Courtesy of: www.LuxeSource.com

• Architect: DHD Architecture and Design
• Interior Designer: DHD Architecture and Design
• Home Builder: Gargiula Construction Inc.
• Landscape Architect: Terrain

Orange is mirrored in the Ocean Master Max umbrellas by Tuuci.

photography: Bjorg Magnea

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Courtesy of: www.CapitalGazette.com
By WENDI WINTERS

It’s celebration time! America turns 238 on July Fourth. On this special holiday, the region is filled with festive events, concerts, parades and — yes — fireworks!

Once dusk arrives, about 9:15 p.m., the skies will light up with fireworks displays all across the horizon. Some communities will get a head start — one as early as this Saturday. Several will fire up their pyrotechnical wonders on July 3.

In Annapolis, thousands will throng the streets to watch a parade at twilight, followed by a concert at City Dock. Once the sun sets and the sky is dark, the fireworks will dance over the harbor, Spa Creek and the Severn River.

Tom Chepurko, an assistant vice president at First Citizens Bank on Bestgate Road, is the president of the City of Annapolis’ Fourth of July Fireworks Committee. He is one of more than four dozen volunteers and technicians involved in putting on the sky-defying show.

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Wardour is a community nestled along the Severn River, holding some of the most exclusive properties in Annapolis.  Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. designed the neighborhood in the early 20th century.  He also designed the grounds for the White House, the Jefferson Memorial and the National Cathedral.  Residents are drawn to its community-owned open space, high bluffs, striking views of the Severn River, undulating topography, and mature trees.  Just a short walk away is the quaint Village of West Annapolis, with restaurants, coffee shops, shopping and a grocery store.

Currently, there are three properties for sale in Wardour, ranging from a 7 bedroom, 5 1/2 bath Colonial exquisitely placed on the Severn River that is well suited for grand scale entertaining and cozy family gatherings, listed for $4,950,000, to a 4 bedroom, 5 1/2 bath home featuring a wall of windows in the great room that offer a view over the waterside pool to the Severn River and beyond, listed for $2,895,000.

Click on the above image to see them all.

Courtesy of: www.CapitalGazette.com
By BILL WAGNER

When Chip Thayer retired as Annapolis Yacht Club race committee chairman last year, it left a major leadership void on a number of levels. One of the questions involved who would step up to run the club’s signature event — the renowned Annapolis-to-Newport Race.

Thayer ably accepted the mantel from predecessors Gaither Scott and Ron Ward and built on the history and tradition of the race between two of the East Coast’s greatest seaports. Now longtime Annapolis Yacht Club members Dick Neville and Mark Myers intend to pick up where Thayer left off and ensure that Annapolis-Newport remains an offshore classic.

Neville and Myers have been named co-chairmen of the Annapolis-to-Newport Race and recently announced several significant changes designed to spark renewed interest and increased participation.

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This weekend, there are 20 waterfront Open Houses in and around Annapolis.  155 Topeg Drive in Severna Park is a 6 bedroom, 4 full and 2 half bath home on Cattail Creek.  The result of a stunning renovation by Lauer Construction, there are water views from almost every room.  The master bedroom has cathedral ceilings, skylights, California Closets and an amazing master bath.  This fine property is open for viewing on Sunday, June 29th from 1:00 - 3:00 PM.

Click on the above image to see them all.

Courtesy of: www.CapitalGazette.com

ANNAPOLIS - Less than two weeks before the Fourth of July, the city is still in need of donations to pay for its fireworks display.

The fireworks will be launched starting about 9:15 p.m. from a barge at the mouth of Spa Creek near the Severn River, just off the seawall at the Naval Academy. The rain date is July 5.

The city funds approximately $20,000 of the nearly $30,000 it costs to produce the show. The remainder of the funding comes from donations by businesses and citizens. Those wishing to help can send their tax-deductible donations to:

July 4th Annapolis Inc.
c/o First Citizens Bank
890 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, Md. 21401.

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Currently, there are 122 homes for sale in Annapolis listed for over $1 million.  On the list is a 4 bedroom, 3 full and 2 half bath home with sweeping views of the South River.  Set on a 3.6 acre point of land, this property has 594 feet of protected deep water, a 9-10 foot pier on Crab Creek and a waterside pool.  Gracious, classic and light filled, this extremely well maintained home has an open floor plan and water views from almost every room.  With a private and serene setting just minutes from the Historic District, this exceptional property is listed for $3,700,000.

To learn more about this fine property, click here.

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Courtesy of: www.AnnapolisHomeMag.com

99 Main Street is more than a very handsome building commanding the harbor front. It is an icon of simplicity.  Erected in the 1790’s shortly after a destructive fire, the building had commercial shops on the ground floor and residential uses on the upper story.

Architecturally, the edifice makes a singular statement. The proportions are simple and direct—the building’s configuration can be understood in a single glance. Note how the exterior walls directly support the roof and the roof ridge spans straight between the two end wall chimneys.

The reserved building silhouette is only the first impression. A closer look reveals elegant craftsmanship and details. The proportion of the windows is thoughtful and orderly. Notice how the windows graduate in size from larger on the first floor to smaller at the top floor. The two brick belt courses that wrap around the building provide a subtle horizontal articulation and echo the corner location at Green Street. The wood cornice is a beautiful dentil and modillion trim popular in Annapolis at the time. Dentil trim is so named because of the visual similarity to teeth. Modillion trim has repetitive small projecting brackets that originated in Greek architecture. The attractive Flemish bond brick pattern, the dramatically angled flat window arches, and tall thin chimneys further reflect the superior building craft achieved in late 18th century Annapolis.

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Courtesy of: www.money.cnn.com
By: Les Christie

In many hot housing markets, bidding wars have been breaking out on a regular basis -- and some house hunters are getting beaten out time and again. But it's not always about who has the most money. Sellers will accept lower offers if it means less hassle.

"What sellers really don't want to do is waste time," said John Walsh, president of Connecticut-based lender, Total Mortgage.

That means getting pre-approved for a mortgage and having all your paperwork -- your pre-approval, proof of income, work history and bank statements -- in hand. It also helps to have your lender at the ready so you can act fast.

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In the past 30 days, there have been 57 new waterfront listings in and around Annapolis.  New to the list is a 4 bedroom, 3 full and 2 half bath transitional style home overlooking Meredith Creek.  This home offers 3,996 square feet of casual living, featuring an open floor plan, great entertaining spaces, a gracious foyer, a private study with a fireplace and a gourmet kitchen.  Beautifully designed for optimal water views, this 4.3 acre property with 655 feet of waterfront, an outdoor kitchen and pool, is listed for $2,700,000.

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Courtesy of: www.CapitalGazette.com
By CATHERINE SHEFFO

They wore pink.  Pink shirts and pink hats. Some of the 20 women on the paddling team were adorned with pink scarves featuring the telltale pink ribbon.  The color is the badge of honor of the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club.

“It’s like a support group without the disease,” club President Pat Holle said.

You don’t have to be a cancer survivor to be a member of the club, but everyone on the team has been affected by the disease.  The 51 members — some of them paddlers, some supporters — range in age from the 20s to 80s.

Breast cancer survivor Michael Ashford founded the club in 2011. They practice two to three times a week in Spa Creek during the paddling season, from April to October.

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Courtesy of: www.LuxeSource.com

Nisi Berryman’s favorite color is hot pink and she’s not afraid to use it. “The doors and foyer in my house are that color,” says the owner of Niba Home, who claims pairing feminine hues with wood floors and masculine furnishings renders them gender neutral. “It’s all about striking the right balance.” That same philosophy informs her showroom, where her talent for finding the perfect yin for your yang has made Niba a popular addition to the Miami design scene. “The key is not to get crazy with accessories and color but to mix a well-proportioned piece with something unexpected, like a classic sofa with wild pillows,” says Berryman. “Niba is a welcoming space where we educate people on how things work together.” Her clients learn those lessons amidst a curated selection of accessories and furnishings that include everything from Robert Kuo’s metalwork, to chic lighting by Ochre and Seguso, to Berryman’s own Lucite line. “Miami is a polyglot city with people’s expectations on par with New York, Los Angeles and Paris,” she says. “I strive to keep up with that ideal.”

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Courtesy of: www.CapitalGazette.com
By JACK LAMBERT

Proposals to develop the old recreation center in downtown Annapolis have been put on hold.

Three entities responded to a request for proposals issued in September for the sale or lease of 9 St. Marys St. The city-owned 13,000 square-foot building has sat mostly vacant in recent years.

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and St. Mary’s Parish and Schools in Annapolis confirmed they submitted proposals for the site. 

City officials declined to name the entities that responded to the request for proposals. Bids were opened in November, according to the listing for the proposals. 

Despite private interest, Annapolis has not sold or leased the former recreation site. Brian Woodward, acting city manager, said the city is considering using the building for office space after its lease expires at 145 Gorman St.

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Murray Hill is a community of 800 homes in the heart of Annapolis, just steps from the colonial city’s attractions, restaurants and shopping.  Just a short walk to downtown and the City Dock, Murray Hill stretches west from the core of Annapolis along Spa Creek.  With some houses dating back over 100 years, the homes feature varied architecture and neatly manicured lawns.  Residents can enjoy several waterfront parks and boat launches, and the Murray Hill Residents' Association holds many events throughout the year to bring the close-knit community together.

Currently, there are 17 homes for sale in Murray Hill, ranging from a 4 bedroom, 5 1/2 bath shingle style stunner with picturesque bay windows looking out on Spa Creek personifying waterfront living at its best listed for $3,798,000, to a 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath beautifully renovated Colonial featuring many upgrades, a large deck and nice yard listed for $410,000.

Click on the above image to see them all.

Courtesy of: www.eyeonannapolis.com
By: John Franaye

The Oyster Recovery Partnership (ORP) planted 175 million oysters on 55 acres in the Chesapeake Bay during May 2014 as it prepared to celebrate its 20th anniversary of restoring this vital natural resource.

The oyster boat Robert Lee transported the oysters from the Horn Point Laboratory of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science in Cambridge to oysters reefs in Harris Creek, the largest oyster restoration project underway along the East Coast. They are the latest of more than 5 billion oysters ORP and its partners have planted during the past two decades.

“This is an exciting time for oysters,” said Stephan Abel, executive director of the ORP. “Oysters are at the center of major water restoration efforts in the Bay and nationwide. Hatcheries are raising billions of oysters to build sanctuaries and boost aquaculture. Restaurants have discovered that serving sustainably raised oysters attracts customers and strengthens their businesses.”

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This weekend, there are 28 waterfront Open Houses in and around Annapolis.  110 Park Avenue in Edgewater  has views from every room and gorgeous grounds, gardens and the South River surrounding this beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home.  Totally renovated with impressive quality and detail throughout, this home has rich hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, a large Chef's Kitchen, an enclosed porch, new decking and a pier with two lifts.  This property is open for viewing on Saturday, June 21st and Sunday, June 22nd from 1:00 - 3:00 PM.

Click on the above image to see them all.

Courtesy of: www.CapitalGazette.com
By ALEX JACKSON ajackson@capgaznews.com Phillips Seafood has reached a tentative deal to sell its 11,200-square-foot property at 87 Prince George St., according to Louis Hyatt, the property’s Realtor.

While Phillips will continue leasing its crab deck at a state-owned adjacent property, the company relisted the site commonly known as 12 Dock St. for sale a few weeks ago.

Hyatt, president of Hyatt Commercial Real Estate, said a deal was struck Thursday morning between Phillips and a buyer whom Hyatt did not name.

A spokesman for Phillips did not comment on the agreement, other than to say the property was for sale or lease. Hyatt said he met with representatives from Phillips and the buyer on Thursday.

Phillips Seafood left its Dock Street site in 2009 to make way for Hell Point Seafood, and later the Crown & Anchor pub.

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Please join us for a tour of these 14 historic homes in downtown Annapolis this Sunday from 1PM-4PM.  

Click on the image for more details on each home.  

Courtesy of: www.realestate.aol.com
By Judith Taylor

There are several ways you can work with an interior designer. We recently looked at full design services and requesting design plans as options, but sometimes those are far more than you need. If you're looking for just a bit of direction to set you on the right track, a design consultation might be ideal for you.

There are two main types of design consultations. The first is a request for something specific, such as paint colors (called a color consultation) or window treatments.

The other type of design consultation is a broader request for input on an entire room or several rooms. In this type of consultation, designers deliver ideas that draw on everything learned from design education and practice that may apply to your project needs. (We call it a brain dump.)

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Courtesy of: www.CapitalGazette.com
By TERRA WALTERS Correspondent Somehow we felt we deserved that sunset.

A sense of entitlement is usually not a good thing, but after days of horrible weather, a crushing workload, and the dreaded problems with electronics? We were owed a spectacular sunset, and Mother Nature obliged.

Helping to enhance the experience was another super meal at Bridges, the stunning restaurant that has been a popular destination since its opening in 2010.

Pointing out the unique chandelier (wait until you see it) to my first-time-visitor dining companions, I noted with pleasure that the table to which we were being taken would have a primo view. Actually, you’d be hard pressed to have a table that didn’t have a great view as there is a spacious covered deck, a spacious uncovered deck, and a glass-walled dining room all looking out over the water.

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Currently, there are 119 homes for sale in Annapolis listed for over $1 million.  On the list is a 4 bedroom, 5 1/2 bath home in Wardour, a community that is close to town, yet feels like a retreat setting.  The great room has a mesmerizing wall of windows that look over the waterfront pool to the Severn River.  This 5000 square foot home consists of a main level and a fully furnished lower walk-out level and has four boat lifts off its pier.   Set on 0.68 acres, this property is listed for $2,895,000.

Click on the above image to see them all.

Courtesy of: www.ChesapeakeBoating.net
by Jody Argo Schroath

The first—but far from the last—time I entered the enchanted world of Yopps Cove was on a quiet fall day several years ago. Along with Skipper, the ship’s kibble-eater, I was beginning a comprehensive exploration of Carter Creek’s several branches, prongs and coves aboard Journey, one of the Albin 28s available to me as a member of the Chesapeake Boating Club. I’d been to the Rappahannock River’s Carter Creek several times before, of course. After all, it’s home to the Tides Inn, that nationally famous resort and maritime attraction for us would-be weekend idyll rich, as well as the adjacent town of Irvington, with its wineries, B&Bs and the historic Christ Church, built in the 18th century by one of the richly famous and famously rich Carter family of Virginia.

For a small creek in a thoroughly rural portion of Virginia, Carter Creek has a lot going on. Which is why, even having been there several times, I’d only really begun to catalog its many ins and outs.  On that particular fall day I had made a short hop up the Rappahannock from Windmill Point and was planning an overnight stop at Rappahannock Yachts, which lies on the east side of Carter Creek, just beyond Eastern Branch. Carter Creek’s entrance is well marked, beginning with paired markers “1” and “2” a quarter mile or so from the protective spits of land that mark the entrance. Once inside, I turned to starboard to begin my expedition on the Eastern Branch. I then took the first turn to starboard again, which turned out to be Yopps Cove.

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Courtesy of: www.CapitalGazette.com
By THERESA WINSLOW

There aren’t a lot of women with metallic-blue hair riding around the city on stretch bicycles.  And maybe that's the point.

Annapolis Underground wanted to make a splash with its inaugural issue. But if 40-somethings Chris Iatesta and Jimi “HaHa” Davies are successful, the underground might not be underground for long.

The first issue of their quarterly magazine, launched earlier this month, features stories, advertorials and images focusing on the local arts scene. Photographer David Hartcorn is profiled, as is artist Charles Lawrance and the band Swampcandy, among others. The magazine is available in print and online. Both versions are free.

“There’s a lot more to Annapolis than boating, bars and arguing about City Dock, Crystal Spring and Forest Drive,” Hartcorn said.

“This town has such a rich tapestry of artists that are sort of underground.”

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Courtesy of: www.realtytimes.com
By: Blanche Evans

Since multiple listing services first started putting listings online around 1996, the transparency of homes for sale has improved exponentially. From the virtual "fish-eye" tours of the ‘90s and oughts to sleek present-day videos, homes can be showcased to buyers with the ease of a phone app.

So why have an open house? If you're trying to sell your home, you want to employ all the ways home buyers choose a home. Your target buyer may use websites, not apps.

Most buyers have real estate professionals helping them. Homes that are market-ready and staged are going to be on their showing lists. Buyers who are just getting started or who don't have an agent are most likely to attend open houses for one simple reason. Seeing is believing.

So do you want them to fall in love with your house or someone else's? An open house may help, or you may decide it's not for you.



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In the past 30 days, there have been 58 new waterfront listings in and around Annapolis.  New to the list this week is a spectacular property comprised of two homes in Wethridge Estates on Aberdeen Creek, right off the South River.  The main home is a brick 5 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath Colonial with a slate roof, wood floors, beautiful fireplace and sun room.  The second home is a 3 bedroom rancher with a full basement and 2 car garage.  With a waterfront pool finishing off this 2.34 acre property, it is listed for $3,500,000.

Click on the above image to see them all.