Sold For: $785,000
List Price: $825,000
Last Sold/Price: $719,000 (2016)
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half
Living Space: 1,980 square feet
Lot Size: .02 acre
This home, originally built in 1790, was renovated in the early 2000s. The attention to detail and builder expertise in historically accurate restorations resulted in a home that has both every modern amenity and the charm of another era.
The original home was split into two townhomes positioned next to a single-family home. Together, the three residences comprise Gloucester Court, an enclave set well off busy Duke of Gloucester Street. This property has a shared driveway, a valuable and unusual convenience in the historic district.
Malina Koerschner of Coldwell Banker Church Circle was the buyer’s agent. Her clients married at the courthouse in Annapolis, afterward celebrating at the Maryland Inn. They raised their family in Crofton while dreaming of retiring to the historic downtown area. The couple wanted to downsize, preferred to avoid lawn maintenance, required at least one parking spot, and wanted to be in walking distance of shops and restaurants. When they saw this home, which is mere steps from where they were married, with no lawn, off-street parking, and immediate access to all that Annapolis offers, they instantly fell in love.
From the outside, the home exudes warmth, from the cheerful yellow siding to the flowering vines draped over a nearby fence. Inside is tidy and refined. The front door opens to a seating area with space for a full sofa and two occasional chairs. Built-in bookcases flank a gas fireplace distinguished by a distressed brick surround. The custom cabinetry is painted white and stands out against neutral walls and dark wide-plank hardwood floors. The contrast between the cabinets, walls, and floors sets the tone for a clean and classic traditional look.
Opposite the sitting area is a staircase to the second and third floor, a dining room and entry to the kitchen. The entire downstairs features a coffered ceiling and thoughtfully placed recessed lighting.
Black and white checked floors, and a large picture window over a farmhouse sink greet visitors to the kitchen. White cabinetry matches the same style used around the fireplace and contrasts sharply with black granite countertops as well as a black Sub Zero stovetop and oven. The refrigerator features custom door panels to match the cabinetry, as does the dishwasher.
Upstairs features two matching master bedrooms, each with substantial closets and an en-suite bath. An attic aerie is accessible from one of the bedrooms. What is unique about the upstairs rooms is the direct view of the State House dome, which can be seen over the rooftops of other historic homes and buildings.
The great surprise of this house, aside from the unmatched views of historic Annapolis, is the luxuriously finished basement. This space includes a full bedroom and bath, as well as a family room and custom bar. The new owners expect to host their adult children in this space, which offers privacy and a home away from home.
“While this house doesn’t feel big, the buyers found a significant amount of living space for themselves and their expanding family,” listing agent Cary Dion says. “In all, with four bedrooms, a full basement, two master suites, an attic, and a driveway, this home offers exceptional use of space on a typically small historic district lot.”
From the integrity and quality of the reconstruction to the thoughtful architecture and custom appointments, this historic home offers the charm of old Annapolis with a nod to today’s necessities. “You don’t see this quality of craftsmanship much anymore, especially in reconstruction that is fairly new,” Dion says. “From the banister to arched entries, pocket doors, coffered ceilings, and custom woodwork, this really feels like an old home perfectly brought up to modern standards.”
