The Architecture of Mott B. Schmidt

Not far from Baltimore, facing a quiet country roadway that ends its journey just beyond, stands a brick house of informal Georgian type which admirably fulfills those ideas of charm, comfort and beauty that the word "home" should stand for. It was built for Albert K. Wampole in 1919 by Mott B. Schmidt, architect; the interior decorating being the work of Elsie de Wolf, who carried out her designs in close co-operation with Mr. Schmidt.

Simple in all its lines, the building is beautifully balanced, and it has that air of being thoroughly settled on the ground, of growing up out of it, that belongs to the fine old houses of England and of Colonial days. There is no surer way than this of suggesting permanency, and permanency belongs with the thought of home. Fitting a house to its site is as important as the proper placing of a statue on its base. The grass grows flush against the brick sides of the Wampole house, and only a single low step connects the brick walk to the front door. This door and its setting are fine. Of white wood, solidly constructed, with plain pilasters and surmounted by an exquisitely proportioned window, the effect is at once dignified and welcoming.