Built in 1857 and tucked behind a rare front garden, 16 W Read Street is an extraordinary historic Mount Vernon townhouse offering architectural character, privacy, live work flexibility, multiple outdoor spaces, three off street parking spaces, and modern systems in the heart of Baltimore.
A handsome double mahogany entrance opens to a grand flagstone reception hall. The main level is currently used by the owner as office space for their business and includes three spacious rooms, two powder rooms, and a galley kitchen. Residential and office zoning creates exciting possibilities for a law office, professional practice, art gallery, architecture or design studio, creative workspace, wellness or yoga studio, or other permitted use. Buyers should independently verify zoning and permitted uses for their intended purpose.
Above, the upper two floors create a private owner’s residence. The second floor features a gracious drawing room with tall windows, high ceilings, and a wood burning fireplace. The adjoining kitchen includes bespoke cabinetry, quartzite surfaces, ceiling height storage with library ladder, farmhouse sink, and a six burner Bertazzoni range. The formal dining room opens directly to a private front roof deck. Enjoy dinner and cocktails overlooking the street while pedestrians pass below, largely unaware of this remarkably private retreat. An additional bedroom or study and renovated full bath complete this level.
The third floor offers a generous primary suite with ensuite bath, an additional bedroom, and another beautifully finished bath with walk in shower, clawfoot soaking tub, marble tile, and brass fixtures. The property also offers flexibility for separate guest, caregiver, or additional living quarters, or it can be reconnected to function as one expansive single family residence.
The lower level provides substantial additional space ideal for a home gym, wine cellar, workshop, and storage. Modern improvements include owned rooftop solar panels, zoned heating and cooling with heat pumps throughout, new windows, upgraded mechanical systems, 400 amp electrical service, and a dedicated EV charger.
Outdoor space is exceptional for a historic Mount Vernon home. The landscaped front yard sets the house well back from the sidewalk, creating surprising privacy in the center of the city. A side patio provides another secluded space for a garden, seating area, dog run, or catio. Three off street parking spaces complete the property.
With a Walk Score of 99, Mount Vernon is at your doorstep. Mount Vernon Place and the Washington Monument are approximately one block away, along with the Walters Art Museum, Peabody Library, Baltimore School for the Arts, Center Stage, and the neighborhood’s exceptional dining and nightlife. Walk to Spirits of Mount Vernon, The Coral Wig, Hotel Ulysses, The Helmand, Bar Dali, Akbar, Dooby’s, Cafe Fili, and more. Enjoy summer concerts, outdoor movie nights, yoga in the Square, Flower Mart, Monument Lighting, and year round neighborhood events.
For frequent travelers and professionals, the connectivity is difficult to match. The Mount Vernon Light RailLink station is just a few blocks away with service to BWI Airport, while Baltimore Penn Station is approximately half a mile away with MARC, Amtrak, and Acela service to Washington, Philadelphia, New York, and the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak also provides access to Newark Liberty International Airport. From Washington, Metro connections provide access to Reagan National and Dulles International airports.
For historic home enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, creatives, professionals, or buyers relocating from New York, Philadelphia, or Washington, DC, 16 W Read Street offers a rare combination of historic Baltimore architecture, live work space, privacy, walkability, parking, outdoor living, and exceptional regional access.
