Timberlane

Nestled within over 14 acres of secluded, idyllic park-style grounds, this estate offers unparalleled privacy. Meandering amidst the towering trees and ascending the hill, the driveway unveils a glimpse of the two grand vintage carriage houses. Immense, regal specimen trees cast their shade over the sprawling lawns and gardens, creating an enchanting backdrop.

The main house of Timberlane was designed and built by Palmer & Lamdin in 1940 using the finest materials and craftsmanship throughout. The original specification manual from 1939 listing all materials and workmanship to be employed in Timberlane’s construction from foundation stone to slate roofing is still in existence and transfers with the property along with two original architectural renderings. The rambling light grey painted brick structure with slate roof is a mid-century modern style masterpiece – both commanding and formal but welcoming and relaxed at the same time. An entertainer’s dream for either small or large gatherings, indoor or outdoor, formal or informal Timberlane was built to accommodate and endure. 

A porte-cochère and a sheltered loggia stand ready, guiding visitors and extending a warm invitation to the front door. Originally home to a family of art collectors, Timberlane was built for entertaining and housing the family’s world-renowned art collection. Timberlane’s gardens originally showcased the collection and were the architectural model for a local museum's Sculpture Garden.

Timberlane's exquisite gardens and terraces play host to majestic specimen hardwood and softwood trees, alongside an array of rare, mature plants, and shrubbery. The vast expanse of bluestone flagstones gracefully envelops the residence, creating numerous expansive areas and serene retreats.

Positioned thoughtfully on the southeastern incline, the pool and its accompanying pool house were meticulously placed to embrace the most sun-kissed locale, ensuring an ideal blend of aquatic enjoyment and garden splendor. The pool house boasts an inviting timber-framed cathedral ceiling, a covered seating area, a fully equipped galley kitchen, and a convenient three-quarter bath.

The property gains its old-world charm from the presence of two spacious outbuildings, each standing on a separately deeded parcel. The first is a 45'x24' frame barn that features a charming three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment on its second floor. The second outbuilding mirrors the same shape and style, presenting a sizable garage with a substantial room above, complete with a cement floor.

The address is 8410 Park Heights Avenue, Pikesville, Maryland.

From the Heidi Krauss listing, 2023 

National Register Listing for Dumbarton Historic District

The Dumbarton Historic District is a suburban subdivision roughly bounded by Park Heights Avenue, Slade Avenue, Seven Mile Lane, and Old Court Road in the Pikesville Area of Baltimore County.

Primarily developed over the period 1924-1956, the district reflects the influence of Olmstedian design principles in its curvilinear streets following the natural topography, and generously sized lots retaining the established vegetation. 

The houses vary in size, and their siting varies with the topography of the lots. The housing styles reflect a wide range of American and European prototypes. The buildings were designed by many of Baltimore’s most prominent residential architects of the period, including many of those who had been commissioned to designed houses for the city’s premier suburban developer, the Roland Park Company, in its Guilford and Homeland subdivisions. The spacing of the housing conveys a sense of openness and suggests a collection of country estates. 

While the majority of the housing in Dumbarton was designed in traditional styles, the mid-century Ranch, Contemporary, and International types are also represented in the district. While conveying an impression of spaciousness, Dumbarton is recognizable as a clearly defined, visually cohesive neighborhood. 

Buildings represent a range of construction materials, including wood frame, brick, and stone masonry; roof coverings include slate, tile, asphalt, or composition shingles. 

Many of the properties contain accessory buildings such as garages; while these secondary structures were not specifically counted, those that were constructed during the period of significance, between 1924 and 1956, and retain integrity are considered to contribute to the character of the district.

The Dumbarton Historic District is historically significant for its association with the suburbanization of Baltimore City. Developed in the mid-1920s, it represents the northwestward expansion of the city during the period, and the importance of the Park Heights corridor as a center of the city’s Jewish community. 

Many of Dumbarton’s original residents were prominent Jewish merchants and industrialists who were tacitly denied access to the city’s established suburbs because of their religious and ethnic affiliations. At the turn of the 19th century, Baltimore’s early Jewish community was concentrated in Oldtown and South Baltimore, in the earliest-settled parts of the city adjacent to the harbor. 

In 1901, an especially elite group of wealthy Jews, mostly of Germanic heritage, established the Suburban Club in a location along the Park Heights corridor between Druid Ridge Cemetery and the northwestern boundary of Baltimore City. Built at the considerable cost of $200,000, the Suburban Club not only assessed substantial dues, but also required that its members contribute a certain amount of money annually to Jewish charities. 

Beginning in the 1890s with the development of Roland Park in North Baltimore, the Roland Park Company set the standard for suburban residential development. Its projects combined a high degree of quality in design, both of the community and its architecture. As was common at the time, the Roland Park Company employed discriminatory covenants in its property deeds to exclude African-American and Jewish residents from its communities. 

The Dumbarton Historic District, in part developed as an “alternative” to other suburban developments which excluded Jews, nevertheless was influenced by the design and planning precepts of the Roland Park Company and its emulators. The layout of the district, with its curvilinear streets, lot configurations, and naturalistic landscaping generally reflect design principles associated with Frederick Law Olmsted which characterized the Roland Park Company’s seminal developments. 

Architects and builders whose creations contributed to the distinctive character of such Roland Park Company communities as Guilford, Homeland, and The Orchards were hired to design and build houses in Dumbarton as well. 

The architectural firm of Palmer and Lamdin, long associated with Roland Park Company projects, designed several houses in Dumbarton, as did such other Roland Park Company favorites as Kenneth C. Miller, J. Winthrop Wolcott, and T. Worth Jamison, Jr. Interestingly, the developers of Dumbarton—whose market included prominent Jews who were barred from established suburbs—used similar restrictive covenants to exclude African-Americans from their community. 

The district derives architectural significance as an example of a type of suburban community which was typical of the region in the period, and for the architectural merit of the houses which characterize it. With curvilinear streets following the natural topography, and generously sized lots retaining the established vegetation, Dumbarton reflects the model for upscale suburban subdivisions around Baltimore in the 1920s. 

Its houses, many of which were designed by the area’s most prominent residential architects of the period, represent a variety of picturesque revival styles and a consistently high level of quality in design, materials, and construction. 

On the Market: 416 Southway, Guilford

Welcome to historic Guilford! This 5-bedroom, 2-full-bath home at 416 Southway offers the best of both worlds: the charm of a historic community without the burden of HOA fees.

Located on a tree lined dead-end street, this special block of architecturally unique homes offers proximity without the traffic.

Step inside and be captivated by the home's historic details, including beautiful wood floors, high ceilings, and intricate moldings that exude timeless elegance.

The kitchen features exposed brick walls, stainless appliances, and a water filter has been installed on the kitchen sink, providing clean, great-tasting water on demand.

The home's versatile layout is perfect for a variety of needs. The second floor features three spacious bedrooms, including one that is ideal for a private home office or studio space. The third floor offers two additional bedrooms that can function as a cohesive, full-floor primary suite, providing a private and tranquil escape.

With abundant closet space throughout the bedrooms and hallways, you'll have plenty of room for all of your storage needs.

The fenced-in rear yard is a private oasis, perfect for outdoor living and entertaining. Enjoy the patio for al fresco dining, cultivate your own garden, or simply relax in the green space.

This home is ideally situated close to the Waverly Farmers Market, the Waverly library branch, Johns Hopkins University, and the amenities of Charles Village, making it a perfect blend of historic character, modern convenience, and prime location.

More details here

NB - I don't have definitive evidence that this is a P&L house, but it's similar enough to others in Guilford, that I think it is.

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.