Retired businessman Bob Tracey loves the country life, so he bought 10 acres of land in Maryland's horse country. When it came time to build a home, he turned to award-winning builder Ed Wheeler. Bob had three demands: he wanted a house that was elegant and spacious, yet easy to maintain. He wanted fine craftsmanship. And, he wanted the layout to be, in his words, "guy friendly."
Ed responded with a Colonial farmhouse design that echoes the architecture of the region. The house is framed in wood, with steel I-beams for additional support. The outside is covered in Maryland Fieldstone and wood siding. The roof and rainspouts are bright copper. There are wide porches on the front and the rear to take in the scenic views. The interior has a more contemporary feel. The main floor features a two-story living room with stone fireplace, a large kitchen and dining room, a morning room and the master suite.
A grand staircase leads to Bob's office that overlooks the living room, and to several guest suites. The downstairs includes an English-style Pub and Billiard room. As for the craftsmanship, you can see it in the coffered and boxed ceilings, square and arched doorways and quarter-sawn cherry flooring that's cut to fit on site. There's also custom cabinetry and millwork throughout, everything done under Ed's watchful eye.
