Glass Tree House For Sale, Again: Gibson Island Landmark Drops The Price By Half

This is a Hot House column that ran back in 2012. The house, designed by Ulrich Franzen —  you know, Ulrich Franzen — is back on the market, now priced at $1,290,000, so if you were interested back then, now’s the time ….

HOT HOUSE: 703 Skywater Road, Gibson Island, Md. 21056

International modern style, stone and steel construction, circa 1962, in good condition.  Three bedrooms, three full baths on two stories, with elevator and indoor resistance pool. 2,826 sq. ft. on a 1.1 acre lot, landscaped and wooded: $2,275,000

What:  An unusual house for Gibson Island — sleek and contemporary, even after fifty years, beautifully designed and in mint condition –sitting at the top of a gently sloping lot. One of the attractive features of this house is the size, a very manageable three bedrooms, and another is its attractive and low-maintenance lot – note to self: invest early-on in quality landscaping. Floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides let in dappled light and offer pretty woodland views.  Many hallmarks of quality construction – not always present in houses from this era – are present here. Tongue and groove mahogany ceilings and Italian tile floors are stunning, fireplaces are stone, large rooms have good flow. Plenty of room, but space is also used efficiently. Everything has been modernized, kitchen, baths etc.  Radiant heat and central air.

Where: Private, under-the-radar enclave on a private island in the Chesapeake Bay with beaches and trails. Families have been coming for generations. Very safe, security is tight. There is a private club with tennis, golf, summer camp, pool, etc. (membership not included with real estate purchase) boating is a main activity. Conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas, about an hour from each.  Gibson Island is 1,000 acres, owned by 193 owners (1/3 fee simple, 2/3 stock). From Baltimore, take 295 South to 695 East to Rt. 10 South and the 100 East. Merge onto Mountain Road, MD-177 East, drive 6 miles to the Gibson Island Gate house. Entrance by appointment only.

Would Suit: Landlubbers, more interested in dinner-at-the-club than day-cruising.

Why: Always wanted indoor resistance pool.

Why Not: No water in sight, except for resistance pool. Views are lovely, but price tag seems hefty for no water access.

NB: Elevator makes house very accessible to anyone with a stair problem.