An architectural gem from the Roaring ‘20s with updated features to suit the lifestyle of a modern, active family is on the market in Catonsville.
The house, at 204 North Rolling Road, is a 1928 Georgian Revival, featuring the classical symmetry, rounded forms, and ornate detailing typical of this architectural style.
“Catonsville is known for its big Victorian houses, but the style of this house is quite distinctive and unusual for this area,” said listing agent Nancy Miller.
The open layout of the ground floor rooms was a major attraction for homeowner Jennifer Meyer Dare, who works from home as an editor and busy mother of three. “We love Victorian houses, but the rooms are often smaller. We like the open layout of this house—the spacious rooms and the way they flow into each other. And when I saw the arched French door leading into what would be my office, I fell in love,” she said.
Flanking the front entry are two graceful bow windows, original to the house, hung with matching crystal chandeliers, also original. “At night, when the chandeliers are lit, you can see them from the road, and the effect is just spectacular,” Miller said. An expert on old houses told Meyer Dare that this placement was intentional—the original owner’s way of showing off to the neighbors.
The ground floor also boasts elegant inlaid parquet floors and two large, matching stone fireplaces¬¬—one each in the living and dining rooms¬. A richly detailed, winding staircase is lit by an original crystal chandelier, a scaled-down version of the other two.
Unlike many older homes, this one has an eat-in kitchen and a ground-floor room that can be used as a family room, in addition to the formal living and dining rooms.
The home contains many updated features. The kitchen was renovated just two years ago and features handsome maple cabinetry and kid-friendly surfaces. Homeowner Michael Dare recently reglazed the historic bow windows at the front of the house, and the two-zone central air includes a new, high-efficiency unit for the downstairs zone.
Located upstairs are the home’s four bedrooms and a bathroom. A fully finished basement houses a playroom for the kids as well as an exercise area and a wine cellar for the grownups.
At the back of the house are a wrap-around deck and an in-ground swimming pool. The grounds are landscaped for privacy, featuring dogwoods and apple trees.
The detached, three-car garage is original to the house. “In an era when most people did not own even one car, to build a three-car garage was truly remarkable. The original owner must have been quite a character and kind of flashy,” said Meyer Dare.
Another attraction of the house is its location in the historic town
of Catonsville. “The house sits on land that was part of a land grant dating to the late 1600s, known as the Tanner Yards,” said Joan Bender, president of the Catonsville Historical Society. As Catonsville looks to celebrate its bicentennial in 2010, the “village” area along Frederick Road is undergoing a revival, with the addition of several new restaurants and shops, she noted.
AT A GLANCE
>>Property: 204 North Rolling Road, Catonsville
>>Description: A 1928 Georgian Revival with unique architectural details, updated for modern family living. This four-bedroom, three-bath house features original crystal chandeliers, inlaid parquet floors, and stone fireplaces, as well as a renovated eat-in kitchen and fully finished basement. Located on almost half an acre, with in-ground pool, wrap-around deck, and mature landscaping. Detached three-car garage.
List price: $639,000
Contact: Nancy Miller, RE/MAX Advantage Realty
8815 Centre Park Drive #110, Columbia
410-740-1200 (office); 410-404-3663 (cell)
www.millerteam.com
[email protected]
