Historic Waterfront Retreat with Rare Boathouse

October 27, 2025

A unique heritage property with more than 100 years of history has come to market in Annapolis. The estate is ideally positioned on the banks of Luce Creek with expansive views down the Severn River. The residence is listed by Reid Buckley at the Annapolis office of Long & Foster Real Estate, an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties. Located at 1715 Porters Hill Road, this exquisite 4-bedroom, 4 full bath and 2 half-bath residence spans nearly 8,000 square feet and is being offered for $3.995 million.

Originally constructed in the 1880s, the log house was one of three identical hunting lodges built on the peninsula, now the only one remaining. Lovingly maintained and thoughtfully updated, the property blends historic charm with casual elegance. The 1.7-acre parcel offers 265 feet of waterfrontage, a rare boathouse, and a private pier with over 7 feet of water depth.

“This is one of the most unique and storied properties in the Annapolis area,” said Buckley. “With its rare boathouse, exceptional privacy and breathtaking views, it offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity for a waterfront lifestyle steeped in history.”

The home’s great room features original log walls, a quarried stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings and panoramic water views. A den with a separate entrance could easily serve as a main-level guest suite. The kitchen is a striking space with exposed beams, custom cabinetry, GE Monogram appliances and a large center island, opening to a water-view dining area.

The primary suite, located on the main level, includes a vaulted ceiling, a private screened porch, two walk-in closets and a spa-inspired bathroom with a soaking tub, heated floors, dual vanities and a large walk-in shower.

Upstairs, two additional bedrooms offer views of the water or manicured front gardens. A separate guest suite above the garage includes a private living area and a luxurious bathroom, offering privacy and comfort for visiting friends or family.

The exterior is just as impressive. Multiple porches and decks overlook terraced gardens and mature trees leading down to the shoreline. A private tram makes access to the pier and boathouse seamless.

The home’s historical provenance is as rich as its setting. Local lore suggests the property’s peninsula was once traded by the U.S. Naval Academy for land across from College Creek in the early 20th century. The name “Porters Hill” is believed to honor Admiral David Porter, then-superintendent of the Academy. In the 1920s, the property was owned by the Whitehead family, three brothers known for smuggling bootleg liquor to Baltimore and Washington during Prohibition. The State of Maryland later confiscated the land in the 1940s, and through a complex land exchange involving a gravel pit, now the site of the 895 Tunnel, the Porters Hill estate entered a new chapter.

Learn more about 1715 Porters Hill Road by visiting Buckley’s website here.

Long & Foster is one of the nation’s top real estate companies as part of HomeServices of America. For more information, visit LongandFoster.com.