Hot House: 2 Wyndhurst Avenue, Apt. #1W, Roland Park, Baltimore, MD 21210
Grand apartment on first floor of historic Italianate building, circa 1924. Two bedrooms, three baths, 2,500 sq. ft., with separate entrance to 1.7-acre private walled gardens. Original architectural detail: hardwood floors, moldings, cabinetry, two fireplaces. Large living and dining rooms, eat-in kitchen, den. Central air, security system. Two one-car garages included: $875,000 (HOA fee of $1,812/mo includes taxes, maintenance, water)
What: A rare listing. Exclusive by design (there are only five apartments in the building,) 2 Wyndhurst is on many downsizers’ wish lists, and it’s been decades since an apartment went on the market. The building’s official name is the Charles and Wyndhurst Co-op, but it tends to go by its address. The exterior is attractive, but not conspicuous. The private space is where it counts, and if you want that cozy-yet-palatial feeling of living in a Roland Park mansion, this will do it for you.
2 Wyndhurst was built in 1924 by Stuart Olivier, owner and publisher of the the Baltimore News. Olivier had to sell Five Farms, his family estate in the Greenspring Valley, to the Baltimore Country Club in order to come up with the $125,000 needed to buy the land and build the property. He then proceeded to live in the top two floors for the rest of his life — the penthouse was his ballroom, and has since been converted to a single, much-coveted apartment.
Back on the first floor, #1-W is a stunner. Generous proportions, wide moldings and big, sunny windows create an enveloping sense of well-being that continues out the back door and into the private walled garden. Owners are an impressive, but friendly group, and the serene communal garden is well-used, available for events as well as daily socializing. Each apartment comes with its own space outdoors, which you are free to garden yourself, or let the grounds crew take care of for you. You will want to do some cosmetic updating (kitchens and baths), but that will be half the fun.
Where: On the corner of Charles Street and Wyndhurst Avenue, across from the grounds of Loyola University. Wide sidewalks make it easily walkable to all Roland Park amenities, restaurants, shopping, pool, library, etc. as well as the footpath along Stony Run.
Would Suit: Buyer who dreams of Roland Park without the headaches of a big house.
Why: A very exclusive club.
Why Not: Holding out for the ballroom.
NB: You (and your pets) will have to pass inspection by the co-op board, so polish up your financials and put a smile on your face.
Co-ops! Great Fun! Always lots of fun to be in business with your neighbors. You get to ask the board permission to improve your kitchen; get a bunch of grief. Then share the same door everyday. Good times.
Oh boy, the pleasure and comfort only neighbors can give. Watching and giving free advice for your every deed, before the fights start. Heaven help the new occupant, because “we always do it this way”.
I pity the fool, Mike.