City Lifestyle

Want to start a publication?

Learn More

Featured Article

Hidden Gems of Frederick

Curated by Lori Rogers Homes: A Masterclass in Historic Preservation and Bold, Modern Luxury

Article by Sierra Moore

Photography by John Ravas of Key City Photography

Originally published in Frederick Lifestyle

Frederick is a city of layers, where historic charm meets contemporary vision. Real estate expert Lori Rogers specializes in uncovering these "hidden gems"—properties like 11 N Jefferson, 338 E Church, and 313 West College Terrace—that transcend the ordinary. Through thoughtful renovations and a deep respect for heritage, these homes demonstrate that a residence can be both a sanctuary and a masterpiece. Welcome to a collection of Frederick’s most inspired and refined living spaces. 

LoriRogersHomes.com
 

11 N Jefferson Street


A hidden jewel where classic Cape Cod charm unfolds into a light-filled sanctuary.

From the street, 11 N Jefferson Street appears to be a classic Cape Cod, welcoming in its charm and simplicity. Step inside, however, and the home unfolds into something far more extraordinary—an elegant, light-filled retreat designed for modern living while honoring its historic character. Over nearly three decades, this home has been lovingly enhanced to balance warmth, beauty and functionality. The main house features a seamlessly integrated floor plan, a gourmet kitchen, custom cabinetry and hardwood floors. It is a place where life naturally gathers, where memories are made and where every day feels a little more inspired.

The main house is a masterclass in refined living, boasting a 2,340-square-foot floor plan that has been fully renovated and expanded. The heart of the home is a gourmet kitchen featuring custom cabinetry and premium finishes, flowing effortlessly into living spaces warmed by a cozy gas fireplace and rich hardwood floors. A finished 864-square-foot basement extends the home’s utility, offering a dedicated laundry room and custom built-in storage. Every room is flooded with natural light, creating an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and deeply welcoming.

Beyond the main residence lies a 1,040-square-foot luxury detached cottage that offers its own story of comfort. This isn't just an accessory building; it is a sanctuary featuring soaring vaulted ceilings, a spacious loft and a kitchenette. Practical luxury is found underfoot with heated main-level floors, while the gas fireplace and expansive garden views make it the perfect retreat for guests, extended family or a professional-grade creative studio. It represents the ultimate in flexible, high-end living.

11 N Jefferson Street boasts an exterior private paradise. A heated in-ground pool with a stone surround and built-in grill serves as the centerpiece for summer entertaining. Professionally landscaped gardens, brick walkways and stone patios create a serene retreat that evolves with the seasons. Located just steps from Baker Park’s iconic swinging bridge and within walking distance of downtown Frederick’s vibrant shops and restaurants, this property offers the rare combination of a secluded oasis within a friendly, historic and walkable community.
 

  • Main House: 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths with a finished basement and gourmet kitchen.
  • Luxury Cottage: 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath with vaulted ceilings, loft and heated floors.
  • The Grounds: 0.28-acre lot featuring a heated in-ground pool, stone patios and professional landscaping.
  • Upgrades: Fully renovated systems, including roof, HVAC and a vaulted foyer expansion.
  • Location: Premiere Baker Park setting; walk to downtown Frederick’s cultural attractions, dining and shops.
  • Parking: Paver driveway plus additional rear parking.


338 E Church Street

Transformed into a bold, light-filled masterpiece of modern luxury.
 

Small in size but mighty in personality, 338 E Church demonstrates that luxury isn’t about square footage—it’s about the experience. After years away from Frederick, the owner returned to create a residence defined by character and charm. What began as a "diamond in the rough" underwent a total transformation, starting with a striking black exterior accented by crisp white trim and vibrant red doors. By stripping the interior to its bones and starting from scratch, the home was reimagined as an open-concept sanctuary where historic grounding meets high-gloss modern interest, creating a space that is both cozy and sophisticated.

The renovation of 338 E Church was a labor of love that prioritized bold style and structural integrity. The most dramatic change is the striking black exterior, which sets a sophisticated tone before you even step inside. To maximize the home's potential, the owner made the pivotal decision to remove existing walls and start from scratch. This bold move opened up lines of sight and flooded the home with natural light. The result is a seamless flow between the large kitchen and dining areas, highlighting the contrast between the primary exposed brick wall and the sleek, high-gloss modern kitchen.

The interior is a curated blend of old and new. Much of the design inspiration was drawn from high-end light fixtures that set a luxurious atmosphere and provide a classic style throughout. While the home feels modern, its history is preserved through refurbished original wood floors and the preservation of several original doors. Every system has been meticulously replaced to ensure modern comfort, including all-new windows, electrical, plumbing with a tankless hot water heater and a dual-unit HVAC system. This meticulous attention to detail proves that thoughtful design can elevate every square inch of a home.

A rebuilt rear balcony offers a private perch, while a generous, lighted back patio provides the perfect setting for gatherings in the expansive backyard. Looking toward the future, the property is already prepared for expansion; plumbing has been run underground to a designated location for a future garage and apartment. With extensive outdoor lighting, a new roof and new downspouts, the home is as functional as it is beautiful.

  • The Aesthetic: Bold black exterior with white trim, red doors and a high-gloss modern kitchen.
  • The Character: Exposed interior brick walls, original refurbished wood floors and designer light fixtures.
  • Modern Systems: All-new windows, electrical, plumbing, tankless water heater and dual-unit HVAC.
  • Outdoor Space: Rebuilt balcony, lighted back patio and a large backyard.
  • Future Growth: Underground plumbing is already installed for a planned garage and apartment.
  • The Location: A charming, unique residence in the heart of downtown Frederick.

313 West College Terrace

A balancing act preserving the 1930s soul with upgrades of the modern century.

The renovation of 313 West College Terrace was a meticulous balancing act: preserving the 1937 historical feel while upgrading every system for modern living. After living in the home for a year to understand its flow, the owners reimagined the space to center around an open layout featuring a professional cook’s kitchen and a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. By adding an attached structure to the rear, they achieved two primary goals: a grand living area for hospitality and a functional attached garage—a rarity for the neighborhood.

The addition of a new rear structure allowed for a complete reconfiguration of the interior. By moving the kitchen and dining areas into the new space, the original 1930s footprint was unlocked. The dark, narrow center-hall stairs were replaced with a wider, more accessible stairwell, which in turn opened up the basement and allowed for a first-floor laundry and powder room. Even the original dining room found a new life as a dedicated office. This "start-from-scratch" approach inside the walls ensured that every square foot of the historic structure became usable, bright and purposefully designed for a contemporary lifestyle.

The heart of the home is the "cook's kitchen," a high-end space featuring a Wolf steam oven, a Sub-Zero Pro refrigerator and a professional Bluestar gas range. A standout feature is the authentic Italian wood-burning brick oven, built inside the home for year-round use. The preservation of the past is seen in the original single-pane front windows, copper gutters and the restored hardwood floors, which were seamlessly matched using reclaimed planks from other 1930s-era homes. A beautiful hutch from the original kitchen was even salvaged and repurposed as a Butler’s Pantry, featuring a custom alderwood slab top.

While the aesthetic is historic, the infrastructure is entirely new. The home features a full electrical replacement and a three-zone smart HVAC system. In a brilliant nod to comfort, the original cast iron radiators were preserved and integrated as auxiliary heat for cold winter days. The project extended from the attic—now a spacious guest suite—down to the basement, which now houses a gym and a 1,000-bottle temperature-controlled wine cellar. Every detail, from the invisible pet fence to the restored second-story covered deck, was executed with a deep engagement in the build process, resulting in a home that is as sturdy as it is beautiful.

  • The Kitchen: Professional Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances plus an indoor Mugnaini wood-fired brick oven.
  • The Suite: Master bath featuring stone with visible seashells, plus two walk-in closets and a laundry chute.
  • Systems: Entirely new electrical, plumbing and a three-zone HVAC system with smart controls and radiator integration.
  • Amenities: 1,000-bottle wine cellar, home gym and a spacious attic guest suite.
  • Preservation: Reclaimed hardwood floors, copper gutters, restored fireplace and original glass door knobs.

Businesses featured in this article