C. 1900 EKAS HOUSE RESTORATION

Product Description

Since the late 19th century, the Ekas house has stood as one of the earliest remaining original Waterman’s home in the Avondale neighborhood of Solomons Island, MD. With direct access to the water from the rear of the property, the house was placed close to the street along with the other houses, separating the working waterfront zone from the homestead. Today, fully renovated and preserved, the original home still stands proud and in close proximity to the street. The new picket fence and gated front yard separate the public area of the town from the house, while providing a welcoming and inviting scale to the pedestrians.

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As part of the renovation, earlier additions on the rear of the house were removed and a new design for the house was developed that preserved the intimate scale and rooms of the historical front section of the house with ample living spaces concealed behind the front section. Original ceiling joists were preserved and exposed and new wire brushed cypress flooring was installed throughout the house. Antique heart pine joists were salvaged from another project and cut into thin ‘floor bricks’ that were laid in the center hall of the original house, where the original stair was located. Modern amenities including a large modern kitchen, family room, mudroom and screened porch were added to the first floor and a master suite, laundry and 2 additional bedrooms were created on the second floor.

The existing two story detached two-car garage was reimagined as a 1 story carriage structure with an open porch and brick flooring throughout. The dilapidated dock, bulkhead and waterman’s shack were repaired without increasing their size, and updated to function as a multi season waterfront entertainment complex, while still honoring the working nature of the location through the use of simple materials and building forms. This sensitive combination of preservation and creative improvements will ensure the longevity and livability for the home and it’s contribution to the overall community to continue well into the future.