Wardour
Annapolis, Anne Arundel County
Primary Structure Built: 1960
Sold For: $2,400,000
Original List Price: $2,895,000
Last Sold/Price: 2003/$2,550,000
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 5.5
Living Space: 5,000 square feet
Lot Size: .68 acre
Like many estates, this residence tried to find the right balance between pricing, timing and staging, going on and off the market multiple times at various values. Its prime location, understated elegance and abundant water amenities ultimately resulted in its recent sale.
On first approach, the home presents a demure façade, with its rancher-style exterior, quiet site and trellised parking area. In fact, it’s this type of setting that makes the abode all the more appealing. The Wardour community is a highly coveted district, known for various historic and resplendent properties, several of which have been featured in home and garden tours and write-ups. The neighborhood provides community paths, as well as easy walking access to shops and restaurants in West Annapolis.
But its water location is what really makes it stand out. An estate home directly on the Severn River and in Annapolis proper is a rare find. The homesite looks straight across the Severn and by boat is just around the corner from Annapolis’ water epicenter: City Dock and Ego Alley. The property includes a private dock with two boat slips and four boat lifts, as well as 4-plus feet of MLW access and spectacular views. A wide, level yard and waterside pool further enhance the exterior.
The interior is anchored by a large living/family/dining room area with vaulted ceilings, big windows to maximize the water views and a ick fireplace. This same ick accenting is carried throughout the home, including walls of ick in the kitchen and first-floor master suite. The walkout lower level also includes detailed stonework around the fireplace, with a raised hearth and built-in wood storage. Other well-appointed elements include a sunroom, game room, workout area and lower-level kitchenette.
Intent on using it as a second residence, the buyers are “thrilled” to live on the banks of the Severn, while enjoying the neighborhood and all Annapolis has to offer. As for the home itself, “I like that it is very understated and unpretentious. It looks like a little rancher, with this gorgeous view of the river. And it hasn’t been renovated to the point of not recognizing its character,” the homeowner says. Though they anticipate some “fixing up,” they plan to stay true to this character and won’t go overboard in changes, the owner adds.
—Lurdes A uscato
Sources: Charlie & Reid Buckley (listing agents), Mr. Waterfront Team, Long & Foster, office-410-266-6880, charlie@waterfronthomes.org, waterfronthomes.org. Cary Dion, (buyer's agent), Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, office 410-263-8686, cell 443-852-4731, cary.dion@cbmove.com.
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West Severna Park
Anne Arundel County
Primary Structure Built: 1920
Sold For: $1,700,000
Original List Price: $1,975,000
Last Sold/Price: 1998/$580,000
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 5.5
Living Space: 5,162 square feet
Lot Size: .68 acre
Expansive and accommodating, multi-structure estates typically linger on the market longer than most real estate, in part, because they require the singular buyer, prepared to make full use of not just a house, but a compound. This waterfront domain, located in the quiet, established neighborhood of West Severna Park, was on and off the market over a two-year period, but moved quickly when the right purchasers came into play.
Privately ensconced amid mature trees and lush landscaping, the back of the estate sits just above the Severn, providing majestic views of the river. The backyard encompasses multiple areas and nooks for outdoor enjoyment, with ick and stone walkways leading to each, including a unique hillside deck for optimal views and a lounging patio surrounded by crape myrtles, hollies and boxwoods. A recently replaced staircase leads to the waterfront, including a pier equipped with electricity and water, two boat lifts and deep water access of 8 feet MLW.
Just as impressive as its water amenities is the property’s multiple accommodations. The main house was built in 1918 and has been restored by the sellers, who also added or renovated various structures on site. A carriage house includes a two-car garage, office/loft, and full bath. Nearby, a separate guest house has its own kitchen, living room, dining room, two bedrooms, and bath. A quaint water tower structure now serves as a shed.
The main house balances classic 1920s charm with contemporary styling. Post and lintel framing sets off doorways and windows; cathedral ceilings, skylights, and oversized windows add natural lighting; and original stained-glass insets add interest to an unassuming entryway. Refined details are present in every area: Each bedroom has its own en suite bathroom; a sunroom is surrounded by casement windows overlooking the river; and the lower level includes a cedar-paneled wine room.
Additionally, the property features details not obvious to the eye. The compound is on public water, sewer, and natural gas, rare finds for any waterfront abode in Anne Arundel County. An irrigation system serves all the landscaped areas. And the outdoor staircase permit allows for a future installation of a tram.
The buyers, relocating from the West Coast, are avid sailors and were searching for a property with deep water to accommodate their sailboat. They love the main house and carriage house and are planning to renovate and update the guest house.
—Lurdes A uscato
Sources: Georgie Berkinshaw (listing agent), Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 443-994-4456, gberkinshaw@cbmove.com, gberkinshaw.com. Brad Kappel (buyer's agent), Mr. Waterfront Team, Long & Foster, cell 410-212-5087, ad@waterfronthomes.org, waterfronthomes.org. Photo Credit: Real Patience, Inc., 443-994-2818.
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The Cloverfields
Stevensville, Queen Anne's County
Primary Structure Built: 1997
Sold For: $352,000
Original List Price: $369,000
Last Sold/Price: $294,000 in 2003
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2 full
Living Space: 2,126 square feet
Lot Size: .37 acre
This home in The Cloverfields is as much a showcase as it is a trophy. As the home of Jennifer Chaney, a professional interior designer, the property became a canvas for her design skills. Also the listing agent, Jennifer and her husband bought the two-story house in 2003. While raising two daughters, she and her husband transformed the interior to a contemporary haven with beautiful hardwood floors, clean lines, and selective use of bold colors to ighten the cozy kitchen. Once they decided to sell, the property stayed on the market for only 26 days.
The new owners are a local Kent Island couple, downsizing from a $1.25 million waterfront property. While the home is move-in ready, the couple plans to add square feet to the 18 x 12 kitchen.
—C.B. Scott
Source: Jennifer Chaney, CSP, GRI, MBA (listing agent), Broker, Owner, Designer, Chaney Homes, LLC, 410-739-0242, jchaney@chaneyhomes.com, chaneyhomes.com.
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Marea St. Michaels
St Michaels, Talbot County
Primary Structure Built: 2013
Sold For: $1.175 million
Original List Price: $1.249 million
Last Sold/Price: New Construction
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4 full
Living Space: 2,652 square feet
Lot Size: 1.125 acres
The Marea-St. Michaels home is a unique sort of trophy: shiny, and new, and built to last. Overlooking the San Domingo Creek, this two-story craftsman-style home is anchored with high-end elements, including ick porches, granite and silestone counters, a complete chef’s kitchen, Hardi plank siding, and geothermal heating.
The first floor features a master wing with water views, and built-in bookcases. Outside, the property includes a pool and 50 feet of water frontage, and a private dock and pier. The 85-acre waterfront development includes protected shorelines, walking and biking trails, and more than 50 acres designated for conservation.
—C.B. Scott
Source: Carolina Barksdale (listing agent), Associate Broker, Benson & Mangold, 443-745-0417, carolina@talbotrealestate.com, talbotrealestate.com.
