7 E. Madison Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Federal style, freestanding brick house, circa 1940, recently updated. Four bedrooms, 3 baths, 1,960 sq. ft with semi-finished basement. Center hall layout with formal dining room, large living room with wood burning fireplace, custom cabinetry and window seat overlooking garden. Hardwood floors throughout, gourmet kitchen, den, ensuite master bedroom, three further bedrooms, all with closets. Central a/c, landscaped, southwest-facing walled garden with stone patio and fishpond. Close to MARC train and all Mt. Vernon attractions: $679,000
What: An eye catching Federal-style house that proudly occupies its elevated spot behind ivy covered pillars and a wrought iron fence. The home’s classic architecture fits the location so well that people assume it to be 100 years older than it actually is, and it was featured several times in the Mt. Vernon’s holiday season Holly House Tour. Owners Karen Miller and Graham Brent bought it in 2005, and have made the most of the location They’ve acquired beautiful art through student shows at MICA and the nearby Schuler School of Art, purchased plants at Baltimore’s annual Flower Mart (which happens to be this weekend in Mt. Vernon Square) and food at the downtown Farmers Market on Sundays. They walked to their wedding at the landmark United Methodist Church as well as the reception afterwards at the Mt. Vernon Club. The house is stylish, comfortable and in perfect condition. The basement is warm and dry with a new laundry. It’s nicely decorated — which is important because you can see all the rooms from almost any spot on the main level. Over the years, historic elements have been added. The fireplace mantel and front door transom were salvaged from the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904. It was owned for many years by the Suwell family who owned and ran a popular florist shop in the spot that Never On Sunday now occupies. Mr. Suwell used a fine walking stick (dated 1899), which he left behind, and the Miller-Brents promise it will convey with the house.
Where: Madison Street runs between Charles and St. Paul, one block north of Mt. Vernon Place. It is a one way street, running west, which helps maintain a quiet, dignified air. Lovegrove Street, whose smaller homes were once carriage houses, crosses Madison here. The Mt. Vernon Conservancy keeps a close eye on the close knit neighborhood, ensuring parks, monuments and streets are well maintained and serviced. Walk to the Peabody and catch a concert. Visit the Walters, shop and dine on Charles Street. The new Brew House No. 16 is just over on Calvert Street, in the old fire station. It’s an easy walk or bike (.7 miles) to Penn Station, for Washington commuters, and the free Circulator Bus regularly makes its rounds.
Why: A very impressive house in a fine location.
Why Not: No parking — owners say it’s not a problem.
Would Suit: Urban dwellers, sociable but freestanding.
NB: Only one set of stairs — a plus in Mt. Vernon, where townhouses often have three or more.
