1107 Poplar Hill Road, Baltimore.
Hot House: Italianate Brick House on Three Acres in Poplar Hill. 5 Beds/4 Baths. 4,868 Square Feet. Asking price: $1.1 million.
What: I don’t know what you were doing when you were 22 years old, but I certainly wasn’t founding a convalescent home for children. You might ask why this is relevant… it’s because this was the first location of Happy Hills Home, founded in 1922 by Hortense Eliasberg. It has moved and in the 1970s was renamed as Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital.
As you come up the plant-lined driveway, you’ll see a garage (with a charger!), a parking pad, and a large, shaded deck. Entering the house, you will find a living room with one of the seven original fireplaces, as well as a dining room, family room and powder room. Other original details are the heart pine floors, wood trim and millwork, and built-in bookcases.
But the star is the huge kitchen addition with large windows on three sides, overlooking the surrounding woods, and accessible to the deck. The appliances are professional grade and the large center island with its soapstone counters, is perfect for someone who loves to cook and entertain!
The primary suite is at the top of the original staircase, and includes a bath with a soaking tub, double vanities and a walk-in closet. There are two additional bedrooms and a bath on the second floor, and the same on the third floor. During the Happy Hills years, these were girls’ and boys’ dorms, with the third floor for the nursing staff.
The basement level can be accessed through a private entrance under the front porch and could be used for myriad purposes, including an art studio, workout room or even a small private apartment.
Where: Tucked back off Falls Road, between Bellemore and Northern Parkway, this gorgeous Italianate house sits perched on a hill overlooking the Jones Falls Valley. Situated on three wooded acres, you’ll feel like you’re away from it all, but you’re actually close to everything (including Whole Foods and Starbucks)!
Final Appraisal: This house has had numerous upgrades but has managed to retain much of the original charm. This home’s history is entwined with Baltimore’s and the new owners will make their own history. The listing for the house is here. All photographs from the listing.
Disclaimer: I wrote the 100th Anniversary book for MWPH, and had a chance to visit this home while doing research.
