Chestertown, Maryland
The new owners of this home were living in another Historic District home a few blocks away prior to the purchase of this property. After buying and before moving in, it was decided that the rear wing which contained a mixture of enclosed porches and small closet like rooms, needed to be completely remodeled. The intent was to convert this area to a breakfast room adjacent to the existing proposed remodeled kitchen. The remodeled space needed to function for a family of two on a daily basis, as well as provide suitable work space for occasional large scale entertaining.
The additions and renovations needed to comply with the strict guidelines of the Historical District Commission, for materials, design and compatibility with the neighborhood. Exterior materials would be cement base stucco, painted trim and standing seam metal roofs. In developing the plan it was decided to extend the breakfast room with a covered porch with round smooth shaft columns similar in appearance to the existing columns on the enclosed street side porch. The Covered Porch has a brick base and brick floor to match the existing brick stoops and steps. A Screened Porch in the exterior alcove formed by the Kitchen and Dining Room exterior walls was also proposed. This Screened Porch has a shed roof to allow construction without the need to remove and close-in any second floor windows. Roof material is again standing seam metal. Support of this roof is by the same columns as the rear Covered Porch. The Screened Porch also has a brick base and brick floor. Access to the Screened Porch is through a new glass French door from the existing Dining Room, replacing a small twin window.
Incorporated into the design was the need to remove a bearing Terra cotta block wall which supported the second floor and roof over the existing kitchen wing. The wall was carefully removed and replaced with a steel beam that allowed for an open flowing transition between kitchen and breakfast room, as well as unobstructed views through the covered porch to the landscaped rear yard.
A radius brick patio and curving brick steps to grade connect the Covered Porch and the Screen Porch and provide access to the rear yard for more outdoor entertaining space.
