Design with Jenn Martella: “Mostly Porches”

1 Aerial of House with StM backdrop, cropped — The “L”-shaped design maximizes water views while blending into the streetscape.

This 0.41 acre property on a desirable corner lot once had a small brick house that blended with the other houses along the side street. In 2018, the current owners demolished the brick house for better views of St. Michaels’ harbor. They then created a new “L” shaped house with a story and a half portion facing the side street so its massing did not overpower the established streetscape. The longer side of the “L” containing a one-story wing of the main living spaces opens up to the water with wrap-around porches facing the harbor.

2 Aerial of house with backdrop of the Bay, cropped — Mixed gables, shed dormers, and hipped roofs complement the cottage-inspired architecture.

The massing of the house has the feel of a large cottage with a mix of gables, shed dormers and hipped roofs. Only the triangular “eyebrow” dormers hint at the house’s contemporary interior part of the one-story wing. I learned later from one of the owners that his wife is accomplished chef and I was quite envious of her manicured kitchen garden’s raised beds with drip irrigation. The green grass is evidence of a full irrigation system in the yard.

3 Porch to Water View, cropped — Elevated above the flood plain, the screened porch offers sweeping harbor views.

The house was placed above the 500-year flood plain that gives the screened part of the wrap-around porches extra height for a long direct view of the harbor since there are no trees to obstruct the view from within. Another “eyebrow” dormer centered in the main roof adds architectural character to this facade. From the steps, a meandering path of stone pavers leads to a paved area with a firepit. I could easily imagine adding rattan or Adirondack chairs grouped around this open air outdoor room. The firepit area also offers front row seats for watching the Fourth of July fireworks over St. Michaels’ rooftops.

4 Main Entry Porch, cropped — Sailboat motif and low-maintenance materials elevate this inviting wrap-around porch.

As I drew nearer to the open part of the wrap-around porch leading to the front door, I admired how the exposed part of the foundation between the brick piers was decorated with a sailboat shapes cut into the panels-so much more stylish than lattice! All of the porch’s surfaces-floor, ceiling and structure need only minimal maintenance. The depth of the porch creates areas for sitting or dining in this wonderful outdoor room.

5 Vista from Front Door to Dining, cropped — Open foyer frames a view of the dining area beneath striking skylights.

One of the owners met me at the front door that opens into the foyer’s vista of the dining area with a triptych of sailboats gliding over the water. When I admired the artwork, I was surprised to learn it was the work of the multitalented Jamie Wildon, who is also the proprietor of Lyon Rum// Windon Distillery Company and an accomplished actress!

Long rectangular skylights are centered over the wall that makes the triptych come alive. I also noticed a clever frameless door hidden in the wall next to the triptych which the owner opened to reveal a deep pantry for the chef.

6 Dining Room to Foyer, cropped — Massive columns and triangular dormers add scale and light to the story-and-a-half entry.

The beautiful Craftsman style front entry door with glazed and paneled sidelights and full transom above open into the foyer with only side walls to define its enclosure. I admired how the architect opened up the story and a half space with massive columns for support that creates great spatial variety without being overwhelming. The high ceiling allows the triangular dormers to flood the space with light and the deep blue hue of the walls accentuates the ceiling’s geometry. I also admired the beautiful wood floors and the dining table that was the creation of McMartin and Beggins.

7 Kitchen Living Porches cropped — Soaring ceilings and angled planes shape the open kitchen-living area.

Past the dining area, the spatial volume opens up to the kitchen and living room areas. I am sure I was not the only visitor to stop and gaze up at the kinetic shape of the ceiling planes and the sunlight from the triangular dormers!

8 Kitchen, cropped — Custom cabinetry, stainless appliances, and large windows combine functionality and style.

The kitchen’s design incorporates several windows for views of the landscape and water. The white cabinetry design as furnture instead of a standard 4” toe kick, mix of glass fronted upper cabinets and base cabinets, and sleek stainless steel Thermador appliances meals creates a space this cook would love. Extras including an under counter wine fridge and under counter beverage fridge in the island. The large island table for breakast, informal meals or children’s homework is also an extra workspace.

9 Banquette Corner of Living Room, cropped — A cozy corner with built-in seating connects to the light-filled wrap-around porch.

Behind the kitchen is this cozy spot at one corner of the living room with an “L” shaped cushioned banquette accented by colorful pillows in soft tones, overlooking one side of the wrap-aroud porch. When I admired the artwork above the banquette, the Owner told me his wife had bought it and its colors inspired her design of the interiors.

10 Living Room Corner, cropped — Wrap-around windows and bespoke millwork anchor this elegant living room.

The living room’s wrap-around windows and pair of doors to a porch offer views of St. Michaels’ Harbor and the corner creates a perfect spot for the baby grand piano. Bespoke millwork next to the gas fireplace and the seating grounded by the large Oriental rug creates a cozy space for family relaxation. I admired the neutral sofa with pillows of the same fabric of the wing chair.

11 Vista of Living Room through House, cropped — An extraordinary interplay of columns, skylights, and ceilings creates visual drama.

Looking back from the porch wall of the living room, the breathtaking view of the offset blue walls, white undulating ceiling planes, towering columns, triangular dormer windows, rectangular skylights and the wall planes that create the foyer’s and office’s foot prints unfolds a one of a kind vista.

12 Screened Porch with Fireplace, cropped — This waterside screened porch connects seamlessly to the deck and entry.

The side door at the living room leads to this screened porch at the waterside corner of the house. This delightful outdoor dining area and sitting area around the gas fireplace is also connected to both the deck off the living room and the entry porch for easy indoor-outdoor flow for the three porches.

13 Office — A built-in counter beneath eye-level windows creates a tranquil dual workspace.

Making my way to the other part of the house, I first came to the office. Its partial wall enclosure is accented by soft blue wallpaper and the long counter makes it a dual workspace. I admired how the architect placed the window sills level with the countertop for one could take breaks from computer work to enjoy the view of the landscape. This room could also accommodate a sofa bed for extra guests.

14 Hall Bath, cropped — Geometric wallpaper and detailed cabinetry lend a fresh, modern look to this shared bath.

Next to the office is a full bath that is also connected to the hall connecting the bedrooms. The subtle geometric wallpaper design highlights the lavatory’s white cabinetry. The open door to the adjacent office’s French doors creates another long vista through the house.

15 Guest Bedroom, cropped — Triple-row windows and rattan accents make this guest room inviting and restful.

Since I love earth tones for interiors, I would enjoy being a guest in this charming room. The light brown wallpaper with subtle outlines of sailboats, the rattan touches of both the bench seat and headboard, the triple row windows over the bed and the egress side window and TV all combine to make a guest feel quite welcome.

16 Primary Bedroom, cropped — Tray ceilings and tall windows enhance the serenity of the primary suite.

The primary bedroom’s interior design of the colorful wallpaper below the tray ceiling, the pencil post wood bedframe and nightstand and the wing chair set the scene for a restful sleep. Like the guest bedroom, the mix of high windows for privacy and furniture arrangement and the tall egress window flood the space with light.

17 Primary Bath, cropped — A freestanding tub and diagonal flooring amplify the spa-like layout of the ensuite.

The primary bedroom’s wallpaper continues into the sumptuous primary bath with dual sinks flanking the door to the room with its vista of the soaking tub against a wall that contains the shower and a toilet compartment. The diagonal pattern of the flooring expands the space. The paneled door beyond the tub wall leads to the walk-in closet that completes the primary ensuite.

18 Foyer to Garage and Guest Ensuite, cropped — A barn-style door leads to stairs connecting guest and garage spaces seamlessly.

At the end of the hall connecting the main floor bedrooms is a barn style door leading to another foyer with a laundry closet, coat closet and stairs to the second floor’s private guest ensuite at the upper level. The wood door leads to the front porch. Steps opposite the door to the porch leads to a lower level of the foyer that is at grade level to access the garage and to an exterior door to the driveway.

19 Second Floor Guest Ensuite Living Mini Kitchen, cropped — Bright sitting area features a kitchenette and stunning elevated harbor views.

The second floor private guest ensuite is an open plan with this part having a kitchenette equipped with a Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator, freezer drawers and a quartz countertop with a sink and microwave. The wide and tall windows offer bird’s eye views of the landscape and harbor. Above the chest next to the leather lounge chair is a TV-all one needs for an extended stay.

20 Second Floor Guest Ensuite Bedroom Area, cropped — Sloped ceilings frame this intimate bedroom with clever use of windows and wall space.

The bedroom part of the open plan has high knee walls to easily accommodate the headboard. The sloped ceiling frames the side gable wall with another double unit window. This window’s sill is higher than the sitting room’s window to create space for a desk and chair for checking emails before turning in for the night.

21 Second Floor Guest Ensuite — Blue mosaic accents and tiled shower walls brighten this dual-compartment bath.

The guest ensuite’s bath has two compartments, and the fully tiled walls of the shower surrounds a window. I especially admired the accents of blue in the mosaic frame of the mirror over the lavatory cabinet and the artwork.

“Mostly Porches” is a unique blend of cottage style architecture with virtually maintenance free exterior construction dating from 2018, with contemporary interiors. The stunning open plan dining, living, and kitchen area under soaring cathedral ceilings is a one of a kind space. Triangular dormers and long windows throughout the house fill the rooms with abundant daylight. Wrapping around most of the house’s perimeter are three porches, including a screened-in porch with a gas fireplace, that offer privacy from its corner location and views of St. Michaels’ harbor and streetscapes while relaxing with family or entertaining.

The contemporary design seamlessly incorporates the open plan dining-kitchen-living area, office/den, hall bath, guest bedroom and primary ensuite suite all on the main level. The partial second floor over the garage wing is a bonus for the property with its private guest suite for extended stays. Its status as a licensed income-producing vacation rental also offers the opportunity of additional income.

With its highly desirable location near St. Michaels shops and restaurants, this property with all its amenities offers is a rare opportunity to own a nearly new home with water views-hard to resist!

For more information about this property, contact Monica Penwell at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty at (410-745-2596, (o), 410-310-0225 (c), or mpenwell@TTRSIR.com. For more pictures and pricing, visit www.monicapenwell.sothebysrealty.com , “Equal Housing Opportunity”.

Photography by Ted Mueller, www,TedMuellerPhotography.com,443-955-2490

Architecture by Atelier 11, www.atelier11architecture.com, (410) 310-1385

General Contractor: Chris Connelly

AI Disclosure: The Spy and its writers may use artificial intelligence tools to support accuracy and clarity in our reporting.

Contributor Jennifer Martella has pursued dual careers in architecture and real estate since she moved to the Eastern Shore in 2004. She has reestablished her architectural practice for residential and commercial projects and is a real estate agent for Meredith Fine Properties. She especially enjoys using her architectural expertise to help buyers envision how they could modify a potential property. Her Italian heritage led her to Piazza Italian Market, where she hosts wine tastings every Friday and Saturday afternoons.