Welcome to The Gov. John Walter Smith House an amazing fully functional home by all contemporary standards, that is a Historic gem. Set on a huge corner lot, just off the Snow Hill downtown area, with shops, restaurants, bars, and parks. Located near the beaches of Ocean City MD, and Chincoteague Island VA. This home constructed by the former Governor of Maryland, has such incredible workmanship and attention to detail.
From the street you will start staring at the stunning Queen Anne architecture of this Victorian home, with two 3 story towers at either end, then you will be drawn to the ornate Slate roof with Copper finials and Eyebrow windows. Once you enter from the Circular brick driveway, pass the fountain, and the lush gardens, then start on to the Tuscan-columned wide sitting porch which wraps around the first floor. Then go through the Stained glass double doors into the amazing foyer. There you will start to take in the amazing woodwork, with oak wainscoting, layered trim and crown moldings that border the 11ft. ceilings. Flanked by beautiful parlors, each with custom ornate fireplaces and mantels (9 different fireplaces throughout, each custom themed in Mantel, Antique Tile, and cast iron firebacks).
Huge windows in every room help to view the landscaping and bring in so much natural light, with the foyer and dining room featuring large colorful Stained Glass windows done in an Art Nouveau style. Those in the dining room feature handpainted nature scenes in their center. Additionally you will see a beautiful large Oak Table, Chairs, and Buffet, that were commissioned by Smith for the house when it was constructed (and of course will convey with the house). Your dinner parties will be stuff of legend once they're held in this room. From the foyer a sweeping oak railed staircase leads to the next floor in such grand fashion that you have to pause to take it all in . Once on the second floor you realize the opulence has not stopped. Nine foot ceilings with amazing trims and woodwork, lead to 4 large staterooms, each with custom fireplaces, massive windows looking out on the property, and custom details are everywhere. All part of the rich Victorian design. At the front is a sitting room that opens to a covered 2nd floor balcony which overlooks the front yard. At the back of this floor you will find a four season sunroom that looks out over the back garden. Here also are bathrooms that keep the historic detail, a second stairway that leads to the additional 2 bedrooms, upstairs living area, and bath on the 3rd floor, and also leads down to the back of the first floor. Here on the first floor you will find all useful parts of daily life, a lovely breakfast/dining area adjoining the large kitchen with center Island. This area also has the Office/Garden room with a half bath, Laundry/Utility room, and Mudroom which leads out to the back Garden. Outside there is an outbuilding with storage and a fully functional full bath, so anyone enjoying the gardens doesn't need to go inside (perfect for a future pool house). Outside again you can enjoy the massive private back yard with room enough for games, get togethers (once the site of tennis courts) or just sit at the fire ring or patio. As you move around the yard, you will see flowers in bloom in every season, species plants, ornamental trees, sculpture, showing the only thing that would pull you out of a house this beautiful would be sitting under the canopy of trees, enjoying this space. This home is perfect for people seeking a paradise without ever wanting to leaving home.
This is an opportunity to be a part of the history of a famous and beloved property, in one of the most beautiful areas of the Eastern Shore. The home is well maintained and in great condition, and soon to be featured on The Delmarva Home Show.