1914 Ruxton Road, Ruxton.
Hot House: Classic Cedar Shake Shingle “Cottage” in Ruxton. 5 Beds/4 Baths. 3,078 Square Feet. Asking price: $1,398,000.
What: When you think of an old cedar shake “cottage” in the early 1900’s in Newport or Nantucket, this house is what should come to mind. Old cedar shingles, crisp white-painted details, large porches with striped canvas awnings and the thought of a late afternoon drink, chatting with old friends.
Steep Acre, as the house is known, was designed in 1896 by Wyatt & Nolting, who also designed houses in Guilford, the Fifth Regiment Armory and the original Calvert School. As you approach the house via a circular drive, you are greeted by springtime flowers including daffodils, azaleas and rhododendron.
When you enter the house through one of the many porches, you find yourself in the living room, with its beamed ceiling, fireplace and elaborate staircase. The living room is bracketed by two covered porches, allowing great air circulation in the summers. The upgraded kitchen with its breakfast bar and contemporary appliances makes it an ideal gathering space. There is also a powder room, laundry and pantry with ample storage space. All of these rooms lead to either porches or decks.
The second floor contains the primary bedroom, along with an adjacent bath, sitting room and large closets. The other rooms can be either used as bedrooms, home offices or dens. One even has its own fireplace. The top floor has two more bedrooms, plus a full bath. There is also a large recreation space with numerous built-ins.
Outside, the 1.3 acre lot features numerous old trees, lawns and a hot tup on one of the decks.
Where: Nestled in the heart of Ruxton, this one-of-a-kind former summer cottage will be an excellent place to raise a family… I am thinking of the cedar-shingle “cottage” where I grew up in Roland Park. Steep Acre is located just minutes from the shops on Bellona Avenue, and a very short drive into Towson.
Final Appraisal: Although air conditioning features prominently in our lives, don’t discount sitting on an awning covered porch with the ceiling fans whirring, a good book or a good conversation and a cold drink. It’s the stuff of memories. The listing for the house is here.
All photographs from the listing.
