403 Chesterfield Ave Centreville, MD 21617

Historic Centreville, on Maryland's Eastern Shore, has an opening on one of the prettiest and most established streets in town. A majestic home built in 1875 (source tax records), 403 Chesterfield Avenue is nestled on a half-acre lot with a cottage and carriage house, just a short walk to the town wharf and center of town.

This Queen Anne Victorian has been lovingly preserved and improved over the years. A new slate walkway leads to the broad front staircase, gently rising to the deep, 3-sided wrap around mahogany-decked porch. The porch swing is just the shady spot to enjoy a lemonade in a gentle breeze. Distinctive double doors enclose a vestibule, from which you will be swept away. The gracious foyer greets you with the craftsmanship of fine homes built centuries ago. Beautiful hardwood floors with inlay, 10-foot ceilings (first floor), 2 wood burning fireplaces (living and dining rooms) with original tile, stunning staircase, custom built-ins, period lighting, fresh paint, character, transom windows, Eastlake moldings and more. The updated, sun-filled, wide galley kitchen has a pantry, cutting board counter, ceiling fan and new smart-tech range. This kitchen has comfortably cooked up more than a decade of holidays and celebrations! As well as the expected rooms on any first floor (living, dining & kitchen), a couple other rooms are versatile: maybe you'd prefer one to be a bedroom, or study, media room or something else. Imagine the entertaining and possibilities in this home!

The second floor has 3 generous sized bedrooms with closets, 2 baths and a captivating hallway with a window overlooking the lush backyard. The finished 3rd floor could be 2 more bedrooms or an office and craft room, playroom, speakeasy, or music room, - you decide. There is an extra-large half bath on the 3rd floor with enough room to possibly add another tub/shower.

The windows have been replaced and the upgraded electric panel includes a whole house surge protection. With three levels and several adaptable rooms, this is an excellent home from which to tele-work or enjoy retirement interests. It could also serve you as a peaceful weekend retreat from a congested city pace.

Leaving the house, the rear landing from the kitchen is also mahogany with maintenance free steps. Nature abounds in this fenced-in backyard. Look for a very productive fig tree, a pear tree, crabapple tree, 2 pawpaw trees, flowers, shrubs and more. Emphasis has been on increasing the variety of native plants and diminishing the non-native invasive plants. There is plenty of space to fit in vegetables, too! An organic approach has resulted in a balanced ecosystem of plants, animals, birds, reptiles & insects. With a sustainable approach to landscaping, everyone benefits.

The charming one room cottage in the backyard, with a very high ceiling and electricity, could serve as a guest area, office, workout & spa room, maker space, playroom, hobby house, falconer's mews or whatever suits your style. Just behind the cottage is a screened area to use for growing seedlings in Spring or maybe you'd prefer it as a cat lounge for your furiends to safely get fresh air – it's up to you!

The renovated carriage house was modernized from its 1906 origin to easily accommodate new “carriages,” whether full size SUVs or minis, with space leftover for bikes and kayaks. It includes 2 automatic garage doors, a chimney for a wood stove and plenty of power outlets to set up a woodshop. Wide stairs lead to the second floor with ample storage or finish it off for other uses. Alongside the building is a large parking area that easily fits two, (and not quite as easily, four), vehicles.

Through the decades this home's original charm has been preserved yet a modern feel has been channeled with improvements and additions for an eclectic marriage that stands out of the old blended with the new. Visit this home soon to and dream of the possibilities.