r
r
This Classic Eastern Shore Colonial sits on the banks of Hayward Cove and the beautiful Miles River. The sloping two-plus acre lot is well-treed with lots of hardy landscaping, making for a very lovely and quiet setting. The attractive entrance way leads you down a private drive and ends at the main house—but that's only the beginning.
The two bedroom and one-and-a-half bath guest cottage sits directly on the water's edge. Just beyond, there is a 200-foot pier offering multiple slips, two boat lifts and a rare seven foot water depth at the end. Truly a serious boater's dream come true.
Complete renovations had been made to the four bedroom three-and-a-half bath principal residence. The large foyer leads to living and dining rooms as well as a gourmet kitchen/family room combination with fireplace. The second story offers four bedrooms with a master bedroom deck that enjoys spectacular views across the in-ground concrete pool to the cove and the Miles River beyond.
The property had been meticulously maintained and the new buyers recognized it's many amenities. In a more robust market this home could very well have sold for the $1.65 million asking price (or more), but with current market conditions prevailing, it settled in November of 2011 for $1.4 million. No question, an exceptional value for the new owners, made possible by realistic sellers ready to get on with their future. A win-win for all involved.
Contributions: Faye Roser, listing agent with Benson & Mangold Real Estate, www.bensonandmangold.com and the buyer's agent Sheila Monahan with Chesapeake Bay Properties, www.chesapeakebayproperty.com
Light & Bright on Prospect Bay, Queen Anne's County
r
r
Custom built in 1999, this nearly 4,000-square foot Cape Cod was designed to take advantage of the water views and lovely natural setting. It has tall ceilings, lots of windows, and extensive landscaping. With all of that, it seems to fit cozily on its one-plus acre waterfront lot—a very pleasing package.
The first floor boasts a fabulous in-law suite complete with its own kitchen, a living room, sunroom, bedroom, and bath. There is also a separate main floor master bedroom and waterfront deck with swim spa. The spacious second story offers three additional bedrooms and two full baths—certainly room for guests.
This light and airy home is located in Prospect Bay Golf and Country Club in Grasonville, which offers its residents a professional 18-hole golf course, beautiful club house, pool, tennis court, and marina. It is conveniently located close to the Bay Bridge with an easy Western Shore commute.
This home sold in November of 2011 for $807,000, after several price adjustments (a seemingly inescapable occurrence for sellers in the current market). Once again the new owners received a lot of value for their investment and the original owner was able to move forward. That's what real estate is about—moving forward.
Contributions from Jimmy White, listing and selling agent, with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., www.jimmywhitehomes.com
Luxury in Langford Farm, Kent County
r
r
Langford Creek meanders through Kent County and out to the Chester River. Alongside the bank of the creek is the luxury home community of Langford Farm. One of the community's gems must be this cedar-sided waterfront rambler, which sits on more than four acres of rolling waterfront.
This award-winning home exudes quality inside and out. The main floor offers two bedrooms and two full baths with two additional bedrooms and a full bath on the second floor. The design plan is open but the expanse of the house allows for many flexible recreational rooms. The focal points in the great room are a stunning floor-to-ceiling ick fireplace and the wall of waterside windows.
From the screen porch, with ick floors and cathedral ceiling, you can move seamlessly to the lushly landscaped outdoors. The garden pond and fountain, with exceptional details, enhance the sloping green lawn. There is also a private deepwater pier on Langford Creek.
This estate home sold in October of 2011 for $1.1 million. The home had originally been offered for $1.25 million and did not languish on the market long. It seems to have been a great opportunity for the new owner and fairly priced in today's market.
Contributions: Listing agent, Chris McClary of Gunther-McClary Real Estate, gunthermcclary.com; Buyers agent: Lisa Raffetto with The Hogans Agency, Inc., www.hogans.com
Mulberry Street Elegance in St. Michaels
r
r
One of the widest and most desirable historic streets in St. Michaels is the address for this elegantly restored colonial. The beautifully appointed, circa 1880, Thomas Kirby House is an indisputable prize in downtown St. Michaels.
Only doors away from St. Michaels Harbor, this stately home enjoys water views and all the conveniences of this quaint but sophisticated Bay-front town. The complete update includes a modern gourmet kitchen, central heating and cooling systems, first- and second-story master suites, and three additional guest bedrooms. The home enjoys four fireplaces, ick patio courtyard, and wood floors throughout.
It's a labor of love to keep the bones of a historic property, intact and true, while modernizing its livability. This home has the feel of its 130-plus years, while offering every convenience and comfort you could desire. Traditional wood siding and colors enhance its stately ambiance. Originally listed for $1.3 million and settling for just over $1 million in November of 2011, this home is a wonderful acquisition for the historic connoisseur who enjoys modern amenities and elegance too. This is truly a spectacular property.
Contributions: Listing gent Elizabeth Y. Foulds, Lacaze Meredith Long & Foster Real Estate, www.stmichaelsrealestate.net; Buyers agent deVismes Sharp, Benson and Mangold Real Estate, www.buytalbotmd.com