Sherwood Farm Revisited

A few years ago, I visited Sherwood Farm, a P&L project in Baltimore County. I got a wee bit lost misplaced earlier this week, and ended up on Cromwell Bridge Road, where Sherwood Farm is located. I decided to go visit the house again, to see if I still liked its looks.

I happened to have my new drone with me, which, by the way, is named Daisy Drone. One of my favorite things about the house is the wide breezeway between the house and the garages, with the servants' quarters above it. 

Check out the rounded brick pillars supporting the second story of the garage!

I sent Daisy on a little journey through the breezeway, with a brief pause to check out the front door, and then on down the driveway. I am so excited to have more adventures with Daisy! 

Guilford Today, circa 1923

I was looking for an article on Newspapers.com today and stumbled across this full page advertisement for the new neighborhood of Guilford, touting all of the new houses. Palmer & Lamdin are prominently mentioned.

Blueprints

If you read my post about Norwood Road, there is a whole story behind the house. About six months ago, I was contacted by a woman in New Zealand who told me her grandfather had worked with Edward Palmer to build the house on Norwood Road. Her father had grown up in the house, as had her family. Her brother lived there until he died about a year ago. So the house had not changed hands for more than 110 years!

Her query to me was what she should do with all of the correspondence, plans, blueprints, etc. that her family had saved! We talked about over several options, and finally decided that she would donate everything to the University of Baltimore Archives of Architecture (mostly Palmer & Lamdin). 

Life interfered, and finally, last week, I picked up the box of ephemera from her old neighbors on Norwood.

It's been absolutely fascinating reading through the old correspondence, of which there is a two-inch high stack, which starts out formal but friendly, and ends up both formal and snarky!

The plans are both well-used and almost brand new!

The well-used plans were the shop plans that were used by the wood-working and mill-work plans, so they are more roughed up than the architects' plans.

The writing is absolutely phenomenal!

There are even chits of paper with the sums for certain items included.

The house is really lovely, and deceptive in its size. It's almost 4,000 square feet!

I love that there are original Edward Palmer signatures on some of the documents. J. Swing Willis signed other letters. 

I am so pleased that all of this worked out!

On the Market: 4406 Norwood Road

I can't even imagine how many people have walked past this house over the years and thought to themselves, “That’s my dream home.” But the years turned into decades and then a century went by and for 110 years, 4406 Norwood faithfully sheltered the same family. Now, for the first time ever, she’s ready to welcome new stewards into her story. Lovers of historic homes, old bones, lush gardens, and towering trees, this one’s for you...

Constructed by renowned architects Palmer & Lamdin in 1915, this extraordinary home sits on a rare double lot—nearly half an acre of mature landscaping—just one block from Baltimore’s beloved Sherwood Gardens. With 5–6 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and nearly 4,000 square feet of beautifully preserved architecture, it offers a level of craftsmanship that can’t be replicated today.

Even among other Palmer & Lamdin homes, this one is truly special. Its charming blue cottage-style façade offers unmatched curb appeal on one of Guilford’s most picturesque tree-lined streets. Beyond blooming gardens and century-old oaks, a gracious entryway welcomes you into a space filled with original details—rich hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, custom millwork, and warm, timeless character throughout.

Inside, a traditional center hall layout offers gracious flow. To the left, a grand formal living room stretches across the front of the home, anchored by a wood-burning fireplace and flanked by custom built-ins. Dual sets of French doors open to a tranquil screened porch overlooking the lush rear garden—perfect for morning coffee or evening cocktails. On the right, a formal dining room with antique wallpaper (that's so out, it's back in) and an original imported Irish crystal chandelier provides an elegant space for holiday dinners or celebrations. Just beyond, the kitchen is a retro time capsule—full of nostalgic charm and ready for your dream renovation, with a spacious and functional layout that offers endless potential.

The second floor, accessible by both the main and back staircases, features three large bedrooms, two full baths, and a fourth flex room—perfect as a nursery, office, or walk-in closet to create a luxurious primary suite. The layout is functional yet versatile, with great potential for customization.

One more flight up, and you'll find two additional bedrooms and a central bath. These top-floor rooms brim with charm thanks to classic dormers and rare eyebrow windows—architectural touches that add both character and light.

Outside, the .4-acre lot feels like a private garden sanctuary. Carefully cultivated by generations of passionate gardeners, the grounds offer winding paths, perennial blooms, and mature shade trees—a peaceful retreat that evolves with the seasons.

While original details have been lovingly preserved, thoughtful updates have also been made. Recent improvements include a full exterior painting, maintained slate roof, new water heater, updated gas boiler, and a waterproofed basement with French drains and dual sump pumps—ensuring peace of mind.

Located just a block from Sherwood Gardens yet tucked away on a serene street, this home offers rare privacy but with a strong sense of community. Guilford is home to multiple neighborhood parks and hosts year-round events like the Tulip Dig, Halloween Parade, outdoor movie nights, and more. The location also offers ideal proximity to top-rated schools, including Calvert School (just a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk), Johns Hopkins University, Loyola, and Union Memorial Hospital. You're also minutes from the Rotunda, Hampden’s award-winning restaurants, farmers markets, and nearby walkable neighborhoods like Charles Village and "Alonsoville."

Don't give up your love of city life for a detached home and a yard in the county: you can have it all here in historic Guilford. This is more than a house on the market, it’s a once-in-a-century opportunity. But don't take it from me, come see for yourself!

On the Market: 101 Cotswold Road

As a child attending the Cathedral School, I’d frequently see this house, perched on a rise with a sweeping green lawn, and dream about how perfect it was. Decades later, I realized that its architects were personal favorites, Palmer & Lamdin, who designed it in 1935. In fact, several houses on Cotswold Road were designed by the firm.

The back of the house is actually what you see from Cotswold Road,

the front is accessed by a long driveway, leading to the ivy-covered stone house, complete with its own turret!

The house shows off some of Palmer & Lamdin’s hallmarks, including steeply pitched roof-lines, advancing and receding planes, casement windows, and quirky details. The front door is recessed in an arched cove which leads to a large entry hallway with arched doorframes. At this point, the house is only one room wide, with huge steel-framed casement windows on either side and throughout the house.

One of the most interesting things about this house is that on the ground floor, along with the walnut-paneled living and dining rooms, library, music room, office space, and kitchen, it has always contained the primary suite for the owners. From a 1932 article, it’s described as “the owners' sleeping apartment consists of a large bedroom, two dressing rooms and two baths [with newly installed heated floors].”

The second floor contains additional bedrooms and bath, with one of the most charming rooms, not home to a home office, set under the double peaked roofline, with floor-to-ceiling windows, built-in bookcases, and Juliet balconies.

While the third floor originally contained several small bedrooms for servants, there is now a large children’s playroom and loads of storage space.

The basement is finished with a family room with fireplace. There is also a built-in three-car garage, with plenty of space for parking outside. The grounds are full of old growth plantings, sweeping views from the bluestone terraces, and a sense of being in the heart of the country, maybe even the English Cotswolds!

Cotswold Road is situated between Northern Parkway and Charles Street. It’s almost a hidden road in the middle of the private school section of Baltimore. It’s convenient to either Eddie’s, many schools, the Jones Falls Expressway and more. But at the same time, it’s a secluded little part of Baltimore.

This house is handsome in its own simple and dignified way, with a particularly notable feature being the greenish stone obtained from the mountains of Western Maryland. When it’s said that they don’t make houses like this anymore, this house is exactly what they mean. The listing for the house is here.   

All photographs from the listing. 

On the Market: 101 Witherspoon Road

I swear, I thought I'd already written about this house, because friends grew up there and they used to have great parties!

This architecturally unique stone home, designed by the renowned Palmer Lamdin Architects and built in 1928, offers a rare blend of timeless craftsmanship and modern luxury.

With an expansive square footage and gracious room sizes, the home sits on an unusually large lot, spanning over half an acre, providing plenty of living space plus outdoor enjoyment.

Boasting 5 true bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, and 2 half baths, this residence offers the perfect balance of comfort and functionality. The home has undergone incredible renovations, with every bathroom beautifully redone,

a stunning primary closet, and thoughtfully redesigned main living areas. These enhancements seamlessly combine historic charm with contemporary style.

Step outside to experience a tranquil setting perfect for entertaining, where you can dine al fresco under the stone loggia while listening to the majestic bells of the Cathedral in the distance. [If by distance, you mean directly across the street!]

The outdoor space, combined with the home’s graceful interior, creates a harmonious atmosphere for both relaxation and entertaining. Modern conveniences abound, including an attached garage accessible from the interior, a large driveway, a practical mudroom, two laundry rooms, and a finished basement.

This residence not only preserves the character of its original design but also caters to today’s needs, making it an extraordinary home for those who appreciate both history and modern luxury.

The listing is here.

On the Market: Seven Charlcote Place

Hot House: Elegant Palmer & Lamdin House in Baltimore’s Premiere Location! 3 Beds/4 Baths. 4,538 Square Feet. 7 Charlcote Place, Guilford, Baltimore. $1,050,000

What: Charlcote Place in Guilford is one of Baltimore’s most elegant roads. It circles around the spectacular John Russell Pope-designed Charlcote House and several others. Several of the other houses surrounding that were designed by my favorites from the Dead Architects Society, Palmer & Lamdin. Some of their distinctive characteristics include elaborate chimneys, a flare at the edge of the roof, and quirky details. Number seven Charlcote is one of three houses, other than Charlcote House on the inside of the circle.

As you approach No. 7, you see the P&L details – the flared rooflines, diamond-stack chimneys, the Tudor-style front door and the interesting brickwork. When you enter, you are greeted by what are most probably the home’s original hardwood floors. A wood-paneled office is to the left, and the living room is to the right.

Both the dining room and living room have fireplaces, with the living room’s being a beautiful Jacobean style stunner with barley-twist columns. The living room also has access, through French doors, to the patio and the sunroom.

The kitchen has recently been updated with high-end chef’s appliances. It is filled with light with windows on three sides, and French doors leading to a patio with a retractable awning. There is also a back staircase leading from the kitchen to the basement, where you will find plenty of storage.

The second floor has a primary bedroom suite with a sitting room and en-suite bath. Two additional bedrooms, and their adjoining baths complete the second floor. One of the bathrooms has the original pink tiles, toilet, tub, and sink.

Outside, there is a flagstone patio with a wood pergola and a long driveway to a brick garage. Mature plantings in the yard are surrounded by a brick wall in some places, which is the divider between this house and Charlcote House.

Where: Charlcote Place is one of the most beautiful blocks in Guilford. As mentioned, this house backs up to the impressive Charlcote House. It has its own parking along a driveway, plus a garage. Charlcote is just off Greenway, a few blocks from Charles Street. It’s a straight shot to downtown, in fact, you can see the Washington Monument from the front of the circle.

Final Appraisal: If you’re looking for an impressive Guilford house, but don’t need six or eight bedrooms, this might be the house for you! The listing for the house is here.

All photographs from the listing.