Post-and-Beam was Couple's Dream
By Douglas Alan Ross
Photography by Tony Lewis
Woodlore, Annapolis
Primary Structure Built: 1986
Sold for: $650,000—Original Listing Price: $735,000
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.5
Patience, creativity, and collaboration on a well-structured business plan resulted in a win-win situation for all parties involved in the sale of this 2,100-square-foot home on 1.1 acres near Epping Forest. The buyers had always dreamed of owning a home of post-and-beam construction, a simple yet strong method of building that allows an entire structure to be supported by horizontal beams connected to heavy vertical timber posts, using no nails. Tenons (protrusions from each beam) fit into mortises (holes in each post), forming joints that are locked into place by bracing. Having little confidence in finding such a home on the market, or one they could afford, the buyers focused on finding a residence for two with character, warmth, and charm. They weren’t interested in anything huge. By luck, they soon learned this house was for sale and scheduled a showing with realtor Celeste O’Dea.
The couple’s first impression was that while the house looked nice enough on the outside, there was nothing particularly unique about it. Upon stepping inside, however, they were immediately overwhelmed by the distinct, unexpected “wow” factor that’s evident throughout the home’s interior. Both fell in love with the soaring ceilings, massive exposed beams, and wide plank wood floors on the main level, in addition to the spacious living room with large brick-hearth fireplace, unique formal dining room with two-story ceilings, updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and custom-built banquette, master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, beams, skylight, and stained-glass window, and separate staircase leading to a light-filled, second-level family room (formerly a fourth bedroom). With the added features of an attached, two-car garage, raised deck, patio, and landscaped, tree-studded corner lot, the couple had indeed found the house of their dreams.
However, they were not quite ready to buy it. Each buyer had a home to sell, and, because the sellers were soon moving to the West Coast, they could not accept a contingent contract, “We constructed an offer that consisted of negotiating a fixed price and delaying settlement for one year, with the buyers renting the house until one of their properties sold, at which time they would close on the sale,” says O’Dea. “This proved to be an excellent arrangement and perfect solution, as one home sold within three months, the other was rented out, and we were able to complete the transaction.”
O’Dea adds that, “Though the property sold for less than the original list price, it was right in step with the area’s declining market in 2008 and the buyers feel they made a great deal on a home in one of Annapolis’ premier neighborhoods. But it appears that prices have now leveled off and we’re expecting to see a gradual increase in sales. So it’s definitely a good time to buy—interest rates are at a record low, money is available, prices for the average home are attractive to buyers, and sellers are willing to negotiate.” One of the buyers comments, “It took faith on our part and that of the prior owners to make this work, but the end result was positive for both parties. The sellers were able to move on, and we got our dream house. Being avid sailboat racers, it’s a bit like living in a grand wooden ship—and we finally have a place to entertain our large group of sailing friends, family, and new neighbors.”
Source: Celeste and Skip O’Dea, Keller Williams Select Realtors, (410) 972-4000 or (301) 717-7071
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