By Lurdes A uscato
Homeowners are sometimes intimidated by historic cities because they fear taking on historic properties. But just because a town is 365 years old, doesn’t mean its homes are too. Whether there are neglected summer cottages lacking modern heating infrastructures or dilapidated post-World War II residences, Annapolis’ many builders are especially savvy when it comes to identifying homes that have aged not-so-gracefully, yet are worthwhile for their location or other features. In this issue of What’s Up with Real Estate, we profile two tear-down/rebuilt properties that have all the benefits of something new but the charm of something old.
Eastport
Primary Structure Built: 2014
Sold For: $925,000
Original List Price: $989,000
Last Sold/Price: Purchased for $575,000 in 2013 as part of a multi-property sale, the original home on the lot was torn down; this home is newly built.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3.5
Living Space: 3,100 square feet
Lot Size: .10 acre
Waterfront living and laidback attitudes might dominate our culture, but don’t let these lull you into thinking our real estate transactions dawdle. There certainly was no dilly dallying with this Eastport abode, which was completely torn down, rebuilt in eight months, and under contract within seven months of going on the market.
The buyers, recent empty nesters with three kids mostly out of the home, decided to downsize from a much larger residence in neighboring Montgomery County. With lots of family nearby and varied connections to area universities and businesses, they began what they thought would be a leisurely search of the Annapolis area. But when their Potomac house sold almost immediately—furniture included—they quickly became enamored with this new, Craftsman-style residence. Equally appealing was that so much of it was the polar opposite of what they once had: Out went the big yard, 6,000-plus square feet of living space, and the hustle-and-bustle of suburban living; in came less areas to maintain, a quick walk to both water and city amenities, as well as a vi ant, fun-loving community teeming with activity. Emphasizing the feeling that all this change was meant to be? “We joined [a nearby] yacht club, where my grandfather was a member back in 1943,” the homeowner shared. Surprisingly, and endearingly, they received the grandfather’s exact member number.
The house itself is filled with dozens of gorgeous, new-home details, both inside and out. Shingle siding, paver walkways, and a columned porch highlight the exterior, with the added bonus of a detached two-car garage—no small feat for an in-town dwelling. The interior is anchored by gleaming hardwood floors and striking millwork throughout, including arched entryways and unique wood framing. The dining room draws all eyes skyward to its dramatic coffered ceiling, while the family room is set off by a substantial stacked-stone fireplace. A gourmet kitchen with the usual granite and stainless elements is enhanced with custom woodwork finishes.
The new homeowners plan no renovations and, for now, are busy with finishing touches on the home, including furnishings and window treatments, while enjoying the “mindset change” of downsizing and Annapolis living.
Sources: Jennifer West (listing agent), Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, office-410-533-8990, jenniferwest@cbmove.com. Dean Slaughter (builder), Dean T. Builders Inc., deanbuildersinc@verizon.net. Janice O'Brien (buyer's agent), Coldwell Banker, office-410-263-8686, cell-703-599-6702, janice.o ien@cbmove.com.
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CARROLLTON MANOR
Primary Structure Built: 2014
Sold For: $1,260,000
Original List Price: $1,375,000
Last Sold/Price: n/a—previous home on the property sold in 2013/$470,000, but it was a teardown and this is new construction
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3.5
Living Space: 3,500 square feet
Lot Size: .18 acre
Purchased, torn down, rebuilt, and sold for just $150,000 below asking price, all within less than two years, this Severna Park residence moved quickly, in part, because of its waterfront positioning. With several beaches and piers, Carrollton Manor was founded as a vacation community in 1931 and today serves as a popular neighborhood with lots of community events and activities. The property abuts the Severn River and has its own private pier with 8-plus feet MLW access. In addition to its outdoor appeal, the house itself was situated so as to take full advantage of the views straight down the river, including large, walk-out decks or patios on each level of the home, as well as walls of windows to enjoy the sights from indoors.
Eschewing cookie-cutter construction, the home emphasizes unique, custom details, both seen and unseen. The main floor includes 10-foot ceilings, arched openings, a master suite with a soaking tub and access to the deck, and even an elevator shaft throughout the home in case the owner should want to add an elevator later. On this level, the great room not only includes walls of windows and a gas fireplace for waterside relaxation, it also houses a luxurious kitchen, replete with quartz stone countertops, a six-burner Electrolux stove, a below-counter, pull-out microwave for easy access, and colonial-style cabinets.
The second level features its own family room, with more water views, its own wet bar, two bedrooms, and two additional bathrooms, as well as another waterside deck. A large, unfinished lower level with walkout to a patio offers plenty of space for added amenities.
Sources: Charlie & Reid Buckley (listing agents), Mr. Waterfront Team, Long & Foster, office-410-266-6880, charlie@waterfronthomes.org, www.waterfronthomes.org. Bradley Kappel (buyer’s agent), Mr. Waterfront Team, cell-410-212-5087, ad@waterfronthomes.org.
Want to suggest a recently sold home to be profiled in What’s Up? with Real Estate? Contact Lurdes A uscato at lurdesa uscato@aol.com.
