CATHY VERNE

Description

HIGHFIELD, has been home to the renown architectural historian Michael Bourne and his family for almost forty-years. Mr. Bourne who authored the important Historic Houses of Kent County and guided the restorations of over 400 historic structures in the mid-Atlantic, together with his wife, Ann, created a home that reflects their deep appreciation for the refined beauty of historic architecture and preservation. HIGHFIELD, reflects the Bourne’s sophisticated taste and serious attention to every detail. With its steep pitch hip roof, catslide roof slope on one end, tall chimney, and enclosed front entry, HIGHFIELD is definitely reminiscent of the vernacular farmhouses of Suffolk County, England where they visited often. Outstanding historic architectural details have been incorporated throughout the house. From the Hamstone fireplace surround and hearth (actually imported from Somerset, England) in the formal Living Room, to the use of antique doors to many of the rooms fitted with both original antique and fine reproduction hardware, HIGHFIELD is a rare find! These most important details create an inviting warmth and add to its unique character. The handsome two-story, many-paned window of the Great Room faces SSE. While looking out over a stone patio and well-established perennial beds, it provides a significant amount of passive solar gain keeping energy costs low – a compliment to the six-zone heating system. As a design and practical feature, a blue enameled Lange wood stove stands proudly in the Great Room. A more formal Living Room offers windows on the west gable that afford views of the surrounding fields, expansive grounds and woods. French doors on the south side lead to an ample screened flagstone-floored porch. Additionally, the first floor includes the large open Chef’s Kitchen, Den/Office, Mudroom, and half-bath. At the top of the stair, a balcony leads across the Great Room to the Master Suite where design details include a tray ceiling, built-in cupboards, dressing room, and spacious bath with separate vanities, shower, soaking tub, and Portuguese tile accents. The second bedroom with full bath is located at the east end of the balcony where a stair leads to the third-floor bedroom with walk-in closets. Access to the attic is found here. Accessible from the mudroom, the full basement includes, a large ante-space, laundry room, playroom, and workshop. An unusual “bakery” building with wood-fired brick oven, walk-in refrigerator, and half-bath stands nearby. An additional utility shed is included. See summary of features in Documents Folder. The private 5-acre property is located only 3 miles from Chestertown which uniquely offers swift access to this historic, vibrant town. Chestertown, located in the County of Kent on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is home to Washington College, tenth oldest college in America, the Schooner Sultana, a strong arts community, and live theater. This area is known worldwide for its beautiful Chester River, sailing, wildfowl, and agriculture. All, a short drive to four major airports, New York, Annapolis, Baltimore and Philadelphia.

Features