Capital Gazette Communications

In addition to folks sailing in or out of various marinas, visiting the Maritime Museum, dropping into their favorite eatery or bar, or catching a few rays at pocket-sized parks along the shores of Spa Creek, Back Creek or the bay, still more people will be enjoying the Eastport Civic Association's annual Home & Garden Tour of 10 terrific homes.

Sprinkled along the tour route, several Mid-Atlantic Plein Air painters will be creating their own interpretations of the Eastport landscape in oil, acrylic, pastel or watercolor. If a passerby takes a fancy to a certain painting - Voila! It will be for sale at 3 p.m.

Funds from last year's tour supported a variety of local causes, from helping the Eastport Volunteer Fire Department purchase a new ladder truck, potting flowers on the Spa Creek Bridge to supporting fishing and ecological camps for elementary school kids.

The Scholz home on Eastern Avenue is one of the houses on the tour. Though it has a breathtaking view of the bay from the rear of the home, there's a water view in front, too. As a visitor approaches, four flagstone steps lead to a brick plaza in front of the home. Off to one side is a stone-lined goldfish pond with a gently trickling waterfall.

Sheathed in taupe shaker shingled siding trimmed with white, the house, dating from 1922, encompasses four levels. A garage in front was built about the same time and enlarged in the '50s. The space above the garage is an office for Jeff Scholz, who purchased the property in 1985. The house has five bedrooms, five and a half baths, another office, sunroom, a gym and an outdoor pool.

Jeff began remodeling the home in 1986.

"Since then we've remodeled, remodeled, remodeled," said his wife, Cyndee, whom he married in 1989. Jeff has three grown children - Kristen, 37; Travis, 33; and Tanner, 30 - and four grandchildren.

Originally, the home had four bedrooms, one bath and a center stairwell. The stairwell was moved to open up the main floor, and in 1991, a two-car garage and wing were added. The home's three fireplaces have been converted to gas.

"I would have liked to tear it down and start from scratch," Jeff said with a chuckle. "The kitchen's been done three times."

He advised: "Live in a house for a year before you remodel. I made a lot of mistakes I had to tear out and re-do."

Years ago, Jeff's uncle was a member of the Annapolis Yacht Club. Jeff is a Washington, D.C. native. Growing up, he often visited Annapolis and enjoyed sailing on the bay with his uncle in the 1940s. He remains an avid Wednesday night sailboat racer. In 1976, Jeff purchased his first home in Eastport, on Jeremy's Way. He settled in and, eventually, was Commodore of the AYC. He works part-time with Scholz Associates, a firm he founded.

Oil Rubbed Bronze Outdoor Candle Chandelier — Knock Off Decor

Here’s a little motivation to spruce up your outdoor living space for those of you who are dragging your feet a bit. Diane from In My Own Style took a standard brass light fixture from a thrift store and transformed it into an outdoor candle chandelier for her gorgeous patio. (Please, Diane, invite me to a party or something so I can marvel at the beautiful space you have created and hopefully soak in a little inspiration!) The purpose of this site is to inspire you. I believe in giving credit to the amazing designers from companies who are on the cutting edge of great interior design. While I love showcasing people who have imitated the decor of these brilliant designers I don't advertise selling or making money off them. Knock Off Decor does not advocate taking these tutorials or products and selling them. Okie dokie?