Annapolis, Maryland: The Perfect Vacation Rental (Part 1)

For comfort, location, and usually extra savings, we often rent a vacation home or condo when traveling instead of staying in a hotel. We've stayed in a number of wonderful vacation rentals over the years, but the place we called home in Annapolis is our favorite so far.  The Parish Condo #3, located at 139 1/2 Maryland Avenue, had it all: a great location in the heart of the historic district; comfortable, well-equipped living spaces; and character, history, and beauty throughout. For a special occasion (my husband's birthday), this was the perfect place for us.

Our condo was one of three units that were built about 10 years
ago in this abandoned church constructed in the 1890s.

Entrance to the building.  Once inside the old church, unit 3 is
on the right.

The door to unit 3 opens into a small foyer where you're
greeted by this guy.  This small space, complete with original
 wood floors, is the first of the condo's four levels.  From here
you have a choice to make!

Should you take the stairs to the upper levels?

Or should you catch a ride on the old (but renovated) elevator?

Two stories of clear and stained glass windows take your breath away when you reach the second level of the condo.

This chandelier hangs from the fourth floor ceiling to light up this open space and the
stained glass at night.

Looking down from the third floor interior window, you can see
the living and dining areas on the second level.

Also on the second level is the kitchen. . .

. . .as well as a small powder room and this built-in wet bar.

Great touches, like this table fashioned from one of the church's old arches, can be seen
throughout the home.

These stairs (or the elevator) take you from the second level
to the third level of the condo.

Level three is all about the master suite.

This is the view from the master bed.  That's the Maryland State House dome in the
center window.  There are blinds you can lower to block the light if you wish.

The master bathroom adjoins the bedroom, and it also has
a view of the windows and the second level of the condo.

Continue through the bathroom into a hallway that leads to a
walk-in closet and this spiral staircase.  The original brick walls
of the church are left exposed here, and you just HAVE to find
out what's at the top of these stairs!

Check back soon for part 2 of "The Perfect Vacation Rental"!