Friendly neighbors, posh homes

“Rooms are so open, especially on the first floor, that you can entertain easily here,” said Wendy Taylor, whose parents live in the 11-year-old house and asked not to be identified. “A huge deck is off the kitchen and we have parties there, too.”

Taylor’s favorite bash? A spa-themed bridal shower. Guests changed into thick terrycloth robes, a masseuse set up a massage table in her dad’s library and guests received favor bags with spa-themed candles and lotions inside.

Houses such as this in this Yardley Hunt Estates development are surrounded by sloping lawns and woods. This one sits on 1.4 acres.

Despite the extra large lots, neighbors are tight. Cookie exchanges, ornament parties and progressive dinners are a part of life for these neighbors.

A center-hall brick Georgian, the house features a curved open staircase with entrances from the two-story foyer and breakfast room. A two-story overlook runs between foyer and family room, also two stories. Double Palladian windows in that room face the huge backyard.

In the kitchen, appliances are all GE Profile, including gas-fired double-ovens and a five-burner gas cooktop. The 64 cabinets – an unusual number, even for a house of this size – are custom cherry, including a built-in china cupboard. Countertops are white Corian and the floor is gleaming hardwood with an island. An adjacent breakfast room accommodates a large table and chairs.

Upstairs are four bedrooms, including a master with tray ceiling, its own sitting room and master bath with a whirlpool tub tucked into a corner. All closets are walk-in.

On the 2,000 square-foot walk-out lower level, which has plenty of daylight, are two more bedrooms, full bath and recreation room.

“The owners thought of every little detail,” said Listing Agent Debbie Luber Weymouth, Keller Williams Select Realtors, Ellicott City. “Crown molding, wainscoting, pillars and other details are everywhere.”

Karen Hancock, who owns Glad*Nest, one of 12  consignment nooks at the Pink Cabbage antiques and home décor shop in nearby Ellicott City, thinks the community “has a warm, neighborly feel.” Colleague Linda Szarko, who owns Virginia’s Rose, agreed, adding, “People are close-knit and bonded here.”

AT A GLANCE