By C.B. Scott
Beautiful homes last far longer than one family’s lifetime. In this issue of What's Up? with Real Estate, we profile two homes well-preserved, and ready for their second life.
Chesapeake Avenue Foursquare
Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Primary Structure Built: 1930
Sold For: $1,100,000
Original List Price: $1,115,000
Last Sold/Price: None
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half
Living Space: 2,274 square feet
Lot Size: 0.32 acres
The classic American Foursquare that adorns the corner of Chesapeake Avenue and State Street in Eastport sold in less than a week. Originally built in 1930, the three-story home is filled with handcrafted woodwork that defined the later Foursquare style, including custom wood doors, trim, columns, built-ins, and wood-paneled and coffered ceilings. “It’s a beautiful home and the sellers were completely on board with the suggestions made to sell the home quickly and very close to asking price,” says Liz Dooner of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, the listing agent for the home. “We created a solid marketing plan and it sold in just a few days.”
Beautifully preserved and updated, this 85-year-old home has maintained a perfect blend of old and new. The open kitchen includes a fireplace with custom wood trim, white cabinets and wood countertops, as well as a stainless steel farmer’s sink and a massive Viking range. The original hardwood floors throughout the home remain. But the three bathrooms in the home are newly renovated, with care to maintain the home’s handcrafted style. The master bath is beautifully tiled and roomy, with a soaking tub and separate shower.
Outside, white picket fencing lines the corner lot’s boundaries, and ick walkways lead to the covered front and back porches, as well as a two-story garage, designed by local architect Michael Dowling.
“It has a spectacular garage,” Dooner says. Though it matches the style of the home, the garage has a curb appeal all its own, with beautiful double wood doors with transoms, and adds both beauty and functional square feet. A pergola shades the garage’s side entry; inside, vaulted ceilings and skylights provide abundant sunlight. The garage floor is cork, and custom built-ins provide workspace. The main floor of the garage includes recessed and pendant lighting, as well as a half bath.
The property sale closed in June 2015.
Source: Liz Dooner (listing agent), Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 410-263-8686, Ldooner@cbmove.com
Penn ooke Rancher
West River, Anne Arundel County
Primary Structure Built: 1980
Sold For: $570,000
Original List Price: $580,000
Last Sold/Price: $225,000 (1987)
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 4 full
Living Space: 2,752 square feet
Lot Size: 2.4 acres
The sprawling ick rancher on Rousbys Run had been home to the sellers for almost 30 years. The five-bedroom home was built in 1980, and they decided it was time to downsize.
Before putting a 34-year-old property on the market, the sellers looked for ways to increase buyer interest. “The sellers used the advice of a professional stager to present the home at its best,” says Carlyn Lowery of Keller Williams Flagship of Maryland, the listing agent for the property. “They also had the home professionally inspected in advance, in order to make buyers more comfortable moving forward.”
The spacious basement rancher had been well-maintained and improved throughout the years. Hardwood floors span the family room and bedrooms. The open, single level floor plan and detached two-car garage means almost every room has ample sunlight from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The basement is finished, and includes a huge club room with wood columns and tile flooring, as well as a separate workshop.
According to Lowery, the home’s location is as appealing as the home itself. “Some of the finest features of the property are the serenity and privacy, and the beautiful wooded setting.” Lush with mature trees and landscaping, split rail fencing adds a rustic tone along the lot’s boundaries and the pool area.
Source: Carlyn Lowery (listing agent), Associate Broker, Keller Williams Flagship of Maryland, 410-268-0160, Carlyn@CarlynLowery.com. Buyer’s Agent: April English, Century 21 New Millennium, 410-562-2632, April.English@c21nm.com
