Hot House: 136 Patterson Park Avenue South, Baltimore 21231, MD
Federal style townhouse, circa 1850, brick with wood trim and rubberized roof. Twenty ft. wide, 4,000 sq. ft. over four stories, with 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, marble fireplaces, hardwood floors, 9’ ceilings. Custom kitchen, updated baths, exceptional storage. Master bedroom suite with walk-in closet, 2 person soaking tub, sep/shower. All new or updated systems. Two car garage, unfinished basement. Cast iron balcony and private patio. Zoned heat and central A/C: $749,000
What: Urban chic. An unusually wide townhouse, prominently positioned on the corner of E. Pratt Street and Patterson Park. It has a grand front door and a classic townhouse layout. The stairs go straight up, with living room on one side, kitchen and dining on the other. There is a cozy family room off the kitchen — a space many city townhouses lack — and a cool wrought iron balcony on one side of the house with views of the park. Original staircases and moldings, high ceilings and some claw-footed tubs give it architectural interest. Strategic renovations, of kitchen and bathrooms particularly, including skylights and air- conditioning, bring it into the now. There is an interesting account of the renovations, done in consultation with architectural historian David Kidd, in the September 2012 Butcher’s Hill News.
Where: The 127-acre Patterson Park was Baltimore’s first public park, a rallying point for the milita during the War of 1812, and a field hospital during the Civil War. The park has had its highs and lows, but it’s been trending wildly upward for years now, as the price of this house reflects. Today, there’s a dog park, a fishing lake, a Pagoda (free tours on Sundays), an ice skating rink, tennis and basketball courts, a flea market, an annual Kinetic Sculpture Race, an amazing Halloween Parade held by Creative Alliance and long leafy walks every day. Three years ago it was a top choice for Travel and Leisure magazine’s Coolest City Parks, and many think it rivals NYC’s Central Park for its wealth of offerings. The house, like the park, lies between Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview Medical Center – and just a mile or so from all the excitement of Harbor East. Not in the thick of it, but you can get to it when you’re in the mood – much the best way. Salt Tavern is around the corner. Same with Water for Chocolate. BistroRX is a fun local hangout. Patterson Park Public Elementary School gets decent marks and is an easy walk from here. A1 Taxidermist on Eastern Avenue is even closer, and should be able to meet all your taxidermy needs.
Why: Two person soaking tub in master bath.
Why Not: Hard to find street parking near the park. Oh, right, but you’ll have garage parking…
Would Suit: Urban animals.
NB: Annual taxes @ $12K
