In this month’s Real Estates we are considering styles of architecture common to coastal climes. Among these styles the Cape Cod, the colonial, and contemporary variations are standards for waterfront properties around the Chesapeake Bay region. Each has very unique architectural features with qualities that are well suited for waterfront structures.
These three styles each originated in very different time periods and for varying historical reasons. The Cape Cod originated in the 1600s and was built by English colonists who came to America in the late 17th century. The colonial house style began around 1876, remained popular until the mid-1950s and reflected American patriotism and a desire for simplicity. “Contemporary” is a catchall term describing many different styles of homes. In 1965 the contemporary home was introduced and seems to always incorporate huge windows and large, open spaces.
The Cape Cod, colonial, and contemporary waterfront homes are some of the most desirable home styles in Maryland.Robert G. Hammond, AIA, founder and principal of Hammond Wilson Architects in Annapolis, Maryland says, “Regarding the Chesapeake region, we find amenities in today’s waterfront houses primarily focus on water views from all major living areas; a relationship between indoor and outdoor living areas; a house designed for an informal lifestyle and entertaining, and close proximity to the waterfront.”
Although the Cape Cod and colonial seem to predominate the waterfront homes of the Chesapeake Bay region, contemporary and Cape Cod style homes are most likely better equipped to give the homeowners the spectacular water views they desire. “The lineal plan, having rooms stretched out across the site, as illustrated by the contemporary and Cape Cod houses provides the best opportunity for water views from interior living areas,” explains Hammond.
“The lineal plan also provides opportunities to have the best indoor/outdoor relationship and ‘bring the outside in’ to facilitate a casual, informal lifestyle. Both water views from major living areas and the indoor/outdoor relationship are compromised in the more traditional colonial house,” continues Hammond.Hammond also notes that other important considerations for waterfront homes have been orientation to the sun and prevailing breezes. “More recently concerns about sustainable design, low maintenance, efficient heating/cooling, and environmental preservation all have become important.”
Hammond asserts that historically, coastal houses have responded to their environment whether they be the shingled, shuttered, gable roofed, sheltering forms of houses along the New England coast, or elevated houses with large windows, and verandas found in the Carolina Low Country. The Chesapeake Bay region coastal houses, in general, seem to have a preponderance of houses similar to the Cape Cod and colonial houses. These houses start out as simple, smaller houses, which can be added onto over time. Screened-in porches are often converted to sunrooms, while kitchen, family room, and master bedroom additions are common updates.
“Of the three styles illustrated, the traditional and colonial styles predominate and are the most desired in the Chesapeake Bay region. Contemporary faces much better at the ocean as these homes are more likely to be vacation/weekend houses,” says Hammond.
These listings were complied with the help of Lynn Summerlin Hoeckel, Residential Agent for Yerman Witman Gaines and Garceau Realty (410-583-0400 or lsummerlin@ywggrealty.com)
Contact:
Hammond Wilson Architects: hammondwilson.com or 410-267-6041
Location Comparison of Waterfront Properties
Annapolis, MD
This Annapolis Colonial Revival built in 1935 has four bedrooms, five full and one half baths, a total square footage of 5,443 and is situated on 1.65 acres. It sold in September 2008 for $6,000,000; $900,000 under the asking price.
Listing Agent: Fletcher C. Bauman/Champion Realty, Inc.
Church Creek, MD
This Church Creek Contemporary built in 2002 has four bedrooms, four full and two half baths, a total square footage of approximately 5,000 and is situated on 367.12 acres. It is an active listing as of this writing with an asking price of $4,850,000. Listing Agent: Marie E. Wroten/Bensen and Mangold.
Kennedyville, MD
This Kennedyville Cape Cod style house built in 1939 has four bedrooms, four full and one half baths, a total square footage of 2,980 (not including the guest house or either of the other outer buildings) and is situated on 4.47 acres. It is an active listing as of this writing with an asking price of $2,900,000.
Listing Agent: Partricia L. Kern/Gunther McClary Real Estate.
Chesapeake Bay Area Waterfront Houses Have Many of These Features:
Cape Cod
• Steep roof with side gables
• Small roof overhang
• One or one and a half stories
• Made of wood and covered in wide clapboard or shingles
• Large central chimney linked to fireplace in each room
• Symmetrical appearance with door in center
• Dormers for space, light, and ventilation
Colonial
• Symmetrical facade
• Rectangular
• Two or three stories
• Brick or wood siding
• Pillars and columns
• Multi-pane, double-hung windows with shutters
• Center entry-hall floor plan
Contemporary
• Odd, irregular shape
• Lack of ornamentation
• Tall, over-sized windows, some with trapezoid shapes
• Open floor plan
• Natural materials such as cedar or stone
• Harmony with the surrounding landscape
