Elevated site offers panoramic views of Still Pond Creek and Jacks Cove.
Writing for the Chestertown Spy introduced me to the architectural work of the late Peter Newlin, FAIA (Fellow of the American Institute of Architects from the votes of the AIA College of Fellows). Each of his many houses that I was privileged to feature were outstanding and I thought I had featured all of his work in Kent and Queen Anne counties. However, realtor Murphy O’Neill called me recently and said he had an upcoming listing whose house was an early architectural design of Peter’s. Naturally I was intrigued and today this large cottage that is a perfect weekend get-a-away is now listed for sale and makes its debut in The Spy!
Being a native East Tennessean, I miss the mountains and finding sites on high riverbanks on the Eastern Shore is a challenge. This large cottage has a unique site with panoramic views from its promontory high above Still Pond Creek with a vista to Jacks Cove. On my tour, I learned one could access the sandy beach far below by either driving down a lane or by walking down a trail through the woods. The bulkhead along the shoreline was built by the Army Corps of Engineers and after launching one’s boat from the pier, you have direct access to the Chesapeake Bay.
Compact geometry with earth tones blends seamlessly into its wooded setting.
The house’s compact geometry is nestled in a clearing of tall deciduous trees on a gentely curved point along Still Pond Creek. The earth tones of the weathered siding and roofing that is the color of the leaves fallen onto the ground echoes the colors of the site. The massing of the rectangular floor plan is enhanced by the partial second floor that contains the primary suite and the transparency of the screened porch that spans the depth of the house. At the end of the gravel driveway, steps lead up to the entry deck that also wraps around the screened porch to a rear deck.
Screened porch structure mirrors deck bracing, uniting design and function.
The side elevation shows the large expanse of screening that maximizes the panoramic views of the landscape and water below. The siting of the house with a partial basement minimizes the ground disturbance. It is also a great illustration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous quote: “No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Hill and house should live together each the happier for the other“. I admired how the exposed structure of the truss of the screened porch and the bracing below the deck are mirror images of each other.
Expansive glazing and porch transparency embrace outdoor views and light.
The rear and side elevations shows how windows define the rooms within-the double unit windows are for the bedrooms and the full height glazing and sliding doors define the living room’s corner. The transparency of the screened porch and the deck reach out to the wooded landscape.
Warm wood finishes and exposed framing enhance this inviting entry space.
I was tempted to linger above the top of the cliff to savor the view but I finished my walk around the house and went back to the elevated deck to the entry door. The door opens into a foyer and a short hall connecting two guest bedrooms and a bath to the main living areas. The beautiful wood surfaces are low maintenance and the perfect material for a house in the woods. I also admired the exposed ceiling framing with canlights in the bays. The half glass, half wood panel door adds daylight to the foyer and the upper window at the stair landing must be the perfect spot for the family pet to await the return of their two-legged family members.
Exposed rafters and wainscot add texture and character to cozy bedrooms.
The guest bedrooms are located at the front and rear corners of the house. I admired how the pine exposed rafters and decking float over the beautiful oak flooring. I especially liked how the windows’ jamb trim spans from the ceiling trim to the wainscot that wraps around the room. The drywall highlights the beauty of the wood surfaces and makes the room seem bigger than it is.
Spacious layout with wood accents creates a bright, functional guest bath.
The two guest bedrooms share a hall bath and its size easily accommodates more than one guest. The drywall surfaces reflect the daylight and the custom wood doors add warmth to the space. The layout works well so one could update the fixtures to their own taste.
Pitched ceiling and chevron-patterned slats define the dramatic open interior.
From the guest bedrooms, the short hall opens into the dramatic open plan living-dining-kitchen-screened porch. I especially liked how the pine exposed rafters and decking enhanced the pitched ceiling and how the wood slats were carefully laid in a decorative chevron pattern. The wood burning fireplace’s chimney breast is clad in earth toned brick with an alcove for wood. The trio of wide picture windows at the rear of the great room offers stunning views of the woods and water.
Large sliding doors connect indoor living to outdoor decks and scenic vistas.
An alcove between the chimney breast and the rear wall is infilled with shelving for books, board games, family photos, etc. The wide sliding doors at the side wall connect the living area to the deck for great indoor-outdoor flow and stunning water vistas. The range of textures from the brick, the pine decking and the smooth surface of the oak flooring create a lovely blank slate for one’s furnishings.
Open sightlines link the kitchen to nature and adjacent living areas.
The kitchen countertop extends over the base cabinetry to accommodate bar stools. The vistas from kitchen to the screened porch, the deck, the front and rear windows, especially the diagonal vista to the rear corner, keeps the cook in the cook in tune with nature.
Walls of glass and seamless porch access provide year-round dining options.
Both the spacious indoor area and the adjacent screened porch give one options for dining throughout the seasons. The front and side windows offer panoramic views of the woods.
Spacious screened porch offers a serene indoor-outdoor retreat.
My fave room was, or course, this exquiste screened porch that spans the depth of the house and is a delightful warm weather living-dining space. The finishing touch would be a hammock for reading and/or napping on lazy Sunday afternoons.
Corner screening offers uninterrupted views of woods, water, and sky.
The corner of the screened porch with its side wall of total screening offers views of the woods, water and sky. Double doors lead to the waterside deck for great indoor-outdoor flow and entertaining guests. The deck narrows into a walkway that wraps around the side and front walls of the porch to meet the steps at the front of the house.
Corner deck seating enhances functionality and highlights water views.
The spacious deck’s perimeter at the corner is enhanced by a continous low bench for extra seating. I lingered to relax and enjoy the bird’s eye views of the water so far below. What a great space for warm weather entertaining! The side railings at the top of the ridge mark the beginning of the flight of stairs to the bulkheaded area and pier below. In the fall, the deciduous trees surrounding the deck will add color to the view.
Custom wood doors and natural light define the path to the private suite.
The partial second floor is the domain of the prinary ensuite with the stair in between the walk-in closet and the bathroom. Like the rooms on the first floor, both the bathroom and the walk-in closet have beautiful custom wood doors with mitered edges. Windows in each room also overlook the woods and water.
Vaulted ceiling and flexible layout options maximize this restful retreat.
The pitched ceiling of the primary bedroom adds wonderful spatial volume and the spacious room easily accommpdates both sleeping and sitting areas. The room’s geometry offers several options for the furniture layout for the bed. One option would be locating the bed at the side wall next to the corner bathroom so the rest of the space could become a sitting area.
Pitched ceiling and wood finishes unite elegance and function.
The large primary bath also has a pitched ceiling with exposed roof rafters and decking and the light yellow walls reflect the daylight from the rear window overlooking the woods and water.
Thoughtful landings create resting points on the scenic climb to the pier.
Before I left this stunning site, I walked along the bluff to the stair leading down to the pier below. I paused on the oversized landing that would be a perfect spot to place a folding canvas chair in the corner to relax and enjoy the panaromic bird’s eye view of the water before continuing down to the pier below.
Private sandy beach connects the home to tranquil waters and the Chesapeake.
The expanse of the sandy beach offers tranquil views of the opposite shoreline and is accessed through the woods by driving along the low grade private lane or walking down a path. After a day on the water, having a picnic on the beach and lingering until twilight to gather around a firepit for nocturnal star gazing would indeed be heavenly!
Having been an admirer of Peter Newlin, FAIA’s mature work at the peak of his career, I enjoyed featuring this early project that illustrates his exceptional design talent. The house’s siting minimized disturbance of the woodland and its main floor elevation created a partial basement for storage with exterior access doors. The compact floor plan has mimimum halls and zoned areas for both privacy and gathering and the outdoor rooms of the screened porch and decks provide easy indoor-outdoor flow. The natural or earth toned finishes mimic the colors of nature and the textures of the interior’s artisan wookwork are not only beautiful but also are low maintenance. Stash your picnic hamper and coolers in your car and drive along the private lane to relax on the sandy beach and launch your boat for an afternoon on the Chesapeake Bay. I am so pleased that I could once again pay tribute to this gifted architect and my treasured friend-bravo!
For more information about this property, contact Murphy O’Neill at Coldwell Banker Chesapeake Real Estate Company, at 410-778-0330 (o),443-480-4275 (c), or murphy@cbchesapeake.com .For more pictures and pricing, visit www.easternshoreofmarylandrealestate.com, “Equal Housing Opportunity”.
Photography by JM real estate photos info@jmrealestatephotos.com
Upcoming Open Houses Date: April 25th from 12-2:00 pm.
0 Comments