Ideally situated on the banks of Luce Creek with sweeping views down the Severn River, 1715 Porters Hill Road is a unique heritage property with over a century of history. Set on a 1.7 acre lot with 265 ft of waterfrontage, the property includes a large, hard-to-find boathouse that provides both charm and utility for all your waterfront adventures. The private pier has 7+ ft water depth and can accommodate a large vessel as well as an assortment of smaller boats. The tram makes access to the water effortless, and the entire property enjoys an exceptional privacy.
Steeped in its storied past yet thoughtfully updated for modern living, this retreat captures the perfect balance of historic charm and casual elegance. The heart of the home is a sunlit great room with original log walls and quarried stone fireplace, a vaulted ceiling, and expansive windows which frame water views at every turn. An adjoining den, with separate entrance option, is a perfect place to relax. This could easily become another main level bedroom with ensuite bathroom. The kitchen is striking under its vaulted ceiling accented by exposed beams. The custom cabinetry, GE Monogram stainless steel appliances and generous island give the space so much functionality while maintaining the artisanal character. The kitchen opens to the dining area overlooking the water. The table is anchored by a craftsman-style light fixture, and the entire first and second floors have beautiful wood floors. Step outside and you’re embraced by nature: multiple porches and decks overlook lush, manicured grounds that lead down to the water’s edge.
The main-level primary suite is a true sanctuary, designed for privacy and tranquility. The bedroom, with a vaulted ceiling, has a screened porch overlooking the water. Two expansive walk-in closets offer custom organization systems that would make a clothing connoisseur smile. The spa-like bathroom gets lots of natural light from the windows that frame the water, and the freestanding soaking tub is situated to enjoy this view. A dual-sink vanity, heated floors, generous walk-in shower with a built-in bench, and a spacious cosmetic area with dedicated seating make getting ready feel effortless and luxurious. A dedicated laundry area just off the hallway makes day-to-day living very easy. Part of the primary suite is a gracious office with gas fireplace and outdoor access. This is a totally flexible space: install a wall of bookshelves and you’d have a lovely library.
Upstairs, there are two generously sized bedrooms. One has water views and a waterside balcony; the other overlooks the lush landscaping out front. There is a hall bathroom. A separate guest bedroom suite above the garage, complete with its own living area and luxe bathroom, is ideal for visiting friends and family who desire more privacy. The Historical Context: Originally built in the 1880s, this log house was one of three identical structures used as hunting lodges. The logs of this original structure were re-purposed in the renovation. The construction of the log walls is one of great craftmanship, including sizing each log to be approximately the same diameter as others. Lore has it that around the turn of the 20th century, the Naval academy wanted to acquire more land by the academy and traded this peninsula for land across from College Creek. The Naval Academy superintendent, Admiral David Porter, could be where the name Porter’s Hill derived from. In the 1920’s, the Whitehead family – three brothers known for running bootleg liquor to Baltimore and Washington during Prohibition — used the property as a place to entertain and stop on the way to Baltimore. In the 1940s, the brothers’ exploits caught up with them, and the State of Maryland confiscated the Porters Hill peninsula. Through a unique trade involving the Jones family’s gravel pit (now the site of the 895 Tunnel), this private waterfront enclave found its next chapter.