South River Elegance

Nantucket charm meets coastal sophistication in this whole home transformation overlooking the iconic South River in Annapolis, Maryland. Situated on a scenic bluff, the home’s expansive waterfront views inspired a thoughtful reimagining tailored to the owners‘ evolving needs and lifestyle. Seeking to downsize from a sprawling estate to a more intimate cottage-like family home, the owners faced strict critical areas and zoning restrictions that prohibited them from expanding the home’s existing footprint. The solution was to build upward. By reconfiguring the existing floor plan, the design maximized functionality while taking advantage of the beautiful water views.

Interior spaces were thoughtfully reimagined to support seamless indoor-outdoor living, including an expanded porch and cabana with a stone fireplace, a serving bar, and a sliding glass wall that created an effortless transition between the interior and exterior. On the second floor, strategic additions transformed the home’s functionality and architectural presence. A new primary suite dressing room was added above the existing library wing, while the former breakfast nook was extended upward to create a charming turreted storybook bedroom. A matching tower was thoughtfully added to the primary suite to create a cozy sitting area with panoramic views of the South River. Inside, the home was rebuilt down to the studs, integrating modern technology, finishes, and updated systems, with a carefully curated palette of coastal textures and water-inspired hues executed by a well-respected interior design collaborator.

Topped with copper roofs and finials, the twin turrets give the home a distinctive presence along the waterfront. Together with stone chimneys, cupolas, porthole windows, and graceful eyebrow dormers, they create a timeless New England Shingle Style aesthetic that feels both elegant and inviting. Flickering gas lanterns lend a timeless sense of romance to the arrival experience, while the home wraps gracefully around a stately tree preserved as a focal point of the streetscape. The portico’s custom oversized arched walnut entry door extends a warm and inviting welcome to all.

Photo Credit: Stacy Zarin Goldberg