I’ll Take This: House with Everything You Could Want!

I have mentioned numerous times how fortunate I am to have so many amazing friends and acquaintances in my life. So when a friend sent a message last week telling me her house was on the market after 40 years, I set up a time to visit, because I knew you’d want to see this incredible house. Warning: There are tons of images, but you’ll want to look at every single one of them!

The house was designed and built in 1926 by Pleasants Pennington who was a favourite of decorators like Dorothy Draper and other society types, and who built houses on Martha’s Vineyard, Tuxedo Park, Locust Valley and other WASPy spots. Although he was based in New York, he had a number of projects in Baltimore, including several houses and public buildings.

Let’s wander around outside to see the 2.5 acre property, hidden within the limits of Baltimore City.

The carriage house and gates, with beautiful benches in the Lutyens style.

These sheep may safely graze – especially since they’re not real.

Across the driveway, there is an old dairy which provided fresh milk to the early residents.

The gazebo, original to the property, is a perfect setting for afternoon cocktails.

There are dozens of boxwoods, some in topiary form, and others just free-growing.

Brick paths lead to the front of the house and throughout the gardens.

There is a tennis court with a greenhouse and shed on the side.

The house is quite grand, but very comfortable, nevertheless. Because there have been so few owners in the past 90+ years, nearly all of the house’s original details are still intact, and hopefully the new owners will be smart enough to keep them and not modernize the place. I question why people buy beautiful old houses like these and then take out the details which make them so special.

And when I said the house has EVERYTHING, I really meant it. There are two silver safes, numerous pantries with the original cupboards, a laundry room, a wine cellar, a sauna, steam shower, library, nine bedrooms, six full and two half baths, fireplaces in nearly every room, plus tons and tons of original milled details that you couldn’t get for love or money now!

The front hallway bisects the house and is at least 20 feet wide.

In each direction, there are wonderful enfilades from room to room.

The house is filled with niches, fireplaces and myriad architectural details.

The home’s owner is an antiques dealer who specializes in porcelain and china, which is evident through the house.

The formal living room features a vignette with imari plates and a stunning antique mirror…

and this classical Georgian fireplace.

The dining room, paneled in pine, has been faux painted and the corner cabinet houses some special pieces of china.

The collections scattered around the house are a combination of serious and whimsical

The combination of the wallpaper, the fireplace, the pitchers and the picture is flawless.

Again, you can see the owner’s love of porcelain.

This hallway has a close compatriot at the nearby Homewood House.

I love the detail on the ceiling of this small hallway between the powder room and cloak room.

This little trellised room welcomes visitors to the house.

Classic never loses its style.

The house would make an incredible place to raise a family. There’s plenty of room for a slew of children, ample space to entertain friends and family in style and years to make memories which will last forever. For more information about this special house, please click here.

Thanks to my delightful hostess and friend for taking the time out of her busy schedule to show me around her home! xo