Desirable Spaces
French manor-style home on Old Court Road goes up for auction this week
A Baltimore County home steeped in local history is heading to the auction block this week. “If this property is restored, it will be a million-dollar property,” said auction agent Jared Block.
For those looking to rescue a damsel in distress, the house at 2605 Old Court Road in Baltimore County just might be the challenge for you.
The French manor-style house, built in 1911, will be put on the auction block Thursday, with a starting bid of $250,000. It was designed by architecture firm Mottu & White, known for its work on Friends School of Baltimore and the historic Tyrconnell estate in Baltimore County, among others. Steeped in local history, the house has an original deed with ties to several prominent Baltimore families, including the McLanes, the Whitridges and the Cromwells.
Located between Falls and Greenspring roads, the property sits on 1.28 acres and has over 5,500 square feet of living space.
“The person that buys this house will appreciate the detail and will want to restore it to its original glory,” said auction agent Jared Block with Alex Cooper Auctioneers.
The first floor has two entry doors with arched windows. What is now the back of the house was the original entrance, with original concrete pillars and a portico.
Back in the day, the owners would arrive at the B&O Railroad depot on Falls Road and make their way to the estate. “The location is excellent,” said Block, “It’s between [Interstates] 83 and 695.”
Off the entry hall is the dining room, which has original hardwood floors, a built-in china cabinet and wainscoting that is in good shape. There are no radiators; the house has forced-air heating, which was quite modern for its day. An enclosed porch of terra cotta tile, complete with a lion’s head fountain dating to the home’s origin, is between the dining room and the kitchen.
The kitchen was updated in the early 2000s. It features blue Corian countertops, two sinks, a Kenmore refrigerator and a double GE Profile stove. Other rooms on the first floor include a sitting room with fireplace, a den, another screened-in porch, and a small powder room.
The staircase and landing up to the second floor is one of the best features of the house. This floor has two master bedrooms with fireplaces and a dressing room between them, as well as two more bedrooms and a total of three full bathrooms. Each bedroom has its own balcony and great views of the property. A screened-in sleeping porch can be found adjacent to one of the back bedrooms, with a slanted floor for water runoff in case it rains.
Going up to the third floor is like stepping back in time. Originally the servants’ quarters, it has four more bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a playroom and storage room. All the rooms feature arched windows.
The outside poses a gardener’s challenge. Untamed bushes and plants abound.
But according to Block, those who are willing to put some effort into this home will get great value in return.
“If this property is restored, it will be a million-dollar property,” Block said.