Gambrel Roof Cottage at Eltonhead Manor

Nothing is known about the builder of this lovely little house buried in the woods at Little Cove Point, Maryland. But based on its construction it dates from the pre-1776 period. By 1913 it had been abandoned and when measured in 1925 it was rapidly falling into ruin. Some of the fine paneling and the staircase, documented in these drawings, were donated to the Baltimore Museum of Art in 1925. By now this lovely cottage must long have succumbed to the elements and returned into the earth of the forest from which its timbers were originally cut.

All photos and drawings are from the Historic American Building Survey

Copies of the full set of drawings are available at my eBay store.

Living Room paneling now on display at Baltimore Art Museum

The cottage was built of a simple timber frame over a stone foundation. Unfortunately, when documented, no information about the timber frame itself was recorded. However the interior wood paneling was carefully measured. The exterior walls appear to have been framed in posts about 4 inches thick. The interior partitions have no stud work and are simply wood panels directly attached to the floor and ceiling.

First Floor and Attic Floor Plans

Elevations and Section

The gambrel roof attic is divided into 3 communicating bedrooms, each with dormers.

Wood Paneling in Living Room

The chimneys are freestanding, separated from the walls. This was probably to reduce risk of fire.

Living Room, View from Fireplace towards Entry