Conventional wisdom has it that the selling of older homes is a difficult undertaking. Buyers generally prefer updated conveniences, contemporary floor plans, and less frills and finishes from the past. But don’t assume the same always holds true in local circles. This area has a finite amount of waterfront, resulting in highly coveted real estate, regardless of older structures or dated décor. This month, What’s Up? with Real Estate highlights several properties that are at least 15 years old, but stand out as definitely desirable.
QUAY HARBOUR, Annapolis
Primary Structure Built: 1985
Sold For: $1,125,000
Original List Price: $1,195,000
Last Sold/Price: 2007/$1,150,000
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.5
Living Space: 2,452 square feet
Lot Size: .23 acre
With its sloping roof lines and beige-on- own exterior, this 29-year-old contemporary presents an unassuming visage. In actuality, its quiet cul-de-sac setting, amazing water location, and updated interior made it a popular property, under contract within four months of listing for only $70,000 below full asking price.
The back of the residence overshadows its inconspicuous front. A long Ipe deck and low-maintenance yard (with its own underground sprinkler system) open to a protected and picturesque spot on Duvall Creek, with 85 feet of water frontage. The private pier/boat dock area has been dredged to a depth of 5 plus feet, allowing easy navigation into the South River and Chesapeake Bay. Further enhancing the location, the Quay Harbour community is made up of less than 20 homes, comes with a tennis court and basketball area, has protected land at its entrance, and is just two miles from Eastport shops and restaurants.
Rather than camouflaging corners or masking oddly sized rooms, the interior of the home plays up its unusual architectural angles. Pitched and curved ceilings are outfitted with dramatic wood planking; vista windows mimic the slope of the ceilings; and geometric curves can be spotted in entryways, built-ins, and first-floor master bath moldings. Many of the high ceilings also feature skylights for further visual appeal and lighting. A dramatic stacked-stone gas fireplace in the living room and slanted, wood-burning fireplace in the dining area also emphasize the linear design.
Built around the ample water views, much of the interior has been remodeled in the last six years, including a granite kitchen with upgraded black appliances, hardwood floors, and a large upstairs bath with double-vanity sinks and a tiled shower with seating area. A full, unfinished basement offers for additional space.
—Lurdes A uscato
Sources: Charlie & Reid Buckley (listing agents), Mr. Waterfront Team, Long & Foster, 410-266-6880, charlie@waterfronthomes.org, www.waterfronthomes.org. Brad Kappel (buyer's agent), Mr. Waterfront Team, 410-212-5087, ad@waterfronthomes.org.
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Easton Club Talbot County
Primary Structure Built: 2000
Sold For: $775,000
Original List Price: $795,000
Last Sold/Price: No Previous Sales
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half
Living Space: 3,255 square feet
Lot Size: .63 acres
Bordering the Tred Avon River, this custom-built 3,255 square foot French provincial home in the Easton Club subdivision was custom built in 2000. While the home sits on just over a half acre in a golf course community, the dedicated water views and private spaces tucked through the house provide privacy with the convenience of community amenities.
Inside, the home is imming with lavish comforts and upgrades. The 208-square-foot gourmet kitchen sports a generous island with a gas stovetop and stainless steel hood, Corian counters, double wall ovens, and a GE Advantium convection/microwave oven. The entire main floor is trimmed with crown molding and the living room boasts a 17-foot tall wall of beautifully arched windows and French doors to take in the landscaped backyard and 137 feet of water frontage. The master suite on the first floor shares access to the large waterside deck via French doors, and the formal dining room boasts a reversed trey ceiling, chair railing, and recessed lighting.
In addition to the four bedrooms, the property includes an office just off the master suite, as well as a 13 x 11 foot sewing/craft room above the garage. A screened 18 x 14 foot gazebo off the eakfast nook takes full advantage of the secluded backyard and water views, as does the large deck along the back of the home. The new owners can relax in the waterside formal living room, or by the fireplace in the family room made cozy with built-ins, wood floors, and electric rain sensor venting skylights.
The private pier includes a davit for a small boat. Underground water irrigation helps maintain the lawn and abundant landscaping, and a three-car garage provides ample storage space. The property sold in November 2014 for $775,000, with Barbara Watkins of Benson & Mangold Real Estate as both the listing and buyer’s agent. —C.B. Scott
Sources: Barbara Watkins (listing and buyer's agent), Benson & Mangold Real Estate, 410-822-1415, barb.c.watkins@gmail.com, www.bensonandmangold.com.
