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Preservation Personals: An Exquisitely Aged Annapolis Frame House

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Source: National Trust for Historic Preservation, Emma Sarappo

I may not be flashy, but to history lovers, I absolutely stand out. I’ve housed Revolutionary War soldiers, seen my city under Civil War martial law, and watched Maryland’s mariners expand through the Chesapeake. I may even be the oldest surviving frame house in the Chesapeake region. My actual age is hard to pin down; I was likely built around 1700. Thanks to modern science, we know the trees that became my interior beams were cut in 1681.

My name, the Sands House, comes from John Sands, the owner who bought me in the early 1770s. He wasn’t my original occupant, but the name sticks because members of his family lived here for seven generations—all the way to 2015! That’s when Annapolis preservationists took over.

Now, I’m looking for an owner with a serious interest in preserving my historic components. I still have original leaded glass, my shake roof, door hardware, and more. I’m so delicate that if you’d like to see me, you’ll need to fill out a questionnaire before any showings are scheduled, and if you do buy me, I’ll need a lot of work to keep me in good condition.

But if you’re the right owner, I’ll reward you handsomely. Being so old, historic Annapolis was built up around me. I’m only a block from the city dock and steps away from dining and shopping. I have my own rear courtyard and off-street parking. I’m part of Annapolis’ National Historic Landmark district, and its 1970s application singles me out as “picturesque.”

If you’re ready to reach out, see my listing here. Looking for something a bit farther inland? View our other historic real estate listings instead.

To view this article on The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s website, please click here.