John Q. Larrimore’s 1907 design features a striking steep cross gable and carefully updated porch detailing.
The history of this prominent site in the heart of St. Michaels’ Historic District begins with a brick house that was built as early as 1783 that was demolished in 1845. In 1907, John Q. Larrimore purchased this lot and built this three-bay house with the distinctive steep cross gable and the entry door at one side. A later owner removed the original porch’s columns and railing and replaced it with the style shown in this picture from Elizabeth Hughes’ book “Historic St. Michaels, An Architectural History.”
Raised for flood protection, the meticulously restored home now proudly showcases its Victorian-era architectural details.
Fortunately, the house has been meticulously renovated in keeping with its original Victorian style. The house was raised both for protection from floods and also to provide privacy for the front porch. The house’s exposed foundation is covered with lattice between wide brick piers and the porch’s elegant detailing has turned columns with curlicue fretwork springing from each side of the columns. From the Town’s brick sidewalk, an “L” shaped stair leads up to the porch. The corner boards at the second floor that previously were the same color as the siding now are painted the trim color as an accent. I especially liked the exterior color palette of the deep green German shiplap siding, bright yellow exterior doors and creamy white trim.
Mature trees frame the steep gables and create a stately presence along Mulberry Street.
Mulberry Street was a shady thoroughfare at the time this house was built with rows of trees that obscured the view of the houses from the street but many of them are now gone. This house is fortunate to have mature flowering trees along the side of the house and a tall tree at the front sidewalk. The two and a half story house’s roofline is enlivened by the side gables and the front steep gable.
The landscaped rear yard offers privacy and seasonal blooms while seamlessly complementing the home’s historic aesthetic.
The side and rear yards create a verdant urban oasis with mature trees and white fencing for shade and privacy. The brick path circles around the house to connect the exterior doors on each side wall. Soon these gardens that have been carefully planned and meticulously maintained will burst into their spring colors.
Substantial brackets and pedimented side entries mirror the thoughtful detailing of the front façade.
Each side door is similar to the front entry door in style and color and substantial brackets support a pediment above the door for protection from rain. Some plantings are starting to bloom and I can well imagine the spring color that the hydrangea and day lilies will bring.
A weathered Lutyens bench and serene garden paths invite relaxation in this lush outdoor retreat.
The elegant Lutyens style bench is the perfect accessory for any garden and this one has acquired a lovely weathered patina. The circular path enlarges at one corner to create space for the table and chairs for al-fresco dining.
A garden shed clad in coordinating board-and-batten siding anchors this peaceful backyard escape.
The hammock between the bird house and the garden shed beckons one to enjoy weekend afternoon naps. The shed is clad in board and batten and the colors of both the siding and doors match the main house’s colors. Stone pavers lead to two off-street parking spaces.
The original style of the front staircase’s railings and turned columns has been faithfully restored.
The front porch’s stair balustrade reflects the style when the house was built with turned columns, caps for the newel posts and top rail and simple pickets. The front porch flooring was upgraded to a wood floor and this delightful outdoor room has ample space for seating since the half glass, half wood glass is located at the side instead of the center of the house.
A cozy living room flows seamlessly into the rest of the home, with warm colors and natural light fostering an inviting atmosphere.
The front entry door opens opposite the original stair to the second floor so the living room’s seating group is not interrupted by the circulation through the house. The complimentary colors of the blue upholstery and yellow walls creates a warm and inviting space and the gas stove provides extra warmth during the winter months.
Dual-aspect windows brighten the living room while delicate sheers balance privacy and sunlight.
The living room windows on both exterior walls provide sunlight throughout the day and both the sheers and shades provide levels of privacy as needed. The beautiful pine floors flow through the house.
The warm cherry cabinetry and stainless steel accents blend tradition with modern functionality in the kitchen.
A French door from the family room leads to the adjacent kitchen that also has an exterior door to the side garden. The warmth of the cherry cabinets, granite countertops and the accents of the stainless steel appliances pleased this cook and I am quite glad wood cabinets are coming back into fashion.
Efficient and charming, the galley kitchen’s plate rack, glass-front cabinets, and recessed lighting showcase thoughtful design.
Past the French door, the kitchen’s efficient galley layout with a short leg opens up and there is ample space between the cabinets for dual cooks. The design touches of the plate rack and the glass fronted upper cabinet add character and the recessed lights in the soffit illuminate the countertops. The short hall at the rear of the kitchen leads to the powder room and laundry/utility room. The half French/paneled door on the rear wall leads to the other side garden.
The former chimney now adds functional storage at an ergonomic height while preserving architectural history.
The former chimney of the original 1907 house is now a tower for the microwave at an easy countertop height with extra storage above. The cabinetry containing the sink and dishwasher overlooks the dining area with its white furnishings that contrasts well with the warmth of the kitchen’s cherry cabinets.
Bright and airy, the dining room’s eclectic furnishings bring a blend of character and modernity to the space.
The dining area has ample daylight from the side window and the French door that opens onto the other side garden. The white table and chairs and the antique Hoosier cabinet that is now a stylish hutch for the dining room highlight the beautiful pine flooring. The transparency of the crystal pendant light is the perfect finishing touch.
Unique vintage details, from the mounted lavatory to artful accents, elevate this functional space.
The powder room’s colorful accents of the Union Jack window treatment, the red and white checked guest towel and the art’s nautical themes creates a unique design. The ogee edged mirror adds transparency to the space. I especially liked the detailing of the exquisite wall mounted vintage lavatory.
Olive walls, white bedding, and antique furnishings come together to create a serene retreat.
The spacious primary bedroom spans across the front and side of the house of the second floor with the armoire hiding the stair to the third floor ensuite. I admired the mix of furnishings of the antique white iron bedframe with the footboard’s brass curved top and finials paired with the wood armoire and rocking chair. The deep olive walls between the windows’ white window treatments and the white bedding create a serene space for sleep.
Classic beadboard wainscot and updated marble flooring maintain a timeless yet refreshed style.
The spacious hall bath for the second floor has white vintage plumbing fixtures that blend into the beadboard wainscot below the pale green walls. The marble tile flooring was renovated and now looks brand new. The horizontal bands of the towels accents the verticality of the wainscot and the small wood etagere contains all one needs for a soak in the deep tub or a shower opposite the pedestal lavatory and toilet.
Soft lilac walls, delicate iron detailing, and a cozy daybed make this bedroom a restful enclave.
My fave bedroom is this cozy haven with its pale lilac walls, vintage day bed with its curlicue design (perhaps that design detail may have inspired the front porch’s curved fretwork) and the blue and white quilt. The contrast of the iron bed and the warmth of the wood dresser is the perfect setting for a girl of any age.
Bright and sunny, this bedroom bursts with character, including vintage furnishings and playful accents.
In contrast to the other guest bedroom’s pale lilac walls, this bedroom has bright yellow walls and wood furnishings. I loved the whimsical touch of the metal mannequin that could become a valet for keeping one’s dress or jacket wrinkle free.
With exposed rafters and bird’s eye views, the third-floor ensuite is a perfect private sanctuary.
The truly lucky guest would probably claim the third floor ensuite for their stay. The delightful interior architecture of the knee walls, exposed rafters, sloped ceilings would be hard to resist. What marvelous bird’s eye views of St. Michaels’ treetops and rooftops can be enjoyed from this third floor ensuite’s windows!
This property’s prime corner lot in the heart of St. Michaels’ Historic District with Muskrat Park around the corner of the block for relaxation, picnics and seasonal concerts and the Harbor for boating is hard to resist. Walk or bike to restaurants and shops or simply enjoy the verdant oasis of this property’s fenced and landscaped yard and al-fresco dining. This is a unique opportunity to continue the property’s rental use at $4,500 per month for a six-month season or to make it your home that is move-in ready.
My compliments to the Developer who did a meticulous restoration, including removing the asbestos siding and replacing it with new German shiplap in homage to the house’s original cladding and rebuilding the front porch to its original glory. Combined with the charming interiors and the landscaping, he has restored this gem that now enjoys its pride of place in the special place of St. Michaels.
For more information about this property, contact Jana Meredith, Associate Broker with Meredith Fine Properties at 410-522-4663 (o), 443-235-3404 (c), jana@goeaston.net, “Equal Housing Opportunity”. For more pictures and pricing, visit www.meredithfineproperties.com.
Restoration, Design and Construction by Olde School Builders LLC, 410-690-3221, info@oldeschoolbuilders.com.
Photography by Eve Fishell, Chesapeake Pro Photo LLC, 443-786-8025, www.chesapeakeprophoto.com, eve@chesprophoto.com
“Historic St. Michaels: An Architectural History” by Elizabeth Hughes, Published by Historic St. Michaels-Bay Hundred, Inc., 1996.