It’s time for our annual round-up of Hot Houses. But first, I would like to thank all of you who have read the column and left great comments on social media. I hope that you have as much fun reading Hot House as I have writing it.
Speaking of writing, some weeks I have really struggled to find interesting houses to feature. In several neighborhoods, there have literally been no houses on the market. I always strive to share unique houses in a range of prices and neighborhoods, but we are in an unusual housing market, with mortgage rates still at a higher level than in the past few years.
So, let’s take a look at the HOTTEST of the 2025 Hot Houses, and hope that 2026 is a better year in real estate!
In fifth place is this gorgeous house in Pinehurst, with the fabulous gardens. From the street, the house doesn’t look very exciting, but once you enter, look around and then go out to the gardens, you will be wowed! This four bed/five bath house was on the market for $1.89 million. It is still on the market, and the price has dropped to $1.549 million.
In fourth place is a deceptively large house in Mount Vernon, that is set back from the street and overlooked by passers-by. Once you get inside, the house expands into several living areas, a possible gallery area and even a terrace in the trees. This three bed/five bath house was on the market for $1.275 million. The house is no longer on the market.
In third place is another great house in Mount Vernon, this time an old carriage house with great details put together from the creative mind of furniture-maker and artist, David Wiesand. One of the biggest assets of this carriage house was the in-house one-car garage! This two bed/two bath space was available for $3,000 a month and is now off the market.
Second place goes to what I have to admit has been my favorite house since I was a child. This Palmer & Lamdin-designed house on Cotswold Road is reminiscent of an English Tudor country house in, uhh, the Cotswolds! It’s a six bed/nine bath house which was on the market for $3.2 million. It has not yet sold and the price has dropped to $2.95 million.
In top place is the long-time home of artist and jeweler, Betty Cooke. Hidden away in the heart of Ruxton, this shingle carriage house combined with a mid-century modern addition was the place everyone loved! It was a three bed/three bath house spread over 3,400 square feet and the asking price was $900,000, and it sold for $800,000.
Rounding out the top ten were the following houses:
6. Hot House: ‘Mini castle’ in Towson can make anyone feel like royalty
7. Hot House: A Dickeyville artist’s dream home and studio all in one.
8. Hot House: Former Happy Hills hospital feels both secluded and within reach of amenities
9. Hot House: Nestled in the trees, the porch of this Roland Park cottage calls for summer
10. Hot House: Step inside this beautiful French Normandy-style home in North Baltimore
Sending best wishes for a great 2026 and we’ll see you then!
