That Subtle, Southern Charm

By Lisa J. Gotto

Located on five parcels of land and encompassing 670 acres, this rural estate with its various outbuildings is an amazing tribute to 19th century architectural sensibilities on the Eastern Shore.

Brick-paved walkways lead to a gorgeous set of rich, wood doors. A gracious, center hall entry with large slate floors and a staircase with period balustrade detail greets guests to this historical residence that dates back to 1880. Elements of crown molding and chair rail treatments have been well preserved, as are the home’s door hardware, which remain in the style of the period.

Primary Structure Built:1880 Sold For: $8,500,000

Original List Price: $9,950,000

Bedrooms: 7

Baths: 5 Full, 2 Half Living Space: 9,833 Sq. Ft. Lot Size: 670 acres

To the right of the entry, guests will pass a lovely library with built-ins, as they make their way to the spacious living room with central fireplace and enough room to have two independent seating areas. This room leads into a separate wing with a convenient main level bedroom. The first of the property’s seven bedrooms, this room is spacious and boasts honey-colored hardwood floors, a beautiful period mantle with wood-burning fireplace, and patio access via a set of French doors. A separate bath with vintage clawfoot tub, a large, glass shower, and dual vanities is located nearby.

Walk past the formal dining room with fireplace to the left of the entry and into the home’s custom, gourmet kitchen. This room offers a large, center island, tons of white wood cabinetry, gorgeous wooden beams overhead, and all professional-grade appliances. This room also boasts a separate eat-in area, patio access, built-in bench window seats, and a rustic, brick-front hearth.

Straight down the hall from the entry is a spacious four-season family room with fabulous sightlines to the Reeds Creek waterfront, back patio, and the immaculate grounds.

There are two smaller bedrooms at the top of the stairs to the left which share a full bath, and two more to the right that share a bath. This level also boasts the home’s original knotty wood floors throughout.

Outside, there’s a world unto itself as the grounds have been maintained to provide a robust wildlife habitat for waterfowl that includes eight waterfowl impoundments. There is also an in-ground pool, a tennis court, guest accommodations, a caretaker’s house, housekeeper’s house, numerous storage and outbuildings, a private pier, and a living shoreline providing an everyday reminder of a life well-lived on the Eastern Shore.