Sold For: $475,000
List Price: $474,999
Last Sold/Price: $285,000 (2011)
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Living Space: 1,928 sq. ft.
Lot Size: .50 acre
Driving up to this mid-century modern home in St. Michaels is like stepping into another world. The stark architecture, the mix of materials, and the bright red front door contrast with the stately plantations, the placid colonialism, and the composed bungalows more common to the area. Situated on a double lot just over the line from Rio Vista in Bentely Hays, a grove of pines shades the home. It gives visitors the sense that, although they are just over the town limits from St. Michaels proper, they are, in fact, tucked back into a space of peace and tranquility.
Entry through the garage or the front door reveals that the home’s floor plan has been switched: the kitchen, living room, dining room, and master suite are all on the second floor. Architectural design on the second level was clearly intended to match the contemporary exterior and to take advantage of a view to the Miles River that flows just across the road.
Ceilings are extraordinarily high with painted wood beams evocative of a more traditional nautical style. This feature imbues a sense of airiness and brightness that might otherwise be countered by shade from the property’s trees. The common areas boast large picture windows and transoms. Even though the house is surrounded on all sides by landscape greenery, the plethora of windows lets in natural light reflected off the water. Even the long galley kitchen, whose best feature may be the abundance of cabinet storage, has a large window that looks into the highest trees. Two bedrooms and a bath on the first level are adjacent to a sunny all-season greenroom and a large covered patio. The property includes a one-car garage, a workshop, and boat racks.
The new owners of the house planned to one day purchase a second home “to get away from the daily grind of their work in Montgomery County,” says the owner, who is also a professional realtor. They found this home serendipitously and after just one look knew they had to have it. “My husband is an avid boater; he is in love with the backyard workshop that he calls his Toy Shop. It’s where he stores his boating gear. I am in love with the contemporary and unusual look of the home, the high-quality renovation work completed by the previous owner, and, of course, the feeling that we are at our own beach house.”
The current owners plan to apply for permits that will allow short-term rental of the property. The couple says it will offset the costs of this investment, which they are confident will prove profitable as they move toward retirement.
Seller Agent: Monica Penwell, Meredith Fine Properties
Buyer Agent: Donna Kerr, Donna Kerr Group
