June 5, 2013

My Cousin’s House

My mother’s family has basically lived in the same neighbourhood in Baltimore since 1924. She grew up in a large house with lots of brothers and sisters. image

After my parents were married, they moved down the street from my grandmother to an old stone house with grape arbors running from the back of the house to the lane out back.image

When I was about 10, we moved to the house that I still love more than any other. image

All the while, several sets of cousins lived within a few blocks of us, and when they moved out, they bought houses close by. Now, after living in this house for 23 years, and having our family live in the neighbourhood for almost 90 years, the last of us is moving out. Although I live on the edge of my old ‘hood, it’s not in the hood.

My cousin has just put her house on the market, and it’s a gorgeous old Queen Anne style house on a wonderful property. image

I love the huge front porch, and since the ceiling is a nice old wood tongue and groove, I’ll forgive them for not painting it blue!image

There are so many of the original details that are still in this house, which makes it so special.image

The house has several fireplaces, and I just love that there’s one in the dining room. image

and in one of the living rooms, along with lots of gorgeous dark wood,image

and one in the study, which, like all the rooms in the house has its original hardwood floor.imageOne of the great features is the large porch on the second floor in the treetops, just the perfect place to hang out and shoot the breeze. image

The kitchen is massive, and I remember at one point, my cousin thought about putting in an AGA, but remembered that we have blisteringly hot summers, so decided against it.image

A little bar and a woodstove! Looks like the perfect place to spend a snowy afternoon!image

One thing I love about houses from this era (late 1800’s) is all the little rooms like a front pantry, a mudroom, a washroom, and a back pantry. imageThey really add a lot of character to the shape and style of the house. image

LIke my grandmother’s house, this house still has it’s original stables. image

Oh, look! There’s another bar! How cool is that! And I love the old yellow-ware bowls… they’re just like the ones I have. image

Both of the houses I grew up in had a back staircase, as does this one!image

The house has six bedrooms, zoned HVAC system, turrets, stained glass, hardwood floors, a new kitchen and much more. For details, please click here.

Nina & Gary… we’ll miss you all! xo

16 comments:

  1. I can see where your love of architecture and interiors was born. Those houses are gracious, charming and were obviously filled with much happiness.

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    1. I love big old houses with lots of great details, and was lucky enough to live in several!

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  2. The setup in the neighborhood sounds idyllic and looks it as well - the best of Americana. I never had that cozy village feel before but it is one that I always dream of - how lucky..!

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    1. It's a great place to live. Halfway between the downtown area and the country life.

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  3. I dream about houses like this one and the ones you grew up in. I would be seriously tempted to move except we love our neighborhood too much. Thanks for sharing. I doubt they will have to wait long for a buyer.

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    1. It's a wonderful place to grow up in! I was very lucky!

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  4. This house makes my heart flutter. Gorgeous.

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    1. Mary... you need to come spend a day in Baltimore with me! I'll show you all the great neighbourhoods like this one!

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  5. I wish you could buy it. Connor would be so happy there!

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  6. Big old beautiful house! Sort of sad to have the 'era' ending though -no more family in the 'hood!

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  7. so beautiful-I always clap my hands and say NEXT!when moving, giving something away etc. etc. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  8. What a great home. We grew up in houses like this. Nothing better than backstairs for chasing your siblings!

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  9. A wonderful house, and beautifully cared for. I love the striped awnings and the large porches. It reminds me of many of the houses in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of Washington DC where I grew up.

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