Hot House: 4713 Roland Avenue, Roland Park, Baltimore, 21210
Victorian Queen Anne shingle-style house, circa 1896, exceptionally well-maintained. 4,339 sq. ft. over three stories, with wrap-around porch, 6 bedrooms, 5 baths, large master suite, jacuzzi, gourmet kitchen, full basement. Enclosed glass porch, four fireplaces, original stained glass, and leaded windows, wainscoting, new awnings, on .5 acre landscaped property: $875,000
What: That hoariest of real estate descriptions, “storybook Victorian.” But this is a real beauty, with its original leaded glass and stained glass windows, rounded two-story turret, fine plasterwork detailing and heart pine floors. Visibly well-cared for in the last 25 years by a prominent Baltimore engineer, it has been treated with knowledge and sensitivity throughout. There is an impressive and detailed three page list of sophisticated upgrades and replacements made to the house, as well as details of its history — like the fact that the sellers are only the third owners of the house, which was the home “for 80 years to Miss Eugenia Calvert Holland, whose younger brother was born in the front room.” A privet hedge was “transplanted from the median strip of the old Roland Avenue streetcar when the line was removed in 1947.” The list of (expensive) upgrades includes a new roof (30 year guarantee), a new garage in 2006, the entire house replumbed in copper, four-zone heat and five-zone central air, new screens and storms on all windows, some entirely new windows. And much, much more. There is a lot to see. The ground floor has large living and dining rooms with crown molding and fireplaces, much as you’d expect. The surprise is a custom gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, wine fridge, Sub-Zero and an amazing stainless steel Bertazzoni range. The back of the kitchen has big windows, with sink overlooking a pretty garden and lane. The sleek butler’s pantry and kitchen fireplace surround are a dark soapstone. Up the wide staircase, and there’s a large, light room with a chic Jazuzzi tub standing majestically in the center of the room. A huge master suite with adjoining study and bathroom takes up nearly half of the second floor. The front bedrooms are big and bright, with chic striped awnings visible out of large windows. Third floor has more lovely rooms, and a small second kitchen.
Where: The east side of Roland Avenue, as you drive north towards Eddie’s of Roland Park, which is within easy walking distance. Same for the library, the post office, Starbuck’s, the Roland Park swimming pool, the Roland Park public school (with it’s 9 out of 10 “great schools” rating), St. David’s nursery school and many local private schools. Petit Louis and Johnny’s restaurants are practically across the street. And Roland Avenue is (still) well ploughed in a snowstorm.
Why: Those awesome awnings.
Why Not: On Roland Avenue, which is busy in the mornings– although it is well set back.
Would Suit: Young family, lots of kids (or visitors).
NB: No street noise inside house.
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Great house! Just gorgeous.
i’ll take it.