Hot House: 214 Goodale Road, Baltimore 21212
Stone and stucco, French country style house, designed by Palmer-Lamdin, circa 1929. Four bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths over three stories, 4,144 sq. ft. Hardwood floors, crown moldings, large family room with gas fireplace, den, living room with fireplace, dining room and eat in kitchen/granite counters, mudroom. Large master suite with walk in closets, sep. glass shower. Semi-finished basement, 2 car detached garage, central a/c: $874,500.
What: An ideal family house. Classy but sensible. High end but not high maintenance. Perfect size. But mainly – get ready — a dog bath in the mudroom. Sure, we all love an entrance foyer, crown moldings, big living rooms and adjoining family rooms with fireplaces. And, yes, the master bedroom suite is luxurious with walk in closets, a big modern bath and window seat. The other bedrooms also have lots of light, and a third floor suite that would be equally awesome for teenagers or visitors. That’s all really nice. But when it comes right down to it, the thing that fires the imagination, the thing everybody’s going to want, is the the adobe-tiled dog bath conveniently located by the back door. It’s surprising that Palmer-Lamdin didn’t think of it, because they thought of almost everything else. There are two stone patios, a screened in porch and a private corner of the garden, under a magnolia tree, that looks like it has secrets to tell. Nice architectural details — wainscoting, staircase, deep window seats — speak of quality construction. The recent family room addition on one side of the house is a plus, as is the mudroom, which also works as a kitchen expansion. The lower level has been a legendary teenage hangout in the past, and hopefully will be again.
Where: Goodale Road is one of the best streets in Homeland, with tons of curb appeal, and a pretty stone house or a landscaped garden around every bend. There are friendly neighbors and nearby schools. There’s entry level fishing and skating on Homeland’s ‘lakes’. That’s important because it’s the kind of neighborhood where people stay a long time. It’s where you’re going to raise some kids, make your friends, man the BBQ. And where little Sam/Charlie/Sophie is going to become a lacrosse star, start an NGO and hopefully get into a halfway decent college. Belvedere Square to the east, Roland Park to the west, and Charles Street running downtown and up to Towson.
Why: Dog bath in mudroom.
Why Not: No dog.
Would Suit: Young family, ready to grow up.
NB: Governor O’Malley’s new digs are nearby. Gotta believe his security guys are keeping an eye on things.
