Hot House: 818 Bellemore Road, Poplar Hill, Baltimore, MD 21210
Stone Cape Cod in Poplar Hill, circa 1937, with enclosed porch, slate and shingle roof. Three bedrooms, 2.5 baths over 1,640 sq. ft. Recently renovated. Entrance foyer, living room with bay window and fireplace, dining room, galley kitchen, family room, main floor laundry, hardwood floors throughout, attic. Landscaped yard with parking pad in back, .61 acre private lot, backs to trees: $499,000 (offer pending)
What: There are a lot of reasons, it turns out, why you’ll be happier in a smaller house. One: “a tendency to consume experiences rather than things.” This will be especially true if the house looks like a storybook cottage, is close to everything and is well priced for a classy neighborhood like Poplar Hill. Our sources say that even before its front door was painted an adorable periwinkle blue, walkers inevitably slowed down in front of this house to admire its charms. Perfectly proportioned and with a front path lined with pink peonies and Russian sage, it sits on its generous lot in a small, yet confident way that taps deeply into that emotional vein many people have about houses. Inside, it’s impeccable, thanks to a recent renovation. The enclosed sunroom has a stone floor and looks out over the pretty yard. The galley kitchen has a little window over the sink. Upstairs, the rooms are not large, but two full and modern baths help with that. All in all, it is not exactly a luxury home, but it feels luxurious in that there is everything you need and so much that you don’t.
Where: 818 Bellemore Road is on the west side of Roland Avenue, about four houses in from Roland on the north side of the street. Bellemore is a pretty, tree lined, winding road, near public and private schools. It runs west about a half mile downhill to Falls Road, and east across Roland Avenue over to the Bryn Mawr School. Eddie’s Supermarket and the Roland Park shops are about a mile to the south, with sidewalks running all the way. Lake Roland is about a mile north and west. Good access to 83 via Northern Parkway and Falls Road, and about 20 minutes downtown from here. A nice flat back yard has lots of room for a swing set, lacrosse pitch, more gardens or large hammock.
Why: Curb appeal, small house with big lot and gardens .
Why Not: Small groups of women outside in the street, admiring your house.
Would Suit: Downsizers with multiple homes, or young family, happy with less stuff.
NB: No garage or central air.
