A bit of Europe in Cockeysville

French Provincial custom house is stocked with modern conveniences

By Andrea F. Siegel

October 5, 2008

Taking a motif and running with it, Elizabeth and Charles Atwood custom-built a house that could sit in the French countryside with wood shutters, timbers and flower baskets against the hand-troweled stucco-look exterior, and an interior to match.

In planning the space, they wanted the flow of the rooms to be suitable for large-scale entertaining, family gatherings and children's parties.

"It is a timeless generational house. It's French Provincial, with high-set door handles, the same theme throughout," Elizabeth Atwood said.

Outside, the Cockeysville house has European-style copper downspouts and tumbled pavers form the walkways and patio. Inside, Venetian plaster is applied to look like limestone, blending with fireplace surrounds. Conveniences include a chandelier in the two-story foyer that can be lowered with a switch for cleaning and bulb replacement, and a mudroom adjacent to a laundry room, which contains a large sink and an extra fridge in addition to the washer and dryer.

About the house The six-year-old house has six bedrooms, four full baths and two powder rooms. In addition to the curved staircase from the center hall, there is a second staircase from the kitchen.

On the main level, broad arches separate the rooms, including the living room, which is a few steps down. Floors are wide planks of Brazilian cherry. Of the four fireplaces, three are wood-burning and also plumbed for gas; the one in the master bedroom is gas only.

Ceilings are 10 feet on the main floor, except for the 11-foot-tall living room, and nine feet on the second level. Upstairs, the five bedrooms have carpeting and ceiling fans.

A second-floor space was planned as walk-in storage. But with ample storage throughout the house and basement, the couple decided to use it as an upstairs laundry room.

Address 12 Ivey Trace Court, Cockeysville 21030

Asking price $2,495,000

Taxes $6,828

Size The house has nearly 7,000 square feet of living space and sits on 2.11 acres.

Features The couple planned the beamed-ceiling kitchen to function as well for preparing big dinners as for family meals. "Cooking has always been really important to me," said Atwood, who owns a Baltimore business.

A nook with a pot-filler spigot is home to a 60-inch Viking six-burner gas stove with a griddle and two gas convection ovens. Among upgraded appliances are two electric convection ovens and a warming drawer. Deep-green honed granite counters top the cabinetry.

In addition to the main sink, the island has a copper convenience sink, two refrigerated drawers and a second dishwasher.

Landscaping includes cherry trees, spring bulbs and beds of perennial flowers and herbs.

Listing agent Heidi Krauss, Krauss Real Property Brokerage, Hunt Valley, 410-329-9898.

To submit a candidate for Desirable Spaces, send photos and a description of the property to Michelle Deal-Zimmerman, Real Estate Editor, The Sun, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore 21278. Questions may be sent to homes@baltsun.com.