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ANNAPOLIS HOME

THE FINEST ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN OF THE CHESAPEAKE REGION

CONTENTS

20 38 52 112

Margaret Thackray Weems House Reborn on King George Antique bricks from the 18th century distinguish a historic home on King George Street.

Courtside Reverie in Alexandria Tour a Hamptons-inspired poolhouse with views of tennis and pickleball courts.

Eat, Live, Beach

Three designers share extra-special projects and tell us why they shine.

The High-Heeled Gardener

The Native Aster

Plant wild aster to rev up your fall garden and attract many pollinators, especially the monarch butterfly.

DEPARTMENTS 18 19 46 48 76

Publishers’ Letter Robert’s Picks Build Your Own Court High Design | Slam A-List Interior Designers

118 136 142 144

Powerhouse Realtors Travel | Majestic Stone, Rock-cut Architecture in India Advertisement Index Around the World | The Taj Mahal

On the Cover: A cozy outdoor spot from “Courtside Reverie in Alexandria.” Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg. 16

ANNAPOLIS HOME

My Favorite Room Design Professionals reveal specific strategies to create meaningful spaces.

Interior by Melissa McLay Interiors Photography Matt Dandy Vol. 17, No.by 5 2026 17

Publishers Kymberly B. Taylor Robert E. Haywood Editor Kymberly B. Taylor Creative Director Ryan Gladhill Senior Designer Samantha Gladhill Director of Advertising & Business Development Elizabeth Davis Account Executive, Advertising & Client Services Marjorie Boyd Photographers David Burroughs Matt Dandy Brian Distad Jennifer Hughes Svetlana Leahy Stacy Zarin Goldberg Writers Dylan Roche Copy Editor Patricia Stainke Bookkeeper Amber Trainer

Kymberly Taylor and Robert Haywood visiting the Ellora Caves in India.

PUBLISHERS’ LETTER Our central focus in this issue is interior design. Each feature showcases the work of one or more leading designers from our region. As we spotlight the distinctive talents of more than 20 designers, you’ll find inspiration for your home. Our cover story features a home in Metro D.C. with tennis and pickleball courts, a pool, pool house, outdoor fireplace, and patios. What’s most impressive is how beautifully coordinated and crafted the entire project is, creating an idyllic outdoor living retreat. We also share a historic renovation on one of Annapolis’ oldest and most prestigious streets—King George Street. While the exterior has remained structurally unchanged since the 1930s, the interior has been thoughtfully updated while retaining its traditional character. There is much to discover in this issue, and we hope you find it as rich an experience to read as it has been for us to put it all together.

Enjoy!

Kymberly Taylor & Robert Haywood Publishers

kymberly@annapolishomemag.com | robert@annapolishomemag.com Annapolis Home is published bimonthly by Taylor Haywood Media, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without express written consent of the publishers. Publishers disclaim any and all responsibility for omissions and errors. Publishers disclaim any and all responsibility for an advertiser’s products, services, or claims. The views expressed in this magazine are solely those of the writer. All rights reserved. © 2026 by Taylor Haywood Media, LLC.

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For subscriptions and advertising, visit: annapolishomemag.com For Advertising and Operations contact Robert Haywood at robert@annapolishomemag.com or call 443.942.3927.

Miguel Braceli, The Flag, Stainless steel, Staten Island, NYC. Braceli has conceived a project at the Mitchell Art Museum, St. John’s College, for fall 2026.

ROBERT’S PICKS A N NA POLIS

Mitchell Art Museum features Miguel Braceli’s Unburial Artist and architect Miguel Braceli transforms the main gallery of the Mitchell Art Museum into an immersive, magical space to contemplate the 1999 death of the last surviving Liberty Tree in the United States, which grew on the front lawn of St. John’s College. On view in the Videodrome is Surveilled or Seen: Sinew of Trust in the Video of Marina Abramović and Lynda Benglis, featuring two iconic videos by two pioneering artists. The exhibit runs September 13 through December 6.

Kahlo in an emotionally rich 75 minutes, running October 8 through November 8. For details, visit www.shakespearetheatre.org

BA LTI MOR E

Baltimore Museum of Art presents Matisse and Martinique: Portraits and Poetry This focus exhibition explores all the artistic connections of artist Henri Matisse during his brief 1930 visit to Martinique, France. It’s free and open Wednesday through Sunday until October 25.

For details, visit www.sjc.edu/mitchell

For details, visit www.baltimoreculture.org

Annapolis Opera presents The Pirates of Penzance

Baltimore Theatre Project presents Alone: Tales from Edgar Allan Poe

This swashbuckling comedy of an operetta sails onto the stage at Maryland Hall, offering romance, mischief, and mistaken identity for a two-performance engagement on October 30 and November 1. For details, visit www.annapolisopera.org

This acclaimed one-man show starring Daniel Hall Kuhn brings selections of Edgar Allan Poe’s spine-tingling stories and poems to life in a performance that’s perfect for the Halloween season, running October 14-18.

WA SH I NGTON, D.C.

For details, visit www.theatreproject.org

This feel-good musical inspired by ABBA has captured the hearts of audiences for 25 years with its story about a young bride trying to find her father before her wedding. The latest national tour stops at the National with a run from October 27 to November 15.

Harriet Tubman Museum & Center presents A Tribute to Santana and Jimi Hendrix

Mamma Mia at the National Theatre

For details, visit www.broadwayatthenational.com

Shakespeare Theatre Company presents Frida: A Self-Portrait This drama by Brazilian writer and performer Vanessa Severo lays bare all the pain and passion of celebrated Mexican painter Frida

EA STER N SHOR E

Washington, DC-based guitarist and educator David B. Cole pays tribute to two acclaimed Black artists, incorporating his own stylistic approach into a live jazz, blues, and R&B performance on October 2 at the Avalon. For details, visit www.avalonfoundation.org Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 19

The pedimented entry features Doric columns supporting a plain entablature and unadorned tympanum, except for the raked cornice and the modillions of the pediment cornice. 20

ANNAPOLIS HOME

Margaret Thackray Weems built this home in 1938 to replicate an 18th-century Georgian-style dwelling. She used bricks salvaged from an 18th-century building being demolished on Main Street.

MARGARET THACKRAY WEEMS HOUSE

Reborn on King George by Kymberly Taylor Photography by David Burroughs

ing George Street is one of the most historic and intriguing streets in Annapolis. Designed by Sir Francis Nicholson, the Royal Governor of the Maryland Colony, the 300-year-old thoroughfare is lined with Colonial, Federal, and Victorian-era homes that trace Annapolis’ growth from a fledgling colony to a refined colonial capital and beyond. The homes lining both sides of this narrow street seem to lean in, as if gossiping with each other. Their histories, secrets, and stories remain largely untold, which may be why we never tire of their presence and their silent soliloquies. Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 21

ANNAPOLIS HOME

Custom millwork hand-drawn by the architects and built by Gate One Builders adds layers of interest and a sense of history.

The design scheme is calm, composed of fine wooden furnishings and comfortable chairs with a neutral palette.

“IN MY EXPERIENCE, THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE WHEN IT COMES TO A PROJECT LIKE THIS. THERE ARE THOSE LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES BUT WHO LACK THE COMMITMENT, AND THOSE WHO REALLY WANT TO BE HERE AND WHO WILL DO WHAT IT TAKES.” – MATT LONG, GATE ONE BUILDERS

ANNAPOLIS HOME

Thanks to a new owner, we know a little more about a twoand-a-half-story Georgian Revival-style home at 220 King George Street. Maryland Historical Trust records reveal it was built in 1938 by Margaret Thackray Weems and designed by Eastport architect Charles E. Miller. A colonial frame house (c. 1822) occupied the lot. Before building, Margaret relocated this historic house to the rear of 214– 218 King George Street, where it quietly exists today. Margaret Thackray, a prominent property owner and citizen of Annapolis, was married to Captain Philip Van Horn Weems. A 1912 graduate of the Naval Academy, he was revolutionary, pioneering the first modern navigation systems applicable to sea, air, and later, to space—long before the invention of the first computer. He, Margaret, and his German partner Carl Plath founded Weems and Plath, whose historic headquarters still exist in Eastport.

The intimate sitting room has double doors that lead to an outdoor terrace and small garden.

Records indicate that Margaret built the home at 220 King George with the purpose of leasing. The family’s main residence was the historic Bordley-Randall home, where they often entertained Naval Academy officers and adventurers seeking navigation advice, including Charles Lindbergh, the first person to cross the Atlantic in an airplane. The King George Street structure looks much older, thanks to ancient bricks she salvaged from an 18thcentury building at 193 Main Street, according to the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties. If you look closely, you’ll see that the bricks are laid with only their shorter, square ends (“headers”) facing outward: a common 18th-century building practice. The distinct exterior has not changed over the century, but two very recent owners both tried to renovate the interior. The first lost interest as the project dragged on. The second Photo © Weems & Plath. Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 25

The kitchen is compact but well-organized, with an intuitive floor plan and luxury modern appliances.

owner sold the house after learning that all the windows on the front of the home must be restored to historic specifications—a daunting and expensive task. Luckily, a third homeowner passionate about “the building of houses” stepped in. Born on the east side of Baltimore, this building supply executive already lives in his “dream home” on the water in Annapolis with his wife. But he also had a second dream home in mind. “I always wanted to take a house downtown and renovate it,” he says. Before making an offer, he invited Matt Long of Gate One Builders to visit the home and advise him. Over the past twelve years, Long has built several of his homes as well as homes for his children. In the process, Long has earned his lifelong trust, the homeowner notes. On their first site visit, they stared at a gutted interior devoid of charm, a partial basement dug out by a previous owner, and windows that would have to be restored to rigorous historic standards. Matt said, “Yes, it can be done, if it’s something you really want to do. You may not see another house like this for five years.”

ANNAPOLIS HOME

The wall cabinet was designed by the architects to fit perfectly into the space.

The stairwell features custom panels designed by Fourth Street Design Studios.

A window seat and built-ins add charm to a second-story bedroom.

Trusting Long’s judgment, he bought his second “dream house.” Long urged him to hire architects Gary Schwerzler and Peter Miller of Fourth Street Design Studio to assist with reimagining a period-style interior, which included wainscoting, stairwell panels, crown molding, closets, and even vanities. Long’s team set to work, leveling ceilings and floors, framing the inside and insulating it with spray foam before moving on to the finer custom elements. The going was rough and slow, with many problems to fix. “We found that the work that was done prior to us was done quickly,” says Long. He reflects that what stood out for him was the owner’s dedication to the details. “He had faith in us and allowed us to execute every molding and trim drawing,” he explains. “It’s a gracious space, but there is no waste. Everything is compact but well-thought-out. You had to do it justice; you couldn’t just throw something together quickly.” He reflects that it takes a special kind of person to restore a historic home. “It is my experience that there are two kinds of people when it comes to a project like this. There are those looking for opportunities but who lack the commitment, and those who really want to be here and who will do what it takes.”

Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 29

A small addition on the back of the house opens to a lush private garden with a pond designed by landscape architect Jay Graham.

His client is certainly the latter. “He’s got a busy mind and likes to create things,” he says of the homeowner, who notes, “This is a dream, but I have more dreams, more projects in mind.” This home may be just right for him. With its Doric columns, crisp white trim, and enchanted back garden designed by Jay Graham of Moody Graham Landscape Architects, it is indeed conducive to dreaming. When inside the front parlor filled with natural light, time seems to slow down. One can imagine a horse and carriage just outside or perhaps a shining new Packard, emblematic of a prosperous Annapolis, once a dusty colonial province with many dreams. AH

ARCHITECT: Fourth Street Design Studio BUILDER: Matt Long, Gate One Builders BUILDING SUPPLIES: 84 Lumber INTERIOR DESIGNER: Melissa McLay Interiors LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Jay Graham, Moody Graham Landscape Architects EXTERIOR LANDSCAPE: Oldetowne Landscape Architects TILE: Chesapeake Tile & Marble Research Materials: Maryland Historic Trust

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Courtside Reverie IN ALEXANDRIA by Dylan Roche Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

The homeowners wanted a welcoming New-England-style complex for recreation and relaxation. 38 ANNAPOLIS HOME

Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 39

TWO

acres sounds like extensive space for a yard—at least in theory. But when it comes to configuring all the many amenities needed to create a vacation resort right at home, even that acreage requires careful planning. That was what Joseph Richardson of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture realized when he started working with a client to design such a backyard—one that would feel like the places they visited in Martha’s Vineyard or the Hamptons. Working in collaboration with Mark Kaufman of GTM Architects and Sandra Meyer of Ella Scott Design, Richardson ultimately brought the client’s vision for the backyard to life with a pool, a pool house, a terrace, an outdoor fireplace, a pickleball court, a tennis court, gardens, and a detached garage. “When you tell people you have two acres, you think, ‘Oh, well, wow, we can do a lot with two acres,’” Richardson says. “Well, this really pushed us to our limit.” Fortunately, the existing yard was little more than a vegetable garden and lots of grass, so besides navigating the permit requirements—which needed a plan to mitigate stormwater via underground pipes—the team had a blank canvas to design as they pleased. It started with a bubble diagram to configure the most practical layout so one could walk to each part of the yard without it feeling too spread out. In the final design, the back of the main house opens onto a terrace, which is an important first location in the yard. “The rear of the home was rather flat and disconnected from the yard, so we designed and built a large terrace that helped to bridge the elevation difference between the yard and the house itself,” Richardson explains. The terrace involved a close collaboration between Richardson and Kaufman. “The two-tiered terrace allowed us to create a natural transition from the house down into the landscape while establishing clear circulation and usable outdoor spaces,” Kaufman says. Kaufman also designed the pool house, which sits between the pool and sports courts—a feature central to Richardson’s master plan for the backyard. This presented an architectural challenge, as the pool house needed two fronts to serve two activities.

ANNAPOLIS HOME

The pool house includes a living room, kitchenette, laundry, changing room, sauna, loft, storage, and mechanical space.

The pool house has two terraces: one faces the tennis and pickleball courts, and the other faces the pool.

“WE STRIPPED AWAY THE EXPECTED COASTAL CLICHÉS IN FAVOR OF CLEAN LINES, NATURAL MATERIALS, INTERESTING AND UNEXPECTED FORMS, AND AN AIRY OPENNESS.”

– Sandra Meyer, Ella Scott Design

Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 43

The outdoor two-acre compound is surrounded by manicured lawn and gardens.

Another challenge they encountered was fitting all the necessary programming into the pool house, which includes a living room, kitchenette, laundry, changing room, sauna, loft, storage, and mechanical space. “We needed to accommodate all of these functions without allowing the building to become visually heavy or disrupt the important connection between the pool and tennis court,” Kaufman says. Hence, the pool has no formal front or back. According to Kaufman, the design concept developed quickly around one simple organizing principle: “… to place the large gathering space at the center and allow the building to open directly toward both the pool and tennis court.” Just as important as the layout of the yard was the aesthetic. Richardson describes the pool house as more transitional in contrast to the main house’s traditional aesthetic, but the two strike a balance that isn’t uncommon in backyard design. “When people walk the property, they might notice that there’s a subtle difference between the house and the landscape, but I think they’re very complementary,” he says.

ANNAPOLIS HOME

This idyllic retreat is like a private resort, offering both tennis and pickleball.

When Meyer was decorating the pool deck, the terrace, and the pool house, she understood the feeling the homeowners sought; she’s a Bostonian who spent her own summers on the Cape and the Islands. Her vision, she explains, was never about a traditional seaside aesthetic, but a sleeker, more modern vibe while maintaining that island feel. “We stripped away the expected coastal clichés in favor of clean lines, natural materials, interesting and unexpected forms, and an airy openness,” she says. The result is reminiscent of a sun-washed island but with a refined, contemporary edge. And then there is the greenery itself. Even with all the amenities, Richardson’s layout left plenty of room for a green lawn where the owners could put up a tent for their annual backyard parties. All throughout the property, the landscaping includes a variety of plants: maple trees, boxwood hedges, colorful nepeta, oakleaf hydrangea, crepe myrtle, and southern magnolia. Trees line the perimeter of the property, furthering the feeling that it’s tucked away and private. This collaborative project maximizes the two acres of yard it was working with, creating a backyard that’s beautiful and functional, where a vacation doesn’t have to be far away from home. AH

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Joseph Richardson, Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture ARCHITECT: Mark Kaufman, GTM Architects BUILDER: Thorsen Construction DESIGN: Sandra Meyer, Ella Scott Design LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR: McHale Landscape Design

Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 45

Build

YOUR OWN COURT Thinking about adding a tennis court at home? We spoke with Jason Gelblum of Back Creek Builders, who builds tennis and pickleball courts, about some of the things homeowners should consider before getting started. First, you’ll need a fairly large, level area with good drainage. In addition to the court itself, there needs to be enough space around it for run-off areas and fencing. As a general rule, plan on having about 120' × 60' of usable space. Court orientation is another consideration. Courts are typically positioned north–south to help reduce problems with the sun, particularly during morning and evening play. The condition of the site can also have a big impact on the project. A sloped yard or poor drainage may require grading, drainage work, or retaining walls, which can add significantly to the cost. The total price of a court varies depending on the site, fencing, lighting, and type of playing surface. It’s also easy to focus on the initial construction and overlook the ongoing costs. Lighting, fencing, site work, and maintenance can all add to the overall expense, and maintenance needs will vary depending on the surface you choose. Taking these factors into account early can help you get a better sense of what’s involved and whether your property is a good fit for a court.

Back Creek Builders, backcreekbuilders.com

LEARN TO PLAY: Enrique Villagomez Tennis Academy 443.254.6494 | enriquevm1@gmail.com Cathy Officer, Tennis Coach cathyofficer@gmail.com Anne Arundel County Tennis Association aacta.com 46

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Design Perspectives EAT • LIVE • BEACH

In the spirit of this issue’s interior design focus, we selected three designers who have recently completed full-home projects—or, in one case, a kitchen, dining room, and porch. Each designer has an entirely different aesthetic, with distinctive color palettes and fabric selections that bring a unique flair to each project. Our stories explore the why and how behind their creative decisions, offering insight into the process and the details that make each space memorable.

A balance of neutral shades and natural materials create a serene ambiance.

TONYA MAGG

A Timeless Retouch

GIO DESIGN

by Dylan Roche Photography by Brian Distad

Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 55

Custom millwork adds subtle layers, creating a classic, timeless aesthetic.

The Assignment Design can require a subtle balance when a homeowner wants a space to serve a new purpose without necessarily feeling new. That was the situation when these clients decided to transform the main living space in the home they’d lived in for years. They wanted a space that naturally lent itself to gathering with friends and family—one that was open and functional, but still honored the character and architecture of the home as it was. The renovation became a collaborative effort among Alan Cook of Speight Cook Architecture, Summit Builders, Woodworking by Design, and Tonya Maggio of Tonya Maggio Interiors. Because Maggio acknowledged the goal wasn’t to make the renovation feel “new,” she had a specific perspective on the interior design. “We wanted it to feel as though it had always belonged to the house,” she says. “We leaned into timeless architectural details, custom millwork, natural materials, warm finishes, and layers that give the rooms a sense of history.”

ANNAPOLIS HOME

Traditional cabinetry creates a timeless feel while textures add depth and personality.

DESIGN TIP: “One of the biggest lessons from this project is that not every part of a room needs to be the star. Instead, identify a few opportunities to create what we call ‘magic moments’—details that give a home its personality and make it memorable. In this home, the architectural arch and the ceiling in the dining space became those moments. Each one adds something special, but they work together rather than competing with one another.” – Tonya Maggio Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 57

Cabinets with inlays add a touch of soft color.

Designer’s Approach Maggio always begins every project by focusing on how the client lives rather than how they want the room to look. “A beautiful room is only successful if it works beautifully, too,” she says. That means a good interior design involves balancing architecture, function, and personality. “We thought about how people would move through the rooms, where they would gather, what needed to be stored, what deserved to be highlighted, and how the different spaces would relate to one another,” she says. She also looks for opportunities to create what she refers to as magic moments, or details that will make people stop and notice something special. “The architectural arch, the texture of the wood treatment in the eat-in dining space became those moments,” she says. “They give the home personality without making it feel overly designed.”

Biggest Challenges

Exquisite hardware adds a touch of modernity.

Even though function is an important part of the design, sometimes it can present a challenge. In this home, an HVAC unit was necessary in the bar area, but wasn’t something anyone wanted to be the visual focus of the room. So, Maggio and her collaborators got creative. “Instead of treating it simply as a mechanical problem, we approached it as a design opportunity.” By incorporating trellis detail to integrate the HVAC into the overall design, the undesirable unit suddenly became another part of the room’s character.

Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 59

Soft wood tones for table, chairs, and floors are accentuated by natural light.

“It ended up becoming one of those moments we love about renovations: a constraint forces you to be more creative, and the solution ultimately adds character to the space,” Maggio says, adding that this is why collaboration makes such a difference. “The best solutions often happen when everyone is at the table.”

Putting It Together

In the beginning, a vision is just that—a vision. It’s not until the project moves along that it starts to become a reality. “That’s something we often see in larger renovations,” Maggio says. “Drawings, samples, and renderings are incredibly helpful, but there is a point during construction when clients can finally stand in the space and understand the scale, sight lines, and relationships between rooms.”

INTERIOR DESIGNERS: Tonya Maggio and Amber Streit, Tonya Maggio Interiors ARCHITECT: Alan Cook, Speight Cook Studio Architects BUILDER: Summit Builders

It’s during this part of the process that a project can be refined, because some complex ideas become simpler and some simpler moments become more detailed and special.

CABINETRY: Partnered with Woodworking by Design

This project also had many layers: natural materials, warm wood tones, timeless cabinetry, and beautiful lighting. Maggio speaks of these as layers because they work together to give the space its soul. “We never want a room to feel as though everything arrived on the same day,” she says. “The best interiors feel collected and personal.” AH

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Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 61

Edgy Beauty by Kymberly Taylor Photography by Svetlana Leahy

The Goal: Interior Design for a Newly Built Second Home The homeowner of this brand-new home on the waterfront knew what she didn’t want: a typical coastal décor with a nautical theme and lots of blue, explain designers Samantha Sopp-Wittwer and Kelly Reese of Interior Concepts, Inc. “It was the client’s second home, so we thought, ‘Let’s have fun!’” says Sopp-Wittwer. What transpired led to an unforgettable waterfront home vibrating with edgy beauty.

Designers’ Approach: “Winks to the Traditional” “Her husband was more traditional but on board for whatever she wanted, so what we tried to do was incorporate ‘winks’ to the traditional,” explains Sopp-Wittwer. And it is this playful balance between eclectic modern and the traditional—a dance with leaps, arabesques, and sharp turns—that both grounds and energizes the home. For example, in a daring move, the designers suggested authentic graffiti for the foyer. “When we proposed graffiti for the foyer, we said, ‘You are going to either hate this or love it,’—but they loved it!” recalls Sopp-Wittwer. The graffiti artist worked through the night, covering almost every inch of the foyer in blackand-white crowns. To break the feverish flow, he slipped in one light-hearted purple crown. In this home, design is never formulaic. Luscious colors literally flash, awakening the senses. This is not surprising. Reese’s aesthetic is often informed by fashion. For instance, a sitting room has deep purple walls accentuated by a chair in mustard and orange tones and an electric orange planter. Along with color, sculptural forms add a sinuous elegance: in the great room, a suspended wine shaft with accent lighting is part sculpture, part room divider.

ANNAPOLIS HOME

This foyer is painted by a genuine grafitti artist commissioned by the interior designers.

Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 63

The great room is filled with neutrals but brightened by chartreuse and cobalt blue accessories.

Purple upholstered chairs and wall paint tie the dining and living spaces together.

Many “winks to tradition” temper this wilder energy. One example is in the conference room, dominated by a wall centered by a contemporary plexiglass spiral form. “It’s a contemporary medium with the plexiglass but another traditional architectural element,” says Sopp-Wittwer, noting that the chairs around the table ground the space with their classic modern lines. There are restful moments or intermissions in the home as well. In the great room, the walls and furnishings are a combination of charcoal, grey, black, and white. The custom fireplace wall is a calming grey. Many of the window treatments are double-sided white sheers. However, in the cabana loft, the drapery panels are animated by two almost life-size embroidered figures. Each light fixture adds formal complexity, including one suspended in the stairwell composed of drywall panels with defined linear grooves. In the dark, the chandelier’s wires disappear; it seems suspended in mid-air. “The fixture becomes a miniature ‘Starry Night,’” says Sopp-Wittwer. It seems that each room is choreographed by the designers to interact, to dance with the next. The décor is far from nautical, yet there is something of the sea involved, an undertow of colors and forms that draw one deeper and deeper, yet within reach of a friendly shore. AH

ANNAPOLIS HOME

This space is filled with surprises, including purple walls and geometric patterns.

Each room has distinct and unusual elements. In the guest room, human-sized forms are embroidered upon the window treatments.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS: Samantha Sopp-Wittwer and Kelly Critzos, Interior Concepts, Inc. ARCHITECT: James McDonald KITCHEN DESIGNER: Stuart Kitchens STONE AND TILE: B&F Ceramics; Classic Granite & Marble; Dekton by Cosentino WINDOWS: Marvin Windows APPLIANCES: Wolf and Sub-Zero CUSTOM WALL FINISHES: Arteriors ADDITIONAL SUPPLIERS: Sonneman; Hubbardton Forge The over-sized light fixture in this study makes a bold statement.

410.647.2090

BARKSROAD.COM

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The palette is composed of coastal blues in solids, stripes, and patterns.

Bethany Brighten-Up by Dylan Roche Photography by Matt Dandy

Clean lines, shades of blue, and fresh whites visually connect the floors to one another.

DESIGN TIP: “Before deciding whether to tear down or remodel, consult experienced building and design professionals and seek more than one opinion. Experts can look beyond dated interiors and help identify a home’s potential, including how the existing space can be transformed.”

– Stephanie Simmons, Karen Renée Interior Design

The Assignment This Bethany Beach property was a beach house—but it didn’t truly feel like one. The owners, whose primary residence is in Bethesda, Maryland, bought the house during the pandemic and used it for a couple of years before embarking on a remodel. They brought in Stephanie Simmons of Karen Renée Interior Design to design the relaxed, family-friendly retreat they knew it could be. “It didn’t even look like a beach house. It was dated and had strange colors and strange vibes,” Simmons explains. The owners considered tearing the entire house down and starting anew, which Simmons says is not uncommon for some new owners who move into that area. But because the home’s classic colonial shingle style seemed perfectly suited to the coastal setting, they decided to remodel. Instead of dark and somber, they wanted clean lines, fresh colors, and casual décor.

Designer’s Approach After working in many homes around Annapolis and on the Eastern Shore, Simmons has experience doing coastal design. As she puts it, she knows what works well in those settings. But she also brought a special eye to the project and a clear vision for how she could work with the owners, given what they had. Case in point: The spiral staircase is the centerpiece of the house. The owners had considered tearing it out and rebuilding it somewhere else, but Simmons saw the beauty in the staircase. “It’s an architectural feature of the house,” she explains. She knew that with a lighter wood tone, a coat of paint, and new spindles, the staircase would be completely transformed and fit the aesthetic the client had in mind. This was one of many ways Simmons could see what was there—a dark, outdated house—and envision the coastal beauty that it could become.

Putting It Together The scope of the project evolved. Although the initial idea was to tear down and rebuild, after collaborating with Simmons, the owners decided on a plan to replace the exterior shingles and make a few minor updates to

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The primary bath is a fresh variation on the home’s predominately blue and white palette.

the interior. Then they selected Rehoboth-based CRx Construction and expanded into a full remodel: new windows, an opened-up space, and renovations in the bathrooms and kitchen. “As I developed the design, I kept the oceanfront setting front of mind, selecting light wood and painted finishes, rattan, and deeply comfortable seating to create an easy, livable atmosphere,” Simmons says. The family has three children, and this was a vacation home, so family-friendly and low-maintenance were priorities, but that didn’t mean sacrificing polish, as Simmons explains. “The palette centered on medium-to-light blues layered with high-performance fabrics, Sunbrella, and other natural textiles,” she says.

Biggest Challenges Redesigning a vacation home can be challenging because it might not be nearby. “The clients’ primary home is in Bethesda, and as a busy young family, they did not have time to travel back and forth to Bethany for selections,” Simmons says. To make it work, they did a lot of the consulting by phone and email. They also worked with vendors local to Maryland, including Atlas Marble & Tile and Gramaco. Simmons created detailed drawings for the bathroom and kitchen tile designs, and worked closely with job supervisors. AH

ANNAPOLIS HOME

INTERIOR DESIGNER: Stephanie Simmons, Karen Renée Interior Design BUILDER: CRx Construction TILE: Atlas Marble & Tile WINDOW TREATMENTS: Interiors by Joanne PAINT: Benjamin Moore – Overall color: Chantilly Lace; Primary Bath: Blue Veil

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A-LIST

Interior Designers C. Newman Interiors Melissa McLay Interiors Interior Concepts Karen Renée Interior Design Divina Lourdes Interior Design Farnady Interiors Danielle Flax Interiors Fitzsimmons Design Birdie & Bean Interiors Taylor Hart Design Ivory Stone Interiors SPONSORED

C. NEWMAN INTERIORS CATHY NEWMAN, Owner CNEWMANINTERIORS.COM | 410.507.1308 C. Newman Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in creating elegant, personalized spaces that reflect the unique tastes and lifestyles of each client. A traditionally styled home with dated finishes was transformed into a sophisticated, inviting retreat. A thoughtful renovation created a more open, connected feel through new cabinetry, lighting, and refined architectural details. A warm palette of natural stone, tailored millwork, and contemporary furnishings brings a fresh, layered aesthetic to the home. The result is a timeless yet current interior that honors the home’s traditional roots while reflecting the owner’s desire for an elevated, modern update. Stacy Zarin Goldberg Photography

ANNAPOLIS HOME

For more than 15 years, Melissa McLay and her team have created thoughtful, highly personalized interiors throughout the region, from new construction and full-scale renovations to tailored design services. In this farmhouse, they introduced a lighter, fresher perspective through soft color, natural texture, tailored furnishings, and collected details—creating rooms that feel relaxed and current while honoring the home’s traditional character and timeless sense of place.

MELISSA McLAY INTERIORS MELISSA McLAY

MELISSAMCLAYINTERIORS.COM

Photography by Matthew Dandy

INTERIOR CONCEPTS INTERIORCONCEPTSINC.COM | 410.224.7366 Since its founding in 1979, Interior Concepts, Inc. has built more than four decades of design expertise, bringing a broad, global perspective to residential interiors. Designers Samantha Sopp-Wittwer and Kelly Critzos bring years of experience and an individualized perspective to each project. Rather than designing around a particular look or formula, they begin by understanding how their clients live, what they value, how they use their spaces and what they need from their homes both now and in the years ahead. That insight guides everything from space planning and material selections to furnishings and finishing details, allowing each project to develop its own identity, balancing beauty with everyday livability. For this design, Samantha and Kelly embraced an organic contemporary aesthetic, where clean architectural lines are softened by natural materials and layers of tactile texture. Dramatic veined marble, rich wood tones and a palette of warm neutrals establish a sense of continuity throughout. The result reflects what defines Interior Concepts’ work: thoughtful, highly personalized interiors that feel cohesive and intentional, while remaining distinctly connected to the people who call them home.

SAMANTHA SOPP-WITTWER

KELLY CRITZOS

For more than 30 years, my clients dreamed of creating an oceanfront gathering place in Bethany Beach for family and friends. Having previously designed their primary residence, I was thrilled to help bring this vision to life. Inspired by the spectacular coastal setting, I layered natural textures and relaxed, comfortable furnishings with sophisticated shades of navy, soft blue, and aqua. With two college-age sons, a large extended family, and many friends, the home was designed to be both beautiful and welcoming—a timeless seaside retreat created for entertaining, relaxing, and making memories for generations to come.

KAREN RENÉE INTERIOR DESIGN KARENRENEEINTERIORS.COM | 410.647.0435

KAREN OSBORNE

Principal Senior Designer

STEPHANIE SIMMONS Senior Designer

NICOLE MAZYCK Senior Designer

SOPHIE HONEYWELL Senior Designer

Brian Distad Photography

Completed in early 2025, our design studio offered a unique opportunity to turn our design philosophy inward. We approached the space with the same intention we bring to our clients’ homes, creating a sophisticated, welcoming environment where aesthetics and function come together. Abundant storage houses our ever-changing resource library, while an expansive island transitions effortlessly from design development to curated client presentations. A bright kitchenette and comfortable seating area encourage conversation, collaboration, and connection. Most importantly, the studio inspires us daily as we create exceptional, deeply personal interiors, then share the creative process with our clients and their design team.

DIVINA LOURDES INTERIOR DESIGN DIVINA LOURDES CLONEY DIVINALOURDESDESIGNS.COM 410.533.3259

Farnady Interiors’ goal is to create multilayered and memorable spaces that are both inviting and opulent. Our design approach is to always respect history, place, and architecture while taking chances and staying focused on all details. Katalin’s biggest inspirations are art, fashion, and travel. Katalin’s travels around the world keep her constantly soaking up unique designs, structural shapes, and historical architecture from which she draws inspiration for her next project. She incorporates antique and vintage pieces in the interiors she creates in all forms—from art, lighting, fabrics, accessories, and furniture pieces. Katalin launched her furniture line in 2021, which is manufactured in the USA and Hungary. It is now a growing collection that is both forward-thinking and unexpected, with a nod to the Art Deco and Art Nouveau influences.

FARNADY INTERIORS KATALIN FARNADY

FARNADYINTERIORS.COM | 443.822.3248

At Danielle Flax Interiors, we believe every home should tell the story of the people who live there. As a full-service residential interior design studio, we create timeless, thoughtfully curated spaces that reflect each client’s lifestyle, personality, and vision. Our goal is to design homes that are not only beautiful and functional but also become the backdrop for life’s most meaningful moments—places where families gather, traditions begin, and lasting memories are made.

DANIELLE FLAX INTERIORS DANIELLE FLAX

DANIELLEFLAXINTERIORS.COM info@danielleflaxinteriors.com 301.646.9552

Gina Fitzsimmons creates interiors distinguished by architectural vision, thoughtful detail, and a refined sense of place. Her versatility is evident in spaces ranging from an intimate wine room with custom built-ins, stone-clad columns, and a backlit handblown glass window, to a beautifully renovated shiplap powder room and a modern great room featuring contemporary furnishings and a custom-designed TV wall framed by columns. With more than 25 years of experience, Fitzsimmons approaches each project from the inside out—balancing architecture, proportion, materials, and furnishings to create interiors that are sophisticated, welcoming, and enduring.

FITZSIMMONS DESIGN GINA FITZSIMMONS, ASID Principal & Interior Designer

FITZSIMMONSDESIGN.COM 410.269.1965

At Birdie & Bean Interiors, designer Polly Offutt believes the most beautiful spaces are deeply personal. Polly and the Birdie & Bean team create refined, inviting interiors designed around the way their clients live. From focused renovations to fullhome transformations and boutique commercial spaces, the team balances beauty with function, bringing a fresh perspective and thoughtful attention to every detail to create spaces that feel collected, comfortable, and distinctly yours.

BIRDIE & BEAN INTERIORS POLLY OFFUTT

BIRDIEANDBEANINTERIORS.COM New Studio Location: 608 Melvin Avenue, Annapolis

TAYLOR HART DESIGN LAURIE HART

Principal/Creative Director TAYLORHARTDESIGN.COM 410.507.1602 Taylor Hart Design is an award-winning firm specializing in bespoke, fullscale renovations, luxury interiors, creative space planning, and transformative floor plan design. This full-scale renovation reimagined the entire first floor, including the pictured newly created parlor/foyer and completely redesigned kitchen, where a new arch beautifully frames the waterside setting. “Our clients initially considered moving but loved their location and its unique charm. By thoughtfully reworking the existing spaces, we created a more functional floor plan paired with the refined, modern aesthetic they desired, ultimately giving them a renewed love for their home.” – Laurie Hart Photography by Peak Visuals

Ivory Stone Interiors is leading a three-phase project to renovate this impressive home in one of Old Severna Park’s coveted neighborhoods. Perched on a peninsula where Yantz Creek meets the Severn River, new floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the sweeping views. Phase One focused on the kitchen, dining room and mudroom while setting the design intent for the home as a whole. The upscale lake house theme unfolds through wide-plank rustic hardwood floors, brick flooring in the mudroom and marble that echoes the coloring of Maryland blue crabs. Laura Bauer, owner and principal designer of Ivory Stone Interiors, is currently working on Phase Two, which includes a novel third-floor guest suite and loft library.

IVORY STONE INTERIORS LAURA BAUER 90

ANNAPOLIS HOME

IVORYSTONEINTERIORS.COM 443.618.1096

annapolis 1801 McGuckian Street | 443.333.1618 owings mills 45 Gwynns Mill Court | 410.363.7363 baltimore 801 Light Street | 410.244.7237

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Favorite_ We invited design professionals to choose a room they’ve designed that they particularly love—or one that has become a favorite of ours. The idea is to slow down and look closely at one space, from the floor plan and color palette to the fabrics, wood, furnishings, and all the small details that bring it together. – AHM Editors

Room

_ This space, once dark and dreary, has been transformed by generous fixed glass panels.

Bath

With A View One of my favorite rooms to design is this Primary Bathroom, transformed from a dark, dated space into a retreat that celebrates its setting overlooking the Severn River. The transformation began with the windows. Casements were replaced with expansive fixed-glass panels, flooding the room with light and opening the space to the river. The former separate tub and shower became a walk-in wet room, creating a spa-like environment where routines feel more like moments of escape. Porcelain surfaces mimic stacked stone, slate, and warm wood, delivering the beauty of natural materials with durability and ease of maintenance. Quartz countertops resemble concrete, petrified wood mirror frames add warmth, and cast-resin sconces create a glow. Even the soaking tub became an opportunity for problem-solving. When a cast-concrete tub proved impractical, a cast-resin alternative captured the handcrafted aesthetic without structural modifications. The result is a space that feels like a bright sanctuary, where the beauty of the river, the materials, and the design transform rituals into an experience. Interior Designer: Lisa Tullai, Annapolis Interiors, www.annapolisinteriors.com Builder: Scott Blackketter, Blackketter Craftsmen, Inc. Cabinetry: Kitchen Encounters Stone and Tile: In Home Stone Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

ANNAPOLIS HOME

The interior designer used porcelain tile that mimicked the look of natural stone and wood.

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Custom built-in bookshelves are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green. 98

ANNAPOLIS HOME

Where Stories Live_ The front-to-back library in this custom Mount Vernon home has a direct connection to the outside with porches on both ends. The refined space is dark, so it was important to bring in natural light with abundant windows. Since the owners had a significant number of books to display, Rill Architects lined the walls with custom built-in bookshelves painted in Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green. They selected most of the furnishings and also designed the trim work and the mahogany ceiling detailing to enhance the cool club look and feel of the space. The white oak flooring is stained darker for a more traditional finish. Architect: Jim Rill, AIA, and James Murray, AIA, Rill Architects, www.rillarchitects.com Builder: Thorsen Construction Interior Designers: Jim Rill and Cara Medeiros, Rill Architects; Courtney Cox, Courtney Cox Interiors Light Fixtures: Visual Comfort Paint: Farrow & Ball Studio Green Photography: Jennifer Hughes

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A quartzite feature wall is backlit to reveal the stone’s natural veining.

Leather furniture groupings are ideal for wine tastings.

Bottled Moments At the heart of this Owings Mills renovation is a custom wine room designed to be as visually striking as it is functional. More than a place for wine storage, the space was conceived as an architectural focal point that brings warmth, atmosphere, and a sense of occasion to the lower level.

Custom wine storage was integrated into the design to showcase the collection while maintaining a clean, sophisticated aesthetic. Layered architectural and accent lighting further enhances the room, balancing practical illumination with ambiance.

An illuminated quartzite feature wall serves as the centerpiece. Backlit to reveal the stone’s natural veining and translucency, it creates a dramatic glow that adds depth and dimension while highlighting the beauty of the material itself.

The result is a refined, intimate wine room that transforms wine storage into a distinctive design feature and an inviting destination for entertaining.

Interior Designer: Stephanie Twarowski, Gramophone Design Build, www.gramophonedesignbuild.com Electrical: Gramophone Electrical Team Quartzite Slab: Fabricated and installed by Classic Granite & Marble Glass Enclosure: Fabricated and installed by Mirror Crafters Photography: Brian Distad Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 101

This room is filled with highly durable performance fabrics that can stand up to children and dogs.

Welcome Home_ This living room perfectly reflects the way we approach design: creating spaces that feel timeless, personal, and meant to be lived in. Rather than relying on trends, we focused on layering classic elements with unexpected, personal color and texture. The blue-green trim adds architectural definition, while the striped upholstery, warm wood accents, and collected textiles create balance and warmth. We selected every material with everyday life in mind, from the highly durable performance fabrics to the family-friendly rug that can stand up to children and dogs without sacrificing style. Located just off the kitchen, this room naturally becomes the heart of the home, inviting conversation, entertaining, and the inevitable overflow of family and friends. My favorite rooms are never the ones that feel too precious; they’re the ones where people gather, coffee tables fill with books, and every corner tells part of the homeowner’s story. To me, great design isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating a home that feels effortlessly welcoming, beautifully functional, and uniquely yours. Interior Designer: Amanda Chando, Details and Design, www.detailsanddesign.com Builder: Parker Wren Carpet: Annapolis Carpet & Flooring America Drapes: Custom, using Romo Fabric Roman Shades: Fabricut Sofa: Custom, Cisco Home Trim Paint: Farrow & Ball Wine Dark Wall Paint: Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

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Furnishings and finishes were selected to create a relaxed coastal feeling without being overly themed.

Room to Rest_ This bedroom offers far more than a place to sleep; it is a serene retreat where our client can relax, read, and enjoy the beautiful waterfront view. The generous space was arranged to create distinct sleeping and sitting areas that feel connected yet serve different purposes. Custom built-in clothing storage adds function while maintaining a clean, tailored appearance. One of our favorite design details is the subtly patterned wallpaper on the tray ceiling, which draws the eye upward and brings softness, texture, and an unexpected layer of interest to the room. The furnishings and finishes were selected to create a relaxed coastal feeling without being overly themed. A warm neutral palette is enlivened with soft blues, fresh greens, and delicate floral patterns, while natural wood, layered textiles, and graceful silhouettes make the room feel comfortable and collected. Most of all, we love how the room supports everyday life. It is restful at night, uplifting in the morning, and provides a peaceful place to sit together and appreciate the ever-changing view of the water. Interior Designers: Melissa McLay & Stephanie Murphy, Melissa McLay Interiors, www.melissamclayinteriors.com Builder: Kevin Shoop, Complete Home Care Rugs: Schumacher Sofa: Lee Industries with Lee Jofa fabric Pillow Fabrics: Serena Duncan and Raoul Textiles Stylist: Giulietta Pinna, Limonata Creative Consulting Photography: Matt Dandy

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Bold yet serene wallpaper enlivens the space.

The kitchen island is pill-shaped to provide more seating.

Beauty & Warmth This Annapolis kitchen’s most beautiful moments grew directly from challenges related to how the family lives and gathers. The original layout created a bottleneck during busy mornings and parties, so we rethought the room around movement and the views experienced along the way. A pill-shaped island and generous opening into the dining room have brought a new sense of fluidity, making the entire space feel larger without adding a single square foot. Guests are naturally drawn around the curve of the island and toward the bold yet serene wallpaper beyond. Honed marble, softly painted cabinetry, and traditional details bring warmth and beauty that almost make you forget you’re in the hardest-working room in the house. Interior Designer: Victoria Snelgrove, Wisteria Interiors, www.wisteriainteriors.com Stone: Atlas Stone Fabricators Appliances: ADU Custom Range Hood: Joe McHugh Furniture Photography: Brian Distad

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Fall in Love with Your Home

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WESLEY PEHLKE 443.994.6757 | SimplyWesley.com Welcome by Appointment 161 Prince George Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401

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The High-Heeled Gardener

Asters have petals that reflect UV light while their centers absorb it, forming a “bullseye” that guides insects straight to pollen and nectar.

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The Native Awaken The Aster Fall Garden! by Kymberly Taylor

As summer winds down, many of my plants look depressed, blooming halfheartedly like partial truths. I bow, thank them for their service, and head right over to the nearest garden shop! I am searching for asters, sturdy daisylike perennials in the Asteraceae family. They never fail to rev up the entire garden with hundreds of pale blue star-shaped blossoms that also advertise “Buffet Open” to late-season pollinators searching for precious nectar.

The Discovery of Native Asters For centuries, botanists believed that the Aster genus originated in ancient China and East Asia. In fact, many modern varieties are sold across the country. However, recent genetic mapping has revealed something astonishing: North American asters evolved independently from Old World species and have been reclassified as “native” to our continent. They are still in the Asteraceae family, but botanists have assigned them their own genera, which include Symphyotrichum and Eurybia. These wildflowers populated our grasslands, woodlands, and savannahs long before the first Europeans arrived and are excellent alternatives to the Asian aster.

How to Plant Native asters are easy to grow, rugged, and hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8. According to the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s Native Plant Center, they prefer full sun to light shade and grow best in well-drained loamy soil. Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, commonly known as New England Aster, does especially well in Maryland. Other popular cultivars include Blue Star, Esther, Golden Spray, and Pink Cloud.

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Plant asters in groups of three to five, towards the back of the garden as they tend to get tall. Though each individual flower is delicate, asters can bloom in masses so sensational they inspired Monet to paint his famous “Asters” in 1880. Individual ray-like petals radiate around a bright yellow disk that, upon close inspection, is packed with tiny tubular florets that offer “cups” of nectar and pollen. The disks, which change from bright yellow to deep magenta or brown over time, are convenient platforms. Heavier insects like beetles and wasps crawl across dozens of tiny florets, gathering food efficiently in one stop.

Medicinal & Spiritual Uses According to The Native American Ethnobotany Database, various American Indian tribes depended on asters for a wide variety of medicinal purposes. The Cheyenne infused the stems to make eardrops for earaches. The Kawaiisu decocted the roots to create a wash for headaches, while the Iroquois decocted the dried roots and leaves to prepare love potions. Along with its practical uses, there is something extra-special about the aster—each flower resembles a tiny starburst. In fact, “aster” is derived from the ancient Greek word astḗr, which means “star”. Scholars note that Ancient Greeks did not cultivate asters but gathered the wild plants to weave sacred wreaths for temple altars. They also burned the leaves to ward off evil spirits and snakes. Greek mythology tells a story about a goddess named Astraea who once lived on the earth but fled to the heavens when humans became too cruel. She cried because she wished there were more stars in the sky. When her tears fell to earth, they grew into star-shaped aster flowers. Gardens do many things for us, but I have never thought of them as a repository for sorrow. Then again, when things go terribly wrong, I know that the garden is always there for me. Though I have been too busy to visit (or even water, for that matter), the asters still shine out at me, with their golden centers and flirtatious fringe. I have to admire their spirit. Though their life is short, these blossoms radiate a pure, intense resilience, steadily capturing the last heat and light of the season to serve all who need them. AH

Native asters are host plants to Crescents and Checkerspot butterflies.

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POWERHOUSE

R E A LT O R S Our special Powerhouse Realtors section offers profiles of leading agents so that you can more easily find the best agent for you!

Erica Baker

Connie Cadwell

Jeff Lockard

Georgie Berkinshaw

Laura Carney

David Orso

Brad Kappel Team

Liz Dooner

Buckley Waterfront Homes

Malina N. Koerschner

Snyder/Bradshaw Group

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SP O N SO R E D SEC T I O N

Scott Wallace

THE CHESAPEAKE REGION’S

HIGHEST SALES march to august 2026

6 beds | 10 baths | 12,194 sf | 2.12 acres

Listing Agent: Brad Kappel, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Buyer’s Agent: Joe Bray, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

3. 1900 Carrollton Road, Annapolis $7,300,000 | Severn River

7 beds | 9 baths | 12,200 sf | 2.29 acres

Listing Agent: Brad Kappel, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Buyer’s Agent: Laura Emmett, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Listing Agent: Sarah Kanne, Gibson Island Real Estate Buyer’s Agent: Laura Emmett, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Listing Agents: Brad Kappel and Daniel Heider, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Buyer’s Agent: Joe Bray, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

5 beds | 6.5 baths | 7,065 sf | 5 acres

Listing Agents: Brian Gearhart and Lizzy Maxwell, Benson & Mangold, LLC Buyer’s Agent: Hayley Norris, Select Land & Homes, LLC

8 beds | 6.5 baths | 7,271 sf | 13.29 acres

Listing Agent: Biana Arentz, Coldwell Banker Realty Buyer‘s Agent: Michael Dunning, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

TA LB OT C O UNTY 1. 29031 Howell Point Road, Trappe $10,000,000 | La Trappe Creek

4 beds | 3 baths | 9,833 sf | 662.81 acres

Listing Agent: Jay Phillips, Holiday Real Estate Buyer’s Agent: Henry Gibbons-Neff, Meredith Fine Properties

2. 10770 Rich Neck Road, Clairborne $6,000,000 | Eastern Bay

8 beds | 5 baths | 10,240 sf | 306 acres

Listing Agent: Robert G. Shannahan, Shoreline Realty Unrepresented Buyer

3. 7288 Bozman Neavitt Road, Bozman $1,970,000 | Harris Creek

5 beds | 5.5 baths | 5,002 sf | 4.48 acres

Listing Agent: Michael Murren, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Buyer’s Agent: Rob Lacaze, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Compiled by Elizabeth Davis Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Annapolis Home Magazine is not responsible for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in third-party reporting.

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY 1201 Eden Lane, Annapolis Brad Kappel, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY 200 Bridgeview Lane, Stevensville Brad Kappel and Daniel Heider, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

TALBOT COUNTY 29031 Howell Point Road, Trappe Jay Phillips, Holiday Real Estate

Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 119

2045 Maidstone Farm Road

5 Franklin Street

3344 Harness Creek Road

$12,950,000

$12,500,000

$10,850,000

423 Benfield Road

3728 Ramsgate Drive

14 E Lake Drive

$7,900,000

$6,995,000

$3,997,000

3733 Thomas Point Road

3403 Hidden River View Road

6 President Point Drive, Unit: B3

$2,685,000

$1,750,000

$975,000

Make Your Move in 2026 • Visit BradKappel.com

For Those Seeking the

EXCEPTIONAL In 2026 YTD, our team surpassed $240 Million in waterfront sales and properties under contract across Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. From legacy waterfront estates and record-setting sales to private opportunities along the Chesapeake Bay, we remain committed to delivering strategic representation and exceptional results at every level.

Thinking of selling? Let Maryland’s #1 Team guide your next move.

Brad Kappel Executive Vice President m +1 410 279 9476 brad.kappel@sothebysrealty.com West Annapolis Brokerage 103 Annapolis Street Annapolis, MD 21401

Visit BradKappel.com Scan the QR code to schedule your FREE home valuation

©2026 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Affiliates LLC. Each Office is independently Owned And Operated. SIR1

WallaceLuxury.com

Scott

©2026 Coldwell Banker Realty. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker ® Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Broker Group LLC.

Coming Soon!

$1,750,000 102 Duke of Gloucester St. Annapolis MD 21401. Representing Seller.

SOLD: $3,300,000 258 Providence Rd. Annapolis MD 21409. Represented Seller.

SOLD: $2,100,000 2 N. Acton Ave. Annapolis MD 21401. Represented Seller.

SOLD: $1,050,000 90 Charles St. Annapolis MD 21401. Represented Seller.

COLDWELL BANKER REALTY 3 Church Circle Annapolis, MD 21401 SOLD: $999,999 927 Boucher Ave. Annapolis MD 21403. Represented Seller.

Mobile:410-991-5627 Office:410-263-8686

Wallace

License #: 5004232 scott.wallace@cbrealty.com

Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and Coldwell Banker, Global Luxury logo or registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker real estate LLC.

Our Treating T aati ttiiin n Trrreeea ngg Our

Clients C lienttss L Like ike F Family aam millyy

ffor Over 30 0Y Years aar rrss fooorr O Ovveerr 3 Yeeea ars

FOR SALE FOR SALE 2246 Mulberry Hill Road, Annapolis — Mill Creek 3285 Harness Creek Road, Annapolis Rare point of land with deep water pier complex. Offered at $1,795,000 Offered at $9,500,000 124 ANNAPOLIS HOME BuckleyWaterfrontHomes

BuckleyWaterfrontHomes

SCAN ME

Meagan Buckley (left) and Reid Buckley (right)

By Appointment: 320 Sixth Street, Annapolis, MD 21403 | BOM: 410.260.2801

Charlie Buckley at the helm of his J-80

PROUD "ADMIRAL" SPONSOR OF THE HOSPICE CUP 2026 FOR SALE 2038 Kurtz Avenue, Pasadena — Chesapeake Bay Offered at $1,300,000

Hospice Cup is deeply personal for our family, honoring the compassionate care given to Charlie Buckley and his love for sailing. We are proud to support this incredible organization and invite you to donate by scanning the QR code.

SCAN ME

www.hospicecup.org

A Satisfied Client: “The Buckley Waterfront Team did a super job planning, marketing, and selling our waterfront property. We had used others in the past but after our exceptional experience with them, there is no other choice on the sale of Annapolis waterfront properties going forward. Truly exceptional.” — Rob B., Waterfront Seller

FOR SALE 928 Waterview Drive, Crownsville 4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 2,934 Sq. Ft. Offered at $1,375,000

Our team offers unparalleled knowledge of the greater Annapolis waterfront real estate landscape. Our insight and white glove service extend across the Bay to the Eastern Shore.

410-266-6880 | WaterfrontHomes.org

JUST SOLD 3307 Harness Creek Road, Annapolis Sold for $2,750,000 Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 125

We Love Where We Live.

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERFRONT AT MAIDSTONE | $8,750,000

Jean Berkinshaw Dixon C: 443.995.2791 | O: 410.263.8686 Jean.B.Dixon@CBMove.com

Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2026 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

Georgie Berkinshaw

IE BERKINS RG

W HA TE

O LIS

GEO

SPA CREEK WATERFRONT | $11,500,000

REAL

C: 443.994.4456 | O: 410.263.8686 www.GBerkinshaw.com #1 Coldwell Banker Agent in Annapolis & the Greater Baltimore Metro Markets

EA STON | $3,100,000 26279 Deep Water Harbor Road

EASTON | $13,750,000 27772 Sharp Road

EA STON | $2,395,000 8075 Leehaven Road

BOZMAN | $6,800,000 7090 Cooper Point Road

WIT TMAN | $5,995,000 8612 Tilghman Island Road

EASTON | $2,650,000 100 Beech Place

EASTON | $745,000 28933 Jasper Lane

LAURA CARNEY

Senior Vice President, TTR | Sotheby’s International Realty

Laura Carney, Senior Vice President with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, is a leading expert in Eastern Shore real estate. A Talbot County native with deep ancestral ties to Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Laura offers unmatched insight into the area’s evolving market. With over 30 years of experience, including time in the competitive DC metropolitan market, her professionalism and ethical approach have earned her an exceptional reputation in Talbot County. Laura combines her local expertise with TTR Sotheby’s global reach, connecting clients worldwide to the Eastern Shore through advanced online platforms and a vast agent

network. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a B.S. in Economics and has traveled extensively, including a Semester-at-Sea, a trans-Atlantic voyage, and the Newport-Bermuda race. Passionate about waterfront living, Laura often tours properties by boat, offering clients unique perspectives. An active community member, Laura has served on the Talbot Humane Board of Directors and is a member of the Talbot Country Club, Miles River Yacht Club, and Talbot County Garden Club. She enjoys travel, photography, gardening, golf, and time with her family and pets, embodying the vibrant lifestyle she promotes.

m +1 410.310.3307 o +1 410.673.3344 laura.carney@sothebysrealty.com lauracarney.com Easton Brokerage 17 Goldsborough Street, Easton, MD

©2026 Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. SIR1

MURRAY HILL

WATERFRONT

4 SOUTHGATE AVENUE

188 SOUTHDOWN ROAD

CLOSED | $ 3,290,000 Represented Buyer

CLOSED | $ 2,900,000 Represented Buyer

HISTORIC DISTRICT

MURRAY HILL

ACTIVE | $ 2,295,000

ACTIVE | $ 975,000

83 MARKET STREET

122 SMITH AVENUE

5 beds • 4 baths • 3,178 sq ft

3 beds • 2 full baths • 1,173 sq ft

Classic Annapolis Charm with a 2026 Renovation

Private Driveway, Fully Updated, One-level Living

LIZ DOONER A NNAPOLIS LUXURY P R OPERTY SPECIALIST

$44+ MILLION

TOTA L SALES YEAR TO DATE

HISTORIC DISTRICT

PENDENNIS MOUNT

HOMEWOOD

CLOSED | $ 2,035,000 $50K Over List Price

CLOSED | $ 1,733,000

CLOSED | $ 1,400,000 $175K Over List Price

89 SHIPWRIGHT STREET

1924 THOMAS DRIVE

$183K Over List Price

103 McKENDREE AVENUE

Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide | #2 Top Individual Agent in the Mid-Atlantic

19 Y E AR S S E L L I N G T H E B E S T AD D R E S S E S I N AN NAP O L I S C . (41 0) 725 .8973 | L I Z DO O NE R @ G MAIL.CO M @A N N A P O L I Z H O ME S | L I Z DO O NE R.CO M ©2026 Coldwell Banker® Realty. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® Realty fully supports the priciples of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Broker Group LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

3 CHURCH CIRCLE ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401 O. (410) 263.8686

For more than 24 years David has ranked among Anne Arundel County’s top agents in total sales, a distinction earned through strategy, precision, and relentless focus on client outcomes. With a foundation in psychology, an MBA in strategic marketing, and advanced negotiation training from Harvard University, David gives his clients a measurable competitive advantage in every phase of the transaction and in every market cycle. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 1,500 families served and over 300 unsolicited FIVE STAR reviews—a track record built on results. If you’re ready to move, work with a proven leader. Begin with a confidential conversation today!

DAVIDORSO.COM

Your Best Move. Period. 410.777.9243 –o • 443.691.0838 –m 8 Evergreen Road Severna Park, MD 21146 • 1997 Annapolis Exchange Parkway Annapolis, MD 21401

SNYDER | BRADSHAW GROUP of Monument Sotheby’s International Realty

FROM FIRST HOMES TO LEGACY ESTATES, ONE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE.

IN-HOUSE STAGING

STRATEGIC MARKETING

EXPERT NEGOTIATION

ESTABLISHED NETWORK

268 King George Street | Annapolis

524 Harlequin Lane | Severna Park

313 Thomas White Blvd | Chester

STAGED + FOR SALE www.268KingGeorgeStreet.com

STAGED + FOR SALE www.524HarlequinLane.com

STAGED + FOR SALE www.313ThomasWhiteBlvd.com

EXPERIENCE A HIGHER STANDARD OF REPRESENTATION

Carol Snyder & Tina Bradshaw Founders | Partners

WWW.SNYDERBRADSHAW.COM

D. 410.216.0018 | O. 443.906.3848

537A Baltimore Annapolis Blvd | Severna Park, MD 21146 All offices are independantly owned and operated.

4 S O U T H G AT E AV E N U E S OL D f o r $ 3 , 2 9 0 , 0 0 0

Invision Fotography

1815 MILLRIDGE COURT SOLD FOR $1,150,000

Chesapeake Home Images

513 HORN POINT DRIVE S OL D f o r $ 3 , 3 1 0 , 0 0 0 Represented Buyer Invision Fotography

202 N. GLEN AVENUE SOLD FOR $971,000

Gene Virtual Tours

4 CHASE ROAD

Invision Fotography

S OL D f o r $ 1 , 6 0 0 , 0 0 0

918 PRESERVE DRIVE SOLD FOR $959,000

Represented Buyer

M A L I NA N . K O E R S C H N E R Mobile: 410.493.9059 | GreatAnnapolisHomes.com | malina.koerschner@cbmove.com Annapolis Church Circle Office | 3 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD | Office: 410.263.8686

IT ’ S A LWAY S A GR E AT DAY I N A N NA P OL I S

Connie Cadwell came to Annapolis for a weekend in 1978 and discovered a whole new way of life. From that time on, Connie has been successfully helping others make the most of this exciting lifestyle. As someone who makes friends easily, she receives great pleasure from introducing you to the Annapolis lifestyle and its people, neighborhoods, events and the best crab cakes in town. Knowledgeable, trustworthy, loyal and caring are qualities that describe her well. Drawing on her market knowledge and strong community connections, trust her 40+ years of experience as a Realtor to help you make the most of your next real estate transaction. Clients of all ages agree what sets Connie apart is her dedication to her clients and visionary approach. While her listings are among the most beautiful and unique in the state, she also has a knack for finding “hidden treasures,” homes that have been overlooked or undervalued. Those who know Connie will tell you, there is nobody better to introduce you to the town she calls home. Her philosophy, “It’s always a great day in Annapolis!” is more than a motto. She works hard to make it true.

CON N IE CADW E L L .COM M. 410.693.1705 | O. 410.263.8686 Associate Broker

Coldwell Banker Realty | 3 Church Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401

Owned and Operated by a Subsidiary of NRT, LLC

Historic Home For Sale

5503 Brooks Woods Road, Lothian O F F E R E D AT $ 1 , 7 9 0 , 0 0 0 Representing Seller

WATERFRONT IN EDGEWATER

CHARTWELL IN SEVERNA PARK

26 WILELINOR DRIVE SOLD FOR $1,350,000 – Represented Seller

381 SHEFFIELD ROAD SOLD FOR $1,215,050 – Represented Buyer Won out of multiple offers.

ERICA BAKER

Vice President

Erica Baker brings a distinct perspective to representing exceptional properties. With 16+ years spanning real estate, remodeling, and construction, she understands how to identify value, position a property, and bring it to market with intention. As Vice President and Associate Broker with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, Erica advises clients throughout Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay region and connects them to opportunities worldwide.

EASTPORT OFF MARKET 523 6TH STREET SOLD FOR $1,150,000 – Represented Buyer Found property off market for buyers.

WATERFRONT IN WEST RIVER 819 ELM DRIVE SOLD FOR $875,000 – Represented Seller

m +1 410 919 7019 | o +1 410 280 5600 ebaker@ttrsir.com | ericabaker.co Annapolis Brokerage 209 Main Street, Annapolis, MD

Travel

The cave’s monumental arched ceiling is carved to imitate the ribs of a wooden structure. 136

ANNAPOLIS HOME

Majestic Stone ROCK-CUT ARCHITECTURE IN INDIA

Story and Photography by Robert E. Haywood

Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 137

The Gajendra Peeth (elephant plinth) forms part of the temple’s base, with the sculpted elephants appearing to serve as a load bearing foundation.

traveled to India partly to experience the extraordinary Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. As we hiked toward these mysterious ancient caves, we sensed that we were about to encounter something incredible— something that would inspire awe and wonder. And wonder is precisely what we felt. The Ellora Caves are among the largest and most remarkable rock-hewn monastic and temple complexes in the world. The classic tourist route in India takes you through the “Golden Triangle,” which includes the capital city of Delhi, Agra (home to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort), and then Jaipur—known for its palaces, forts, and its nickname, the “Pink City.” These destinations are all spectacular in different ways and well worth visiting. However, when planning our trip, we found that traditional Golden Triangle itineraries typically do not include Maharashtra, where the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are located. Reaching them involves additional domestic travel, including a flight to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly known as Aurangabad. Ellora comprises over 100 caves, 34 of which are numbered and open to the public. Representing three major religious traditions—Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism—their coexistence at the same site makes Ellora an exceptional expression of the religious and cultural diversity of ancient India. The complex was created over several centuries, with the earliest excavations dating to roughly the 6th century and the later Jain caves dating primarily to the 9th and 10th centuries. The Buddhist highlight is Cave 10, the Vishvakarma Cave, also known as the “Carpenter’s Cave.” The Buddhist caves include monasteries, or viharas, and Cave 10 is the site’s principal Buddhist chaitya, or prayer hall. When we visited, we saw Buddhist monks, barefoot and dressed in orange robes, visiting the caves, and heard their chants echoing through the ancient stone halls. The cave’s monumental arched ceiling is carved to imitate the ribs of a wooden structure, creating the appearance of

timber construction. At the rear of the prayer hall is a grand seated Buddha carved into the rock. The Buddha is accompanied by bodhisattva figures, including Avalokiteshvara, associated with compassion, and Maitreya, associated with the future Buddha. The sculptors worked with iron chisels, hammers, and other tools to transform the hard basalt into sculptural architecture of profound intricacy and complexity. Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, is an enormous Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The Kailasa Temple is traditionally attributed to the powerful Rashtrakuta king Krishna I, who ruled approximately from 756 to 773 CE. Considered one of the most ambitious rock-cut monuments ever created, the temple was excavated monolithically from a single mass of basalt. The carvers worked principally from the top down, removing rock to create the temple and its surrounding courtyard. Its enormous courtyard, towering architectural forms, elaborate columns, and sculptures depicting Hindu deities and scenes from mythology are stunning in both scale and detail. This is especially evident in the majestic stone elephants, breathtaking in their realism and depiction of movement, as if living creatures were about to step out of the rock. The Gajendra Peeth (elephant plinth) forms part of the temple’s base, with sculpted elephants appearing to serve as a loadbearing foundation and creating the illusion that the colossal structure is supported on the backs of these sacred animals. For any student of history, art and architecture, and sheer human ingenuity, the Ellora Caves are a must-see. It took me more than forty years to finally see them. That is why I write about travel—to spread the word. AH For an excellent scholarly book of Ellora, see Deepanjana Klein and Arno Klein, Ellora: Cross-Fertilization of Style in the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain Cave Temples, Mapin Publishing, 2006. UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Ellora Caves, www.unesco.org.

Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 139

After More Than 40 Years,

Retirement Sale!

W W HARD H WARE W

Visit Our Showroom or Shop Online

FINE DECORATIVE HARDWARE KITCHEN BATH AND DOOR

WALTER WORKS in Annapolis

H U G E I N V E N TORY, H IG H E ST Q UA L I T Y

8290 Main Street Ellicott City MD 21043 410.313.9090 • info@mainstreetorientalrugs.com Showroom Hours: Mon – Sat 10 am to 6 pm

www.mainstreetorientalrugs.com Free shipping on all orders

420 CHINQUAPIN ROUND ROAD

410-263-9711

401-643-3334 | lundbergbuilders.com

MHBR #748|MHIC#11679

www.WalterWorksHardWare.com

FINE DESIGN CUSTOM BUILDING & REMODELING

A boutique, full-service custom building company that caters to select clients in Annapolis, Maryland and its surrounding areas. A N N A P O L I S , M A RY L A N D

443.871.4584

M A X I M B U I L D I N G G R O U P. C O M

GIFTS & DÉCOR

Corporate gifting season begins now! Get in touch for end-of-year gifting options. GREENBEANBOUTIQUE.COM VISIT US HERE

hello@greenbeanboutique.com 240.608.0312 | Bethesda, MD

BUILD YOUR BRAND. EXPAND YOUR REACH. GROW YOUR BUSINESS. VISIT WWW.ANNAPOLISHOMEMAG.COM OR CONTACT ROBERT HAYWOOD AT ROBERT@ANNAPOLISHOMEMAGAZINE.COM

Quality Home Improvements Proprietors:

Scott Blackketter - Gretchen Bandy View our portfolio:

blackcraft.com 410.923.3111 Remodeling • Additions Restoration • New Construction

INTERIOR DESIGN

Interior design studio specializing in SM Elevated Design for Everyday Livingm Thoughtful spaces that blend modern sophistication with livable comfort. Annapolis | Mid-Atlantic

LifeStilesDesign.com LifeStilesDesign@gmail.com

Put your business in front of the homeowners and decision-makers who matter most to your success. Advertise in Annapolis Home Magazine and turn print exposure into new customers, stronger brand recognition, and business growth.

LEADING PROFES SIONALS ADVERTISING INDEX

ARCHITECTS ABS Architects pg. 109

410.268.1213 | absarchitects.com

Hammond Wilson pg. 9

410.267.6041 | hammondwilson.com

Three B Architecture pg. 111 443.791.6193 | threebarchitecture.com

LifeStiles Design pg. 141

Winchester Construction

Melissa McLay Interiors pg. 80-81

Younger Construction pg. 108

Sew Beautiful pg. 31 410.544.3300 | sewbeautifulwindows.com

Inside Back Cover | 410.987.5905 winchesterinc.com

410.626.8602 | youngerconstruction.com

DESIGN PROFESSIONALS

lifestilesdesign@gmail.com

melissamclayinteriors.com

Simply Wesley Interior Design

pg. 110 | 443.994.6757 | simplywesley.com

Birdie & Bean Interiors pg. 88

Taylor Hart Design pg. 89 410.507.1602 | taylorhartdesign.com

Banks Development Co.

C. Newman Interiors pgs. 78-79 410.507.1308| cnewmaninteriors.com

EXCLUSIVE KITCHEN OR BATH DESIGN

Bayview Builders pgs. 2-3

Danielle Flax Interiors pg. 86 301.646.9552 | danielleflaxinteriors.com

314 Design Studio pg. 51

Blackketter Craftsmen, Inc. pg. 141

Design Solutions, Inc. pg. 108 410.757.6100| dsikitchens.com

Steiner-Houck & Associates, LLC

Construction Concierge by Conestoga

Divina Lourdes Interior Design pg. 84 410.533.3259 | divinalourdesdesigns.com

GIFTS & DÉCOR

Dream House Studios pg. 117 410.224.7588 | dreamhousestudios.net

greenbeanboutique.com

DiZebba & Sons pg. 61

Farnady Interiors pg. 85 443.822.3248 | farnadyinteriors.com

Main Street Oriental Rugs pg. 140 410.313.9090 | mainstreetorientalrugs.com

Gate One Builders pg. 15

Fitzsimmons Design Associates, Inc. pg. 87

HOME SERVICES

CUSTOM BUILDERS Back Creek Builders pgs. 36-37 443.251.3978 | backcreekbuilders.com pgs. 32-33 | banksdevelopment.com 410.280.0303 | bayviewbuildersmd.com

410.923.3111 | blackcraft.com

pg. 116 | 410.512.6800 | conciergebyconestoga.com

Delbert Adams Construction Group, LLC pg. 12 | 410.583.7575 | dacgllc.com 410.923.6022 | dizebba.com

birdieandbeaninteriors.com

410.268.0778 | gateonebuilders.com

410.269.1965 | fitzsimmonsdesign.com

Lundberg Builders, Inc. pg. 140

Interior Concepts, Inc. pg. 82

410.643.3334 | lundbergbuilders.com

410.224.7366 | interiorconceptsinc.com

Lynbrook of Annapolis pg. 11

Ivory Stone Interiors pg. 90

410.295.3313 | lynbrookofannapolis.com

443.618.1096 | ivorystoneinteriors.com

Maxim Building Group pg. 141

Karen Renée Interior Design pg. 83

443.871.4584 | maximbuildinggroup.com

142

Procopio Homes pg. 47 410.551.8454 | procopiohomes.com

ANNAPOLIS HOME

410.647.0435 | karenreneeinteriors.com

410.643.4040 | 314designstudio.com

Back Cover | 410.571.5932 | steinerhouck.com

Green & Bean Boutique pg. 141

84 Lumber Kitchen & Bath Design Studio pgs. 6-7

410.757.4684 | 84designstudios.com

ADU, Your Appliance Source pg. 8 | 410.267.7110 | adu.com

Architectural Window Supply

pg. 50 | 410.266.5254 | archwin.com

Chesapeake Tile & Marble pg. 91

443.333.1618 | chesapeaketileandmarble.com

Mahon Outdoor Living pg. 117 973.270.3722 | mahonoutdoorliving.com

Choice Stairways pg. 111

McHale Landscape Design

410.535.3737 | floorsandstairways.com

Elevator Works pg. 116

443.815.4900 | elevator-works.com

Elite Hardwood Flooring pg. 14 | 410.280.1420 elitehardwoodflooring.com

Gold Seal Services pg. 116

410.583.1010 | goldsealservices.com

In Home Stone Marble & Granite

pg. 117 | 410.626.2025 | inhomestone.com

Sub-Zero, Wolf, Cove Showroom Columbia, MD pg. 92

443.276.2490 | subzero-wolf.com

Town Appliance pgs. 34-35

410.364.4400 | townappliance.com

WalterWorks Hardware pg. 140 | 410.263.9711 walterworkshardware.com

OUTDOOR LIVING Barks Road Landscape Architecture pg. 69 | 410.647.2090 | barksroad.com

Bay Pile Driving pg.75

410.879.3121 or 888.886.1213 baypiledriving.com

Coastal Pools pg. 109

443.775.2880 | coastalpoolbuilders.net

Inside Front Cover + pg. 1 410.990.0894 | mchalelandscape.com

Scapes, Inc. pg. 13

410.867.6909 | scapesinc.net

Season to Season Horticultural Services pg. 93 seasontoseasonhort.com

Sunset Group pg. 110 410.721.5501 | sunsetgroupmd.com REAL ESTATE

Georgie Berkinshaw & Jean Berkinshaw Dixon of Coldwell

Banker Realty pgs. 126-127 | gb. 443.994.4456 jbd. 443.995.2791 | o. 410.263.8686 gberkinshaw.com

Laura Carney of TTR|Sotheby’s

International Realty pg. 128 m. 410.310.3307 | o. 410.673.3344 lauracarney.com

Liz Dooner of Coldwell Banker Realty pg. 129

c. 410.725.8973 | o. 410.263.8686 | lizdooner.com

Malina N. Koerschner of Coldwell Banker Realty pg. 132 | c. 410.493.9059 | o. 410.263.8686 greatannapolishomes.com malina.koerschner@cbmove.com

Brad Kappel Team of TTR|Sotheby’s

Jeff Lockard of TTR|Sotheby’s

Buckley Waterfront Homes

Scott Wallace of Coldwell Banker Realty pgs. 122-123 | m. 410.991.5627 | o. 410.263.8686 scott.wallace@cbrealty.com | wallaceluxury.com

Connie Cadwell of Coldwell Banker Realty pg. 133 | c. 410.693.1705 | o. 410.263.8686 conniecadwell.com

Snyder Bradshaw Group of

International Realty pgs. 120-121 m. 410.279.9476 | bradkappel.com

of Long & Foster Real Estate pgs. 124-125 d.410.266.6880 | o. 410.260.2801 waterfronthomes.org

International Realty pg. 134 m. 410.216.5000 | o. 410.280.5600 jefflockard.com

Monument Sotheby’s International Realty pg. 92 | o. 443.906.3848 d. 410.216.0018 | snyderbradshaw.com

David Orso of Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices PenFed Realty pg. 130 c. 443.691.0838 | o. 410.777.9243 davidorso.com

HOME TECHNOLOGY

Erica Baker of TTR|Sotheby’s

pgs. 4-5 | gramophone.com

International Realty pg. 134 m. 410.919.7019 | o. 410.280.5600 ericabaker.co

Gramophone

Maddox Audio Video Design

pg. 115 | maddoxav.com

Clinton+Ries Landscape Architects pg. 10

301.699.5600 | clintonriesla.com

Vol. 17, No. 5 2026 143

Around the World

THE TAJ MAHAL The Taj Mahal is perfect. Crafted from marble, it is one of the world’s most exquisitely designed architectural monuments, renowned for its extraordinary symmetry and minute detail. A masterpiece of Mughal architecture, it blends Persian, Islamic, Indian, and Central Asian traditions. Built between 1632 and 1653 by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, it was created as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

No wonder the Taj Mahal is one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.” But it is not India’s only architectural marvel. In this issue, our travel story explores the older, lesser-known Ellora Caves. Together, the Taj Mahal and Ellora Caves offer a glimpse into the extraordinary genius of Indian architecture and craftsmanship. – RH Photography by Robert Haywood See story on page 136.

winchesterinc.com

STEINER-HOUCK & ASSOCIATES, LLC SANDRA STEINER-HOUCK, CKD sandra@steinerhouck.com | 410.980.2663 By Appointment Only