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Historic Annapolis is full of significant architecture. However, there are many once-famous properties privately owned and virtually forgotten. One of these is Holly Beach Farm, a “Chesapeake treasure” and overlooked Classic Colonial Revival mansion in Annapolis, according to architect Chip Bohl of Bohl Architects of Annapolis, New York and Los Angeles. The waterfront estate is for sale, listed by Marc Fleisher of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, The Fleisher Group, for $14.5 million.
This grand five-part Georgian mansion completed in 1908 was part of a 3,000-acre estate and summer home of industrialist magnate Sylvester Labrot, Sr. Labrot, who owned the New Orleans–based Atlantic Creosote Company, had an airstrip, trained thoroughbreds and raised cattle on his horse farm that came to be called Revell Downs. The land encompassed what is now Sandy Point State Park and Cape St. Claire.
One of Labrot’s guests was Amelia Earhart, who flew in for lunch one afternoon, according to a private book by the Labrots. The cows had lunch as well—her plane’s wings were composed of fabric and glue, and since the airstrip was in a pasture, they helped themselves. (Needless to say, Ms. Earhart was escorted back to town.)
The residence was designed by renowned architect Douglas H. Thomas, whose firm designed Baltimore’s Belvedere Hotel and the Maryland Club. Today, the home for sale is situated on a peninsula bordered by Meredith Creek and Whitehall Bay. With approximately 26 acres, it has over 10,000 square feet of living space, with five bedrooms, six baths, pool house and in-law suite. Bought by Liz and Tom Munz in 1993, the mansion has been thoughtfully modernized by Bohl Architects. Its European-style interior was designed by Arlene Critzos of the Annapolis-based Interior Concepts, with some rooms custom painted by Warnock Studios, recognized for their work at the White House.
The exterior and interior design features many historic references to the traditions of Georgian architecture in Maryland, explains Bohl. “Thomas took 18th-century architectural style and gave it legitimacy in the 20th century. Holly Beach was an early example of the Colonial Revival. Its parents are the Hammond Harwood House and Ridout House,” he says.
Bohl Architects created a master plan for Holly Beach Farm’s restoration and modernization. Renovations included the installation of new infrastructure and transformation of a servant’s wing into living space with spacious kitchen.
Fleisher, who has been selling multimillion-dollar properties for over 38 years, says it is unusual to find a home “with spectacular 270-degree scenic vistas, three quarters of a mile of waterfront in addition to its own private beach.” He says it takes a lot to impress him. However, when he first approached the mansion, “It was instant love, no question.”
Owners Tom and Liz Munz felt the same way and made an offer on the home the same day they viewed it. With views of the Chesapeake Bay and creek, the land is more than just beautiful, notes Tom. “This is where God goes and spends his vacation when he’s mad at everyone; you sense something really special here.”
Its proximity to major cities is hard to match. “Located only 10 minutes to downtown Annapolis and less than an hour from the nation’s capital, this one-of-a-kind property is unparalleled when it comes to waterfront living,” says Fleisher. Other truly special features include a myriad of formal English gardens featuring a pond, perennials, roses, hydrangeas and woodlands.
Resources:
Marc Fleisher, The Fleisher Group
TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
5454 Wisconsin Avenue
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Phone: 202.438.4880
Office: 301.967.3344
thefleishergroup.com
Interior Concepts, interiorconceptsinc.com
Bohl Architects, bohlarchitects.com
Annapolis Home Magazine
Vol. 7, No. 5 2016