By Lurdes A uscato || Photography by Stephen Buchanan
With our vast array of waterside houses, Annapolis residents are well-versed in coastal chic and beach casual décor. But every so often we find a home that takes it to whole different level. Located on a quiet stretch of the Mayo Peninsula called Turkey Point Island, this remodeled 18-year-old residence is the epitome of nautical craftsmanship, with spectacular waterfront positioning, exceptional materials, and unique sailing-inspired construction and finishes.
The property, recently purchased by a young family relocating from Gam ills, backs to Ramsay Bay and the South River. The new homeowners had searched for a spot with unimpeded views and definitely found it here: grand water vistas can be had from nearly every corner, including of Thomas Point and its renowned Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse, one of only 10 lighthouses in the country designated a National Historic Landmark. Sunrises are especially stunning, notes the new owner.
Emphasizing its optimal setting, the back of the home includes a private pier (with a dock slip and 4-plus feet MLW access), a waterfront Ipe wood deck with a built-in Jacuzzi and two upper-level balconies for even better vantage points. Walls of windows and glass-paneled balconies (including one off the master suite) offer more unobstructed views and ing the outdoors in. The family is looking forward to years of enjoying water activities just feet from their backyard, particularly one spouse, who is a dedicated catamaran racer with a local team. Further enhancing its outdoor appeal, the community also features two beaches, a playground, and pier.
Welcome Aboard
Just as striking as the outdoors, though, is the interior architecture, singular in that it mimics the elements of a boat. Within its 4,000-plus square feet of living space, various walls, entrances, and ceilings, for example, are pitched or built at angles to simulate the lines of a sea vessel, explains Joe Fagiolo, the buyer’s representative and realtor with Keller Williams.
The main stairwell is a curved, stainless-steel-and-welded-cables masterpiece, evoking marine riggings and boat wire stays. Gleaming cabinetry resembles the teak woodwork found on most vessels, even down to the handle-less, push-to-open hidden closet near the office, a familiar component on ships. The result is not a kitschy, over-the-top boat theme, but rather a modern and sophisticated homage to watercraft living while ashore.
The floor plan is an open layout, with well-flowing areas and minimal visual obstructions, making it especially flexible, says the home’s listing agent Mary Ann Elliott. The buyers, who entertain quite a bit, note the spacing is perfect for large groups.
Light maple flooring, a stylish contrast to the rich woodwork used in the cabinetry and fireplace mantel, flows into the gourmet kitchen. An oval island anchors the galley area, topped with an exotic granite embodying lots of movement and ocean tones. The island’s wood base is, in fact, a faux paint finish to blend exactly with the surrounding cabinets. Marble counters, stainless steel accents, two sinks, two dishwashers, and two refrigerators finish the space.
Equally remarkable elements are evident in all three-and-a-half bathrooms. The powder room contains a wall of river rock, juxtaposed with a sand finish wall color. The master bath mixes marble, river rock, and distinct granite, along with a double shower, vessel sink, and mirror-mounted faucet. Additional unique marble, tile work, mahogany, and stainless steel can be found in the other two baths.
Sense of the Shore
Coming from a 200-year-old farmhouse, the biggest challenge for the new owners has been to mesh their rustic, country furnishings with the light, eezy vibe of their new home. They have made minimal cosmetic changes, with a few paint variations only. Their goal is to maintain its beachy, contemporary feel, while keeping it homey and comfortable for their family.
To that end, they’ve opted for natural fibers in furnishings, simple and spare window treatments, and a color palette drawn from the sand and sea, with light blues, tans, and an occasional vi ant tone.
It’s quite fitting for this dwelling that the homeowners also appreciate marine and landscape photography and prominently display three large pieces from local photographer Andy Herbick.
Though they have no big projects on the horizon, the family is experimenting with the layouts and uses of the lower floor space and spare bedroom (currently a playroom/storage area). Regardless what they do with it, theirs is a home port many a land lubber would envy.
