Gatehouse

Project Details

Project Description

Turning from the main road onto the west end of a long, narrow property that eventually reaches the Patuxent River to the east, one anticipates a lengthy passage along the dusty, straight drive that leads to the main house on the bluff at the river. Before reaching the house however, one sees in the distance a small structure: an advanced sentry of sorts that gives a measured hint of proximity and yet also is suggestive that the proprietor is perhaps not unaware of your impending arrival. Such is the role of a classic, symbolic gatehouse. It watches the arrivals, marks the path, measures the distance, and guards the manor. The importance of this role is made stronger as the guarded path makes its way to the manor, down the bluff, onto the beach, and straight out the floating walkway to the arrival platform with port and starboard views. Functionally a detached guest quarters, the layout is classic with a downstairs sitting room and upstairs bedroom, with bath. Also an important three-sided screened porch is oriented towards the aforementioned drive, asserting the gate house role. Two eyebrow-awnings facing the manor house mark two entrances: one to the guest house and the other to a utility workroom tucked in at the rear, away from the drive.