Hot House: 11207 Falls Road, Lutherville, MD 21093
Traditional style brick and wood frame house on private road, circa 1957, all systems updated and well maintained. 4 bedrooms, 5 baths over three levels, 5,322 sq. feet plus 1,300 sq. ft. partially-finished basement. First floor master suite, large kitchen with breakfast room, granite counters, s/s appliances, dining room, large living room and family room both with fireplace, den, wine cellars. Swimming pool and hot tub with bluestone surround, mature plantings, English boxwood garden, stone hardscaping, on six private acres. 8’ deer fence. Two-car attached garage with separate garage/studio: $1,600,000
What: According to realtors, the number one most-sought-after item for home buyers lately is a first floor master suite. Nine out of 10 best-selling house plans for 2013 have a FFMS, according to Builder magazine online. In East Hampton NY, where they know a thing or two about home buying trends, realtor Bruce Pellman pointed out in January that “If a seller wants to get close to the asking price, he better have a first-floor master suite. Unless they are very young buyers, people with money are thinking ‘I don’t want to be climbing stairs in 10 years’.”
In this house, you won’t need to climb the stairs. Down a long quiet hall to the right of the entrance foyer, well away from the main house, is an enviable first floor master suite. Spacious and light, it’s big windows look over the rolling back lawn. There are huge closets and a luxurious master bath with separate shower and toilet. Laundry is down here too, accessible but hidden. In fact, the whole house is designed for easy living, and the FFMS is just part of it.
Big, sunny rooms flow sensibly in to other big, sunny rooms, and most have a view out the back to distant woods or pool garden. The grounds are beautiful, and beautifully maintained. Really nice stonework. There’s a covered back porch for watching the sunset. Large as the house is, it doesn’t ramble. It feels tight and tidy – a good house for travelers who want minimal house worries while they’re away in Palm Beach.
Where: Although the address is Falls Road, 11207 is at least a quarter mile from Falls, down a winding private road — a sign says Woodward, and the entrance is across Falls Road from St. Paul’s School. It’s a pretty enclave of houses, just glimpsed through the tall trees, all with acres of landscaped ground. An air of quiet luxury reigns, there’s no noise other than the birds. And yet, Greenspring Station is a half-mile down the hill, and from there, access to I83 goes south into the city or north to PA. Joppa Road takes you over to Towson. Hard to improve on this location if you want a private country setting.
Why: FFMB gives lots of living options for a luxury home. Guests, adult children, in-laws, disabilities can all be gracefully accommodated with no inconvenience.
Why Not: You’re going to need a ride-on lawn mower ….
Would Suit: Active family — but equally early retirees and people with more than one house.
NB: Famous Oriole lives nearby.
