AHM March/April 2025 - Vol. 16, No. 2

DESIGN . BUILD . PLAY

Since 1982, ADU has been The Mid-Atlantic’s most tr usted appliance source for home builders, kitchen designers, contractors, property managers, and homeowners who want high-quality appliances at competitive prices. Our family-owned operation has established a reputation for having professionals who are among t he most knowledgeable, helpful, and honest in the industry. Visit ADU.COM for more information.

HOME

Architect Donald Lococo experiments with the gable form to create

A Historic Reset

A Tropical Retreat

42

3+3 Kitchens, Baths, and a Chef

AHM asked six kitchen and bath designers to share their finest work. A master chef and owner of Osteria shares a favorite recipe.

Publishers

Kymberly B. Taylor

Robert E. Haywood

Editor

Kymberly B. Taylor

Creative Director

Ryan Gladhill

Senior Designer

Samantha Gladhill

Director of

Advertising & Business Development

Elizabeth Davis

Account Executive, Advertising & Client Services

Marjorie Boyd

Photographers

David Burroughs

Matt Dandy

Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Anice Hoachlander

Peak Visuals

Tony J. Photography

Donna Weaver

Writers

Janice Booth

Christine Fillat

Dylan Roche

Copy Editor

Patricia Stainke

Bookkeeper

Amber Trainer

Annapolis Home is published bimonthly by Taylor Haywood Media, LLC. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without express written consent of the publishers. Publishers disclaim any and all responsibility for omissions and errors.

Publishers disclaim any and all responsibility for an advertiser’s products, services, or claims. The views expressed in this magazine are solely those of the writer.

All rights reserved.

© 2025 by Taylor Haywood Media, LLC.

PUBLISHERS’ LETTER

Readers often ask us, “How do you find the houses you feature?” It takes a lot of effort, for sure. We do everything we know how to find homes that allow our readers to discover the finest designs of the Chesapeake region. We stay connected with architects, builders, and designers, ask to visit their current projects, and request snapshots of project photos for review. We even drive through neighborhoods and cruise the rivers to see which new homes are being built. And often, professionals reach out to us to share their new work.

Once we identify a home that makes a strong architectural or design statement and is a good fit for Annapolis Home, we coordinate the photography if needed. Photographing a single room is like composing a stage set. It involves arranging furniture and bringing in flowers, fruit, towels, blankets, artwork, and anything else that helps us create the scene we want to convey. Most of all, it’s about getting the light and angles just right. This requires a stager and an experienced, talented photographer. When it comes to photography, little is left to chance, although we are often surprised and delighted by the ever-changing effects of light.

As you browse these pages, we hope you not only appreciate the spaces themselves but also the work that has gone into bringing them to the printed page.

It is our great pleasure to conceive a magazine that brings you beauty. We also hope it inspires you to create a home you love.

Welcome to Spring 2025!

Kymberly Taylor & Robert Haywood Publishers kymberly@annapolishomemag.com | robert@annapolishomemag.com

For subscriptions and advertising, visit: annapolishomemag.com

For operations, contact Robert Haywood at robert@annapolishomemag.com or call 443.942.3927.

ROBERT’S PICKS

Annapolis

The Garden Club of Old Annapolis Town presents May Day

May Day in Annapolis is a wonderful tradition where residents and businesses create May Day baskets and display them outside for judging and for our enjoyment. The active judging area typically spans the Historic District from Hanover to Southgate and slightly beyond. Residents need to arrange fresh flowers in actual baskets and have their baskets out by 10:00 am on May 1, with a tag showing their name and address. For information about entering, contact Liz Donner at lizdooner@gmail.com

ASO presents Fiesta

This two-night engagement by the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra on April 4-5 features the acclaimed Dalí Quartet and the world premiere of Roydon Tse’s newest composition. Info: annapolissymphony.org

Mitchell Art Museum presents Nature’s Readymades

This exhibit at the Mitchell Art Museum of St. John’s College gives you a chance to see Chinese viewing stones known as gongshi. Open now through April 6. Info: sjc.edu/mitchell/exhibitions

Classic Theatre of Maryland presents Anything Goes

The renowned composer Cole Porter’s nautical musical comedy Anything Goes sets sail at Classic Theatre of Maryland on May 1 for a three-weekend run. Info: classictheatreofmaryland.org

Eastern Shore

First Friday Gallery Walk in Easton

This opportunity to experience all the art galleries in Easton returns in April, with opening exhibits, happy hours, and lectures from 5-7 pm on the first Friday of every month. Info: discovereaston.com/first-friday

The Met: Live in HD’s Le Nozze di Figaro at the Avalon Theatre

The Metropolitan Opera livestreams performances straight from its New York stage to cinemas nationwide, including Easton’s Avalon Theatre, which will stream Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro on April 26. Info: avalonfoundation.org

Metro D.C.

Tsedaye Makonnen exhibit at the Smithsonian

The seven sculptures in this ongoing exhibit by Ethiopian American artist Tsedaye Makonnen explore the dehumanization of Black women, femme people, and their communities. Info: africa.si.edu/exhibitions

Jenny Scheinman presents All Species Parade

Explore the Pacific Northwest wilderness through music with violinist and singer-songwriter Jenny Scheinman in this matinee concert at the National Gallery of Art on April 13. Info: nga.gov/calendar

The House of

DaringGables

Tucked into the rolling hills of Great Falls, Virginia, this home is traditional yet daring with asymmetrical gable forms.

GREAT FALLS

BY KYMBERLY TAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANICE HOACHLANDER

The soaring ceilings in the foyer allow light to spill into the interior. A central hall leads to communal spaces.

Whendesigning this home tucked into the hills of Great Falls, architect Donald Lococo did something daring: he fractured one of America’s most traditional architectural forms—the gable, a roof with two sloping sides that form a point. He literally split apart this ubiquitous symbol of home and shelter, creating two half-gables. The gables are separated by a horizontal rectangle with a flat black roof protecting a wall of windows. None of the windows on the façade have sills. Also trimmed in black, they introduce a modern industrial aesthetic that contrasts with the traditional warm flesh-toned stone. “The black bounces off of the stone and gives it that counterpoint. It makes it pop, like mascara,” notes Lococo.

Each gable has a dramatic angle, especially the one on the left. “It’s meant to look like it could go on and on, like the hillside,” notes Lococo. The stacked stone appears almost seamless because it is “dry-laid,” which means the mortar is cleverly hidden from view.

“This home reflects what the owners value, which is tradition, but it is still something new and fresh,” he adds. You would never know that the couple, a spine surgeon and his wife, initially wanted Lococo to design a traditional Edwardian home they found in a book. However, their new home did not come from a preconceived plan. Instead, it evolved from detailed conversations about their lives. “They tell me about what they do. I create activity and then draw the walls around that activity—and that becomes the house. I don’t draw boxes and then put people in them,” explains Lococo.

The kitchen’s lively marble counters were chosen by the homeowner who was attracted to their dynamic pattern.

There may be walls, but there is also plenty of glass providing stately views of forest and valley. He explains that the interior’s light-filled “glassy center” opens to connect interior communal areas bookended by stone gables. As one enters the home, the hallway decked with contemporary art opens to a formal dining room on the right. Organic family spaces blossom to the left as one progresses, with one space merging into another, eventually becoming a two-story great room with stone and glass walls. The hallway terminates at the kitchen, the homeowner’s “command central.”

She shared that her idea of happiness is to stand in one spot and see her family interacting, even if very simply. From the kitchen, she can feed the children at the island, oversee a family room, then pivot and view the screened-in porch and pool.

Though the home’s gables are dramatic and asymmetrical, inside there is clarity and balance, evident in twin consoles flanking the stone fireplace.

Unusual light fixtures add form and surprise to a casual sitting room.

The kitchen is a thoughtful traditional workspace, with lively marble countertops by Breccia Rosso Marble discovered by the homeowner. The space feels manageable because the stove is situated against an open wall. On its other side is another hallway that either steps down to a well-appointed mudroom or leads across the hall to a butler’s pantry that conveniently adjoins the dining room.

She notes their style is casual and comfortable and gestures to the family room, composed of soft tones, including shades of gray. “We have pizza and movie night there every Friday.” With a fireplace and cozy couches, this recessed space can easily accommodate both parents, three young children, two large dogs, and a cat.

Though the home is approximately 13,000 square feet, Lococo points out that no single room is too large. The kitchen is small enough that you can have a conversation in it. “You can hear each other even if you are whispering. The biggest conversations happen when you are making a kid a sandwich and pretend you are not listening. The walls parenthesize those intimate relationships,” says Lococo.

Intimate spaces flow from one room to another. Lococo has created a personal architecture for his clients and a floor plan that reflects the footsteps of their children and the pattern of their lives. What makes this home especially compelling is the architect’s subtle manipulation of form. The massive twin peaks and rough-dressed stone walls encourage a sense of security. Yet, as this home rises from the land at twilight, power animates the gables and their fractured symmetry.

ARCHITECT: Donald Lococo, Donald Lococo Architects

BUILDER: Darius Brown, Phoenix Builders

INTERIOR DESIGN: Melanie Turner and Jill Tompkins, Melanie Turner Interiors

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Jennifer Horn, Horn and Co.

Interior Metal Railings: Tony Foreman, American Woodcraft Kitchen Cabinetry: David Brandon, East West Cabinet Co. AH

Wade Into Outdoor Living

3 3+

KITCHENS, BATHS, AND A CHEF

By Janice Booth

Most American kitchens have certain common features—cabinetry, sink(s), appliances. Baths have certain common features, too. Beyond that, there are seemingly endless ways to design either one. Here are three baths and three kitchens we hope will excite your imagination if and when you embark on a new or updated design. Finally, check out a great recipe from chef Arturo Ottaviano. AH

REMODEL WITH RIVER VIEWS

Tonya Maggio and Amber Streit of Tonya Maggio Interiors had a very tight timeframe within which to remodel a first-floor bathroom for clients living in Fishing Creek. The couple was expecting their third child and wanted their new bathroom completed before the birth, just five weeks away.

Tonya and her team set to work transforming the existing layout and creating a balance of color and pattern. Their goal was to achieve a modern, clean, sophisticated aesthetic.

And they did—with subtle yet dramatic elements. One striking focal point is a freestanding soaking tub that centers an alcove in the bay window. Overhead, a chandelier of textured glass and gold leaf provides a soft, ambient glow. Motorized curtains behind Roman shades ensure privacy and light control. Subway tiles add texture to the shower wall.

The double vanity’s custom cabinet doors have spring latches. The brass pulls that accent the drawers echo the hammered brass, stainless, and blown glass of the chandelier and the sconces over the vanity. Above the two sinks, arched mirrors framed in rattan reflect the view and sky beyond the bay window. Finally, the oak and frosted glass pocket door on the water closet adds an antique feel.

BATH DESIGN: Tonya Maggio and Amber Streit, Tonya Maggio Interiors

CONTRACTOR: MAB Contracting

Custom Carpentry and Solid Surfaces: Woodworking by Design, LLC

Tile: Stone by Design

Custom Drapery: Addie Designs

Photography by Peak Visuals

SAFE & SERENE UNIVERSAL DESIGN

Tanya Smith-Shiflett, cabinetry designer at Unique Kitchens & Baths, and Sara Swabb of Storie Collective teamed up to design a safe yet elegant bath that could accommodate a wheelchair and its occupant as well as guests.

They did not compromise on materials, choosing high-quality fixtures and finishes. For the floor, they chose a striking green and white checkered pattern using slate and travertine stone. Swabb points out that the floor had to be completely even and all tiles at the same height to ensure the wheelchair could maneuver safely. The same tile in the walk-in shower tilts slightly toward double drains, avoiding the danger of standing water. Bench seating in the shower includes a vinyl cushion; fixtures are within arm’s reach of the bench.

The shower walls and vanity top are made of Calacatta Gold marble, and the same marble borders the shower’s elegant archway. The marble vanity top with double sinks allows for wheelchair access. On each side of the vanity, the cabinet’s lower drawers of Expresso-stained maple are designed for easy access from a seated position. The mirrors above the vanity repeat the arch of the shower room wall. A half-wall outfitted with safety bars provides privacy for the commode. Three windows with motorized woven Roman shades offer privacy for the elegant, Empire-style tub with brass fixtures. The overall effect is tasteful and serene.

BATH DESIGN: Sarah Swabb, Storie Collective; Tanya Smith-Shiflett, Unique Kitchens and Baths

Tile: Architessa

Lighting Fixtures: Hudson Valley Lighting

Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg

SOUTH RIVER SUPER SPA

A South River couple asked Andrea Wheeler of Design Solutions to conceive a new look and feel for their bathroom, which was quite large. They knew they wanted traditional elements and a modified dressing room. When it came to the shower, the husband desired nothing less than a complete spa experience, including a steam shower and heated floors.

After considering many kinds of materials for the shower wall, they finally decided on quartzite, a translucent natural stone in dynamic taupes and yellow greens. In an inspired move, Wheeler chose to backlight the quartzite to better showcase its beauty. She collaborated with her contractor and electrician, who created a waterproof LED panel with the same durable material used for billboards. Now, the shower is the focal point of the room, with its dramatic backlit wall and matching cantilevered bench.

With floor-to-ceiling glass on two sides, the shower has state-of-the-art digital panels that control body jets, dual shower heads, a rain shower, a steam shower, and heated floors. Every feature—including temperature, pressure, and direction of flow— can be customized.

Tall wardrobe cabinets allow easy access to personal items. The owner’s antique chandelier complements pairs of modern LED sconces that flank the mirrors over the two vanities and sinks. A graceful, oval soaking tub sits before a large window. Tiles in creamy taupe tie the room together.

BATH DESIGN: Andrea Wheeler, Design Solutions, Inc.

CONTRACTOR: Aspect Contracting, Inc.

Shower Stone Wall and Seat: Patagonia Cristallo

Quartzite from Atlas Stone Fabricators, Inc.

Cabinetry: Signature Custom Cabinetry

Digital Plumbing and Fixtures: Thos. Somerville Co.

Photography by Tony J. Photography

CIVIL WAR-ERA REMODEL

How do you redesign a kitchen in a Civil War-era townhouse to meet the needs of a busy family with toddlers? Zoe Feldman and her team, along with Pyramid Builders were certainly up to the challenge.

Focusing on efficiency in the limited square footage, Feldman installed a larger island with double sinks. Among the “child-thoughtful” features are the center island’s drawers, which are not easily accessed by curious little people. The new stove and range hood are surrounded by custom cabinetry with a dynamic stone backsplash by Petra. An original back wall pantry was transformed into storage areas and a built-in coffee bar. Across from the stove and island, a cozy banquette beneath a sunny window is only an arm’s length from the coffee bar. The heirloom table, bench, and chairs upholstered in vintage fabric reflect the home’s history. A three-light pendant provides diffused, ambient light above the banquette. Similarly, frosted globe pendants are suspended above the kitchen’s island.

Arches separate the powder and mud rooms from the main kitchen and delineate the garden room. The comfortable, thoughtfully appointed kitchen complements the home’s architecture and history.

KITCHEN DESIGN: Zoe Feldman Design

BUILDER: Pyramid Builders

ARCHITECT: Overmeyer Architects

Stone: Petra Stone

Island Pendants: Urban Electric Company

Dining Chairs: 1st Dibs

Paint: Farrow & Ball

SLEEK ON BEARDS CREEK

Cathy Terranova with Kitchen Encounters was asked to give a traditional kitchen a more modern, sleek look. One significant requirement was to provide a welcoming space for the grandchildren to chat, bake, and munch.

Situated on Beards Creek, the kitchen has clear views and lots of light. To echo the water theme, Terranova designed an expansive island that serves as the kitchen’s anchor: 13 feet of glowing quartzite in shades of green and cream. The quartzite continues over the island’s edge, creating a waterfall effect. Cabinets on both the back and front of the island provide storage. Six low-backed stools allow for plenty of seating for the grandchildren. To soften the effect of the stone, Terranova chose tan leather for the stools and burlap-shaded drop-pendant lighting.

With tall nine-foot ceilings, Terranova needed to design accessible cabinetry. This was quite a challenge. She solved the problem by dividing the upper cabinets into two sections. Above the counters, touch-latches at the top with pulls on the accessible cabinets create a clean, unified appearance. Below the counter, cabinets have sleek pulls and rift-cut white oak panels in a natural finish; the fine grain and smooth texture of the wood provide warmth and contrast nicely with the soft pewter color of the upper wall cabinets. The same oak cabinetry is used on the free-standing bar. Ceramic tile floors complete the kitchen’s welcoming, warm character.

KITCHEN DESIGN: Cathy Terranova, CKBD, Kitchen Encounters

Appliances: Jenn-Air from ADU, Your Appliance Source

Cabinetry: StyleCraft

Induction Range: Bertazzoni

Countertops and Backsplash: In Home Stone

Photography by Donna Weaver

COTTAGE KITCHEN REIMAGINED

Transforming a cottage kitchen in Old Severna Park presented some challenges for Emily Bailey of Bayberry Design Co. Her goal for her client was straightforward: to create a modern, efficient workspace with “old-world charm.” She accomplished this by thoughtfully blending materials and finishes. For example, white oak cabinets with unlacquered brass hardware create a vintage feel. To brighten the space, the kitchen’s vaulted ceiling is paneled in narrow, tonguein-groove panels with recessed lighting. Red oak floors add a warm glow. The client wanted a serviceable island workspace with seating for two at one end. To give the island countertop character, she chose white quartz with decant edging for the work surface. On one end of the island, custom-designed, oak-turned legs add to the vintage ambiance and allow space for stools.

Bailey carried the white oak cabinetry right through to the paneled refrigerator. Three windows and a French door required careful planning to maximize storage space while adding signature European-style charm. Two tall cabinets flank the sink and window,

drawing the eye away from a load-bearing ceiling beam. Lower cabinets conceal the appliances so essential to modern cooking while keeping them close at hand. Housing them in the cabinets allowed for maximum use of the limited counter space. The newly transformed kitchen has personality and warmth and remains true to the cottage’s architecture.

KITCHEN & INTERIOR DESIGN: Emily Bailey, Bayberry Design Co.

BUILDER: Bayberry & Co.

CABINETRY: Helena Briggs, 84 Lumber Design Studios

Stone and Tile: United Marble and Granite

Tile: Atlas Marble & Tile

Photography by Tony J. Photography

Cavatelli con Broccoli di Rapa e Salsiccia

Recipe by Arturo Ottaviano of Osteria 177

A visit to one of Arturo Ottaviano’s restaurants is a special treat, whether it be the chic Osteria 177 on Main Street in Annapolis or Arturo’s on an unassuming strip center in Glen Burnie. The cuisine is authentically Italian. Plus, Osteria 177 is one of our favorite Annapolis restaurants. We are so pleased to offer you this recipe, written by Ottaviano exclusively for Annapolis Home Magazine ! Cavatelli con Broccoli de Rapa e Salsiccia is a traditional pasta recipe from the Apulia region. Buon appetito! - Christine Fillat

INGREDIENTS

(makes 4 servings)

1 lb. fresh broccoli rabe

2 cloves of garlic, smashed

2 espresso cups of extra virgin olive oil

2 espresso cups of tomato sauce just for color

3/4 lb. mild fresh Roma sausage links

Hot crushed pepper if you like it a bit spicy

Pecorino cheese, grated

Cavatelli pasta: fresh, frozen, or dry

(Orecchiette pasta is also a good choice, just in case)

DIRECTIONS

First, trim the broccoli rabe and cook it in salted boiling water for 10 minutes.

Remove the broccoli rabe from the pot. You may reserve the water used to boil the broccoli to cook the cavatelli pasta later.

Chop the broccoli rabe.

When the pasta is cooked to your taste, drain and set the water aside.

Sauté the pasta in the sausage mixture. Add the grated Pecorino cheese. Let the pasta absorb the sauce for a few minutes.

Add the leftover water a little bit at a time (if needed) until you see it is perfect for serving.

Remove the casing from the sausage links with a little knife.

In a large pan, heat the olive oil to medium hot. Add the smashed cloves of garlic, some crushed hot pepper (if you like it), and the sausage. Use a wooden spoon to cook and grind the meat.

When the sausages are no longer pink, add the broccoli rabe and cook for another 5 to 8 minutes.

Add the cooking water a little bit at a time, and a small cup of tomato sauce, stirring until the sauce has a uniform consistency.

Bring the water used to cook the broccoli back to a boil and drop the Cavatelli pasta into the pot.

We use the water because of the broccoli rabe flavor, and the starch will shine and give texture to the dish. No butter or anything else is needed.

The simplicity of this dish is well known in Italy, especially in the southern part.

If you are vegetarian, you may make the dish without the sausages and add some sliced heirloom grape tomatoes.

Enjoy!

Arturo Ottaviano, Owner, Osteria 177

177 Main Street, Annapolis | 410.267.7700 | osteria177.com

Better Living, Better Designing.

A HISTORIC RESET

FARMHOUSE

FARMHOUSE

BY DYLAN ROCHE

“Do you think we’re crazy to consider this property?”

That’s what designer Melissa McLay recalls her clients asking when they sent her pictures of a historic 18th-century house they intended to buy. It wasn’t the type of home you’d expect to house the contemporary furnishings McLay had previously designed for these clients. But therein lay the opportunity. McLay assured her clients they could make it work. They would take this old home and freshen it up with touches of the 21st century.

That’s how she found herself blending old and new to create an interior for this historic home—one that preserved the character of the space she was furnishing while offering the livability that suited her clients’ style. The project required her to get creative, making some traditional elements feel more contemporary, and some contemporary elements feel more traditional.

The chair’s modern shape is balanced out by the more traditional natural fabric of its upholstery.

The dining room table and chairs came from the homeowners’ previous residence.

As it was, the home felt dark and heavy. The clients wanted to keep the existing wood floors, so McLay knew it was important to give the entire home a fresher, airier open feel by lightening and brightening the walls. This meant a lot of white paint (Dove White by Benjamin Moore) and colorful wallpaper, which successfully introduced color and texture to replace the heavy draperies that had previously covered the windows.

One of the more striking examples of this traditional-contemporary balance is the dining room, which McLay designed around the angular-base table and metal frame chairs with cane matting that her clients brought from their previous home. Sage green paint (Soft Fern by Benjamin Moore) livened up the existing molding on the walls, windows, and fireplace, while grasscloth wallpaper with a floral pattern added plenty of color. The room’s metal light fixture with hanging crystals designed by Currey and Company embodies a transitional style that “straddles the traditional and contemporary elements in the space,” McLay says. A hutch with simple lines and hand-rubbed black finish stands flanked by sconces that are modern in style—but because they are made from mirrored mercury glass, they are in keeping with an older farmhouse.

In fact, choosing contrasting shapes and textures is an approach McLay plays with frequently throughout the design. In the intimate family room—where the homeowners like to hunker down and relax after a long day—she has given the thick-armed, tufted sofa a more natural look by covering it with a chunky woven linen upholstery manufactured by Lee Industries. “That was very purposeful, to make sure we took more of a traditional fabric and put it on a contemporary frame,” McLay explains. Similarly, the burled wood

White walls make the old home feel bright and airy.

Warm shades of green appear throughout the home.

of the mid-century coffee table with straight edges by Kravet achieves a more rustic appearance and adds warmth to the space. In the family room, she focused on earthy tones, where the sage green walls and ceiling (Bed of Ferns by Benjamin Moore) and the natural stone fireplace are broken up by pops of bright turquoise blue.

In the kitchen, another green (Paris Rain by Benjamin Moore) freshens up the space. The perfect complement to the light, bright Carrera countertops, the combination juxtaposes nicely with the stonework and wooden beams that serve as a reminder of the home’s historic nature.

In the bedroom, painting the cannonball bed with a white that has a little bit of sheen provides an updated take on the farmhouse aesthetic. The lamps on the bedside tables and the custom window treatments give pops of green that stand out against the bright, airy whiteness of the room.

The basement with stone walls is part of the original 18th-century structure.

What’s most remarkable about McLay’s work in this historic home is the way she shows that design is about much more than aesthetics—it’s about storytelling. Describing the home as beautiful and charming, expanded by thoughtful renovations over the centuries, McLay considers the design choices she made as ways “to add a jolt of the unexpected but with still a nod to the home’s history.”

She has found a way to take a home with timeless beauty and a long history, bring it into the 21st century, and dress it up for modern homeowners where all the visual elements can work together in harmony.

INTERIOR DESIGN: Melissa McLay Interiors

PHOTO STYLIST: Limón Creative

Window Treatments: Drapery Design & Manufacturer

Dining Room Chandelier: Currey and Company

Dining Room Wallpaper: Cowtan & Tout

Family Room Coffee Table: Kravet

The High-Heeled Gardener

THE NATIVE AZALEA:

SuperstarPollinator

BY KYMBERLY TAYLOR

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HISTORIC LONDON TOWN & GARDENS

It’s spring and native azaleas, Rhododendron sect. Pentanthera, are bursting into view and into our lives: clouds of lavender, pink, red, white, and orange are so vivid that whatever is on my mind moves to my heart, and I find a new perspective.

There is a practical reason for their irresistible beauty. It’s all about seduction: to reproduce, they must attract the perfect suitors. Carson Ellis, curator of the National Native Azalea Collection of the North Carolina Arboretum, explains that the azalea is a “keystone pollinator,” which means their sensational floral displays in various colors draw an especially wide range of insects and other animals integral to our ecosystem.

After speaking with Ellis, I began to understand that nature not only has divine timing; its creatures also have divine dimensions. In fact, certain native azaleas rely primarily on the wings of giant butterflies to survive. Here’s why: most azalea flowers contain both an anther (male) and a stigma (female) that are elongated and placed far apart. The anther contains pollen, which must reach the stigma for reproduction. Ellis points to a groundbreaking study by North Carolina State University biologist Mary Jane Epps. Epps found that giant butterflies such as the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and the Great Spangled Fritillary use their wings, rather than their bodies, to connect with and shift pollen from the azalea’s anther to its stigma. Other smaller pollinators, such as bees and beetles, are inefficient. Epps found that their large wings could reach both reproductive organs of the flame azalea in a single visit. Without the “wing-borne pollen transfer,” there would be far fewer flame azaleas and possibly others.

You may spot these winged beauties at work right here in Annapolis. Luckily, we can visit over 700 azaleas and rhododendrons (yes, 700!) at historic London Town & Gardens, a hidden gem in Edgewater. New horticulture director Justin Schmitz notes they have a 10-acre garden devoted to native and exotic azaleas and other rhododendrons. April and May should be peak bloom time, says Schmitz, so stop in to view them on your own or take a members-only tour on May 10th.

When it comes to planting, the azalea prefers part shade, part sun, and well-drained, acidic soil. The root system is shallow, wide, and shaped much like a pancake, so transplanting is not advisable. And heavy pruning is not necessary. “They are not meant to look like sausages or meatballs,” says Ellis. She admires their expressive forms and resilience. Incredibly, they survived under ten feet of water during Hurricane Helena, she recalls. I have seen azaleas growing in masses in the woods, and it is a truly magical sight. Dark branches foreground vibrant hues and seem to gesture as if to help us on our way.

An ancient plant with Asian origins, the azalea is prominent in traditional Chinese and Japanese gardens as well as in their poetry and art. Asian azaleas were introduced to the United States as specimen plants in the 1830s but native azaleas had been here all along. There are differences between the two, explains Ellis.

While Asian varieties are evergreen, natives are deciduous, which means they lose their leaves in the winter. Importantly, different native species bloom throughout the year rather than one month out of twelve. Although most people associate azaleas with spring, Swamp azalea, Cumberland azalea, and Sweet azalea bloom in mid and late summer and do well in Maryland’s climate.

But beauty has its dark side. The leaves, flowers, and nectar of all azaleas are highly poisonous to people and pets and can cause organ failure. The toxicity of the azalea is well known. In ancient times, a bouquet delivered in a black vase was considered a death threat. Though Ellis had not heard of this practice nor received any azaleas in black vases, she does know about “mad honey.” In Nepal, mad honey is made from the nectar of Rhododendron luteum and Rhododendron ponticum, nicknamed honeysuckle azalea. Though mad honey can be lethal, the Gurung people use this substance for both its hallucinogenic properties and medical benefits, including the treatment of sore throats and indigestion and to increase sexual performance.

It is hard to believe a plant so stunning can be so dangerous. Luckily, my small dog Daisy has no interest in them—perhaps because they don’t smell like steak. Soon, the azaleas will blossom and assert themselves in the landscape, feeding over 11 different animals and fulfilling the earth’s plan for them. When you have a moment, revel in their sensational yet brief brilliance. No matter how dark a situation may seem, come April, the azalea will dazzle, butterflies will feast, evening will come, and the morning after.

The genus Rhododendron derives its name from the Greek rhodo, which means rose, and dendron, meaning tree. Azaleas are part of the family Ericaceae, which includes heath, heather, cranberry, blueberry, and huckleberry.

London Town & Gardens, historiclondontown.org

North Carolina National Native Azalea Collection, ncarboretum.org Azalea Society of America, azalea.org

A Tropical Retreat IN CENTRAL MARYLAND

BY DYLAN ROCHE

Arelaxing

retreat with sparkling waterfalls and tropical foliage sounds like an environment that would require vacation travel. But in the case of this landscape design by Jeff Crandell of Scapes, Inc., all it requires is stepping out into the backyard of an Anne Arundel County home. This outdoor space, with its freeform pool, expansive patio, and thoughtful landscape, offers a place perfect for both solitude and entertainment.

“The vision was to create a space where you come home from work, and maybe you’re having friends over, and you just kind of disconnect from the real world and enjoy your own little resort,” Crandell explains. “You can just get away from the stress of the real world.”

When the home was originally built, all it had in the backyard was a patio. This at-home resort evolved over several years, feature by feature, from the pool to the outdoor fireplace.

The pool serves as the outdoor living space’s focal point. The pebble finish along its floor gives it a more natural appearance than typical white plaster and gives the pool a bluish tint by day, almost as if it were a natural body of water. “We wanted to make it look as natural as possible, along with everything else we’re trying to accomplish with the rocks and the waterfall,” Crandell says, referring to the formation of boulders and natural stone along one side of the pool from which flow a waterfall and—perhaps more importantly, especially for the children—a waterslide.

The natural look of the lagoon-like pool is further accentuated by the lush greenery surrounding it, some of which must be brought in from warmer climates every year. “Most of the boxwoods keep their leaves—they’re evergreen,” Crandell explains.

Tropical foliage and a stone waterfall create the feeling of being at a far-off resort.

Travertine stone doesn’t get too hot underfoot in the summer.

“And you’ve got some hydrangeas, some Knock Out roses, and some perennial stuff that comes back every year. But then you’ve got the palm trees, the sweet potato vines that cascade over the rocks, and the hibiscus as well. That stuff goes away, so you have to bring it in from Florida in the spring.”

Although the pool deck gets plenty of sun exposure, Crandell consciously designed it with travertine, a visually appealing stonework that remains cool underfoot even on hot days, making it as practical as it is aesthetic. “If you have an August day and it’s 100 degrees out, you don’t have to worry about your feet burning,” he says. “If you did a flagstone material or paver, they would get hot. The travertine doesn’t, which is a huge selling point.”

Then, when the sun goes down and night sets in, the outdoor space can still accommodate a party thanks to the low-voltage LED lighting system integrated throughout to create a warm and inviting ambiance in the evening.

“The biggest thing with the lighting is consistency—you don’t want any dark spots anywhere, so you want to make sure you have as much consistent lighting around the whole outdoor area as possible,” Crandell says. Many of the lights are tucked away in the plant materials, hidden from view until they turn on, illuminating the architecture and the landscaping in ways that create focal points in the evening dusk. “Then you can sit back, having a cocktail or whatever, and everything is lit up, and it creates a nice ambiance,” Crandell says.

Whether day or night, in hot weather or mild, the outdoor space proves that a backyard can be whatever you want it to be with the right landscape design—even a tropical escape from reality.

LANDSCAPING, HARDSCAPING, POOL, AND LIGHTING: Jeff Crandell, Scapes, Inc. AH

Beauty Room

Pink power

YOUNGBLOOD

MINERAL COSMETICS

VividLuxe mini Crème Blush stick in “parfait” | $26

VALENTINO GARAVANI

Antibes Canvas and Karung shopping tote bag | $1,850

AQUAZZURA

Cotton eyelet bowtie kitten pumps | $1,095

GENNY

Outfit from the Spring/Summer 2025 Collection “Garden of Delights”

IRENE NEUWIRTH

Pink Opal beaded necklace | $5,300

PARFUMS de MARLY

| $410

REALTORS POWERHOUSE

Our special Powerhouse Realtors section offers profiles of leading agents so that you can more easily find the best agent for you!

Erica Baker

Georgie Berkinshaw

Reid Buckley’s Mr. Waterfront Team

Connie Cadwell

Joanna Dalton

Michele Deckman

Liz Dooner

Betsy Dunigan

Travis Gray

Sarah Greenlee Morse

Brad Kappel Team

David Orso

Snyder/Bradshaw Group

Scott Wallace

Day Weitzman

THE CHESAPEAKE REGION’S HIGHEST SALES

october 2024–january 2025

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

1. 964 Melvin Road, Annapolis

$8,200,000

5 bed | 5.5 Bath | 6,246 sf | 1.24 acres

Listing Agent: Brad Kappel Team, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Buyer’s Agent: Tonia Falkowski, Engel & Völkers

1. 380 Wye Narrows Drive, Queenstown

$4,600,000

7 beds | 6 baths | 7,040 sf | 10.11 acres

Listing Agent: Brad Kappel Team, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Buyer’s Agent: Doc Keane, Washington Fine Properties

2. 3355 Harness Creek Road, Annapolis

$7,400,000

7 beds | 6 baths | 11,000 sf | 1.47 acres

Listing Agent: Day Weitzman, Coldwell Banker Church Circle

Buyer’s Agent: Brad Kappel Team, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

3. 804 Coachway, Annapolis

$4,625,000

6 beds | 6 baths | 6,437 sf | 1.16 acres

Listing Agent: Georgie Berkinshaw, Coldwell Banker Church Circle

Buyer’s Agent: Jennie Miller, Long & Foster Real Estate

QUEEN ANNE’S COUNTY

2. 141 River Run, Queenstown

$3,850,000

5 beds | 6.5 baths | 7,480 sf | 3.45 acres

Listing Agent: Reid Buckley’s Mr. Waterfront Team, Long & Foster Real Estate

Selling Agent: Jennifer Gregorski, Washington Fine Properties

TALBOT COUNTY

1. 5808 Widgeon Point Lane, Oxford

$7,200,000

7 beds | 7.7 baths | 9,027 sf | 20.27 acres

Listing Agent: Brad Kappel Team, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Buyer’s Agent: Mark McGuire, Benson & Mangold Real Estate

964 Melvin Road, Annapolis

Brad Kappel Team, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

2. 27856 Waverly Road, Easton

$6,450,000

6 beds | 7 baths | 10,496 sf | 4.47 acres

Listing Agent: Brian Gearhart, Benson & Mangold Real Estate

Buyer’s Agent: Carol Strasfeld, Long & Foster Real Estate

141 River Run, Queenstown

Reid Buckley’s Mr. Waterfront Team, Long & Foster Real Estate

3. 220 Old Warf Lane, Queenstown

$3,750,000

5 beds | 7.5 baths | 5,192 sf | 1.43 acres

Listing Agent: Chuck Mangold, Benson & Mangold Real Estate

Buyer‘s Agent: Kevin Hammersmith, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty

3. 24679 Deep Neck Road, Royal Oak

$5,850,000

4 beds | 5 baths | 6,731 sf | 22.14 acres

Listing Agent: Clifford E. Meredith, Meredith Fine Properties

Buyer’s Agent: Debbie Lipscomb, Benson & Mangold Real Estate

24679 Deep Neck Road, Royal Oak

Clifford E. Meredith, Meredith Fine Properties

(1) JUST LISTED! Gorgeous 8500 SF home, private setting, beach & pier. $2,875,000 (2) JUST SOLD for $2,350,000 on the Eastern Shore, representing Buyers. Fabulous bay-front home.

(3) JUST LISTED! 3-BR Annapolis home with expansive Bay views. Full details and tour on our website. Offered at $1,975,000

(4) JUST SOLD for $1,600,000 in downtown Annapolis. Stunning 3-BR townhome with elevator and rooftop deck. Record Price! (5) JUST SOLD for $3,850,000 on the Eastern Shore’s Wye River. Pool, pier, & boat ramp on 3.4 acre private setting.

“HOUSTON,

For the last 21 years, David and Dawn Orso have ser ved the real estate needs of over 1500 families in the Annapolis area. David is peerless as the top-selling agent in Anne Arundel Count y in total sales since 2013. An obsession with the client’s needs has led to curated systems for maximum results with minimal stress. David’s educational foundation in Psychology, an MBA in Strategic Marketing, and negotiation training from Har vard Universit y are tailor-made to give his clients a competitive advantage.

A reputation built on superior real estate RESULTS; David has 284 unsolicited FIVE STAR reviews from happy clients.

Consider a confidential conversation with David when you are ready to take the next step in your real estate journey. His professional and approachable st yle will showcase the substantial value he can add to your real estate journey

Premier Partners

In 2024, Sarah joined Premier Partners as their Annapolis representative. Premier Partners is a team of highly collaborative, experienced, top producing professionals at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty. They harness their individual strengths and areas of expertise to provide the highest quality of service to clients across the Washington DC metropolitan area, Annapolis, and the Eastern Shore. They also provide seamless referral service. In 2024, Premier Partners closed over $130 million in sales.

Sarah Greenlee Morse

Sarah specializes in waterfront and water-privileged homes, historic properties in and around downtown Annapolis, and turn-key condos. In 2024, she was one of the top 20 producers in the greater Chesapeake Region. She is known for her market expertise, industry connections, clear communication style, attention to detail, and tenacity. Sarah prides herself on being readily accessible to her clients and providing luxury service at all price points. Outside of her work in real estate, Sarah is an arts advocate and volunteers as board vice president of the Annapolis Film Festival. She is also a long-time member and sponsor of Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT).

m +1 410 303 1522

o +1 410 280 5600 sgmorse@ttrsir.com www.SarahGMorse.com

COMING SOON: 2128 Bay Front

MD | Price Upon Request

JUST LISTED: 3321 Old Point Road, Edgewater MD | $2,400,000 Bucolic, spacious waterfront retreat on almost 4 acres, protected deepwater pier on Larkington Cove, first-floor primary bedroom, in-law suite, 3-car attached garage, private road

And wherever you want to be

DAY IN ANNAPOLIS

Connie Cadwell came to Annapolis for a weekend in 1978 and discovered a whole new way of life. From that time on, Connie has been successfully helping others make the most of this exciting lifestyle. As someone who makes friends easily, she receives great pleasure from introducing you to the Annapolis lifestyle and its people, neighborhoods, events and the best crab cakes in town. Knowledgeable, trustworthy, loyal and caring are qualities that describe her well. Drawing on her market knowledge and strong community connections, trust her 40+ years of experience as a Realtor to help you make the most of your next real estate transaction.

Clients of all ages agree what sets Connie apart is her dedication to her clients and visionary approach. While her listings are among the most beautiful and unique in the state, she also has a knack for finding “hidden treasures,” homes that have been overlooked or undervalued.

Those who know Connie will tell you, there is nobody better to introduce you to the town she calls home. Her philosophy, “It’s always a great day in Annapolis!” is more than a motto. She works hard to make it true.

Living in Shearwater is truly a dream offering the perfect blend of leisure, recreation, and waterfront serenity. This exclusive gated community boasts top-tier amenities, including a deepwater marina, kayak, dinghy floating dock, pickleball, tennis and racquetball courts as well as a picturesque waterfront pool. This beautifully appointed garden terrace condominium provides convenience of one-level living with 1855 sq ft of crafted space, ensuring comfort and bathed in natural light and views of the great lawn. Observe blue herons, ducks, egrets, and bald eagles from our garden terrace. Nature watchers’ paradise. Shearwater is more than a home. It’s a vibrant, active and coastal waterfront haven.

4 Spa Creek Landing A | $750,000

Experience the Difference.

At Engel & Völkers Annapolis, we provide bespoke experiences and serve as advisors to our clients, not merely as real estate agents. This entails exceptional attention to every detail, expert knowledge, insights, and meticulous white-glove service, all tailored specifically for each client. Whether you are buying or selling a home, Engel & Völkers guarantees an experience of the highest caliber.

“Travis did an amazing job helping us sell our home. He helped develop a plan to bring the property to market (what to fix, what to leave, how to stage, etc.) He provided resources for contractors, landscapers, home stagers, etc. He was very hands-on when he needed to be. He was the absolute best and we look forward to working with him in the future!” Stacy G. – waterfront client

SOUTH RIVER WATERFRONT

Discover waterfront luxury at this exquisite home on Larrimore’s Point, offering an expansive 250’ of waterfrontage on Glebe Bay and the South River. With breathtaking panoramic views, this residence is elegant, comfortable and move-in ready with many recent updates and renovations. The gourmet kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining and living areas for effortless entertaining. Enjoy two primary suites, one on the main level with French doors leading directly to the waterside pool, as well as two additional bedrooms, and a newly finished walkout lower level featuring a bar, patio, and extensive storage. A waterside screened-in porch, deep water pier, and gorgeous landscaping are just a few of the amenities that make for a relaxed, luxurious waterfront retreat. Private Exclusive Listing | Price Upon Request.

Experience the elegance and comfort of this grand yet exceptionally inviting and livable, French-inspired estate. Perched atop 20 acres and 900’ of prime Severn River waterfront, the gated entrance and a picturesque winding driveway lead to this extraordinary residence, where timeless architecture meets state-of-the-art convenience. Inside enjoy expansive yet intimate spaces including multiple fireplaces, a stunning office, wine cellar and bar, gourmet kitchen, elevator, theater, an upgraded home automation system, as well as many high-quality finishes. The property also includes a guest house, waterside pool, private dock, garages for nine vehicles, a motor court, and more. Private Exclusive Listing | Price Upon Request | 938OldCounty.com

SOUTH RIVER WATERFRONT

With unobstructed views of Harness Creek, the South River, and the Chesapeake Bay, it’s no wonder this stately Wimbledon Farms waterfront home is no longer on the market. Located just minutes from historic downtown Annapolis, this seven-bedroom, six-bathroom home acres offers great design, well-executed craftmanship, and an exclusive water front setting, featuring a waterside pool, private pier, and beach. Other highlights include beautifully manicured grounds, a whole house generator, elevator, home gym, and separate au pair suite. 3355HarnessCreek.com

Napley Green Farm: A Rare 850-Acre Waterfront Legacy Estate

Nestled along the Chester River, Napley Green Farm is an 850-acre waterfront estate steeped in history, natural beauty, and unparalleled recreational opportunities. Once owned by Eugene E. DuPont of the DuPont Chemical Company, this extraordinary property served as a premier hunting retreat and social gathering place for the DuPont family throughout the 20th century. With approximately seven miles of pristine shoreline, the estate features fertile farmland, mature woodlands, and ecologically rich marshlands and ponds. At its heart stands a 5,600 sq. ft. southern-style home offering breathtaking water views, alongside a historic log home dating back to the 1600s, a caretaker’s house, a waterside pool, and a 280-foot private dock for boating, fishing, and water sports. An ideal sporting and conservation retreat, Napley Green is located along the Chesapeake Bay’s migratory route, making it a prime destination for waterfowl, deer, and turkey hunting. And with no current conservation easements, this estate offers tremendous investment potential. Less than two hours from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia, Napley Green seamlessly blends seclusion, history, and accessibility. Own a piece of Chesapeake Bay heritage—whether as a private retreat, sporting estate, or conservation investment, this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. | www. NapleyGreenFarm.com

President

THE ANNAPOLIS HOME MAGAZINE JANUARY ISSUE LAUNCH PARTY

Photography by Tony J. Photography

Annapolis Home celebrated the January issue, featuring its design and builder award winners, at Architectural Window Supply in Annapolis.

LEADING PROFESSIONALS

ADVERTISING INDEX

ARCHITECTS

ABS Architects pg. 79

410.268.1213 | absarchitects.com

Hammond Wilson pg. 13 410.267.6041 | hammondwilson.com

Three B Architecture pg. 15 443.791.6193 | threebarchitecture.com

CUSTOM BUILDERS

Bayfront Design | Build pg. 116 202.437.5457 | bayfrontdesignbuild.com

Bayview Builders pgs. 8-9 410.280.0303 | bayviewbuildersmd.com

Blackketter Craftsmen, Inc. pg. 116 410.923.3111 | blackcraft.com

Brightview Builders, Inc. pg. 89 410.647.3100 | brightviewbuilders.com

Construction Concierge by Conestoga pg. 90 | conciergebyconestoga.com

Delbert Adams Construction Group pg. 75 | 410.583.7575 | dacgllc.com

Gate One Builders pg. 21 410.268.0778 | gateonebuilders.com

Lundberg Builders, Inc. pg. 62 410.643.3334 | lundbergbuilders.com

Lynbrook of Annapolis pg. 35 410.295.3313 | lynbrookofannapolis.com

Maxim Building Group pg. 116

443.871.4584 | maximbuildinggroup.com

Mueller Homes pgs. 36-37 muellerhomes.com

Procopio Homes pg. 73

410.551.8454 | procopiohomes.com

Pyramid Builders pgs. 2-3

410.571.7707 | pyramid-builders.com

Winchester Construction Inside Back Cover | 410.987.5905 winchesterinc.com

Younger Construction pg. 78

410.626.8602 | youngerconstruction.com

DESIGN PROFESSIONALS

Details + Design pg. 79

443.782.7968 |detailsanddesign.com

Dream House Studios pg. 90 410.224.7588 |dreamhousestudios.net

Farnady Interiors pg. 12 443.822.3248 | farnadyinteriors.com

Fitzsimmons Design Associates, Inc. pg. 39 410.269.1965 | fitzsimmonsdesign.com

Interior Concepts, Inc. pg. 20 410.224.7366 | interiorconceptsinc.com

Prince George Street Design pg. 93 703.623.9592 | princegeorgestreetdesign.com

Sew Beautiful Interiors pg. 61 410.544.3300 | sewbeautifulwindows.com

Simply Wesley Interior Design pg. 91 | 443.994.6757 simplywesley.com

EXCLUSIVE KITCHEN OR BATH DESIGN

314 Design Studio pg. 92 410.643.4040 | 314designstudio.com

Design Solutions, Inc. pg. 91 | 410.757.6100 | dsikitchens.com

Kitchen Encounters pg. 60 410.263.4900 | kitchenencounters.biz

Stuart Kitchens Back Cover 410.761.5700 | stuartkitchens.com

HOME SERVICES

84 Lumber Kitchen & Bath Design Studio pgs. 10-11 410.757.4684 | 84designstudios.com

ADU, Your Appliance Source pg. 14 | 410.267.7110 | adu.com

Architectural Window Supply pg. 86 | 410.266.5254 | archwin.com

Blue Heron Property Services pg. 116 | 410.279.6320 blueheronpropertyservicesllc.com

Elite Hardwood Flooring pg. 18 | 410.280.1420 elitehardwoodflooring.com

Gold Seal Services pg. 116 410.583.1010 | goldsealservices.com

In Home Stone Marble & Granite pg. 78 | 410.626.2025 | inhomestone.com

Quality Window & Door pg. 16 877.542.8481 | qwdinc.com/annapolishomemag

Town Appliance pgs. 40-41 410.364.4400 | townappliance.com

WalterWorks Hardware pg. 93 | 410.263.9711 walterworkshardware.com

OUTDOOR LIVING

Back Creek Builders pgs. 6-7 443.827.0751 | backcreekbuilders.com

Barks Road Landscape Architecture pg. 63 | 410.647.2090 | barksroad.com

Bay Pile Driving pg. 85 410.879.3121 or 888.886.1213 baypiledriving.com

Coastal Pools pg. 87 443.775.2880 | coastalpoolbuilders.net

Clinton+Ries Landscape Architects pg. 17 301.699.5600 | clintonriesla.com

McHale Landscape Design Inside Front Cover + pg. 1 410.990.0894 | mchalelandscape.com

Scapes, Inc. pg. 19 410.867.6909 | scapesinc.net

Wade Landscapes pg. 38 wadelandscapes.com

Walnut Hill Landscape Company pgs. 4-5 | 410.349.3105 or 410.690.0977 walnuthilllandscape.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Green & Bean Boutique pg. 116 greenbeanboutique.com

Nancy Hammond Editions pg. 92 410.295.6612 | nancyhammondeditions.com

REAL ESTATE

Annapolis Fine Homes of Long & Foster Real Estate pg. 74 410.263.3400 | longandfoster.com

Betsy Dunigan of TTR|Sotheby’s International Realty pg. 110 443.994.1239 | bdunigan@ttrsir.com

Brad Kappel Team of TTR|Sotheby’s International Realty pgs. 96-97 m. 410.279.9476 | o. 410.280.5600 bradkappel.com

Connie Cadwell of Coldwell Banker Realty pg. 108 | c. 410.693.1705 | o. 410.263.8686 conniecadwell.com

David Orso of Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices PenFed Realty pgs. 102-103 c. 443.691.0838 | o. 443.372.7171 davidorso.com

Day Weitzman of Coldwell Banker Realty pg. 112 | m. 410.353.0721 | o. 410.263.8686 dayweitzman.com

Erica Baker of TTR|Sotheby’s International Realty pg. 114 m. 410.919.7019 | o. 410.280.5600 ebaker@ttrsir.com

Georgie Berkinshaw & Jean Berkinshaw Dixon of Coldwell Banker Realty pg. 106 | gb. 443.994.4456 jbd. 443.995.279 | o. 410.263.8686 gberkinshaw.com

Joanna Dalton of Coldwell Banker Realty pg. 111 | c. 410.980.8443 | o. 410.263.8686 joanna.dalton@cbmove.com

Liz Dooner of Coldwell Banker Realty pg. 115 | c. 410.725.8973 | o. 410.263.8686 lizdooner.com

Kelly Harris Homes of Coldwell Banker Realty pg. 116 | m. 443.763.2000 | o. 410.721.0103

Michele Deckman of The Tower Team, TTR|Sotheby’s International Realty pg. 107 c.410.353.3703 | o. 410.280.5600 micheledeckman.com

Reid Buckley’s Mr. Waterfront Team of Long & Foster Real Estate pgs. 98-99 d.410.266.6880 | o. 410.260.2801 waterfronthomes.org

Sarah Greenlee Morse of TTR|Sotheby’s International Realty pgs. 104-105 | m. 410.303.1522 o. 410.280.5600 | sarahgmorse.com

Scott Wallace of Coldwell Banker Realty pgs. 100-101 | m. 410.991.5627 | o. 410.263.8686 scott.wallace@cbrealty.com

Snyder Bradshaw Group of Monument Sotheby’s International Realty pg. 113 | o. 443.906.3848 d. 410.216.0018 | snyderbradshaw.com

Travis Gray of Engel & Völkers pg. 109 c. 301.641.0809 | o. 443.292.6767 travisgray.evrealestate.com

Poets in the Conversation Room

HUSH

by Timothy Donnelly

At night the sea’s surface is the penetrable onyx of deep sleep. I enter it without fear, as if to lower the input of the eye reduces risk, and whatever I can’t presently see exists only in memory, which has been calmed by the water’s cold hypnosis, and to be here is impersonal. Only the moonlight interrupts this near-nothingness, the play of it on the glossy swell like a music you can feel, or like the mapping of something happening to me on another level, something that can be understood so long as it never finishes—and, when it finishes, there is nothing left to understand. In the distance, other lights appear now on the far side of the harbor, and, closer, the dull-white gull-like hulls of a band of anchored boats rock softly, without intelligence.

Later, elsewhere, I remember it vaguely, and it feels like the most meaningful way to go about it, as if the value of it grew by resisting precision, and that, in coaxing particularity to glide from it, the sea retained a unity unlike anything other than the sky with which it had come to merge, but likewise it set itself outside the reach of grammar, whose designs on it were not kind, and yet what I mean by “it” isn’t even the sea anymore, but an experience of the sea, which syllable by syllable I make the mistake of displacing.

JOIN US FOR POETS IN THE CONVERSATION ROOM

Featuring Celebrated Poet Timothy Donnelly

SATURDAY, MARCH 22 • 2 to 4 P.M.

The Conversation Room, Mellon Hall, St. John’s College

Timothy Donnelly is currently a Director of Poetry in the Writing Program at Columbia University’s School of the Arts and the author of four books of poems. His second, The Cloud Corporation, was published by Wave Books in 2010 and appeared on many lists of that year’s best books of poetry. The Cloud Corporation was a finalist for the Poetry Society of America’s William Carlos Williams Award and received the 2012 Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award. Donnelly is a recipient of a Columbia Distinguished Faculty Award, the Poetry Society of America’s Alice Fay di Castagnola Award, and Paris Review’s Bernard F. Connors Prize. His latest book is Chariot, published by Wave Books in 2023. Donnelly’s poems have appeared in The New Yorker, A Public Space, Denver Quarterly, Fence,

Harper’s, The Iowa Review, jubilat, The Nation, New Republic, The Paris Review, Ploughshares, and many other journals.

Hosted by Grace Cavalieri, Tenth Maryland Poet Laureate, and Kymberly Taylor, Editor-in-Chief of Annapolis Home Magazine, The Conversation Room is located in Mellon Hall near the Mitchell Gallery of Art on the campus of St. John’s College, 60 College Avenue, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Support is provided by St. John’s College, Annapolis Home Magazine, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, and Friends of Poets in the Conversation Room.