BY C.B. SCOTT
In this issue of What’s Up? with Annapolis/Anne Arundel County Real Estate, we profile three eye-catching examples of prime waterfront living.
Linstead on the Severn
Severna Park, Anne Arundel County
Primary Structure Built: 1951
Sold For: $1,225,000
Original List Price: $1,325,000
Last Sold/Price: None
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Living Space: 3,534 square feet
Lot Size: 0.34 acre
It is a myth that homes sell themselves. The three-story Cape Cod waterfront home in Linstead on the Severn has it all: waterfront views, water access, and a stunning renovation and expansion in 1994. But the key to selling this $1.3 million home was finding the right agent.
Situated on a peninsula surrounded by Sullivan Cove, Yantz Cove, and the Severn River, Linstead on the Severn is a prime waterfront community.
The home was originally built in 1951. Then, in 1994, owner and interior designer Laurie Delger Buhrer, ASID, had the home completely gutted. Additional square feet were added to all three levels on the back of the home to line up with the existing screened in porch. She replaced all of the existing windows with Pella Architect Series windows, and removed the carpets to showcase the house’s original oak hardwood floors. All three bathrooms were updated, as well.
The formal living and dining rooms have custom molding, and are flanked with regal Tuscan columns. Two bedrooms and one bathroom are located on the main level, as well. Upstairs, a cozy den area with built-in bookcases waits at the top of the staircase. The master suite includes a private balcony, walk-in closet, and spacious bathroom with double vanities, separate shower, and jetted tub. The fourth bedroom and full bath are in the finished basement, as well as the laundry room and a large family room, complete with a wet bar and surround sound.
Laurie worked with a kitchen designer to expand and transform the kitchen and eakfast area to an open, sunlight-filled chef’s kitchen. Three skylights, large windows, and the open floor plan provide abundant natural light to complement the ceiling-height dark cherry cabinets, granite countertops, and ceramic tile flooring. Double ovens, a cooktop island, and a large refrigerator completed the new look.
The only areas untouched in the renovation were the main hallway and front entry coat closet.
In 2014, the Buhrers put the home on the market with a okerage, but after 196 days, it hadn’t sold. They withdrew the listing, and then consulted with David Orso, a 13-year real estate veteran, author, and Severna Park native. In March 2015, the David Orso Group of CENTURY 21 New Millennium listed the then snow-covered home, and it was under contract within four days.
“When a phenomenal property like this isn’t selling, the key elements for marketing a home—pricing, promotion, product, and placement—need to be carefully analyzed by a knowledgeable real estate team who can make the necessary adjustments quickly” says listing agent David Orso. “The owners em aced our plan and we delivered.”
The property includes a five-foot wide private pier and two boat slips.
Sources: David Orso (listing agent), The David Orso Group of CENTURY 21 New Millennium, direct: 443-691-0838, david@davidorso.com, davidorso.com, office: 410-266-9005. Step Inside: The Unfiltered Truth about Listing and Selling Your Home, by David Orso, http://stepinsidebook.com/. Laurie Delger Buhrer, ASID, interior designer. ________________________________________
Poplar Ridge Waterfront
Pasadena, Anne Arundel County
Primary Structure Built: 1993
Sold For: $760,000
Original List Price: $769,000
Last Sold/Price: $390,000 (1997)
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Living Space: 2,400 square feet
Lot Size: 0.22 acre
The three-story waterfront colonial in Poplar Ridge, Pasadena was originally built in 1993. Situated on a private, tree-lined point along Bodkin Creek, the well-maintained and updated 22-year-old house takes in the beauty of the water views from almost every room in the house, as well as a generous wraparound porch and deck.
Inside, the house is designed to simply relax and enjoy the views. Walls of windows, and cathedral ceilings dominate the open floor plan on the main floor. The combination dining and living room is anchored by the home’s original stone wood-burning fireplace. An airy eat-in kitchen and separate eakfast area complete the main living area’s open floor plan with crisp oak cabinets and wood laminate flooring.
The second floor owner’s suite takes advantage of the water views as well with windows and a private balcony. The suite includes a luxurious, master bath with marble flooring, jetted tub, separate shower, and double vanities.
In addition to the three bedrooms, the house includes a bonus room above the two-car garage, a “man-cave” recreation/exercise room in the basement, and a wine cellar.
The property was listed in May 2015, under contract in less than a month, and closed in late July.
Sources: Buyer’s Agent: Joe Bray, Waterfront Property Specialist, Mr. Waterfront®Team of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 410-266-6880, joe@waterfronthomes.org, www.waterfronthomes.org. Listing Agent: Keller Williams Flagship of Maryland.
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Sunset Bay Manor
A Stevensville Stunner in Queen Anne's County
Primary Structure Built: 2004
Sold For: $4,725,000
Original List Price: $4,975,000
Last Sold/Price: $930,000 (2002)
Bedrooms: 7
Bathrooms: 8 full, 2 half
Living Space: 14,151 square feet
Lot Size: 20 acres
It’s no surprise that Sunset Bay Manor was on the market for only nine days. The stunning 14,000-plus-square-foot estate is true to its name. The 20-acre western facing waterfront property sits on the Chesapeake Bay in Stevensville, giving it a front-row seat for dramatic sunset views.
Gated and private, this three level estate has six bedroom suites in the main home, as well as a full apartment above the garage. Nine-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, and extensive molding echo the home’s elegant, traditional design.
Inside and out, Sunset Bay Manor provides a multitude of areas to relax and entertain. Water views can be seen from most rooms, as well as several screened-in porches and covered outdoor areas beyond the pool house. Indoors, the living areas include a dedicated home theatre, a billiard/game room, and an exercise room. If work must be done, the new owners can retreat to the stately, cherry-paneled executive office with a double-sided fireplace.
One of the most remarkable areas of this 11-year-old mansion is the open-air pool house, pool, and spa. The pool house includes ample seating, a kitchen and bar, a half bath, an outdoor shower, and a massive fireplace, with only corner columns to not obstruct the views of the pool area and bay.
The centerpiece of the expansive chef’s kitchen is a massive granite-topped island. Stainless appliances and two-toned custom cabinetry complement the bay views from a curved wall of windows.
Beyond the kitchen, an adorably functional butler’s pantry includes a retro-styled Smeg refrigerator, marble countertops, a rolling li ary ladder along the floor-to-ceiling cabinets, and a whimsical shell chandelier.
Upstairs, another curved wall of windows in the master suite and private balcony provides sunlight and water views for the master suite and its two sitting areas. The master suite also includes one of the estate’s five fireplaces, and an adjoining personal study. The master bath is fitted with a steam shower, jetted tub, dual vanities, a window seat, and walk-in closets. The seventh bedroom is part of the separate, full apartment on the estate that sits above the four-bay garage.
The property includes almost 800 feet of stone riprap shoreline, as well as a private, lighted pier with both boat and jet-ski lifts.
The home was listed on May 27, 2015, and under contract within nine days.
Sources: Buyer’s Agent: Joe Bray, Waterfront Property Specialist, Mr. Waterfront®Team of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., 410-266-6880, joe@waterfronthomes.org, www.waterfronthomes.org. Photos provided by Listing Agent: Carol Snyder, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, csnyder@cbmove.com, 410-647-2222, www.carolsmdhomes.com.
