Howard Head's House

The late Howard Head's house on Blythewood road was last on the market in 2023 for $3.17 million, and just sold in June of 2026 for $3.9 million. 

Below is the Fishbowl article I wrote about the house in 2023. At the end of the piece are some notes the architect David Gleason sent me about some revisions that were done on the house in the 1970s.

What: In the olden days, tennis racquets and skis were both made out of wood. Then aircraft engineer, Howard Head, came along and changed these sports as we knew them. He re-designed skis and the over-sized Prince tennis racquet and made them out of laminated woods and metals.  

The Head’s house at 21 Blythewood Road looks contemporary, but the property was purchased in 1925, and the house was built and occupied by February of 1926. There is no architect of record, but knowing them as I do, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a Palmer & Lamdin design.

The house is deceptively small from the road, but expands to more than 9,000 square feet. While some of the traditional details remain, the Heads updated, modernized and expanded this house which you enter the house through a walled courtyard and then into a traditional wainscoted hallway.

The house opens up to window-walled rooms with a view over the back gardens, pool and the Stony Run woods beyond. The living room features a large traditional fireplace, paneled rooms, and the window wall. The huge modern kitchen, designed by Trish Houck, has a large island, a large seating area, and built-in cabinet to display your china collections. The traditional dining room, with its marble fireplace surround, classic mill-work and trim, parquet floors, and window wall, is adjacent to the kitchen. A wood-paneled study, beautiful powder room and family room complete the first floor.

The large hall on the second floor is centered around a seating area which overlooks the main staircase and the entry hall. The main bedroom suite contains a large window wall with a balcony which overlooks the koi pond below. Also in the main suite are a large walk-in closet, a heated floor and a double, cantilevered vanity. There are additional en-suite bedrooms, one of which has a fireplace.

The two-acre property features a swimming pool, a hot tub, a built in teak bar, a two-tier, 11,000 gallon koi pond, and of course, a tennis court. The plantings on the grounds are considerate of both the parkland surrounding the property and are lit to enhance the landscaping. Additionally, there are stone walls, a man-made stream and waterfall and woodland gardens.

Where: This house is on Blythewood Road, which winds from Charles Street around to Wyndhurst Avenue. It backs up to Stony Run Park, with its trails and wildlife, which is prefect for long walks. It’s close to all of the amenities on Roland Avenue, including restaurants, schools, and the library.

Final Appraisal: Blythewood is one of the most beautiful streets in Baltimore, with a range of house styles, and gorgeous old landscaping. This house would suit an active family who love swimming and tennis. It’s a traditional house which has been tastefully and thoughtfully modernized while keeping some of its classical elements. The listing for the house is here. 

From David Gleason, FAIA:

I saw where Howard Head’s house at 21 Blythewood sold for $3,900,000.00 in June. I read the write up in the Baltimore Business Journal that credited Head with all the updates and modernization that he did when he moved into the house in the early 1970’s. I also read your Hot House piece in the Fishbowl that was published in April which again cited the alterations and addition with no mention of any other party than Head being involved in the modifications. I would like to infill in the gaps as to where the credit for the improvements should also be listed.

 

I worked for Peterson and Brickbauer from 1969 to 1971 and it was they who served as architects for the project with Head giving them direction. They were responsible for the design of the Garage/Studio built at the front of the house, laying out the terraces, swimming pool, and tennis court areas. They were instrumental in the impeccable detailing of the house. In addition, they worked closely with the well-known landscaped architect, Kurt Blummel, in organizing the terrace water features well as the general landscaping of the house and grounds. In all, it was a wonderful example of the Architect, Client and Landscape Architect working to transform a 1920’s eclectic house into one of the premier residences in Baltimore. For me, just staring on my architectural career, it was a tremendous learning opportunity seeing this talented and experienced team transform this undistinguished residence into a landmark of architectural distinction.  

Guilford Today (1914) Sun Articles

The incredible Baltimore historian, Fred Shoken, just posted some great photos on the Baltimore Old Photos page on Facebook. They come from full page spreads in the Baltimore Sun this week of July in 1914. I have highlighted the Edward Palmer projects in GREEN.  

5310 St. Albans Way

Designed by the renowned architectural firm of Palmer & Lambdin [sic], this attractive stone residence occupies a beautifully landscaped double corner lot in the heart of Homeland, offering exceptional space and timeless architectural character. 

People in the neighborhood refer to this property as “The Forsythia House” because of the colorful blooms in the spring. The thoughtfully designed interior features a unique multi-level floor plan that creates both visual interest and functional living spaces.

The upper levels offer four bedrooms, three full baths, and a private office, providing flexibility for today’s lifestyle needs.

The main living areas include a remodeled kitchen with an island, custom cabinetry that was designed and built by Amish craftsmen, a fiveburner Thermador cooktop, double ovens and plenty of additional storage and prep space.

In addition, there is a spacious dining room ideal for entertaining as well as an impressive 24 foot living room highlighted by a wood-burning fireplace. A bright sunroom with a wet bar and adjacent powder room extends the living space and provides the perfect setting for gatherings.

The lower level features a comfortable clubroom, an additional half bath, and a dedicated laundry room. Outdoor entertaining is effortless on the two-tiered stone patio, complete with two awnings and overlooking a picturesque, park-like landscape.

With energy efficiency increasingly important, the seller thoughtfully enhanced the home’s existing hot water radiator system by creating eight separate heating zones, allowing for greater comfort and control throughout the residence.

Additional amenities include an attached one-car garage with interior access and a highly desirable location within walking distance of several area schools and the six decorative Homeland lakes. 

A rare opportunity to own an architecturally significant Homeland home that seamlessly blends historic character, thoughtful updates, and exceptional outdoor living.  

It's always a good thing when the floor plans are included!  Link here

101 Witherspoon Road

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 five true bedrooms, four full bathrooms, and two 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.

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

119 Taplow Road, Homeland, Baltimore

Four Bedrooms/Five Bathrooms

4,818 Square Feet

Offered at $950,000

Introducing a truly stately Homeland residence, built in 1928 and crafted entirely of stone—an architectural gem rarely offered to market.

Set on a beautifully landscaped lot, this exceptional home offers over 4,800 square feet above grade, combining timeless elegance with expansive living spaces.

Rich in character and history, the home features hardwood floors throughout and a grand living room that serves as the centerpiece of the home—perfect for both refined entertaining and everyday living. A thoughtfully designed two-story addition enhances the property with a spacious den and inviting sitting room, creating flexible spaces ideal for today’s lifestyle.

The upper levels include four generously sized bedrooms and three full sized baths, offering both comfort and privacy, while preserving the home’s classic charm.

Held by the same family for over 85 years, this is a rare opportunity to own a distinguished property in one of Baltimore’s most coveted neighborhoods.

With its timeless stone construction, impressive scale, and unmatched history, this is a home that truly stands apart.

The full listing is here.

On the Market: 224 Tunbridge Road, Homeland

Hot House: Storybook Stone Palmer & Lamdin House in Homeland. 4 Bedrooms/4 Bathrooms. 2,640 Square Feet. 224 Tunbridge Road, Homeland, Baltimore. $925,000.

What: You know by now, if there’s a Palmer & Lamdin house, especially if it’s a stone house, it’s going to be a Hot House! Both Palmer and Lamdin spent time in Europe looking at the vernacular architectures in the countrysides of both England and France, and even Switzerland. Their houses take on some characteristics from the Cotswolds and Normandy, and this house is no exception. From the Tudor-style front door, to the interior on several levels, to the metal-framed casement windows, stone walls and iron gate, there are echoes of old Europe.

As you enter through the arched entry hall, you see the wood beams on the double-height great room with its beautiful windows, large rustic fireplace and original hardwood floors. Up a small flight of stairs, you will find the master suite, perfect for a transitional situation.

Also on this level are a kitchen and dining room with a built-in corner cabinet. The kitchen features an original brick wall as well as the drawer/door to the early garbage incinerator!

The upper levels are home to three additional bedrooms, including one with a fireplace with a gothic-style arch, plus an additional ensuite, full hall bath, and home office or study with many of the original architectural details intact. Many of the doorways in this house are arched or rounded, adding to the charm.

The one-third-acre property has been thoughtfully designed by landscape architect Wolfgang Oehme. Stone paths and mature plantings provide an oasis separate from everyone and everything, but close to it all. The original framed garden plans convey with the house. A slate-roof with the trademark P&L swoop covers a delightful stone patio and adjacent open patio, which can be accessed by both the kitchen and dining room.

Where: This house is in the center of Homeland, just a few steps from Springlake Way and the Homeland Lakes. It is close to numerous schools, shopping in Roland Park, at Belvedere Square and along York Road.  

Final Appraisal: The person who buys this house should understand the importance of maintaining the architectural details which make a Palmer & Lamdin house so special in the style of Baltimore’s neighborhoods. These houses are filled with thoughtful and quirky details which have stood the test of time for more than a century.   The listing for the house is here.

All photographs from the listing.

ELP Birthday Gift

I was looking through the offerings at the upcoming auction at Alex. Cooper in Baltimore when something caught my eye! 

It was a George V silver presentation bowl given to Palmer on the occasion of his 70th birthday. 

From the auction catalogue:

Crichton Brothers, London, 1928. Octagonal, on a raised foot, inscribed "Edward L. Palmer, Jr.. With deepest affection from his partners and office associates on his seventieth birthday. May 26, 1947," 41/2 in. H, 10 3/8 in. Diam., 27.6 ozt.  

Estate of Edward L Palmer Jr., noted architect, Baltimore, MD. Then by descent through the family

The bowl is in great condition, aside from a few dings, but that's to be expected.  It is marked on the bottom with English hallmarks and the maker's name. 

As of nine days, one hour and thirty-two minutes before the auction, the current high bid is $1,300. The link to the auction is here.