712 E Main St Middletown, MD 21769

One of the original Grand Victorian Ladies and on the National Registry of Historic Places. As Stated in National Historic Registry - "712 East Main St. (Richard C. Kefauver House). This 2-1//2-story frame house was built about 1903 byRichard C. Kefauver, brother of Lewis F. Kefauver, and the owner of the land on the south side of Old National Pik (later East Main Street), which became known as part of the Airview development. It sits on Lot #1 of the1912 Kefauver plat. The transitional Late Victorian Queen Anne/Colonial Revival style house shows elementsof both styles. It has an irregular floor plan and an exterior featuring symmetrical projecting polygonal bays on E. corner with closed pedimented gable peaks. The hipped roof has a central cross gable on at least three elevations All gable peaks have decorative scroll-cut bargeboards. The north elevation has a one-story porch between the corner bays with decorative turned trim and a pedimented central peak. The hipped roof has a squared-off peak with four brick chimneys projecting from the four corners.he roof is slate shingles. A frame gambrel roof barn/garage stands just south of the house. Now covered with aluminum siding, it has a wood board and batten loft door in the west elevation. The barn/garage is considered a contributing building."Statement of Significance:The Airview Historic District is significant under National Register Criterion A for its association with the development of mass transportation in rural central Maryland, and the effect of that phenomenon upon community development in the region in the early 20th century. The subdivision called Airview represents a rural adaptation of the suburbanization that characterized urban fringes during this period, known as "streetcar suburb." With the construction of the National Road and pike system, Middletown grew in importance as a center of merchandising and entertainment for the region throughout the 19th century. Middletown's predominant position within the fertile agricultural valley was reinforced at the turn of the 20th century with the establishment of an interurban electric railway line between Frederick and Middletown, which eventually continued to Hagerstown further west. The Frederick and Middletown Electric Railway ran along the Old National Pike (East Main Street), and spurred significant residential development along the line on the eastern edge of Middletown. The Airview development, subdivided from the Kefauver family farm east of town,adjoined the railway line and included a stop in front of the 1906 house/hotel of initial Airview developer,Lewis Kefauver. Sited on the crest of a hill, the wide views and fresh air made Airview a popular option for the area's wealthy retiring farmers. Middletown retained its important position as a transportation hub into the mid20th century but began to decline with the 1936 construction of the new Route 40 between Frederick and Hagerstown, which bypassed the town. In 1947, the closing of the electric railway line further marginalized Middletown, and significant development ceased. The Airview Historic District derives additional significance under National Register Criterion C for its outstanding collection of Late Victorian period, Colonial Revival,and bungalow style houses, many of which reflect the eclecticism typical of the c.1900 period. Enjoy 4 stunning fireplaces, 10 ft ceilings, and original heart of pine hardwood flooring. Additional historic features include amazing woodworking throughout and a slate roof with a widows walk! The large front porch and spacious living spaces make this home an entertainers dream. 4 Spacious bedrooms upstairs! There is also a large unfinished attic space that could easily become a 3rd level. Nearly a 1-acre landscaped lot with a detached 2-car garage. Enjoy the fantastic Main Street Middletown location - walk to park, restaurants, and shops!