Keeping Its Charm in Wardour

by Dylan Roche
Photography by Peak Visuals

When the Childs family sought a home in West Annapolis, they found their opportunity in a nearly 100-year-old house in Wardour. As it was, the house wasn’t ideal—but architect Jonathan Rivera saw the potential immediately. “I thought, ‘Absolutely, this house has a lot of existing character—it’s just old and it has some additions that were poorly done,’” Rivera says. “But I thought we could transform this into a home for them and their kids, for them to grow in.”

Rivera mocked up what a renovation could look like, and the Childs family caught the vision. In fact, Cindy Childs admits she had been ready to walk away from the house—until she saw Rivera’s plans. “I said, ‘I love this dream, but I don’t think we can do with it what I want to do with it.’ But then I saw his drawings and said, ‘Okay, we’ll take it,’” she recalls.

Even though builder Jared Stuart took the house down to the studs during the renovation, Rivera made it a priority to preserve the character and architectural integrity of the original shingle-style home. “I wanted it to look like it could have been the original,” Rivera explains. “That’s always important to me. I always like additions to look authentic…. Plus, this house had history, and it was going to be kind of reborn as a brand-new house for a new family and a different floor plan—but still needed to look like it had been in Wardour forever.”

A Modern Floorplan for Family Life

The original floorplan, with its many small rooms, needed to be opened up into a modern living space that would support both family life and frequent entertaining—all while striking a balance between luxury and practicality.

As Rivera and Stuart were working mostly within the existing footprint, limited square footage and existing structural elements imposed certain constraints. One of the most significant changes was relocating the stairs to make room for a larger foyer.

The existing front room became a formal living room, while the back of the house—originally a maze of 10′ by 10′ rooms—was transformed into a large open-concept living space with a kitchen, dining area, and family room, plus a mudroom and playroom.

Subtle ceiling beams define each area without needing walls, and black-trimmed windows flood the space with natural light, creating a sense of warmth and openness. “I wanted to be able to fill my home with people and joy, and I needed a house that could do that,” says Cindy Childs. “So, the idea was to have an open floor that is really inviting to our guests.”

Comfortable, Stylish, and Family-Friendly

Interior designer Julia Longchamps worked with the Childs to ensure the interiors were not only beautiful but also functional for a family with young children.

At the heart of the space is a massive kitchen island that serves as a natural gathering spot. A dining area looks out over the pool deck and backyard through a folding glass door that fully opens to blend indoor and outdoor spaces. “I love how the breakfast room opens right up into the backyard—and that whole backyard is a hidden gem, like a vacation,” says Rivera.

A Backyard Oasis

As one walks through the wide back doors, one is met with a pool deck and a lush landscaped backyard centered around a pool built by Larry Hyland and landscaping by Pendleton Outdoors.

The pool’s clean rectangular shape is softened by natural stonework and a shimmering waterfall, making it a serene escape perfect for afternoons at home or entertaining guests.

A Home that Grows with Them

Upstairs, the new primary suite features a bathroom that feels both luxurious and lived-in, plus a private balcony overlooking the yard. A short staircase leads to the converted attic, now a finished third floor, complete with a home office.

Rivera and Stuart have shown that this nearly century-old house still has plenty of life in it. And without sacrificing its original charm, it now serves as a comfortable, beautiful home for the modern-day Childs family.