West St. Mary's Manor: A Historic Maryland Landmark
Situated across the St. Mary's River from St. Mary's City, Maryland—the first capital of the Province of Maryland—West St. Mary's Manor stands as a significant example of early colonial architecture. This historic residence blends structural utility with the design preferences of its era, offering a glimpse into the residential styles of early Maryland.
Architectural Design and Structure
The manor is a 1.5-story building utilizing a hybrid brick and frame construction. Measuring 40 by 31 feet (12.2 by 9.4 meters), the house features a distinct layout where the gable end walls are constructed of brick, while the front and rear walls are finished with clapboard—thin wooden boards overlapped to protect the structure from weather.
A notable architectural feature is the chimney pent, a small projecting roof or structure located between the double chimneys at both ends of the house. The exterior layout varies by orientation: the south-facing front elevation is five bays wide, whereas the north elevation consists of three bays.
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Interior Layout and Features
The interior of West St. Mary's Manor is organized around a central hall that runs through the length of the house. This hall is divided by an arch and contains a staircase leading to the rear.
The living space is divided into four rooms: the primary, larger rooms are located on the south side, while smaller rooms are positioned to the north. To ensure comfort and utility, every room on the first floor is equipped with its own fireplace and wainscoting—decorative wooden paneling applied to the lower portion of the walls.
The chimney pents, while serving an external architectural purpose, also function internally as closets for the main rooms.
Key Facts
- Location: Across the St. Mary's River from St. Mary's City, Maryland.
- Dimensions: 40 feet by 31 feet (12.2m x 9.4m).
- Construction: 1.5-story brick and frame with clapboard walls.
- Layout: Four rooms centered around a hall with a rear staircase.
- Interior Details: First-floor rooms feature wainscoting and fireplaces.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Building Height | 1.5 Stories |
| Footprint | 40 x 31 feet |
| Wall Materials | Brick (gable ends) and Clapboard (front/rear) |
| Front Elevation | 5 Bays (South) |
| Rear Elevation | 3 Bays (North) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is West St. Mary's Manor located?
It is located in Maryland, situated across the St. Mary's River from St. Mary's City, which served as the first capital of the Province of Maryland.
What materials were used to build the manor?
The manor uses a combination of brick for the gable end walls and double chimneys, and clapboard for the front and rear walls.
What is a chimney pent and how is it used in this house?
A chimney pent is a structural projection between the chimneys. In West St. Mary's Manor, these pents serve as closets for the main rooms.
How is the interior of the house organized?
The house features a center hall divided by an arch with a rear staircase, surrounded by four rooms: larger rooms to the south and smaller rooms to the north.
Do the rooms have heating and decoration?
Yes, all rooms on the first floor are equipped with fireplaces for heating and wainscoting for wall decoration.