829 Park Avenue, Mount Vernon, Baltimore.
Hot House:  It’s Got Style, It’s Got Grace, It’s Got a Lot of Pink! 7 Beds/5 Baths 9,971 square feet. Asking price: $3.495 million.
What: Are you an old soul who craves life in a historic house, but still wants to modern conveniences of air conditioning, on-site parking and a new kitchen? This gorgeous house on Park Avenue in Mount Vernon might be the place for you! It’s absolutely amazing, with the best of the old-world architecture and the new of updated paint schemes and many amenities.
The understated exterior belies the extravagant interior of the house. Entering through a set of double doors, you come into a space where the oversized trim and millwork, and herringbone and parquet floors show off the talent of the original craftsmen. The house has eleven original fireplaces, much of the original mahogany woodwork, stained glass windows and acres of plasterwork.
The living room is a symphony of pink – paint, drapery and accents. It also features a spectacular chandelier. Across the main hall is a “small” space for a cozy home office. The dining room is the showcase of elaborate mahogany woodwork and trim, with space for a dinner party to rival the last supper! The modern kitchen, with Thermidor appliances leads to a cozy eating area. But the most amazing room is the conservatory with beautiful Italian marble columns, a stained-glass skylight and room for a huge party. This space leads to an elegant deck off the rear of the house, shaded by an ancient magnolia.
The second floor features most of the seven bedrooms. The primary suite has an en suite bath with Kohler fixtures, a soaking tub, dual vanities, and a shower enclosure, plus a sitting room which could be used as an additional bedroom, and a walk-in closet. Another bedroom and full bath, and a laundry room complete the second floor.
The third floor has four bedrooms and one bathroom. Each of the bedrooms has a fireplace. The top floor, formerly the servants’ quarters has loads of storage space or an alternative use. Lest you worry about getting up all of those stairs, you can take advantage of the four-stop elevator!
The property offers private gated parking for five cars, a courtyard, and garage access from the full basement.
Where: Park Avenue is one of the main streets in Mount Vernon. Leading north from downtown, up along the west side of Mount Vernon, Park Avenue is home to some of the most beautiful townhouses in Baltimore. It’s just a five-minute walk to the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, the Maryland Center for History & Culture, the Walters Art Museum, Peabody Hall and Library, the shops and bars along Read Street; and everything on Charles Street.
Final Appraisal: This house, also known as the Knabe House, sold in 2021 (see Hot House here) but has now been completely redone and updated. The Knabe family were makers of the finest pianos and the interiors of the house befit a family of that stature. The listing for the house is here.
