Janet Morningstar might be described as a world traveler.
“I work for an airline, so I’ve traveled to Japan, China, Korea, the Baltics, Russia, all over the world,” she said. She’s also a big fan of Baltimore City, where she has lived for 16 years, and appreciates all urban living has to offer.
“The Turnover Shop is across the street and you can see the Rotunda from the house,” she said.
Still, Morningstar appreciates the calming effects of a country stroll.
“We have a magnificent garden and fish pond with goldfish. Behind our property is Pleasant Place Park, where the kaffeeklatsch meets to walk their dogs. I have two German shepherd pointers. We have delightful neighbors who all like each other and have cookouts,” she said.
So it’s not surprising that Morningstar’s home, a three-bedroom, two-bath Federal style home in Hampden, combines the best of both worlds.
“When you’re at the front of the house, you feel part of the neighborhood and the city. At the back of the house, you can hear the birds and the crickets and feel like you’re in the country,” she said.
Built in 1880, the brick-and-siding home is “a two-unit property which was taken down to the studs and remodeled using every inch of space and paying close attention to detail,” said listing agent Magan Drane of Coldwell Banker of Roland Park.
“The lady of the house has quite an eye for decorating and her husband is in the construction business so they make a great team,” she said.
To accommodate a family member, the home’s first floor was converted into a separate apartment “with her own living room, eat-in kitchen, bedroom, full bath, parking and deck,” Drane explained.
“My upgrades to the house are very contemporary, so from the outside, it’s a traditional colonial, and on the inside, it’s very open. People are always surprised at how large it is — it just goes on and on. My husband did some built-in china cabinets and large closets. We took all the radiators out and put HVAC in,” Morningstar said, but admits her “pride and joy” is her walk-in closet.
“It’s the size of a small bedroom. It even has a window in it. It’s cedar-lined and has recessed lights,” she said.
Confessing to a “black thumb” and a militant “grow-damn-you-grow!” attitude toward horticulture, Morningstar still has managed to create a “wow” factor with her garden, not to mention her home.
“I like the Alexandria, Williamsburg-type feel to my garden. There’s a weeping cherry tree, pussywillows, a pink lilac bush and more,” she said.
Listed at $299,900, the 2,500-square-foot townhome retains a “typical end-of-group rowhouse” feel, but “once you open the front door, it’s all hardwood, high ceilings, open floor plans, pocket doors, California closets, things you wouldn’t expect,” Morningstar said.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY:
- Located at 3851 Roland Ave., a 3-bedroom, 2-bath Federal style townhome with in-law suite, outdoor deck, alley easement for 2-car parking.
- List Price: $299,900
- Contact: Magan Drane, Coldwell Banker of Roland Park, 410-235-4100
