Situated on a remarkable double corner lot at 8524 Potomac Ave, the Lake House is a Prince George's County Historic site; the sole surviving example of the late Victorian Queen Anne architectural style in this area. This 1894 home has captivating historic character and an outstandingly distinct style, yet beautifully blends into the Berwyn neighborhood of College Park. The property boasts a level yard with ample space for gardening, a fire pit area, sandbox, both storage shed and garage, and off-street parking. Thoughtful and mature landscaping surrounds the house, providing a picturesque view from the inviting wrap-around front porch and rear covered porch. The current owners have cultivated a bountiful vegetable garden and foundation plantings full of roses and peonies. There are grapevines, blackberries and raspberries, as well as heirloom varieties of peach, pear, apple, plum, apricot, and pomegranate trees!
Preserving many original details both inside and out, this home is an exemplar of Queen Anne style. Notable elements include an octagonal tower, novelty shingle siding, and an ornate verandah adorned with a frieze course of knobbed spindles and turned pendants, accompanied by an impressive coffered ceiling. The current owners have lovingly restored and improved various aspects of the home, including a new roof and gutter system, extensive exterior repairs and painting, window restoration, as well as state-certified lead remediation. They have also recently replaced all appliances.
Inside, the home boasts remarkable period-specific details. Exquisite craftsmanship is evident throughout, featuring beautiful staircases, hardwood flooring, original doorknobs, working transoms, three marble fireplace mantles, built-in cabinetry in the dining room and kitchen, exposed brick, charming radiators, and the original clawfoot tub.
Upon entering the home, a welcoming foyer reveals a coat closet tucked underneath the stunning staircase. To the left, a cozy parlor adorned with a marble fireplace mantle awaits. The parlor leads into the living room, designed in a bay style, with a wood-burning fireplace and side access to the wrap-around porch. The living room seamlessly flows into a grand dining area, boasting a third marble fireplace mantle and a built-in cabinet--a delightful floor plan for hosting gatherings. Towards the rear of the main level is the entirely unique kitchen, which features a built-in hutch, period sink, exposed brick, newer appliances, access to the rear porch, a rear staircase leading to the upper level, and stairs down to a lower-level cellar where there are laundry facilities and abundant storage space.
The second level of the home comprises four bright and spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom with a clawfoot tub and wainscoting on the walls. The attic level impresses with its high ceilings and ample storage, offering great potential for expansion, or the installation of central air conditioning.
This truly special home is nestled within a remarkably cohesive community. Conveniently equidistant from the College Park and Greenbelt Metro stations, it is also close to the University of Maryland, as well as the amenities, parks, shops, restaurants, and grocery stories offered by College Park, Riverdale, Berwyn Heights, and Greenbelt. A pedestrian bridge one block away offers access to the multi-use trails of Lake Artemesia.
