This historic mansion, located in Baltimore’s prestigious Mount Vernon neighborhood, dates back to the 1880s and reflects Gilded Age grandeur. Originally home to the Knabe family, renowned piano makers, the brownstone showcases exquisite architectural details such as a restored brownstone-and-brick façade, leaded glass windows, and 11 antique-tiled fireplaces. The 6,900+ sq. ft. residence features six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and an elevator. Recent renovations include a gourmet kitchen with Thermador appliances and a beautifully restored great room with Italian marble columns. Outdoor amenities include a walled garden courtyard and garage parking. Listed at $2,999,000, this home seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury in vibrant Baltimore.
Historic Brownstone Entrance
A row of elegant brownstone townhouses lines a quiet city sidewalk under early evening light. Each home features grand arched windows framed by smooth stone facades with intricate masonry detailing. Ornate wrought-iron railings run alongside the steps leading up to dark wooden doors sheltered by carved stone pediments. Warm light spills softly through tall windows, contrasting the cool evening blues of the sky. Mature trees with fresh green leaves add natural softness to the structured, historic urban streetscape. Decorative iron grates protect lower-level windows below the stoops, contributing to the classic, refined ambiance of this residential block.
Outdoor Patio Seating Area
The outdoor patio is paved with rich-toned wooden decking surrounded by brick exterior walls that lend a historic charm. A seating arrangement includes six cushioned wicker armchairs upholstered in vibrant blue fabric around glass-topped wicker tables. A tall patio heater stands near the seating area for warmth during cooler evenings. Multiple glass doors provide access to the interior and allow light in. The patio is bordered by black metal railings and foliage, including a large tree providing partial shade. There is also a barbecue grill along the edge, creating a functional blend of relaxation and dining space. Decorative privacy screens add an element of seclusion to the urban setting.
Formal Dining Room
Dark, intricately carved wood paneling covers the walls and ceiling, creating a rich, historic ambiance. The coffered ceiling adds depth and grandeur, complemented by a large, ornate crystal chandelier that casts warm light over the long mahogany dining table. Eight carved wooden chairs with patterned upholstery surround the table, exuding classic elegance. A matching sideboard with silverware and a vase of fresh flowers adds refinement. The parquet floor features detailed inlays near the edges, extending into a small seating area with cream-colored upholstered armchairs accented by blue cushions, framed by marble columns and leaded glass windows leading to another room.
Historic Townhouse Exterior
A beautifully preserved historic townhouse exterior is illuminated by warm indoor lighting, casting a welcoming glow from tall, arched windows. The stone and brick facade features elegant stonework with decorative trim around entryways and windows. Multiple stoops with wrought iron railings lead up to grand front doors, highlighting traditional architectural elements. The iron balcony on the upper level and lush greenery along the sidewalk add charm and character. Mature trees line the quiet street, complementing the classic urban streetscape at dusk with a vibrant deep blue sky overhead.
Living Room with Columns
High ceilings supported by four grand marble columns create a majestic atmosphere. The dark wood beamed roof with intricate gold Greek key trim and light fixtures contrasts beautifully with the white walls. Natural light floods through large glass doors leading to an outdoor seating area. Furnishings include plush blue sofas accented by colorful patterned pillows, two wooden coffee tables with a rustic finish, two beige armchairs with dark wood frames, and a distinctive bench with zebra-patterned upholstery. The neutral area rug complements the herringbone parquet flooring, balancing historic architectural details with vibrant, modern decor.
Kitchen and Dining Area
Long galley kitchen with soft blue cabinetry extending from floor to ceiling, adorned with brass hardware. Marble countertops with subtle veining complement the light, neutral backsplash. A stainless-steel range with a modern hood contrasts with the classic cabinetry. The herringbone wood floor adds warmth and texture, leading towards a cozy dining nook with patterned Roman shades. Dining chairs in muted upholstery feature intricate wood detailing, surrounded by antique-style furniture. Recessed lighting and skylights provide even illumination, while the built-in air conditioning units hint at modern comfort. A seamless blend of vintage charm and contemporary practicality defines the space.
Entry Hallway
Rich, dark wood paneling envelops the walls, extending up to tall ceilings accented by intricate crown molding. The floor displays a herringbone pattern with a framed wood border, offering a classical elegance. A solid wood front door with raised panels and a transom window invites natural light and view of an outdoor brick facade with house numbers. The door is legibly robust, framed by sidelights, enhancing the entrance’s grandeur. A stairway with a curved wooden banister ascends to the right, blending seamlessly with the paneling. The overall color palette centers on warm wood tones contrasted by pristine white walls above the paneling, evoking historic sophistication.
Bathroom with Fireplace
Central white freestanding bathtub rests on large light tile flooring, positioned near an ornate fireplace with detailed tile surround and a black-framed mirror above. Cabinets run along two walls in a striking royal blue, topped with white marble countertops. Two large brass-framed mirrors hang above the sinks, complemented by pendant lighting with elegant glass shades hanging from the ceiling. The room has crisp white walls and ceiling moldings, accented by brass hardware and fixtures, creating a blend of classic charm with modern sophisticated color contrasts and luxurious finishes.
Living Room Seating Area
Lavender walls adorned with intricate white plaster crown molding encircle this elegant living room, centering on a stately white fireplace with a beige marble surround. Above the mantel hangs a large gilded mirror flanked by decorative floral vases. Rich, deep magenta velvet curtains frame tall, arch-topped windows, allowing natural light to illuminate the space. A cream sofa with patterned cushions and fuchsia accents faces a pair of floral-patterned chairs with vivid magenta seats. The décor is complemented by a brass and glass coffee table resting on a subtle, multicolored area rug laid over polished parquet flooring. A dramatic crystal chandelier enhances the refined ambiance.
Formal Dining Room
Dark wood paneling covers the walls and ceiling, creating a rich, stately atmosphere. The coffered ceiling adds a sophisticated architectural detail, complemented by an ornate crystal chandelier hanging above the long rectangular dining table. The table is surrounded by intricately carved wooden chairs upholstered in a patterned fabric. A fireplace with a detailed wooden mantle serves as a focal point. Polished parquet wood flooring features a decorative inlay border near the perimeter. French doors framed by marble columns open into an adjacent room furnished with light armchairs that have blue cushions, adding contrast to the warm, dark tones.
Living Room with Columns
Six tall marble columns with classic fluting frame this elegant living space, supporting an ornate wooden coffered ceiling with exposed beams and intricate carved details. The upper perimeter of the walls is decorated with a bold Greek key frieze illuminated by warm row lighting, complementing the white walls. Two plush blue velvet sofas face each other centered around a light wood coffee table on a neutral-toned rug. Cream upholstered armchairs add contrast and balance, while large French doors at the far end open to an outdoor balcony, flooding the space with natural light. Hardwood parquet floors provide warmth and texture to this grand yet inviting room.
Entryway Ceiling Details
The ceiling is richly decorated with classical motifs, prominently featuring a Greek key pattern alongside wave and linear border designs painted in contrasting dark tones against a lighter backdrop. Illuminating the space, exposed round light bulbs extend from the intricately patterned cornice. Two large marble columns with fluted shafts and wide capitals anchor the composition, evoking a grand neoclassical influence. The surrounding walls are painted in crisp white with subtle paneling, providing a clean, structured frame for the ornate ceiling and columns, reflecting an opulent, historic architectural style instilling a sense of formality and refinement in this area.
Dining Area with Columns
Elegant dining space features a rich wood oval table surrounded by upholstered chairs with intricate blue and green patterned fabric. Pale blue walls complement the natural light coming from a large window dressed with a white and gray floral roman shade. Polished wood parquet flooring adds warmth, contrasting with stately fluted marble columns that echo classical architectural style. White coffered ceilings with recessed lights enhance brightness alongside the skylight. Dark cabinetry with brass handles provides storage, while a wine cooler and coffee maker add convenience. Adjacent glass doors lead to an outdoor area, blending indoor-outdoor living.
Home Office and Fireplace
A deep blue wall color contrasts with rich wood details throughout this office space. A large, ornately carved wooden fireplace mantel dominates one side, featuring reddish-brown tiles and a large mirror above that adds depth. In front of the fireplace, two tufted leather stools with curved wooden bases provide seating. Opposite, an antique-style wooden desk with floral inlay details sits on a plush purple rug, positioned in front of a tall arched window dressed with striking floral curtains. Natural light filters into the room, highlighting the classic parquet hardwood floors. Crown molding and decorative trim enhance the historic ambiance.
Powder Room Vanity
The small powder room highlights a vintage half-moon vanity with intricate wooden inlay and brass detailing, topped by a polished dark marble countertop. A sleek black vessel sink and matching faucet add a contemporary touch. The walls are covered in a richly patterned, multi-colored wallpaper with ornate floral and paisley motifs in deep blues, purples, pinks, and golds, creating a dramatic, luxe ambiance. A large, ornately carved gold frame mirror enhances the space’s elegance while reflecting light. Warm wooden flooring anchors the room, complementing the antique style of the vanity and adding warmth to the vivid wall design.
Staircase and Entryway
Rich, dark wood paneling envelops the entryway and staircase, contrasted by lighter wood steps with a rounded first tread. The staircase railing features finely turned balusters and a polished handrail extending gracefully upward. An archway framed with decorative wood moldings leads to a white door, brightening the space with contrast. The floor is an intricate parquet design with a detailed border, extending into the adjoining room, which is also lined with dark wood paneling and a coffered ceiling. A small black console with turned legs and silver decor adds an elegant, historic touch.
Living Room Fireplace
A softly lit living room painted in pale green is viewed through white French doors topped with an elegant arched transom featuring black wrought iron detailing. The focal point is a classic white fireplace with a richly patterned brick interior and brass andirons, flanked by a pair of comfortable upholstered armchairs with blue cushions to the left and a floral-patterned loveseat with matching blue pillows to the right. A large rectangular mirror sits above the mantel along with framed photographs and a vase of fresh flowers. The floor is polished hardwood, partially covered by a large blue and green area rug with intricate patterns, blending harmoniously with the room’s serene color palette and traditional architectural trim.
Bathroom Shower and Tub
A contemporary bathroom corner with a glass-enclosed shower lined with striking blue marble-patterned tiles, giving a vibrant, artistic touch. The tiles combine shades of navy, teal, and beige in a glossy finish that contrasts richly with the soft cream walls and light-colored flooring. The shower features brushed gold fixtures including a rainfall head and handheld shower wand, matching the trim on the glass enclosure. Adjacent, a sleek white freestanding tub presents with a brushed gold floor-mounted faucet. A dark blue towel adds a pop of deep color. Large window with white trim and a roller blind invites natural light.
Bedroom Corner with Fireplace
Soft coral walls bring warmth and charm to this serene bedroom corner, contrasted by crisp white trim and crown molding that enhance the room’s historic architectural character. A small, cozy fireplace with a white mantle anchors one corner, filled with an arrangement of white candles adding a modern touch. Above the mantle, a gold-framed mirror reflects light and accentuates the room’s airy feel. Light hardwood floors complement the white bed linens, which are accented with colorful patterned pillows and a zigzag trim. A bold navy blue area rug grounds the space, while a window with a floral-patterned Roman shade provides natural light and a delicate decorative element.
Hallway with Piano Room View
Rich, dark wood paneling lines the walls of this long hallway, contrasted by the light-painted upper walls and ceiling. A polished herringbone parquet floor with darker border inlays runs the length of the corridor, adding warmth and texture. Transom windows with decorative patterns above the doorways enhance the historic charm. The hallway opens into adjacent rooms framed with thick wooden trim; one room reveals a sleek, black grand piano, hinting at a music or parlor space. Elegant crown molding continues around the ceiling, seamlessly integrating historic architectural detailing with functional design.
Dining Room Entrance
Dark, richly stained wood paneling envelops the dining room, creating a warm, historic ambiance. The heavy wood doors, slightly ajar, reveal an elegant dining table with a glossy finish paired with ornately carved chairs upholstered in patterned fabric. A delicate lace runner and a floral centerpiece add softness and charm to the otherwise formal setting. The paneled walls extend to a built-in cabinet with glass-paned doors, showcasing fine craftsmanship. A crystal chandelier and antique-style wall sconces provide opulent light, enhancing the room’s classic and timeless elegance while subtly contrasting with the lighter kitchen visible beyond the doorway.
Bathroom Vanity and Shower
A spacious bathroom with a clean, bright aesthetic dominated by white and light neutrals. The vanity has elegant, curved cabinetry painted bright white with classic paneling and multiple drawers for storage. Two sinks with brushed nickel faucets are topped by framed mirrors with decorative molding. Wall sconces with frosted glass shades provide soft lighting on either side of the mirrors. The floor is covered with large white marble or marble-look tiles featuring subtle grey veining. A glass-enclosed shower features white subway tile. Bright turquoise towels and bath mat add a vivid pop of color to the serene setting.
Sitting Area Nook
A cozy sitting area with two elegant cream-upholstered armchairs, each adorned with a plush deep blue cushion, flank a round wooden table with carved details and a glossy finish. On the table sits a decanter and glasses, hinting at a refined, intimate setting. Behind, large wooden-framed mirrors with grid-like windowpane patterns reflect the room’s ornate features, including marble columns, rich wooden paneling, and decorative molding with intricate Greek key patterns under a ceiling cornice. The space blends classic architectural elements with warm, rich tones enhancing a stately yet inviting atmosphere.
Dining Area and Lounge
Dark wood dining table surrounded by upholstered chairs with patterned fabric sits on warm parquet flooring. Adjacent lounge area includes blue velvet sofas, a zebra-patterned cushioned bench, and wooden framed chairs arranged around a low table. Towering marble columns with fluted detailing support a ceiling featuring exposed wooden beams above, complemented by a decorative frieze illuminated by soft lighting. Soft pastel blue cabinetry lines a long kitchen or serving area extending from the dining space, with a floral wallpaper accent visible in the far room. Skylights and recessed lighting brighten the overall neutral and wood-toned space, blending classic grandeur with subtle modern touches.
Entry Hall with Elevator
Refined hardwood flooring with intricate inlaid border patterns guides into the space, embracing classic architectural charm. A rich, dark stained wooden staircase with carved balusters ascends gracefully behind an arched doorway trimmed in matching dark wood, adding historic elegance. To the right, a modern wooden elevator door with panel detailing blends seamlessly with the traditional interior. Walls are covered in light wallpaper adorned with colorful paisley and floral motifs, introducing a soft yet vibrant contrast. Crisp white door frames and ceilings enhance the brightness. The blend of period woodwork and contemporary convenience marks this transitional interior.
Entryway Seating Area
Deep blue walls contrast strikingly with rich wooden trim and furnishings, creating a bold yet classic ambiance. A large wooden fireplace mantel with detailed columns and a massive mirror above serves as the centerpiece. The parquet wood flooring adds warmth and texture, coordinating with two leather-upholstered stools featuring crossed wooden legs arranged neatly in front of the fireplace. An intricately designed wooden armoire with brass handles stands against the wall, enhancing the historic charm. Crown molding and a sculptural gold-toned ceiling light fixture add refinement, framing the compact but elegant space leading into adjacent rooms.
Elegant Staircase Landing
Solid wood staircase with finely turned balusters and a smooth handrail descends to a landing accented by intricate wood paneling. The warm-toned hardwood flooring on the landing contrasts beautifully with the rich, dark wood wainscoting that rises halfway up the walls. Above, a vintage chandelier with frosted glass shades hangs from a plain white ceiling, unifying the historic charm of the space. The doorway reveals a glimpse of an adjoining room with similar ornate woodwork and parquet flooring, emphasizing the craftsmanship and timeless appeal of this classic American home interior.
Bedroom with Library and Dining Nook
Soft mint green walls set a serene tone complemented by white crown and wainscot molding that anchor the historic charm. A black wooden bed with intricate latticework headboard stands on a plush, pale lavender rug. Deep blue and rich purple bedding is accented with velvet green and navy pillows, enhancing the color contrast. Flanking the beige marble fireplace, white built-in bookcases overflow with books, inviting quiet reading moments. A sparkling crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling medallion above, adding elegance. Through a wide arched doorway, a black dining table with matching chairs sits on polished hardwood, completing the room’s inviting ambiance.
Entry Vestibule
Dark, rich wood paneling envelops the small entry vestibule, extending from the doors to the walls with intricate recessed and raised square patterns. The main door, also made of solid dark wood, contains glass panels at the top that allow light to filter in, creating a balance between privacy and openness. The flooring contrasts with a classic mosaic tile decorated with subtle florals and border details in muted earth tones. The overall look feels stately and historic, evoking a sense of old-world craftsmanship and timeless elegance within a compact, inviting transitional space.
Kitchen Hallway View
A narrow kitchen extends with light blue cabinetry lining the right side top to bottom, adorned with brass handles and fixtures, including a matching brass sink and faucet. The countertops are a polished marble with delicate veining providing subtle contrast. On the left, built-in shelves painted in the same blue hold books and decorative items. The wooden herringbone parquet flooring creates warmth, complementing the brass radiator beneath a window dressed with a patterned Roman shade. The far wall features floral wallpaper, a mounted flat-screen TV, an ornate pendant light, and an archway leading to a staircase with intricate wood detailing.
Stained Glass Ceiling Detail
The ceiling features an exquisite stained glass panel framed by detailed plaster molding painted in soft pastel tones of mint green and lavender-gray. The stained glass design incorporates vibrant hues of yellow, blue, green, and amber arranged in geometric and floral patterns with an oval center medallion. Surrounding the stained glass, the grid-like ceiling beams emphasize the structured architectural style with dentil molding accents that impart historic charm. The light and color diffusion from the stained glass create a focal point, evoking classic elegance typical of a refined early American home interior.
Bedroom with Fireplace
Soft pastel pink walls and white crown moldings frame this serene bedroom. A fireplace centered on one wall is accented by black tile hearth and an ornate white mantel, topped with two stylish mirrors and a delicate floral arrangement. On either side of the fireplace stand vivid turquoise-blue glass-front cabinets, creating a charming contrast. The bed, dressed in a muted peach quilt and an array of plush pillows, rests on a floral-patterned base that complements a pastel-hued area rug covering the warm wooden floor. Two large windows with patterned white Roman shades let in natural light, while a cozy armchair and small side table complete the inviting space. An elegant light fixture hangs from the plain white ceiling, adding a subtle modern touch.
Bathroom Vanity and Entry
A pristine bathroom with a white double vanity cabinet featuring curved edges and chrome hardware. Two white-framed mirrors hang above each sink, flanked by modern, cylindrical light fixtures emitting soft white light. The walls are painted a light beige, complementing the white trim and marble-like tile floor. Bright turquoise towels and rolled towels on shelves add a vibrant pop of color to the otherwise neutral palette. A doorway leads to a hallway with rich wooden flooring and a dark wood spindle railing, contrasting elegantly with the bathroom’s lighter hues.
Bedroom Details
Soft blue walls create a calming atmosphere in this spacious bedroom, enhanced by white crown molding and trim. A dark wood sleigh bed dominates the room, adorned with a patterned quilt featuring blues, greens, and neutrals that complement the shades of blue pillows. Two large windows with green patterned Roman shades allow natural light and overlook brick buildings outside. The floor is polished hardwood with a large blue and white geometric rug providing warmth beneath the bed. A matching dark wood chest of drawers and nightstand flank the bed, while a cushioned blue armchair sits near a fireplace with ornate tile surround and a vibrant floral painting above it.
Living Room Seating Area
The living room showcases soft lavender walls accented with an intricate white plaster frieze wrapping the upper perimeter, adding a historic touch. A classic white fireplace with detailed carvings serves as the room’s focal point, topped by an ornate gold-framed mirror reflecting a crystal chandelier’s sparkle. Vibrant pink velvet armchairs with floral upholstery on the sides sit opposite a neutral beige sofa adorned with deep pink and patterned cushions. A glass coffee table with an elegant metal base rests upon a muted, abstract area rug. Bright red curtains frame a large window, infusing contrast and warmth into the space.
Staircase View
Richly crafted wooden staircase spirals upward, showcasing dark polished wood with intricate molding and beautifully carved newel posts. The balusters are slender and evenly spaced, adding elegance and a classic touch. The walls are painted in a neutral, soft off-white, providing a striking contrast to the warmth of the wood. At the top, a decorative stained glass window bathes the stairwell in colorful natural light, enhancing the historic ambiance. The craftsmanship and traditional design details reflect period architecture, emphasizing both form and function in this classic home element.
Listing Agent: Brian DiNardo of Cummings & Co. Realtors via Zillow