Spires Magazine | Spring 2018 by Sunflower Publishing

HISTORIC HOMES OF

Frederick MARYLAND

plus.

summer flavors, tips on green living

& luxury homes in the county

summer 2018 / fredericknewspost.com/Spires

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h e l l o

from the editor

PUBLISHER Geordie Wilson

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kelly Gibson WRITERS

David Frey Gina Gallucci-White Scott Harris Tripp Laino Cheryl Long Jim Mahaffie Wallis Shamieh Christie Wisniewski

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Graham Cullen Bill Green Dan Gross Kyle Huson Madeline Reinhold Joe Williams

SALES EXECUTIVE Connie Hastings

For editorial queries or suggestions, contact: Kelly Gibson, kgibson@sunflowerpub.com For advertising queries, contact: Connie Hastings, chastings@newspost.com Spires Magazine 351 Ballenger Center Drive Frederick, MD 21703 (301) 662-1163

Welcome to Spires, a new quarterly publication serving residents and homeowners of Frederick. Within these pages, readers will find stories meant to inspire elegant living in, around and away from home. In each issue, we’ll showcase home décor, home renovations, and homemaking, and share our picks for must-see entertainment opportunities and must-try food and drinks around town. In this issue, you’ll explore luxury homes with Gina GallucciWhite. You’ll learn how to effortlessly host guests in warmer months, thanks to Tripp Laino. David Frey will take you fly fishing in possibly the best part of the country for the sport, and Jim Mahaffie will share his experience renovating his home. (Let’s just say it certainly was an experience). In this inaugural issue of Spires, we hope you learn new things about our beautiful and historic part of Maryland. Happy reading! Kelly Gibson

Spires Magazine is a collaboration of The Frederick News-Post and Ogden Publications city/regional magazine division. Ogden Publications production team for Spires Magazine: Bill Uhler, Bob Cucciniello, Kelly Gibson, Shelly Bryant, Leslie Andres. All material, including text and photography, are copyright Ogden Publications. The use, reprint or distribution of any material without express permission is forbidden.

ON THE COVER HISTORIC HOMES OF

Mark and Teresa Stull are proud owners of a historic home in Frederick. Full of unique architectural details, the house has been a renovation challenge, but continues to provide joy to the homeowners. Photo by Dan Gross

Frederick MARYLAND

plus.

summer flavors, tips on green living

luxury homes in the county summer 2018 / fredericknewspost.com/Spires

c o n t e n t s departments

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in the home

breezy summer flavors Pair bright and light dishes with bubbly cocktails for a summer treat sure to please.

green living is easy Reduce your home’s footprint with these simple, eco-friendly tips.

nine tips for picking the perfect contractor Our guide to finding the right fit for your home project (and not getting scammed along the way).

frederick’s food forest Taste native fruits thanks to public planting.

herbs for the home 16

four easy herbs to grow for an indoor garden Growing an indoor herb garden can be tricky. Stick with these flavorful, foolproof options for easy success.

a sport for everyone Fly fishing is no longer an older man’s game, and Frederick is the perfect spot to cast your line.

away from the home

what we love right now Dining, décor, and entertainment around town

a small slice of history Only 30 minutes from Frederick, Waterford, Virginia, offers respite from the busy day-to-day.

features

a labor of love Owning a historic home in Frederick

frederick’s most luxurious homes Five elegant listings located in the county

reoccurring

backstory A personal home renovation essay

PHOTO Kate Aedon

around the home

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Pair a fizzy cocktail with produce-heavy dishes for an unforgettable summer meal perfect for guests.

THE HOME

summer 18

breezy summer flavors Pair bright and light dishes with bubbly cocktails for a summer treat sure to please.

hen the weather gets nice, it’s natural to want to spend more time outside— and throwing a party is a great way to spend an evening with friends and family. There’s nothing wrong with the traditional burgers and hot dogs with ice-cold beer of a cookout, but this summer try to incorporate the season into more than just the setting for the party by infusing it into your food and drinks. It doesn’t have to be hard to throw a party with a menu inspired by the season—one that’ll be sure to impress your foodie friends, too. Here are a few tips from staff at Frederick’s Hootch & Banter (49 S. Market Street) and Volt (228 N. Market Street) on how to throw perfect cocktail parties all summer long. Flavors of the Season At Hootch & Banter, head bartender Jeff Naylor and chef Christian Blouin work together to ensure the bar’s cocktails and restaurant’s menu are in harmony—and it’s a philosophy that’s easy to get behind at home, too. “A lot of times me and the chef will sit down and look at fruits and vegetables coming up we that can use together,” Naylor says. “They will zest a fruit for a dessert, and we squeeze it for juices.” Blouin says he recommends starting with produce when trying to craft a seasonal menu. From there, you can mix and match different meats or seafood to craft a menu that’ll feel like spring or summertime. “With seasonal menus, the most important thing is produce,” Blouin says. “Produce is so beautiful when it’s fresh. You can get a tomato all year round, but in the summertime that’s when it’s best. Grocery stores will have staple things all year round, but keep an eye out for things they don’t normally carry because that’s what the farmers are giving them—that’s what’s fresh and seasonal.” Blouin also says he suggests finding proteins that will cook well in large quantity, such as roasting whole chickens or a brisket. Pairing them in smaller portions with a produce-heavy meal can help lighten a menu, too. Another great tip is to lean on quick-cooking meats, like steaks, to help serve a crowd.

story by Tripp Laino

photos by Bill Green and Dan Gross

THE HOME

Stir the Drink Damon Shattuck, bar manager at Volt, recommends keeping things on the lighter side when pairing cocktails with food. “Low alcohol by volume cocktails will pair well with food and also extend the party,” he says. “So rather than using just a strong spirit, try splitting the base with a blanc vermouth or a liqueur, for example.” Shattuck says he often starts with a basic cocktail recipe and then branches out, incorporating one or two flavors from the dish into the drink. “It’s really kind of nice to pair food with cocktails because with cocktails you can really go wild,” Shattuck says. “You can jump from any ingredient in the dish, probably the strongest flavor and run from there. What I like to start with is the most basic cocktail recipe, a sour cocktail, which is two ounces of liquor (whiskey, gin, whatever you want), then ¾ ounce of citrus, usually lemon, and ¾ ounce of simple syrup (half sugar and half water).” Additionally, just like when prepping your food, you’ll want balance in your drinks. Naylor suggests focusing on three key elements and keeping them in harmony in any drink. “When making cocktails, you want sugar, acid and alcohol on an even keel,” Naylor says. “Not too much of any one of them. If you can pair that at a nice even keel, you’re going to have a good time.” How to Host and Bartend Simultaneously So you’ve planned the perfect menu, and your guests have all RSVP’d. How do you keep yourself calm under pressure? “First and foremost, keep it simple,” Naylor says. “You don’t want to be working the whole time—have fun for yourself. Do something simple, or even something you can do for a batch. The best drinks really are keeping it simple. The basics, like a margarita, stand the test of time.” Shattuck echoes that sentiment, and says that while an experienced bartender can quickly move around a bar to make multiple drinks, it’s much easier to streamline the process when making drinks at home. “The best trick is batching cocktails; don’t get into a situation where you have to pick up 2–3 bottles,” Shattuck says. “If I have to make drinks for a group at home, I’ll mix all the liquor parts ahead of time in a cheater bottle. You can pour say, two ounces of that, which is a base spirit, and two liqueurs, then just add your citrus and sweetener components. That way you’re not grabbing three or four bottles to make drinks.”

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“A lot of people eat lighter in the summertime to fit into their bathing suit,” Blouin says. “Flank steak is a go-to for me. You can have arugula with a lemon vinaigrette and flank steak and it’s so delicious.”

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t r y

Blueberry Rhubarb Tartlets Tartlet dough • • • • • •

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons sugar 1 teaspoon salt 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) butter 2 eggs 2 teaspoons ice water

Using a food processor, add dry ingredients and pulse. Add butter and pulse a few more times. Add whisked eggs gradually while pulsing. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly. Roll out to 1/8-inch thick and cut with a 4-inch circle mold or top of your small tart pan.

Filling • • • • •

4 stalks rhubarb (trimmed and peeled) 2 pints fresh blueberries 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup apple juice 2 tablespoons corn starch

Combine rhubarb, blueberries, sugar in a saucepan until sugar is dissolved. Whisk cornstarch into apple juice and add to blueberry, rhubarb mixture. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium low. Simmer until mixture coats the back of a spoon. Transfer the mixture and chill. Place tart dough in 4-inch pie pans, add filling, bake at 375 for 10 minutes or until crust browns and filling is bubbling. Serve warm with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

French 75 Can be made in any portion level, and scales up easily for a group. If serving a crowd, add the champagne when serving. • • • •

1 part lemon juice 1 part simple syrup 2 parts gin 3 parts champagne (or to taste)

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Jeff Naylor, head bartender at Hootch & Banter, mixes a light, fizzy cocktail. When hosting summer guests, consider low-alcohol drinks with fresh fruit juice to celebrate the season.

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Go Green

See how eco-friendly your home is with the Potomac Edison Quick Home Energy Checkup at energysavemd-home.com/ quick-home-energy-checkup

PHOTO Africa Studio

To participate in the Green Homes Challenge, visit frederickgreenchallenge.org

THE HOME

summer 18

green living is easy Reduce your home’s footprint with these simple, eco-friendly tips.

t could be a brand-new house. Or it could be a single light bulb. There is a full menu of options for homeowners who want to make their homes more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable. Sometimes, the options can be daunting, but a little homework goes a long way. “People know more than they did 10 years ago,” says Frank Dertzbaugh, founder of Green-Living Homes, based in Frederick. “They want to talk more about solar, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. They want their house to be greener, but you have to dig down and find out what you really want. Do you have allergies to deal with? Are your bills too high? Do you want to create less waste? Are you building something and want greener building materials?” Eco-friendly living is no longer a novelty. A 2014 survey from the National Association of Realtors found that 68 percent of homebuyers believed energy-efficient appliances are somewhat or very important. According to a 2016 investigation from The Washington Post, people were willing to pay $10,343 to $53,000 more for houses that had green upgrades and features in homes sold in Washington, D.C., between February 2013 and June 2015. The month-to-month savings also are significant. Although green upgrades require an up-front investment, they can reduce utility bills, allowing the upgrades to pay for themselves over time. Savings vary widely, but Dertzbaugh estimated that homeowners can save $100–$150 per month. The green trend is gaining traction in Frederick County, whether people are trying to save money or simply improve their environmental footprint. While options like solar energy are becoming more available, the costs can still be high, and major projects are not the only way to make a home more eco-friendly. “There’s a lot of evidence that people are interested in going green in the county,” says Lisa Orr, sustainability program coordinator with Frederick County. “Every home makes a difference. A sustainable community starts at home. You can have an amazing impact from changing just one light bulb.” Fortunately for homeowners, many green upgrades are easy and inexpensive. For larger projects, plenty of resources—including financial incentives—are available to assist in the process. According to Orr, behavioral changes are a good place to start. These include adjusting thermostats to prevent unnecessary heating and cooling, recycling as much as possible,

and unplugging computers and printers at night or when they are not in use. LED light bulbs use 25–80 percent less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. When it comes to more ambitious efforts, options range from green flooring to hemp countertops to new HVAC systems to solar panels. But it is possible that other options can pay bigger dividends without breaking the bank. The most effective among these are insulation and air sealing, which keep heated or cooled air inside the house so that HVAC systems do not need to work as hard. “Warm air moves up and goes into the attic, but if the attic is not insulated you may as well have a hole in your house,” Orr says. “It’s less glamorous than new windows or a solar panel, but it is more effective and less expensive.” Frederick County features a Green Homes Challenge, which allows local homeowners to connect with experts and receive rewards for making a series of eco-friendly upgrades. As of this spring, 2,189 challenge participants have saved a total of $1.34 million. “The Green Homes Challenge helps guide and reward people for saving energy bills and reducing energy,” Orr says. “All in one place, the challenge helps link people to videos and resources. There are a lot of ways people can pick and choose to go green.” Plenty of services and financial rebates are available through state energy companies, including Potomac Edison, Pepco, and BG&E. Potomac Edison customers pay a small surcharge in each monthly bill, with the money then going toward energyefficiency services for homeowners. A Quick Home Energy Checkup is available at no additional cost. An energy auditor visits the home, offers broad recommendations, and can offer up to $75 in energy-saving products, including LED light bulbs and low-flow showerheads. For $100, a home energy expert can conduct a thorough audit and create a report detailing specific recommendations to optimize energy efficiency. If homeowners undertake the recommended upgrades, they could become eligible for a rebate of up to $7,500 or 75 percent of the project cost. “The best thing is to take advantage of the quick home energy checkup,” Orr says. “There’s no direct cost to get a professional to come to your home and give an assessment.” The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star website is another valuable information source to help homeowners understand their options and take the path that makes sense for them. “Do some homework to base your decision off of,” Dertzbaugh says. “A lot of it comes down to dollars and sense.”

story by Scott Harris

PHOTO Romaset

summer 18

THE HOME

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nine tips for picking the perfect contractor Our guide to finding the right fit for your home project (and not getting scammed along the way)

inding and hiring a reputable contractor to make repairs or changes to your home can be overwhelming. Denise Jacoby, executive officer, Frederick County Building Industry Association, said people often call the organization for help identifying the best person for the job. To help others find a good fit, she offers nine tips to help you find the right contractor for your needs. One / Ask for their license! “They need to have a license and insurance and readily be able to whip it out,” Jacoby says. “Every state has a licensing website, so you can find out right away if they are or are not.” Two / Don’t sign on the dotted line … yet. “If they ask you to sign something before you’ve hired them, that’s not a good sign,” Jacoby says. “You don’t want to sign an estimate, authorization or anything else before seeing a contract. And if they don’t write contracts, that’s a red flag. We hope they go over it ad nauseam to make sure you understand every part of it.” Three / Cash isn’t king. “Another red flag is cash or payment in full before beginning the job. That’s when it’s really bad,” she says, adding that scammers often ask for this before running off with your money. “A deposit is acceptable. They have to buy materials for the job, but that should be in the contract. You should know the exact payout and schedule, so when I get to this point, I need this much. Requiring cash is really an issue, too. Most people write a check to a business, not just handing people cash.” Four / Beware the underbidder. “If they vastly underbid all other contracts, that’s a red

flag,” Jacoby says. “Things do cost money. If you get at least three bids, you should have three fairly close bids if they’re legitimate contractors.” Five / Ask for references. “They should be able to provide customer references, whether it’s someone they’re working with now or a neighbor they worked with previously,” she says. “We hope the homeowner will take time to contact those people for information.” Six / Beware of not-so-special pricing. “Special pricing—if you’ve been chosen, that’s probably not a good thing,” she says. “Or, ‘if you sign today’ pricing, that’s another red flag. You want to take your time on these projects.” Seven / Communication is key. “If you can’t get a hold of the contractor, if they simply won’t return your calls or offer somewhere you can leave a message, that’s a red flag,” she says. “You need to be able to reach them.” Eight / Who gets the permits? “If they ask you as a homeowner to obtain the permits, you should be concerned,” Jacoby says. “Professional contractors have a relationship with the building office, so it should be as easy as one, two, three for them to get permits.” Nine / Accreditation gives credibility. “If they belong to an organization for accreditation, that means they care about their industry and giving back to their industry. That’s a good sign,” she says. “Whether it’s a professional trade association or the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, that’s always a step above others.”

story by Tripp Laino

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Frederickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food Forest Taste native fruits thanks to public planting

PHOTO Tanja-Vashchuk

story by Christie Wisniewski

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THE HOME

esidents of and visitors to City of Frederick will soon find themselves in the middle of a food forest, which is a grove of fruit-producing plants that provide healthy, free snacks for those walking or biking through Waterford Park, thanks to a group of volunteers with a lot of love for sustainability. Waterford Park’s food forest takes up approximately one acre of land and includes produce such as elderberries, serviceberries, hazelnuts and pawpaws. In addition to providing healthy food, the forest encourages growth of native species and will also help the city become greener. “We’re just trying creative ways for people to learn about food,” said Jenny Willoughby, sustainability manager for the City of Frederick.

“We’re just trying creative ways for people to learn about food.”

A Healthy City Waterford Park runs along Rock Creek, a tributary –Jenny Willoughby of Carroll Creek. It is part of a series of linear parks, including Frederick’s well-loved Baker Park, within walking distance of downtown and Hood College. Frederick is currently a gold-level Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) city, and Willoughby hopes for the city to soon become a platinum-level HEAL city with help from the food forest. “[The food forest] is one of the things that goes along with being a HEAL city,” she says. Overall, around 120 trees have been planted in Waterford Park. In April, 15 volunteers completed most of the planting after city staff augered the holes. Willoughby says that there are plans to expand the park westward as space becomes available. “There’s a lot of things we’re competing with,” Willoughby says, noting that there are some utilities such as sewer lines that have to be avoided when expanding the park. “Our outlook for the park is to continue controlling exotic invasive species and to continue to plant native species, especially those beneficial to wildlife,” says Virginia “Ginny” Brace, a leader with Friends of Waterford Park. An Idea is Born Willoughby’s intern, Yashvanth Pavuluri, undertook the project as part of the Chesapeake Conservation Corps, a program run by the Chesapeake Bay Trust that helps young adults gain experience in the environmental field.

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“Pick at your own risk, know what you’re picking, and know if you’re allergic to something,” Willoughby says, adding that the plants put there are “pretty easy to identify” and cannot be mistaken for dangerous plants. A Community Impact For now, Willoughby says the best way to “donate” to the park is for city homeowners to plant native trees in their own yards. The city’s goal is to be 40 percent covered by tree canopy. As of this spring, it was at 20 percent. “The park is meeting two goals: access to food and our canopy goal,” Willoughby says. “We encourage people to plant something that’s useful to them.”

“We’re trying to help people make good decisions about trees, and we hope that giving them this information will help them make better decisions.” –Jenny Willoughby By providing access to the food forest, Willoughby hopes to educate homeowners about trees to grow in their own yard. For smaller species, she suggests elderberries and serviceberries, but if someone wants a larger shade tree, a persimmon tree is a good—and tasty—choice. Willoughby also wants homeowners to know that the trees in the food forest aren’t the only natives trees that can help contribute to Frederick’s canopy goals; they’re just suggestions. “We’re trying to help people make good decisions about trees, and we hope that giving them this information will help them make better decisions,” she says. “It seems like more and more people are catching on.”

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Pavuluri says he chose placement with the City of Frederick because it’s his hometown and he wanted to see how local governments impact sustainability. He found out about food forests when he was researching ways to improve food security, and the idea took off as Willoughby mentioned Waterford Park would be the perfect site to start one. Eventually the plans for Waterford’s food forest expanded into Baker Park as its park members showed interest, too. Willoughby assisted Pavuluri in picking appropriate species for the forest, and he began writing grant proposals for the project. Overall, a grant from the Department of Natural Resources gave the park around $1,000, while the Chesapeake Bay Trust gave almost $1,250 and the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek gave around $3,200 in funds to the Baker Park portion after the initial grant was matched by the district. “Jenny, Ginny and [president of Friends of Baker Park] Peter Brehm were instrumental in helping organize volunteers and equipment for the planting days,” Pavuluri says. “In the coming years, I hope the trees and shrubs will start to produce fruits and berries and hope that this project will be expanded to include more food-producing trees.” Not all of the funding went to support the cost of planting trees. According to Brace, grant funding also helped with signage and supplies, including fencing, which is important for protecting the park’s young trees from the families of deer that inhabit the park. The group also purchased two pecan trees, which are planted along the shared-use path that winds through the park. According to Willoughby, black gum trees and swamp white oaks were also planted in Baker Park to help develop a tree canopy. After this canopy is developed, shade-loving pawpaws will be planted in the spaces between the canopy trees. Willoughby says that anyone walking or biking on the path through the park is more than welcome to snack on the edible produce, which is right along the path. Foragers won’t have to guess what they’re eating; there will be signs labeling the edible plants that will also indicate when the produce is best eaten.

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Four Easy Herbs to Grow for an Indoor Garden Growing an indoor herb garden can be tricky. Stick with these flavorful, foolproof options for easy success. story by Cheryl Long

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ou’ve likely been told—in magazine articles, on television and by indoor herb garden kit packaging—about the ease with which you can grow an indoor culinary herb garden. In reality, however, most culinary herbs do not grow well indoors. Light levels are simply too low and, unless you have a greenhouse, you probably will not be very happy with the return on your time investment as you struggle to coax a few leaves out of paltry, nonproducing herbs. Luckily, you can greatly improve your odds of success by growing these four hardy culinary herb superstars, delicious plants that make themselves quite at home on a sunny windowsill and add a wonderful burst of fresh green flavor to your meals year-round.

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Brilliant Basil The unbeatable taste of fresh basil compared with its much blander, dried counterpart makes it worthwhile to grow indoors. Plus, a pot of sweet, fragrant basil smells wonderful in the house. Basil is fast-growing and easy to grow when started from seed—just follow the directions on the packet. Give the plants bright light and harvest leaves as needed.

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Sumptuous Sorrel If you love cooking with fresh herbs and are not growing sorrel, you should absolutely try it. The leaves have a zesty, lemony flavor that makes them a great substitute for lemon juice in all kinds of salads. The plants are perennial and grow fairly well in partial shade. If possible, start the plant in a pot outside, and for indoor growing, simply dig or pull up a section with some roots on it and pot it. Sorrel is a very tough plant and your section should root easily as long as you water it well. Otherwise, pot a seedling from the garden store indoors.

To revive your herbs: 1. Kick-start a dormant period by digging up the herbs and setting them bare in a cold area such as the garage or basement for a few days. 2. Pot them up and prune them back. 3. Water minimally until they look alive again, then water regularly. A variation of this article was originally published in Mother Earth Living magazine. motherearthliving.com

Add a wonderful burst of fresh green flavor to your meals yearround.

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Spry Spearmint Fresh spearmint is terrific on steamed carrots and in tabbouleh or fruit salads. To grow it indoors or out, simply buy a plant (taste a leaf to make sure it has a good flavor) and plant it in a large container. If planted in the ground, aggressive mint will take over your yard or garden. If you grow a spearmint plant outdoors, you can simply bring a few shoots indoors to plant for year-round harvesting. You don’t even need to plant it in soil—just put a few stems or roots into a jar of water and it will do quite nicely for a few months. When it declines, bring in some fresh material to replace it (you’ll have plenty of mint once you plant it).

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Charming Chives You can simply dig up a clump of easy-growing chives from your garden and pot it up. Cut the leaves extremely short when you pot the plant. After the leaves grow back in a few weeks, harvest them as needed by snipping them at the base. If you don’t have a clump in the garden, you can start chives from seed, but be aware that the plants will take a few weeks to reach harvestable size. Sow the seeds thickly—chive plants are skinny and don’t mind being crowded. Though fresh chives are of course superb mixed into sour cream on a baked potato, they’re also delicious in scrambled eggs, green salads, pasta or anywhere you might use onions. Snip and freeze chives to use to top all kinds of savory foods. Use frozen chives exactly as you would fresh.

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Circa 1945/2009- Classic center hall floor plan with large light-filled rooms, vintage woodwork and floors, ceramic baths, total 1 level living w/main floor master suite plus room for family up! 2009 renovations include mechanical updates, kitchen and master suite additions plus garage, terrace and landscaping. Step into Baker Park and walk everywhere downtown!

Private and picturesque 8.5 acre setting with 3/4 acre pond- beautiful grounds and vistas zoned AG, suitable for horses or estate living; 3400 sq ft home with 3 finished floors above grade offers a gourmet kitchen open to sunny breakfast room and a large family room off the kitchen with fireplace, large detached garage has unfinished loft with septic tie-in; separate tractor garage- a unique find

FR10184296

$795,000

FR10071235

$774,999

HISTORIC DISTRICT

WORMANS MILL

Restored Federal detached home in the Historic District. 4834 Fin Sq Ft incl. beautifully proportioned rooms, orig. mantels, floors and trim, updated kitchen and master bath, restored dormers and side porches,newer slate roof, private garden and courtyard w/ street access,plus third fl rear 1 BR apt. with outside access - perfect for in-law, au pair or guests- deeded off street parking.

Beautiful Courtyard home backs to water; enjoy breathtaking sunsets from large screened porch and al fresco dining on covered side porch off kitchen; great room design w/18’ ceilings makes for a dramatic setting w/ walls of glass providing views of marshland w/ abundant wild life- enjoy one level living w/ main lvl lux master suite and room to spread out and host family gatherings - a special home

FR10085249

$699,000

FR10177897

$539,900

301-788-5044 • robwhalen.com

5301 Buckeystown Pike #250 • Frederick, MD • 301-644-1036

Family Owned & Operated Design, Installation, and Maintenance for all your Outdoor Needs!

301-898-3615 • www.HawkinsLandscaping.com

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summer 18

a sport for everyone PHOTO Alistair McDonald

Fly fishing is no longer an older man’s game, and Frederick is the perfect spot to cast your line.

story by David Frey

photos by Bill Green and Dan Gross

rom the headwaters of Big Hunting Creek to the channels of the Potomac, the waters of Frederick County have been carving their way into the hearts of fly fishermen and women for generations. “There’s a lot of history in this area,” says Murray Friedman, owner of Hunting Creek Outfitters, a downtown Frederick shop that specializes in fly fishing equipment and takes its name from the legendary trout stream that tumbles from Catoctin Mountain. Frederick County was once home to Lefty Kreh, one of the most accomplished fly fisherman to ever pull on waders. Before his death in March, Kreh cast flies with luminaries such as Ernest Hemingway and Jack Nicklaus. With its proximity to Camp David, Big Hunting Creek has hosted presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter, and world leaders from Winston Churchill to Anwar Sadat. On warm Saturday mornings in the spring and summer, Hunting Creek is often lined with fly fishermen trying their luck, looking for that perfect spot where terrain and currents combine to drop an artificial fly, pull out a fish and toss it back again.

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His Jock Scott fly will do both. An elegant, tiny sculpture of feathers that masks a barbed hook, it’s meant to entice salmon to take a bite of what appears to be a tasty insect treat. Fly fishing can seem to be as much art as sport, and for many fly fishermen, tying their own flies is part of that art. “It calms me down,” Brown says. “After putting the kids to bed, it’s a way to just kind of unwind.” Fly fishermen and women can fill up their fly boxes by heading to their favorite fishing shop, but many prefer to make their artificial flies themselves, using a fly tying vise, hooks, thread and natural and synthetic materials from feathers to fur to silk. The results may resemble stonefly nymphs or midges or end up as indescribable fuzzy creatures meant to look irresistible from underwater. Hunting Creek Outfitters manager Brian Wallenbeck says he enjoys the relaxation of fly tying, too, but it also has another benefit. “The satisfaction that you get when you tie your own fly and you catch a fish on it,” he says. “It’s kind of unexplainable, the feeling that you get. If I could do a backflip, I would.” Fly fishing can also be a fun group activity. Fly fishing organizations often hold clinics, and Hunting Creek Outfitters has started offering monthly Bugs and Brews, gathering at a local restaurant to share drinks, conversation and fly tying. “By the end of the night, everyone’s shaking hands, exchanging phone numbers, scheduling fishing trips together,” Wallenbeck says. “That’s what this is all about.”

i t

Eric Brown’s homemade red, white and blue fly may not catch any fish, but it will certainly catch your eye.

t r y

The Art of Fly Tying

y o u r s e l f

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“To me, that’s a big appeal of the sport,” Friedman says. “Learning how to read water.” Fly fishing is an artisanal approach to angling. Anyone who has put a worm on a hook and tried to reel in dinner knows line fishing is no sure thing. Fly fishing adds extra elements that make it unique. Most famous is the cast, the elegant swing of the rod and the dance of the line as it arcs through the air, made famous in the film A River Runs Through It. Instead of bait, fly fishers use artificial flies, designed to look like whatever insects happen to be in the air at the moment. Often made of feathers and fur, these lures can be works of art themselves, and some anglers choose to craft them by hand themselves. The sport also brings in naturalist skills. Fly fishers have to read the waters, spotting pools, riffles and rock ledges where fish are likely to take shelter. They also have to read the insect world to get a sense of what’s hatching, what’s flying and what the fish are eating. “A lot of fly fishermen will get into a stream and the first thing they do is turn over a rock and see what kind of bugs are there and then look in their fly box and try to match what’s naturally in the –Murray Friedman stream,” Friedman says. On a day in mid-April, it was midges and stoneflies on Big Hunting Creek, Savage Creek and Gunpowder Creek, and crawfish on the Monocacy and Potomac, according to a chalkboard suspended over the Hunting Creek Outfitters showroom floor. As the weeks change, so will the bugs, and so will the artificial flies. “You want to try to match what’s out there,” Friedman says, “because that’s what they’re eating.” Fly fishing is enjoying a resurgence of popularity, Friedman says, among people in search of “extreme fishing.” He has many customers in their twenties and thirties, and more women are taking up the sport. “We want to encourage more people to get into the sport,” Friedman says. In the spring, the shop offers classes to get people interested in fly fishing, and they fill up fast. The day begins with casting in the air and ends with some real fishing.

“Anything you can fish for you can fly for.”

OPPOSITE Murray Friedman shows off his fly fishing rod in front of a fly-tying supply display. Frederick’s fly-fishing opportunities are bountiful, and the sport is seeing an uptick in younger participants from all backgrounds.

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FROM THE HOME

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“It’s great to introduce people to the sport,” says Hunting Creek Outfitters manager Brian Wallenbeck, who leads the fly fishing classes. “I take pleasure in just seeing people learn and progress and get interested in it.” Classes aren’t necessary, though, Friedman says. Tutorials abound on YouTube. And while gear can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be prohibitively so. Rods at the store start around $150. Reels add another $100 or so. Add flies, boots and waders—plus a fishing license—and you’re ready to go. Local fly fishing clubs, including Potomac Valley Fly Fishers and Trout Unlimited, offer support, classes and advocacy to protect the waterways. Streams in the Catoctin Mountain area rank the best for trout fishing. One of the first streams in Maryland to be stocked with trout and the first to be designated for fly fishing only, Big Hunting Creek is the most famous. It was the state’s first catch-and-return trout fishing area, with introduced rainbow and brook trout, wild brown trout and, in some spots, wild brook trout. Other nearby spots include Little Hunting Creek, Fishing Creek, Friends Creek and Owens Creek. The Monocacy and Potomac rivers offer bass fishing—not the first thing that comes to mind when people think of fly fishing, Friedman says, but why not? “We do a lot of fly fishing for bass,” he says. “Anything you can fish for you can fly fish for.”

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what we love right now dining, dĂŠcor, and entertainment around town

story by Wallis Shamieh

summer 18

dining. one.

FREDERICK COFFEE COMPANY’S SWEET BEE LATTE Found at Frederick Coffee Company, this latte, either hot or iced, is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed all year long. It features local wildflower honey, making it the perfect morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) Aleksandrs Muiznieks, Bill Green (3)

two. WHITE RABBIT GASTROPUB’S CRAB POUTINE This heaping plate of crab poutine is a traditional northern dish with a Maryland twist—delicious lump crabmeat. Share it as an appetizer around the table, or keep it all to yourself ! They start with a plate of hand-cut french fries and top it with hand-pulled mozzarella cheese and lump crab béchamel.

three. HOOTCH & BANTER’S PEAR FO SHIZZLE COCKTAIL Crowned Frederick’s Best Bartender, Jeff Naylor creates delicious cocktails that pair perfectly with Hootch & Banter’s delicious entrée offerings. This drink features Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, St. George Pear Liqueur, sours and egg white to create a deliciously sweet and satisfying cocktail.

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décor.

one. CUSTOM BARN DOORS FROM INDUSTRIAL HOME Barn doors are trendy in home décor, and Industrial Home does them right. Pictured at right, the doors are custom designed, come in a variety of materials and offer a wide range of hardware to choose from— giving your home a rustic yet upscale feel.

two. LIVE EDGE WALNUT MAPLE SOFA TABLE FROM S.A. LITTLE & CO. This gorgeous walnut maple sofa table is the perfect addition to any living space, combining clean lines and natural wood for a sophisticated look. This sofa table is a unique find in the furniture industry because it’s made in North America without veneers or particle board.

three. HIGH-FIRE STONEWARE DISH AT THE POTTERS’ GUILD OF FREDERICK Hand-crafted by local Frederick artist Pam Berry, this high-fire stone dish is a beautiful two-toned blue. Whether you choose to use it to bake, serve, or simply to display, you can’t go wrong adding this piece to your collection of dishware.

PHOTOS Dan Gross

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Caroline Coleman, pictured above, plays a role in the Fun Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presentation of Q, The Witch and the Magical Orb, one of the many family-oriented shows offered by the Maryland Ensemble Theatre.

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entertainment. one.

FREDERICK KEYS BASEBALL GAME Visit Nymeo Field this summer to celebrate the team’s 30th season. Make it a date night or bring the whole family for an evening of good food, beer and baseball. Many games feature special events and attractions, like fireworks, the cowboy monkey rodeo, Jurassic Park night, Medieval Times night and many more. You won’t have to travel far from home for a fun, relaxing summer night.

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE) Madeline Reinhold, Kyle Huson, Graham Cullen, Joe Williams

two. THE DOWNTOWN FREDERICK PARTNERSHIP’S FIRST SATURDAYS On each first Saturday of the month, the Downtown Frederick Partnership hosts a night of entertainment, attractions and deals provided by local shops and restaurants. Take a stroll down Market Street, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants and peruse a few of Frederick’s boutiques.

three. THE MARYLAND ENSEMBLE THEATRE If you’re a fan of the performing arts, you won’t want to miss a show at the Maryland Ensemble Theatre. This intimate, black-box theater showcases several main stage plays each season, as well as late night improv comedy shows, children’s programing and special events like the always popular Retro Prom.

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A Small Slice of History Only 30 minutes from Frederick, Waterford, Virginia, offers respite from the busy day-to-day.

story by Jim Mahaffie

photos courtesy of Ed Lehmann

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t may seem like a random detour off the Washington & Old Dominion Trail in Northern Virginia, but as you roll over backroads, past bucolic farms and vineyards of Loudoun County and down Clarkes Gap Road, you will find yourself transported to the early 1800s. The tiny village of Waterford, only 30 minutes from Frederick, is filled with homes and buildings with grand names like the Ratcliffe House, Sugar Shack, Weaver’s Cottage and Mill End, which were almost all built in the 18th and 19th centuries. The architecture is well preserved by citizens who are fiercely dedicated to the past. Sprinkled among the historic homes are springhouses, barns, sheds and former shops, as well as a few small churches. Many rely on individual wells for water. The entire area with its brick walls, stone steps and wooden fences was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1970. Unless you take that left down Clarkes Gap, you miss this little time capsule. Bypassed by the railroads and left alone by developers and tract home builders, the small Quaker village sat undisturbed for decades and today remains a peaceful place for visitors to experience a bit of American history. Hidden Gem Waterford was founded in the 1740s around the old Janney’s Mill, which still sits at the end of Main Street next to Catoctin Creek. The Janneys were Quakers and traveled from Bucks County in Pennsylvania to found their mill. Others followed, and soon the community grew. The Civil War took a toll on the bustling commercial town. While Virginia was staunchly Confederate, Waterford remained loyal to the Union thanks to its Quaker, pacifist population. In fact, the only organized military unit in Virginia that fought for the Union was formed in Waterford by a miller who was angry that the Confederates confiscated his property. The bustling commercial town suffered for its loyalty afterward, ignored by railroads and road-builders. A few roads were paved in the 1930s, and families began buying and restoring dilapidated buildings. The nonprofit Waterford Foundation was established in 1943, “to revive and stimulate a community interest in recreating the town of Waterford as it existed in previous times with its varying crafts and activities,” according to its charter. The first annual Waterford Homes Tour & Crafts Exhibit was held in October 1944 and is today a hugely popular autumn event. This year, the Waterford Fair, as it is known

today, will be held October 5–7. Highly skilled artisans demonstrate their craft, and gourmet refreshments abound during the three-day festival. A Stroll Through Waterford The homes of Waterford are distinctive, with “bank buildings” carved into the slopes of the hilly area, many with weatherboard siding. The stony ground gave settlers an easy, close-at-hand material for foundations. Many of the brick buildings show a decorative pattern called Flemish bond, where bricks resemble a cross in various courses. Waterford today has about 1,500 residents. The village itself sits on a compact 300 acres but is surrounded by 1,400 acres of undisturbed, open space of farms and fields. Visitors can enjoy the unique architecture and history via a walking tour of the town, which follows Lower Main Street and highlights the community’s antebellum lifestyle and structures. The 165-year-old Loudoun Mutual Insurance Company sits on High Street. On 2nd Street, you’ll find a building that once housed a tin smith and post office. The Pink House is a memorable stop along the tour. Built in the early 1800s, the Pink House has served as a tavern, pharmacy and general store. When you’re hungry and thirsty, you can visit one of the wineries that dot the hills around the village. At Terra Nebulo Vineyards, located only a half mile from the Old Mill, visitors can pair a charcuterie with a sampling of wines ranging from a German-Americanstyle Traminette or aromatic Viognier. For a taste of Virginia, visit Village Winery and Vineyards for a glass of the Triple Threat—a blend of the winery’s apple, raspberry and elderberry wines. If you’re seeking a gluten-free option, the cider at Corcoran Vineyards and Cidery is a bubbly and refreshing aperitif. For heavier fare (and a local beer), stop in at Vino 9 Market, just a few miles up Clarke’s Gap and Route 9. The “5-star dive bar” offers live music on a welcoming patio, as well as piquant barbecue you won’t soon forget. Reserve a room in one of the many cozy carriage house Airbnb listings in Waterford for an overnight stay, or if you plan to make it home by dinner, be sure to take a portion of the Journey through Hallowed Ground scenic byway, U.S. Highway 15. The scenic byway is preserved land honoring the history and heritage of the 180-miles once called Old Virginia Road. It spans Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania and will take you back across the Potomac as you wend your way home to Frederick. waterfordvillage.org

The Waterford Fair Waterford’s 74th Annual Homes Tour & Arts Exhibit will be held October 5–7, 2018. Sponsored by the Waterford Foundation, it raises funds for preservation and is a wonderful way to sample the charms and character of the unique village. You can tour many of the beautiful old homes, and shop more than 100 artists chosen through a jury process that assesses the quality and authenticity of their work. Food, rural farming demonstrations and music are other highlights, as well as Civil War reenactors. More than 10,000 visitors attend. waterfordfairva.org

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Owning a historic home in Frederick offers its fair share of triumphs and tribulations. Story by Jim Mahaffie Photos by Dan Gross Mark and Teresa Stullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic Frederick home provides warm and welcoming curb appeal.

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O An Architectural Landmark The Stulls’ home proudly display a landmark plaque, which recognizes the architecture and historic merit of buildings and structures that are 100 years of age or more throughout Frederick County. Granted by the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation, a lot goes into designations, including criteria from • National Register Criteria for Evaluation • Frederick City Historic District Commission Guidelines   • The National Park Service • Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings According to Joan Deacon of the Foundation’s Plaque Committee, more than 400 structures in the county have earned the designation. Made of castiron and usually prominently displayed on facades, plaques are awarded to the owners for preservation efforts. “People in Frederick are indeed very proud of their historic homes,” she says.

ne morning, Mark and Teresa Stull were enjoying brunch in Frederick. Twenty days later, they were moving into their own historic row home at 64 E. South Street. Originally from Frederick, Mark left in 1984 to go to college. When he and Teresa married and settled in the metro area, they started drifting back to Frederick on weekends, drawn by dining opportunities, the charming old town area and easier pace. That day in 2015 was prophetic. “Let’s go to Frederick and have brunch,” Teresa suggested. Mark followed up with, “We spend so much time there, why don’t we just move?” Randomly searching a few listings, the historic rowhouse caught their eye, and they swung by and found an open house. Mark loved the original United Fire plaque embedded above the front door, dating back to when homeowners paid in advance for fire protection. “When I walked into the kitchen, I knew it was going to be ours,” Teresa says. “The house had very good energy, with lots of stories that live in our floors and walls.” “We agonized over the decision for about the length of the ride back home to D.C.,” Mark says. ‘STABLE AND WELL BUILT’ The property was sold “as is.” So the Stulls hired two different engineering firms to inspect it for issues. Both were very positive about the home. After checking the foundation, one engineer told the Stulls, “I wouldn’t touch these walls. They’re very stable and well built.” “In fact,” he said. “If you don’t buy this house, I will.” As near as they can figure from adjacent homes and records, the home dates between 1860 and 1880. It’s one of many in Downtown Frederick’s 50-block historic district. Many buildings date from the late 1700s to the 1940s, an eclectic mix of Federal, Victorian, Queen Anne and

Gothic architecture. Near the Stulls’ home are Frederick destinations such as Volt Restaurant, the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and Carroll Creek Linear Park. Their yard backs up to the Hessian Barracks, and they can walk to Il Porto Restaurant and the Fairgrounds. Though it’s their first experience with a historic home, the Stulls are completely dedicated to their responsibility to period integrity. Remodeling and maintenance are more intensive and expensive, but owners say it’s a “labor of love.” “The house really needed some love,” Teresa says. “The previous owners had done some upgrades, but it needed attention.” They knew they needed professional help and hired Caddworks, Inc., a residential design and drafting service in Frederick. Senior Project Manager Brian Bradfield walked them through what changes would entail. The Stulls have relied on a few different local firms for help in home improvements. “Doing it on your own takes too much time and knowledge,” Teresa says. Current Historic District guidelines run more than 160 pages, with detailed regulations from walls and windows to dormers and downspouts to gables and garden structures. The city’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), appointed by the mayor, must approve all exterior changes except for “minor work,” such as nailing loose pieces of wood siding, or replacing broken window panes. Property owners may be eligible for various tax incentives, but these change all the time, on local, state and federal levels. MANAGING CHANGES The couple recently completed a carriage house at the back of the home—a four-car garage with a loft—and had a very pleasant experience getting plans approved. “The city was wonderful,” says Mark. “But we were fully prepared and worked with the right people who knew the historic

OPPOSITE Teresa and Mark Stull enjoy the charm of their historic row home in Frederick. The couple maintained historic details as they renovated the home with modern features.

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process.” Joseph F. Devilbiss Construction managed the work, and the company’s knowledge of historic homes and dedication to preserving the Historic District were invaluable. Another great contact for the Stulls has been general contractor J. Grubbs Construction, who knows the special needs of historic-home owners in the Frederick area. In almost three years in the home, the Stulls have completed several projects, including repairs to the slate roof and pocket doors. Wood stoves were installed at the front and back of the house. Guidelines require the use of copper downspouts, wooden garage doors instead of aluminum, and wood siding—rather than far less expensive vinyl or aluminum. When paint started bubbling on their wood siding, indicating rotted wood, and then a storm blew some siding off, they had to take one side of the house down to the studs and replace it all. “It definitely ends up costing more,” Teresa says. “But with a historic home, you have to be prepared for that.” Energy costs of a historic home are higher, so owners need to budget appropriately. Next on their home improvement is replacing their rotting front fence. “Whether wood or iron, we definitely want it to look like it has been here for 150 years,” Mark says. WORKING WITH HPC There’s a like-mindedness among the Stulls, HPC and other officials. “They appreciate you taking the time to research, care in designing to the period and speaking to

Historic details add charm to the Stulls’ Frederick home.

historical integrity of the neighborhood,” Teresa says. For instance, when the Stulls wanted to put up a new gate, they researched 1880s-era gates online, walked alleyways in Frederick and Mt. Olivet and looked at iron structures first. “We knew it couldn’t be a Home Depot purchase,” Mark says. “It had to be cast iron and last 100 years.” After plans were approved, the homeowners went to local Clark Welding & Fabricating to have the new gate made. Teresa says workshops with HPC help with plans and permits. “Try and do it yourself, and your plans can get knocked down,” she says. “When you work with a consultant and start with workshops, you’re so much better off.” Projects involving additions, new construction or demolition require homeowners to attend a workshop before proceeding to a hearing, notes Lisa Mroszczyk Murphy, a city historic preservation planner. Her team reviews more than 300 applications a year. “They’re informal meetings where you lay your plans out, discuss everything, get feedback and learn your options,” she says. “Applicants will have a good idea coming out of these as to what they need to get approval.” Regular workshops cover topics such as tax credits, masonry or wooden windows. “Homeowners can always call or email HPC or City Planning with questions,” Murphy says. “There may be misinformation, and you can clear it up with a call or email. We make site visits, too, and have lots of resources where we can direct people.”

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Frederick County features luxury homes for grand living. The above home is located on Gambrill Park Road.

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C K

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Most luxurious Homes FIVE ELEGANT LISTINGS LOCATED IN THE COUNTY

Some people may think that finding a true luxury home means driving south to Montgomery County, but there are plenty right here in Frederick County. Here, we highlight a few properties with luxurious features, excellent location and plenty of room for every member of your family.

STORY BY GINA GALLUCCI-WHITE

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craftsmen’s delight When recently discussing one of her listings, the phrase “Colorado chic” came to the mind of RE/MAX Results real estate agent Elaine Koehl. Located in the 10000 block of Masser Road in Frederick, folks will find a secluded, private and peaceful 25-acre lot with a nearly 7,000-squarefoot home featuring five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. “The overall floor plan is very open with an abundance of windows, which capture the beautiful pastures and mountain range,” she says. “The home is beautifully crafted and has a laid-back luxury feeling.” The master suite and laundry center are located on the main level. The home, listed for $1.5 million, offers a number of thoughtful features such as electronic window shades in the sun-room, which faces west to capture the sunsets; hand-selected ash flooring milled by Amish craftsmen; walls that are tongue and groove white pine; and wild cherry cabinetry. On the property is also a separate cottage, offering versatility as a guest cottage, home office or caretaker residence. Those who fish will delight in having a stocked trout pond with a charming water fountain. Koehl notes the pond has also played host to some fun family ice hockey games during the winter. Located in the foothills of the Catoctin Mountain Range about 10 miles from presidential retreat Camp David, the property is bordered by woods and home to an abundance of wildlife such as bald eagles, deer and rabbits, yet is only 5–6 miles from Frederick’s historic district.

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Mountain oasis Commuting is a major factor for many county residents, and many would love to be seconds from I-270 and the growing infrastructure in Urbana. With a listing in the 3200 block of Ramsland Way, folks are close to major roadway arteries and have a private home in a cul-de-sac neighborhood without a homeowners’ association. Plus, the home offers gorgeous views of Sugarloaf Mountain. With an owner who does professional finish work, guests will find high-end trim throughout the custom-built home, which includes five bedrooms and four and a half baths over nearly 5,000 square feet. “The attention to detail is everywhere,” says David Bowers, Long and Foster real estate agent. The home offers an open floor plan, and the grand entranceway is 21 feet tall with a fireplace that stretches to the ceiling. But the grand master-suite bathroom offers true luxury with separate vanity areas, a soaking tub and separate shower. The home, with an asking price just shy of $900,000, sits on almost an acre of land located about a minute’s drive from Urbana High School. “It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Frederick County, in this neighborhood, school district and part of the county,” Bowers says.

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Decadent digs When driving to his six-and-a-half acre listing in the 6700 block of Keller Lime Plant Road in Frederick, Keller Williams Integrity real estate agent Mike Bennett always enjoys coming up the secluded driveway. “It’s a neat sense of arrival,” he says. “It feels like you are by yourself back there.” The $1.4 million home, which occupies just under 7,000 square feet, showcases five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms. “The interior of [the home] is not something that you find in normal homes,” Bennett says. “They have gone above and beyond with the bathrooms,” he added, noting the ornate architectural trim and details placed throughout the rooms. A bedroom was also transformed into a dream walk-in closet to provide a safe harbor for designer labels.

12814-G Shank Farm Way Hagerstown 301.739.0830 www.carsonjewelers.com

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commune with nature

Those looking for more rustic charm should consider a listing in the 3700 block of Basford Road in Frederick. It was custom built by a master woodworker. The exterior is made of hemlock and stone, and wood is a prominent feature indoors. With four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, the property also has a large pole barn/shed, which could either house a home business or tractors and other vehicles. The $875,000 home, just over 5,000 square feet, is located on 10 acres with 5 of those acres dedicated to forest conservation. “There is nothing that is going to be built behind that land,” says Christine Hersey, RE/MAX Results real estate agent. “You have the feeling of nature back there.”

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a Grand Escape A few minutes from Gambrill State Park is another luxury listing in the 10600 block of Gambrill Park Road in Frederick. Offering privacy with just over six and a half acres, there are great western views of the sunset in Middletown Valley from two balconies off the kitchen and master suite. There are three fireplaces, a hot tub and many large windows for plenty of natural light. “It’s a nice drive as you come up,” says Cindy DelZoppo, Northrup Realty, a Long and Foster Company. “It is paved. It sits a little bit further back from the road, so you don’t really see it from the road until you come down the driveway. … It has a nice presence as you come down that driveway.” Featuring more than 5,200 square feet with three finished floors, there are five bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms in the spacious home. “There aren’t too many other luxury homes in the area of this size,” she says. “You can’t get an all-brick house for $800,000 in today’s market if you had to build new.”

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summer 18

backstory THE POWER OF DÉCOR

With us, it began with a lamp. We went to the annual Baltimore Craft Show and bought a table lamp on a whim. My wife announced that it “didn’t go with anything” when we brought it home. Somehow, and this remains a complete mystery, the lamp purchase resulted in meeting an architect, becoming entranced with his hand-drawn sketches, hiring a contractor, living in my daughter’s room, cooking on a George Foreman grill and sleeping on a lumpy couch. And a lot of money later, our formerly humble Cape Cod is now a house people stop at and admire when they drive by. In an obviously-being-remodeled home, there’s no privacy. Contractors start at dawn. Power tools, loud crashes and dust (oh, the dust!) are to be expected. Men clomp in and out constantly. I commented on the lack of privacy to our contractor: “Oh yeah,” he said. “We know everything when we’re at your house.” Remodeling is often described in violent terms. You “blow out walls,” “tear down,” “gut rooms,” and then create “punch lists.” But demo was strangely satisfying. We had an ’80s-style white-on-white kitchen with pink-streaked granite. Watching that go was easy. Then your walls are down to studs, and it’s dark, dirty and depressing. You want to see constant progress, but there are days when nothing happens. “Waiting for countertops,” the contractor says. Or, “the electrical inspector’s a little behind.” There are blows to your budget, too. “Those joists need replacing,” you’ll hear. Or, “none of that wiring is up to code.” I blame the lamp for the stress. But I should also thank the lamp, because we wish we’d redone the kitchen, added rooms and built the front porch years ago. We survived. So did the lamp.

essay by Jim Mahaffie

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