Hot House: 6105 Blackburn Lane, Cedarcroft, Baltimore 21212
Arts and Crafts style bungalow, circa 1922, with wood clapboard siding and new shingle roof. Four bedrooms, 2 full baths over two stories and 2,026 sq. ft. with half basement. Large living room w/ fireplace, dining room, den, galley kitchen, large deck off kitchen. Three bedrooms and full bath on main level. Wood floors throughout. Large loft-style bedroom and full bath upstairs. Well maintained, with new exterior paint, upgraded electric, backup generator, central a/c, waterproofed basement. On .34 landscaped acres with gardens. Garage/potting shed: $449,000
What: Arts and Crafts bungalows are a prized commodity, with their quirky hipped rooflines and broad eves that invite you to step outside. This one has a square shape and a cool paint job that makes it especially appealing, although some of its vintage charm is actually hiding behind a bush in this photo. The welcome starts at the wide front door, which opens into the living room in an informal, “we’re here!” kind of way. Like lots of Arts and Crafts houses, there are built-in bookshelves and cabinets in nearly every room — part of the uncluttered “Mission” aesthetic — the idea being that quality details lend character and distinction to small and simple houses. This is one level living, and the layout, while not exactly “open plan,” is pretty open. The flow directs you onto the back deck and garden which is private and beautiful. The three downstairs bedrooms could easily become a large master suite.
Where: Blackburn Lane is probably the nicest street in Cedarcroft, a winding, less traveled, one-way road that runs the block between Lake Avenue and Gittings. Towering oaks and maples offer a protective canopy, and there are sidewalks for walkers. In the morning and after school, shouts of children punctuate the quiet — Cedarcroft has lots of kids attending a variety of schools, from the legendary Cedarcroft School down the street to highly ranked public Roland Park Elementary, to local parochial and private schools within a two or three-mile radius. Perhaps most important for children is the short walk to the Charlesmead Pharmacy, with its 1930’s era lunch counter, and its stock of candy and old fashioned toys. Next door is the Pinehurst Wine Shop, equally appealing to moms and dads.
Why: Unstuffy Craftsmen homes accommodate lots of furniture styles. Your Crate and Barrel sofa … his wagon wheel coffee table.
Why Not: Only one main floor bathroom.
Would Suit: Modest but stylish buyers. Gardeners.
NB: At some point, the garden got away from them. Just needs a little cutting back. A couple hours with the clippers.
