12 W. Hamilton Street, Baltimore.
Hot House: Elegant Gem of a House, with 3 Beds/4 Baths on Charming Hamilton Street in Cathedral Hill. 2,100 Square Feet. Asking price: $589,900.
What: No. 12 West Hamilton Street has the distinct feeling of stepping back in time. This cozy and completely charming house, has three bedrooms, four baths, and many historical features which reinforce its distinguished lineage. Designed by noted Baltimore architect, Robert Carey Long in 1815, it is a contemporary of both the Basilica, a few blocks away in one direction, and the Washington Monument, a few blocks in the other direction.
As you enter the house, you will notice beautiful faux painted marble floors, and a beautiful dining room with a fireplace. Further back is the kitchen, which was fully renovated in 2024, and a cozy sitting area. There is a small “back yard” behind the house which is a great place to enjoy the summer. Filling out the first floor is a walk-in pantry and a powder room with a fun Baltimore wallpaper!
The second floor holds a front parlor which is used as the formal living room with a marble mantle over a wood-burning fireplace, a large window, and a built-in book case. The rear parlor is used as a den, but it could be an additional bedroom. There is also a full bath with a shower on the second floor.
There are three bedrooms on the third floor, although one is currently being used as a home office. As with houses of this era, there are fireplaces in each of the bedrooms. A top floor, with a dormer window, can be used for extra storage, which we always need! The partially-finished basement provides laundry, powder room, utility rooms, and additional storage.
Be sure to read the listing for all of the upgrades, restorations and renovations the current owners did to move this house into its third century.
Where: Baltimore’s tiny Hamilton Street is also known as “Writer’s Row” and is home to the literary and intellectual-minded Hamilton Street Club, next door, and the Hamilton Street Women’s Club, just a block away. Tucked between St. Paul Street on the east and Park Avenue on the west, it feels like a mews street in London. Lined with small jewel box houses and lots of trees, Hamilton Street is one of Baltimore’s secrets. It’s just around the corner from the Central Branch of the Pratt Library and a very short walk to the restaurants in Mount Vernon or heading the other way, the Inner Harbor.
Final Appraisal: If you want to pretend you’re still living in early 19th century Baltimore, with all of the history of that time surrounding you, this is the perfect house. Many, many upgrades throughout the house. Based on the English townhouse style, and designed by the noted architect, Robert Carey Long, you’ll think you’re in the center of London, not the center of Baltimore. It would be perfect for an in-town pied-a-terre or a city bolt-hole. The listing for the house is here.
All photographs from the listing.
