Traditional

Like no other. Less than half a block from the dining, shopping and waterfront merriment of Thames Street, sits on the calm, tree canopied stretch of Bond Street, the most unexpected treasure of a Baltimore home.Stepping off the sidewalk, through the front door and into a welcoming foyer, one is immediately confronted by the home's layered charm and its understated elegance, a current taste flattering the details of centuries passed. French doors, cut into a wall of exposed two hundred year old brick, mark the transition between the 1860's 828 Bond and the conjoined 1780's 830 Bond. A formal living room sits just off the foyer and despite its immediate proximity to the rushing sidewalk, feels miles away from the excitement of outside. Its design exemplifies the home's aesthetic; craftsmanship of the past presented with the clean symmetry of today. Just beyond the living room, through the updated kitchen (another example of the modern and the timeless with its dark grouted geometric subway tile playing off the tin ceiling), one finds another rare gem: a large dining room, more like an urban ballroom. Nearly 500 square feet of hardwood floors and against a wall of windows, this space is an entertainer's dream and the possibilities for eventual kitchen expansion have endless potential. Through the dining windows is a view enjoyed by no one else this side of Guilford or Roland Park: the jaw dropping back patio and heated swimming pool. Occupying what feels like its own double lot, the back patio is a wonder of downtown living. Extensively hardscaped, the private outdoor space with its walled perimeter features tall trees stationed as cornered sentries. Parking for FOUR cars sits just outside the secure gate, just next to the gazebo. The seclusion is disorienting and the hurried momentum of the city quickly fades.What about upstairs? Coming across the second-floor landing, one passes a bedroom with private bath and enters into a generous den with several windows forming a tree-top triptych with sunlight pouring through the branches. A small stairwell leads to a wet bar complete with wine fridge and refrigerator; a second bedroom to the right and another full bath to the left. A door leads to a large, second floor deck that overlooks the pool. On the third floor, a stunning master suite. French doors open to a large sitting room with a gorgeous tray ceiling and woodburning fireplace. A large archway leads to the sleeping quarters, another woodburning fireplace sits at the foot of the bed, flanked by built-in bookcases and a balcony looks down upon the treetops of the back patio. Off of the sitting room, another small set of stairs leads down into a large dressing room (with laundry) and the breathtaking master bathroom a two story, marble-tiled masterpiece with soaking tub, dual vanities and an open shower. The fourth floor brings two more bedrooms and another updated bathroom, the roof lines and the window dormers create an eye pleasing geometry of modern lines and cozy nooks. The history of this place affirms its stately presence. The home of privateer captain Thomas Winning, 830 Bond Street was built in 1783 and gifted to his daughter shortly thereafter. Before the War of 1812, it became the home of Daniel James, the innkeeper of Thames Street. Over the following two hundred years, as it became combined with 828 Bond, taking on its address, evolving into its current grandeur, it has always been regarded as the finest house on the block.