By Lisa A. Lewis
Historic districts—sites that have been designated as historically or architecturally significant—are truly unique areas in which to own a home. Fortunately, there are several prominent historic districts on the Eastern Shore, offering homeowners the opportunity to choose a home in the district that they personally find most appealing. In this issue of What’s Up? with Eastern Shore Real Estate, we profile two properties that are not only located in historic districts but also offer all the upscale amenities we expect when buying a home.
Foxley Hall
Easton, Talbot County
Primary Structure Built: 1794
Sold For: $1,100,000
Original List Price: $1,195,000
Last Sold/Price: $900,000 (2004)
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4.5
Living Space: 6,496 sq. ft.
Lot Size: .41 acres
Located in Easton’s downtown Historic District, Foxley Hall is one of Talbot County’s most renowned and architecturally captivating properties. The original front section was built by Deborah Perry Dickinson in the mid-1790s. The mansion has changed throughout the years—with additions by U.S. Senator John Leeds Kerr in the early 1800s—when the property was known as “Burnside”—and by Oswald Tilghman in the late 1800s—when the home was renamed in honor of his daughter, Mary Foxley Tilghman. Although the 20-room Federal-style four-level mansion has been renovated, it maintains its original character. The property, which was listed on March 1st, 2015, closed on June 5th, 2015.
“I was honored to be chosen to list Foxley Hall last year,” says Janet Larson of Benson & Mangold Real Estate, the listing agent for the property. “It’s one of the most important and significant historic homes in the downtown residential district and a real Easton treasure. The home was ought back to life by my clients, the Hosfords, and the prior owner, John White. The ick exterior is so impressive, and the interior [is] just a stunning mix of old architectural detail, complemented by tasteful modern conveniences. The transfer of the home at $1.1 million last year set a high mark for a downtown residential sale over the last seven years.”
The word “luxurious” doesn’t begin to describe this well-appointed home and its opulent spaces. The following are just a few examples of the many rooms that comprise the home. The main level features a foyer with a magnificent three-story, open-well oak staircase. The kitchen includes heart of pine floors, two tones of cabinetry, and Typhoon Gold granite countertops.
The second level includes the master bedroom with wood floors, fireplace, and bookshelves; the master bath with tile floors, double-bowled vanity with Rain Forest granite, jetted tub with tile and granite surround, and large separate dual shower with custom mosaic base; second master bedroom, second master bath, and third bedroom.
A fourth bedroom and full bath are on the third level. This extraordinary property also includes front and rear porches, a carriage house, and a ick- and wood-walled courtyard.
Sources: Janet Larson (listing agent), Benson & Mangold Real Estate, 410-822-6665 (office), 410-310-1797 (cell), jlarson@bensonandmangold.com, shoremove.com, bensonandmangold.com Buyer’s agent: Dirk Dekker, Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Real Estate, LLC, 410-822-9000 (office), 410-829-3476 (cell), ddekker@cbchesapeake.com, cbchesapeake.com.
