13 E. Branch Lane, Mt. Vernon, Baltimore.
Pied-à-terre in the heart of Mount Vernon, one bedroom, one bathroom, great detail. Asking price: $190,000
Hot House: A pied-à-terre is a small building or apartment kept for occasional use. This sweet little carriage house, which would look equally at home in New Orleans or Havana, is the very definition of the term. Just one bed and one bath, this space is perfect for someone with a house on the Eastern Shore or North Baltimore County, but who spends considerable time in Baltimore City.
What: Old carriage houses, whether in the city or the country, tend to have one thing in common: They are a unique place to live. In the days of old, the ground floor was home to the horses and carriages, while the upper level or two housed the driver. After cars became more common, they were turned into garages, again with living space for the driver. The carriage house is often a reflection of the main house with similar architecture, as the family members would look out their back windows to the carriage house.
This 1870 jewel-box of a house comes in at almost 700 square feet – just enough room for one or two people. With one bedroom, one bathroom, a light-filled living room, and a compact kitchen, this is bigger than many apartments. But it has one feature that makes it stand out from almost any apartment: a huge back garden/terrace.
In keeping with the carriage house reflecting the main house, this house has gorgeous classical architectural features that would be common to the era. The gracious tall arched windows allow plenty of light into the house. The recessed niche is perfect for a huge flower arrangement or a piece of sculpture. The patina of the old brick on the house gives an indication of its age – now nearly 150 years old.
Where: The carriage house sits just off of the east square on Mount Vernon Place and almost adjacent to the beautiful Mount Vernon United Methodist Church with its lovely green stone and elegant spire. It’s close to all that Mount Vernon has to offer, including museums, churches, clubs, restaurants, bars and lots and lots of culture.
Final Appraisal: This house is one of those treasures that you happen upon in Baltimore with some frequency. (See this pied-à-terre from last year.) The carriage house is small, so you would have to edit your possessions to fit the space, or be a minimalist at heart. There is on-street parking, with a chance to pay for a parking space in the area. This Instagram-worthy place could be yours for $190,000. The listing is here.
What a jewel!