 2008
By Douglas Alan Ross
“Ayrshire,” City of Cambridge
Primary Structure Built: c. 1920
Sold for: $725,000—Original Listing Price: $998,000
Last sold in 1984 (thereafter continued to convey within same family)
Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 3.5
This stately, historic, Georgian-style mansion was designed by renowned Baltimore architects Mottu & White, and the original plans are now in the Maryland Historical Society’s archives. Situated on over three acres of land at the western residential edge of downtown Cambridge, Ayrshire was featured on the 2003 Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage. All 3,489 square feet of living space have been restored to their original glory, and many of the elegant rooms offer views of the Choptank River. The grand foyer leads to formal living and dining rooms with hardwood floors and fireplaces. A large kitchen, breakfast room, library, and powder room complete the first floor. On the second floor are the master bedroom with separate sitting room and bath, plus two more bedrooms and full bath; three bedrooms and full bath occupy the third floor. A one-bedroom apartment above the detached, two-car garage and extensive landscaping add to the home’s appeal. Listing partners Jim Camarata and Cheryl Krebeck admit Ayrshire was not an easy sell—when they began marketing the home in 2006, an uncertain economy meant buyers were skeptical. “Being a unique property, it needed a buyer who appreciated the architecture and wasn’t overwhelmed by the challenges of a 90-year-old home,” says Krebeck. “We were charmed by the home and hoped it would bring the sellers a higher price. In the end, both parties were happy.” As for today’s market on the Shore, Krebeck says that, “Overall we haven’t been as affected as some areas due to the attraction of our quality of life, as well as our retirement and second-home markets.”
Source: Camarata-Krebeck Team, Associate Brokers, Lacaze Meredith Real Estate, (410) 820-7707 or (800) 851-4504
“St. Aubins Keep,” Easton
Primary Structure Built: c. 1806
Sold for: $392,500—Original Listing Price: $450,000
Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 3
Constructed over 200 years ago as a barn on the farm of Nicholas Hammond, the first president of Farmers Bank of Maryland’s Eastern Shore branch, St. Aubins Keep was sold for the first time since its 1976 conversion into a home. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood north of downtown Easton, this 2,372-square foot historic residence sits on over a quarter-acre of land. Noteworthy are fine original details, including brickwork, wood floors, unusual crown moldings, chair rail, high baseboards, and 9-1/2-foot ceilings in the main rooms. A separate utility room, entry hall/sitting room, and chandeliers in both the dining room and kitchen were added at the time of conversion. On the second floor are a master bedroom with three closets, vanity area, and adjoining bath; a study with exposed beams and a combination of brick and rustic-paneled walls; a second bedroom; and hall bath. Accessed by a fixed stairway in the study, the attic offers great potential for additional living space. The property also features a brick patio, stone patio, and mature landscaping. There’s more: adjoining structures were incorporated into the conversion’s design, including covered storage areas, shed with workshop, and the original corn crib—now a studio apartment with its own kitchenette, bathroom, and walk-in closet. Though the property was offered “as is” due to some necessary upgrades and minor repairs (reflected in the asking price), “The unique historic provenance, original pegged beams and brickwork, along with beautiful gardens were a few of the property’s major selling points,” says listing agent Chris Young.
Source: Chris Young, Lacaze Meredith Real Estate, (410) 770-3600 or (410) 310-4278
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douglas alan ross
sep 08
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