1421 Park Avenue, Bolton Hill, Baltimore.
Hot House: The House with the Dragon Staircase. Two-Car Garage, Elevator. 4 Beds/4 Baths. 4,050 Square Feet. Asking price: $950,000.
What: This is an old house with a distinctly modern twist – namely a custom-painted
dragon which winds its way up the main staircase. Add to that the Andy Warhol
wallpapers, the bright, primary colors and a custom-made stained-glass door, and
your inner and outer artist will be delighted.
This house is one of three nearly identical houses with two-story bay windows on tree-
lined Park Avenue, built for three local physicians (in my actual job of medical
historian, I couldn’t locate who they were, as the address numbers have changed
since the 1880s).
As you enter the house up a set of traditional marble steps, you come through a set of
double doors and are greeted by a funky Andy Warhol wallpaper lining the entry with
the set of custom stained-glass double doors. The layout of the house is shot-gun
style, with the long hall along one wall, and the main rooms on the other side.
The living room has a pair of marble fireplaces, which were used as a heat source in
the earliest days, as well as built-in bookcases. The sweeping grand staircase is
painted with the stunning dragon mural, which has become internet famous! The first
floor is rounded out with a large dining room with fireplace and French doors leading
to rear porch, and a powder room with the Warhol Queen Elizabeth II wallpaper.
The second floor is basically the primary bedroom and a double-size family room with
double fireplaces. The bedroom suite has a laundry space and large closets, plus an
old-fashioned soaking tub and a modern glass shower. The third floor has two
bedrooms, plus a full bath that has room for expansion.
The lower level of the house has a separate one-bedroom apartment which can either
connect with the house or be private. There is an elevator that services all four floors
of the house.
Where: Bolton Hill is well-known as an active and lively neighborhood with its own
Swim and Tennis club. There are fun events throughout the year, as well. It’s also
close to all of the restaurants and bars in Bolton Hill and the Penn North district, and
just a short walk to Penn Station and Light Rail to watch the Orioles and Ravens.
Final Appraisal: If you’re of an artistic mind, this would be a perfect house. It’s
quirky and fun, and not a cookie cutter! The modern art and colors work well with the
Victorian era of the house. The listing for the house is here.
All photographs from the listing.
