By Lisa A. Lewis
The architectural styles of waterfront homes vary greatly, and it would be almost impossible to describe them as “cookie-cutter” homes. In this issue of What’s Up? with Eastern Shore Real Estate, we profile two waterfront properties that couldn’t be more different: a small one-bedroom cottage and a large six-bedroom colonial home.
Sold For: $750,000
Original List Price: $850,000
Last Sold/Price: No previous sale
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Living Space: 1,080 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 4.99 acres
Cottages often conjure up images of charming abodes reminiscent of those depicted in fairy tales—exuding an atmosphere that is not only enchanting but perhaps even magical. And this small two-level cottage, situated in a lush, private setting on Island Creek and boasting westerly exposure, high elevation, approximately 750 feet of waterfrontage, a beautiful rip-rapped shoreline, peaceful water views, and a private pier, is absolutely lovely—the quintessential fairy tale dream home. The property, which was listed on May 5th, 2017, closed on August 25th, 2017.“Even though the home is small, it was perfect for the sellers, a couple who owned the property for over 20 years,” says Kathy Christensen of Benson & Mangold Real Estate, the listing agent for the property. “The property was a great getaway, and they hosted a wedding and many parties on the lawn. It was always a wonderful gathering place—partly because of the high bank that offers spectacular panoramic views. In fact, they had planned to build a larger house and had drawn up plans for a modern home with a pool. The cottage was going to become the guest house.”
“This property hits all the marks: panoramic water views, high elevation, and a protected shoreline in a great location,” says Christensen. “It’s perfect as a weekend home with the potential to expand to a much larger home. This waterfront home is definitely a rare find in Talbot County.”
Sold For: $728,000
Original List Price: $745,000
Last Sold/Price: No previous sale
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half
Living Space: 3,163 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 1.18 acres
Situated in a peaceful setting overlooking Crab Alley Bay and offering serene water views, this two-level custom-built colonial home is truly a delightful waterfront retreat. So it may seem surprising that the home was listed with four different brokerages and stayed on the market for a total of 407 days before it finally sold. But prospective waterfront homeowners are discerning, and this particular property may not have appealed to the typical waterfront buyer due to its very shallow mean low water (MLW). But thanks to the targeted marketing efforts of Chaney Homes, LLC, who was hired as the seller’s fourth broker, the right buyer finally came along after only 62 days on the market. The property, which was listed on March 16th, 2016, closed on July 14th, 2017.
Designed for luxury and comfort, the house, which features gleaming hardwood floors, high-end finishes, and two master suites, is stunning. Upon entering the home, guests are greeted by a dramatic foyer with stately white pillars and a beautiful chandelier suspended from the soaring ceiling. A foodie’s paradise, the gourmet kitchen features ample wood cabinetry, high-end stainless steel appliances, an island, a butler’s pantry, and recessed lighting. And the stylish, natural-light infused family room with a cozy wood-burning fireplace is absolutely elegant. Exterior features include an in-ground heated Gunite pool, a hot tub, a spacious deck, and a lovely fenced-in yard.
The architectural styles of waterfront homes vary greatly, and it would be almost impossible to describe them as “cookie-cutter” homes. In this issue of What’s Up? with Eastern Shore Real Estate, we profile two waterfront properties that couldn’t be more different: a small one-bedroom cottage and a large six-bedroom colonial home.
Waverley Farm
Trappe, Talbot County
Primary Structure Built: 1995Sold For: $750,000
Original List Price: $850,000
Last Sold/Price: No previous sale
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Living Space: 1,080 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 4.99 acres
Cottages often conjure up images of charming abodes reminiscent of those depicted in fairy tales—exuding an atmosphere that is not only enchanting but perhaps even magical. And this small two-level cottage, situated in a lush, private setting on Island Creek and boasting westerly exposure, high elevation, approximately 750 feet of waterfrontage, a beautiful rip-rapped shoreline, peaceful water views, and a private pier, is absolutely lovely—the quintessential fairy tale dream home. The property, which was listed on May 5th, 2017, closed on August 25th, 2017.“Even though the home is small, it was perfect for the sellers, a couple who owned the property for over 20 years,” says Kathy Christensen of Benson & Mangold Real Estate, the listing agent for the property. “The property was a great getaway, and they hosted a wedding and many parties on the lawn. It was always a wonderful gathering place—partly because of the high bank that offers spectacular panoramic views. In fact, they had planned to build a larger house and had drawn up plans for a modern home with a pool. The cottage was going to become the guest house.”
The charming cottage features exquisite architectural detailing, including vaulted and beamed ceilings. A cozy retreat, the elegant living room with a soaring two-story ceiling includes sliding glass doors that lead to the patio—the perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying the water views. The living and kitchen areas are seamlessly blended—creating a common open space that many buyers desire. With wood cabinetry, lovely windows above the sink that offer serene views, and a spacious dining area, the kitchen is absolutely beautiful. And the lofted bedroom on the second floor features carpeting, a stylish ceiling fan, and ample closet space.
“This property hits all the marks: panoramic water views, high elevation, and a protected shoreline in a great location,” says Christensen. “It’s perfect as a weekend home with the potential to expand to a much larger home. This waterfront home is definitely a rare find in Talbot County.”
Sources: Kathy Christensen (listing agent), Benson & Mangold Real Estate, 410-924-4814 (cell), 410-822-1415 (office), kccamb@gmail.com, kathychristensen.com. Buyer’s agent: Donna McDonnell, Sharon Real Estate, 410-330-3009 (cell), 410-228-2525 (office), donna@sharonre.com, sharonre.com.
Marling Farms
Chester, Queen Anne’s CountySold For: $728,000
Original List Price: $745,000
Last Sold/Price: No previous sale
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 3 full, 1 half
Living Space: 3,163 sq. ft.
Lot Size: 1.18 acres
Situated in a peaceful setting overlooking Crab Alley Bay and offering serene water views, this two-level custom-built colonial home is truly a delightful waterfront retreat. So it may seem surprising that the home was listed with four different brokerages and stayed on the market for a total of 407 days before it finally sold. But prospective waterfront homeowners are discerning, and this particular property may not have appealed to the typical waterfront buyer due to its very shallow mean low water (MLW). But thanks to the targeted marketing efforts of Chaney Homes, LLC, who was hired as the seller’s fourth broker, the right buyer finally came along after only 62 days on the market. The property, which was listed on March 16th, 2016, closed on July 14th, 2017.
“Instead of avoiding the ‘issue’ of shallow MLW, we embraced it and drew attention to the sanctuary the shallow ‘cove’ provided,” says Jennifer Chaney of Chaney Homes, LLC, the listing agent for the property. “This appealed to buyers seeking a very large, custom-built home—but not likely a customary waterfront buyer, who would have easily dismissed the home simply due to the shallow water depth. Establishing what the property ‘is’ and ‘is not’ aided in targeting our niche target audience for this home. We also hired a local appraiser to pinpoint the price—a strategy that worked immediately. With two interested buyers, we announced the strong appraised value and were under contract within days.”
Designed for luxury and comfort, the house, which features gleaming hardwood floors, high-end finishes, and two master suites, is stunning. Upon entering the home, guests are greeted by a dramatic foyer with stately white pillars and a beautiful chandelier suspended from the soaring ceiling. A foodie’s paradise, the gourmet kitchen features ample wood cabinetry, high-end stainless steel appliances, an island, a butler’s pantry, and recessed lighting. And the stylish, natural-light infused family room with a cozy wood-burning fireplace is absolutely elegant. Exterior features include an in-ground heated Gunite pool, a hot tub, a spacious deck, and a lovely fenced-in yard.
Sources: Jennifer Chaney (listing agent), Chaney Homes, LLC, 410-739-0242 (office & direct), jchaney@chaneyhomes.com, chaneyhomes.com. Buyer’s agent: Michelle Abplanalp, Rosendale Realty, 410-643-2166 (office), 443-496-4255 (cell), michelle@rosendalerealty.com, rosendalerealty.com.
