On the Market: 7 Stratford Road, Guilford

Welcome to Seven Stratford Road, a meticulously restored gem that showcases timeless elegance and modern luxury. Painstakingly rehabbed from top to bottom, this expansive residence spans over 5,600 square feet with six bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and one half bath, offering a truly remarkable living experience giving ample room for family and guests.

Upon pulling up to the property you'll immediately notice the beautiful Palmer & Lamdin architecture, featuring a stunning quarry stone facade that sets the tone for the exquisite craftsmanship found throughout. Entering, you'll be captivated by the endless original character that seamlessly blends with upgrades you'll notice right away in the custom paintwork in the foyer and throughout the home.

Prepare to be impressed by the Trish Houck designed kitchen, boasting exquisite custom inset cabinetry, top-of-the-line Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, and custom granite countertops and marble backsplash that will be sure to impress. Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or simply enjoy hosting gatherings, this kitchen is a dream come true.

The home also features two living spaces on the main floor, both complete with beautiful fireplaces, custom millwork and French doors leading out to the patio, perfect for cozy evenings and creating a warm ambiance.

The primary bedroom is a sanctuary, complete with a fully updated bathroom complete with custom vanity and walk-in shower with a custom marble shower. There's also a separate dedicated office space and a spacious walk-in closet. Continuing on the second floor you'll find another two fully updated bathrooms, three more bedrooms, and a third-floor bedroom complete with a full laundry room.

The fully waterproofed and usable basement is a versatile space that offers endless possibilities with a fun living space/rec room, a full bathroom, gym area, and a custom sauna that presents the perfect opportunity for relaxation and wellness. In the utility room you'll also find that the home has been outfitted with a top-of-the-line dual zoned central air system.

Outside, the property features expansive mature landscape and hardscape with a sunken stone patio, a full outdoor irrigation system, ensuring a lush and vibrant landscape, and an updated driveway leading to the two-car garage and electric charging station. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a peaceful evening outdoors, the well-maintained grounds provide the ideal backdrop.

Come and enjoy one of Historic Guilford's most stunning homes offering a desirable combination of privacy and convenience with this meticulous restoration, stunning architecture, and luxurious amenities, Seven Stratford Road is a true haven for those seeking an extraordinary living experience.

The listing is here. 

All information and photos from the listing.

On the Market: 211 Wendover Road

This originally appeared in Baltimore Fishbowl on January 9, 2024.

Hot House: Huge, Elegant Brick Mansion with Tennis Court and Pool in the Heart of Guilford. 8 Beds/8 Baths. 8,000 SF. 211 Wendover Road Baltimore. $1.3 million

What: This is a house with an interesting history and an even more interesting original owner. It was designed by Edward Palmer for Dr. J.H. Mason Knox in 1914. Mason was a prominent physician in Baltimore who was concerned with the safety of the milk supply and how “bad” milk affected babies and children. More here.

This house is filled to the brim with gorgeous details, from numerous fireplaces, exuberant millwork and trim, French doors, original glass doorknobs, porches and terraces, mahogany details, and much more!

As you arrive, you enter a great hall, complete with fireplace and beautiful millwork. The living and dining rooms are enormous, and both have lovely, detailed fireplaces.

What was originally Dr. Mason’s waiting room, examination room, office, and dressing room, has now been converted to a family room. All of the floors are the original hardwood, and some of the house’s sconces remain.

The kitchen needs updating, and the original pantry space remains. There is an adjacent laundry room which was originally the servants’ hall, and a back staircase to the second floor. Additionally, there is an enclosed terrace/sunroom off of the kitchen. The first floor also has a family room, as mentioned above, office and powder room.

The second floor has three en-suite bedrooms, including the primary bedroom which has an adjacent sleeping porch, which could be used as an office, sitting room or garden room.

Two other bedrooms have a Jack and Jill bathroom, and there are two additional rooms which could be a playroom, screening room or another home office.

The third floor has eight additional rooms, including three bedrooms and five rooms that were probably servants’ rooms, but could now be used for storage or anything else you could think of! There are also two baths with the original ball and clawfoot tubs, one of which has the date on which it was made.

Although the listing says the house was built in 1925, there was an article in the old Brickbuilder Magazine from 1914 which features the already-built house, along with the plans and elevations. Click here to view.

The property, which measures just over three-quarters of an acre, is beautifully landscaped, with both a pool and a tennis court. The court needs to be re-done, but could easily be converted to a pickleball court. There is also a private driveway leading to an on-site garage.

At 8,000 square feet, the house is enormous and has not been on the market since 1975.

Where: This house is located in the heart of Guilford, between Greenway and Juniper Road. It’s close to the shops and restaurants in Charles Village and to the Waverly Market. Guilford is a very quiet neighborhood, with an active neighborhood association.

Final Appraisal: As mentioned, this house has not been on the market since 1975, so it’s a rare opportunity to buy one of the signature houses in Guilford. The pool and possible pickleball court will keep you and the kids busy three seasons of the year. The listing for the house is here.

All photographs from the listing.

On the Market (Again): 214 Longwood Road

This house was on the market several years ago, and now it's on the market again.

It is one of several that Palmer designed, including one for himself, along Longwood Road in Roland Park. They are chalet-style houses, set into a steep hillside, with the roof-line along the street level. 

Here's what the real estate ad has to say:

Tucked away close to a cul-de-sac's end, this Adirondack chalet type cottage, designed by noted architect Edward Palmer, invites you to experience the best of both worlds – a retreat in the trees and the convenience of being just a short stroll from Roland Park's shops and amenities.

The entry level has a large living room with wood-burning fireplace along with two spacious rooms equally well suited as bedrooms or offices/dens and connected by a full bath. The true highlight of this level is the large screened porch with hardwood floors - just imagine listening to birds in the mornings and owls in the eve! 

Down a flight of craftsman style stairs, you'll discover a large dining room and kitchen along with a powder room, butler's panty and family room. The top floor boasts a large primary bedroom, an additional bedroom and full hall bath.

An important feature of the property is undoubtedly the stone staircase that leads from the street to the front entrance, adding character and a touch of adventure to this delightful abode! Priced to allow for improvements, don't miss the chance to make this charming house your new home.

The house needs some work, which accounts for the reasonable price.

And hopefully, who-ever the buyer is will have the sense to keep the original cabinets in the kitchen and pantry. 

The full listing is here. 

On the Market: Hathaway House

Hot House: Elegant French-Style Home with Extensive Gardens, First Time on the Market, EVER! 7 Bedrooms/6 Bathrooms. 6,578 Square Feet. 9.5 acres. 11008 Baronet Road, Owings Mills. $1,990,000

This Palmer & Lamdin house was designed by architect, Charles Nes in 1953 for a family with several children. It, along with several of his mid-century modern designs, won several architectural awards. While those other buildings have long fallen to the wrecking ball, this Grande Dame of a house is still standing, looking as elegant as ever, just like the woman who owned it since the day it was built. Now, for the first time ever, Hathaway House has come onto the market.

As you drive in from Baronet Road, you enter through a driveway with mature trees and gardens, to arrive at a circular driveway with a beautiful view of this special house. It’s backed by two enormous trees and exudes a welcoming air. As you enter through a set of double doors, you’ll find a classic black and white marble floor and a gracious staircase sweeping up to the second floor.

Entering the spacious living room, you get your first glimpse of the extensive and stunning gardens, which were featured in Smithsonian Magazine. Both the living and dining rooms have antique marble fireplaces, and built in cabinets and display cases. A cozy library features another fireplace, walls of bookcases and a set of French doors leading to the gardens.

One of the spectacular aspects of Hathaway House is the huge sunroom with floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding doors which lead to a bluestone terrace, and best of all, a wet bar! It’s a perfect place to sit and chat with friends on a beautiful summer day!

The kitchen and butler’s pantry are adjacent to a breakfast room which looks over the beautiful cutting garden, which keeps the house filled with flowers for months at a time. Off of the kitchen is an additional staircase which leads to a private suite with a bedroom and bath.

When you ascend the lovely staircase to the second floor, you will find four bedrooms, including the owners’ suite, and four bathrooms.

The house, sited at the top of a small hill, overlooks extensive lawns and cultivated gardens, numerous mature and specimen trees, a beautiful swimming pool and a serene pond.

Where: Hathaway House is on Baronet Road, just off of Caves Road in Owings Mills. It’s not visible from the road, and offers copious privacy for the new owners. It’s close to all of the shopping available on Reisterstown Road, and to the numerous private schools in the area.

Final Appraisal: The grounds have been cultivated since the owners built the house 70 years ago, and have had decades to mature into a showplace. The new owner should understand that they will be the stewards of the gardens for future generations.

There are four additional acres, adjacent to the property, which are available in a separate sale. The house goes on the market on September 27. The listing for the house is here.

Full disclosure: I knew the late owner of this house and attended parties and other events here.

All photographs from the listing. Reprinted from Baltimore Fishbowl.

A P&L House Updated

As I was conducting my occasional Google search for P&L, I came across an architect's update of a Palmer & Lamdin house in Homeland. I have a suspicion that I know which house it is, but I am not going to divulge the address.

Here's what the architect had to say:

This 10,000 square foot stately home sits in the elegant neighborhood of Homeland in Baltimore, Maryland. Originally constructed in the 1920’s by influential architects, Palmer-Lamdin. WGA recreated the interior to compliment the sophisticated context of the home as well as to facilitate the social and entertaining requirements of the client.

Please click here to see the rest of the interior images of this house. 

"Hilton" A P&L Renovation Project

I was looking through some old documents, and came across something that mentioned that Edward Palmer had renovated a house called "Hilton" which is now located on the campus of the Community College of Baltimore County, in Catonsville. 

I knew a little bit about Hilton because it was originally owned by Dr. Lennox Birckhead, a physician during the War of 1812, and an early member of MedChi, where I work. He lived there from 1828-1835. I wrote a little about him here.

In 1917, George W. Knapp purchased the house and the surrounding 250 acres for about $25,000. The house was significantly enlarged by Edward Palmer. A two-story servants wing and a kitchen and porch were added. Additionally, two gardeners' cottages were remodeled. 

In 1962, the property was sold to what was then the Catonsville Community College and was used for classrooms, and then administrative offices. 

After a "modern" 1970s renovation, the house was updated again in 2018 by Lewis Contractors. Their work included preservation of the historic crown moldings and baseboards, restoration of the windows, restoration of the mahogany paneling, installation of a new elevator, ADA compliance work and restoration of the quarry tile and historic marble checkerboard flooring.

The exterior was painted a warm cream, with white detailing.

This work and the new energy efficient HVAC systems, new electrical service and fixtures, restoration of the home’s exterior and installation of the new brick paver entryway have restored the home to its position as the crown jewel of the college campus.

I would have loved to do my signature snooping style of peeking into windows, but I was being followed around by a campus cop, so thought it might not be the smartest thing to do. 

To read the Medusa file on this house, please click here. 

On the Market: 120 Churchwardens Road

It seems that 120 Churchwarden's Road is on the market... again.

It sold in 2019 for $1.285 million, and was listed in May of 2023 for $1.75 million. It recently sold for $1.546 million. It doesn't look like much changed in the house over the last few years. Here's the current listing. 

Here are a few more photos from the last time it was on the market. 

Palmer's own home was at the very end of Churchwarden's Road.