HIGHFIELD, has been home to the renown architectural historian Michael
Bourne and his family for almost forty-years. Mr. Bourne who authored the
important Historic Houses of Kent County and guided the restorations of over
400 historic structures in the mid-Atlantic, together with his wife, Ann,
created a home that reflects their deep appreciation for the refined beauty of
historic architecture and preservation. HIGHFIELD, reflects the Bourne’s
sophisticated taste and serious attention to every detail.
With its steep pitch hip roof, catslide roof slope on one end, tall chimney,
and enclosed front entry, HIGHFIELD is definitely reminiscent of the vernacular
farmhouses of Suffolk County, England where they visited often.
Outstanding historic architectural details have been incorporated throughout
the house. From the Hamstone fireplace surround and hearth (actually
imported from Somerset, England) in the formal Living Room, to the use of
antique doors to many of the rooms fitted with both original antique and fine
reproduction hardware, HIGHFIELD is a rare find! These most important details
create an inviting warmth and add to its unique character.
The handsome two-story, many-paned window of the Great Room faces SSE.
While looking out over a stone patio and well-established perennial beds, it
provides a significant amount of passive solar gain keeping energy costs low
– a compliment to the six-zone heating system. As a design and practical
feature, a blue enameled Lange wood stove stands proudly in the Great
Room. A more formal Living Room offers windows on the west gable that
afford views of the surrounding fields, expansive grounds and woods. French
doors on the south side lead to an ample screened flagstone-floored porch.
Additionally, the first floor includes the large open Chef’s Kitchen,
Den/Office, Mudroom, and half-bath.
At the top of the stair, a balcony leads across the Great Room to the Master
Suite where design details include a tray ceiling, built-in cupboards, dressing
room, and spacious bath with separate vanities, shower, soaking tub, and
Portuguese tile accents. The second bedroom with full bath is located at the
east end of the balcony where a stair leads to the third-floor bedroom with
walk-in closets. Access to the attic is found here.
Accessible from the mudroom, the full basement includes, a large ante-space,
laundry room, playroom, and workshop. An unusual “bakery” building with
wood-fired brick oven, walk-in refrigerator, and half-bath stands nearby. An
additional utility shed is included.
See summary of features in Documents Folder.
The private 5-acre property is located only 3 miles from Chestertown which
uniquely offers swift access to this historic, vibrant town. Chestertown,
located in the County of Kent on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, is home to
Washington College, tenth oldest college in America, the Schooner
Sultana, a strong arts community, and live theater. This area is known worldwide
for its beautiful Chester River, sailing, wildfowl, and agriculture. All, a
short drive to four major airports, New York, Annapolis, Baltimore and
Philadelphia.
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