1356 Mcdonald Rd, Shady Side, MD 20764

Entering this spacious home, newcomers exclaim, What a view! All the waterside rooms take in a 220-degree water view, from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Kent Island to the bend in the West River. Situated across from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and looking across a mile of the West River and up the Rhode River, the view is breathtaking and unexpected. Built in 1997, the house suggests a Victorian from the waterside but from the side it reminds one of the early 20th century homes built along the Chesapeake Bay. It features windows with a view of the water from every room except three of the baths. The open living room, family room and kitchen all face the water. The kitchen, upgraded in 2018 with granite countertops, looks out on the ever-changing water view. The dining room can comfortably seat up to 10 people. The downstairs bedroom includes bay windows, an en suite bath, and a walk-in closet. A full laundry room with washer, dryer, and utility sink is located just off the entrance to the roomy two-car garage. The two-story foyer main staircase leads to the upper level master suite bedroom with an adjoining sitting room/ office that is connected to the lower level with a spiral staircase. From the office balcony you have a two-story view down into the Florida room and out to the water. The third bedroom has an en suite bath and an inviting outdoor balcony facing the water. The view from these rooms matches the 220-degree downstairs views. An expansive bonus room is located above the back lower level and includes an adjacent sitting room area. The room is entered through a secret passage consisting of a bookcase that opens through a hidden release! Finally, a second structure called the Annex is located on the landside of the property and features an exercise room/workshop studio/ office with a childrens indoor treehouse loft with secure steps leading to it. The structure also has a large equipment/tool storage area with a full remote opening the garage door. The Annex has a brick patio beside it and a stone path leads to the attractively maintained lawn, and many mature, very large shade trees. Surrounding the home are beautifully landscaped grounds with large planting areas including ferns, hydrangeas, azaleas and hostas. The private pier offers water and lighting and is wired for a boat lift. The pier can accommodate a 4-foot draft, 10-foot beam and up to almost any length boat. The property is an idyllic place for children and/or grandchildren as it provides many exciting places to explore, both indoors and out! It is a very quiet and peaceful place to live. Through the week there are only the sounds of the gently rippling waters, Chesapeake wildlife neighbors and nature. Evening allows you to see the night sky stars at their most brilliant.