Natural setting, suburban amenities

Four-bedroom, 31/2-bath house in Clarksville sits on almost 3 acres

This custom-built 2,492-square-foot house at 6283 Firethorn Lane in Howard County's Clarksville backs onto woods by the Triadelphia Reservoir. The house is on the market for $789,900. (?)

The kitchen features granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances, as well as 42-inch-high wood cabinets. (? )

A light-filled home in Clarksville combines the opportunity to live in a serene, natural setting in Howard County with the conveniences of a suburban lifestyle.

The four-bedroom, 31/2-bathroom custom house at 6283 Firethorn Lane was listed recently for $789,900.

The property, just shy of 3 acres, features a creek and backs onto woods by the Triadelphia Reservoir, said Terri Westerlund, associate broker of the Westerlund Group, Le Reve Real Estate in Highland, which is listing the home.

It's also convenient to shopping in Clarksville and Columbia's River Hill, as well as public schools.

The neighborhood's name, Aintree Estates, was taken from England's Aintree Racecourse, which was featured in the classic children's story “National Velvet,” Westerlund said.

The neighborhood, fewer than three dozen custom homes built on lots of up to 41/2 acres over about five decades, covers two streets, both with names of racehorses, plus a section of Brighton Dam Road, she said.

“When the neighborhood was developed by Carey Brincefield, it was his dream that everyone would have horses,” said Westerlund.

Nowadays, no one in the neighborhood does. But there are trails that run through the community going to Brighton Dam, she said.

The two-story transitional-style home on a cul-de-sac has a fan-shaped covered front porch.

In the back, a large Trex deck looks faces the woods.

The front door opens into the main level's two-story foyer. The living room features a wood-burning fireplace and vaulted ceiling. The home has large windows and French doors that open to the deck.

“There is a lot of natural light,” Westerlund said.

The gourmet kitchen, with granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances and 42-inch-high wood cabinets, provides a lot of storage, and its breakfast nook offers views of the backyard. Dining and family rooms provide more gathering spots. Wood floors reach through the kitchen, breakfast nook, foyer and dining room.

The master suite, upstairs with other bedrooms, features a walk-in closet and bathroom with a separate shower and jetted tub.

The walk-out basement, which opens onto a patio, has three finished areas, including an exercise room, and ample storage.