Villa Madrid is a feeling and an era as much as it is a house.
Located in Towson, this model of Jazz Age history and glamour was built as a summer home in 1926 for Baltimore developer Edward J. Gallagher. But the home truly became a symbol of the Roaring '20s lifestyle when it was purchased by Samuel L. Bushman, the brother of actor Francis X. Bushman, according to a previous owner's archives and letters from Bushman's descendants. It then became a gathering place for the elite and friends like writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, who reportedly spent a lot of time there.
Villa Madrid is now on the market for $989,000. It is located at 6730 Charles Street Ave. on 2 acres of landscaped property, including a stream and walking bridge. Mediterranean in style, its walled gardens enclose a heated pool and hot tub, a bath house and a charming tea house. Built entirely of stucco, the house features a terra-cotta roof replaced in 2009.
"This is more of a West Coast-type house with a loggia in the back and beautiful columns — not something you can typically buy in this area," said listing agent Jean Ottey with Berkshire Hathaway Homesale Realty.
The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home features an open layout across two stories, with 13 sets of French doors opening to outside areas. The large living room has terra-cotta tiling and a wood-burning fireplace. The baby grand piano in the corner of the living room will stay with the new owner, as will crystal chandeliers in the dining room and entrance hall.
A completely updated kitchen includes granite countertops, a KitchenAid dishwasher, a GE wall oven, a warming oven, a microwave and a radiant-heated floor. There is a custom laundry on the renovated second floor.
"This is absolutely a one-of-a-kind house," Ottey said. "It's about the ambience and vibe you get when you walk in."