A Place Most Peaceful

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Probably one of the most unique aspects of living on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is its topography and how you can be motoring past acres of unfolding farmland and yet be minutes from the nearest sandy beach along a scenic waterway.

That beachy, bucolic vibe is what this month’s feature home is all about. Located in Trappe, this spacious coastal farmhouse-style residence affords access to the open waters of the Choptank River and is the fruition of a dream for a pair of empty nesters.

We had a chance to talk to the builder of this special residence, Wes Schuman, owner of Red Oak Properties, to get the details on how the dream was achieved. 

“It was very important to build a coastal-slash-farmhouse look [that was] soft, and not too woodsy, huntsman, or cabin-looking,” Schuman says. 

The three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath result clearly refined all those aspects, which reflect upon the homeowners’ interests, while offering an upscale, homey dwelling with a resort lifestyle feel to it.  

First Impressions

Part of this home’s allure is undoubtedly connected to its aforementioned topography with its knolly, lush green-scape and its amazing view to the Choptank River and out beyond to the Chesapeake Bay; a sanctuary of seven acres and a structure that faces west to catch sunsets over the water. 

This is the impressive situation upon driving up to the residence—and then its scale and detail sink in. The two-story structure has a unique footprint with one-third of its square footage located on a 90-degree angle to the rest of the structure. The exterior wows with its multi-pitch roof line and attractive dual-tone Hardie plank siding; a cedar shake style in a misty gray on the uppers and a balanced beige on the lower boards. 

The exterior presentation is further enhanced with attractive wood and stacked stone pillars, and a signature element that is replicated inside the home in a big way.

Prepare for a dramatic entry to this home with its inviting glass-front double doors with side lights, arch-shaped transom window package, and an expansive foyer that opens to the soaring ceiling in the great room. That jaw-dropping signature element is a series of rustic timber trusses that span the length of the entry through to the opposite end of the great room. Underfoot, the wide plank, engineered white oak floors instantly warm and unify the large space.

The effect is breathtaking as you take in the clear sightlines across the great room to the gorgeous river beyond. In between the trusses constructed of fir timber, the ceiling is fitted with what Schuman referred to as “miles of” custom cedar shiplap. Western cedar, sourced from Georgia, was also used throughout the home for the larger columns and beams.

Under the Trusses

Moving within the great room is effortless because the 10-inch-wide plank floors are seamless throughout and it is easy to see from this vantage point how this will be the ultimate home for entertaining guests.

A massive fireplace of Eldorado’s Nantucket-style stacked stone provides another striking (and functional) visual element to the room. It is countered on either side by substantial custom built-ins making it the prime feature wall in the large living space. A series of four, floor-to-ceiling windows are joined by two large French doors in the center to create a wall of windows to the water and grand patio and pool space created at the back of the property. 

The great room was designed to include a spacious formal dining room, a cozy living room, and a separate breakfast area all done in breezy, coastal furnishings and accents. Each of these spaces is designated by and framed off with rustic cedar beams and pillars. 

This warm, tonal palette continues into the 21- by 28-foot modern farmhouse kitchen with cathedral ceiling. Schuman says special care was given to provide that room with one of the largest, water-facing picture windows in the home that they located over the primary sink. (All of the home’s windows were accented with prairie grills for maximum style and sightlines.) 

This kitchen is a custom-designed dream come true for the chef, featuring tons of rich, white oak cabinets in two complementary tones: white and woodgrain stained. An enormous custom island with a luxe quartzite countertop and a feature wall of the contrasting woods, houses a top-of-the-line gas range and hood creating a pair of eye-catching focal points. 

Extra storage is provided in the adjacent pantry that looks like an homage to the good old general store with its down-home, glass-front cabinets, rustic shelving, and shiplap walls. 

Just off the dining area is a set of French doors that lead to a water-facing home office that will make the owner never wish to commute again with its tranquil views and its handsome coffered ceiling.

Two guest bedroom suites are situated on the main level of floorplan to the right of the entry to provide accommodations for the empty nesters’ grandchildren, and plenty of space was allotted on the home’s second level for an open-plan recreation area and family room. A respite of a different sort is also located upstairs in the form of a separate room that is accessed through a set of sliding barn doors. Inside there’s an impressive, stacked stone wet bar with counter seating for six. Its optimal water views make this a relaxing gathering space for adults on the second level.

The Grand Retreats

No forever home would be complete without an exceptionally well-designed owners’ suite. Schuman says there were several specifics that made this suite among the best his team has ever built. Location to exploit water views was key, as was convenience in the design and wow factor. To accomplish this, the bedroom was located to the left of the entry and encompassed the entire footprint of that side of the home from front to back. That would help check the box for water views and create its own wing of the home.

“We put 24-foot ceilings in there,” Schuman explains. While that certainly addresses wow factor, this room was designed with a few other perks, including a 16- by 15-foot walk-in closet with a quartzite-topped center island and additional countertop for folding and organization. This space was also outfitted with a stackable washer and dryer combo and warm, wood custom cabinetry—all fitted with doors to conceal the wardrobe within, keeping the room tidy at all times.

A generous, separate exercise room next door helps the couple keep in shape, and when they’re done, the ultimate bathroom and shower experience awaits them. This luxe, spa-quality bath is uniquely outfitted with a separate 15- by 7-foot bath and shower area with a wide, gracious entry that is framed by a half wall with glass above. A palette of grays works its way into the tile choices for the floors and walls, and a freestanding concrete soaking tub in slate gray is a stylish standout and a welcoming post-exercise incentive.

A large, center island provides extra storage, as does the extended his and her vanity with quartzite countertops. Warm wood custom cabinets and wood vanity accent shelving adds a special charm and personality to the space. The bedroom offers incredible out-to-the-Bay views and private access to the enormous pool and patio area. 

This one-of-kind retreat can also be accessed through the great room doors, which immediately transport you to an outdoor oasis unlike any other. The large, soaring covered porch is also outfitted with timber trusses tying the whole vibe of the property from its approach, through the interior, and out into an entertainer’s paradise, together. A generous lounge and dining area is located beneath the covered porch.

Out here, woodsy timbers are accompanied by a floor of travertine tile as far as the eye can see. And while the urge may overtake you to head right out the home’s private pier to experience the river firsthand, the exquisite inground infinity edge pool and spa designed and executed by Aqua Pools & Spas of Easton, will surely stop you in your tracks. The outdoor grilling area designed with Nantucket stacked stone, the firepits, and a private sandy shoreline complete the resort-like lifestyle effect of this water-side residence. 

Amenities aside, it’s the location of the property along the Choptank that won over the hearts of its owners long before the house was even built. 

“They call this area Peace Cliff,” Schuman says. “And it’s as peaceful as it gets being there.”