In the verdant embrace of Maryland’s countryside, where the whispers of the Chesapeake Bay mingle with the rustle of ancient oaks, Mueller Homes continues to redefine luxury living. As a premier Maryland custom home builder with a legacy spanning over 30 years, the firm has once again captured the spotlight. The October 2025 issue of What’s Up? Annapolis magazine proudly features one of our recent projects in its “At Home in the Country” story, penned by Lisa Gotto. This in-depth profile not only celebrates the architectural splendor of a bespoke Maryland country home but also underscores Mueller Homes’ mastery of Maryland farmhouse architecture—blending rustic authenticity with contemporary elegance. Excerpts from the feature story are captured below.
Thoughtful Design
For homeowners dreaming of a serene escape, this feature serves as a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful design in the heart of the Old Line State. Nestled on a generous expanse of rolling acreage, the spotlighted residence is a paragon of intentional living. The homeowners, a couple with deep roots in the region, envisioned a haven that honored Maryland’s farm heritage while accommodating their evolving family life. They sought solace in the countryside—a place where mornings begin with a hilltop view and sunsets consume the evening sky. “We wanted a home that felt like an extension of the land itself,” the wife shares in this narrative, her words evoking the profound connection to place that defines true Maryland country home design.
Enter Mueller Homes, the Annapolis-based powerhouse renowned for handcrafting luxury estates that stand the test of time. Founded in 1992, the custom home builder has evolved and now serves Annapolis, Howard County, the Eastern Shore, and beyond with unparalleled craftsmanship. As Paul Mueller, Jr. notes, “This home is situated on a hilltop in Montgomery County, but could just as easily fit in with the farmhouse vibes we have built in St. Michaels and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Under the leadership of Paul Mueller Jr., whose visionary approach has earned him accolades like “Expert of the Month” in What’s Up? Media, the firm prioritizes collaboration. For this project, they partnered with architect Jonathan Rivera, whose keen eye for site-specific design brought the couple’s aspirations to life. “It is all very calculated because it is the highest point around,” explains P.J. Mueller, President of Mueller Homes, emphasizing the strategic elevation that affords sweeping, unobstructed views of the undulating hills.
This perch not only optimizes natural light but also integrates the structure harmoniously with the topography, a core tenet of Mueller’s work with leading Maryland architects. The exterior of this Maryland farmhouse architecture masterpiece is a love letter to the region’s storied past. Drawing from the iconic silhouettes of Eastern Shore farmsteads, the facade boasts crisp white clapboard siding, accented by a dramatic steeply pitched gable roof clad in architectural shingles for enduring weather resistance. Wraparound porches, supported by slender columns, encircle the home like welcoming arms, providing shaded retreats for savoring the symphony of nature. Black-framed casement windows—oversized for drama and daylight—punctuate the design, offering framed vistas of meadows ablaze with seasonal wildflowers. Sustainable touches abound with reclaimed timber accents from local barns infuse character, while energy-efficient stone foundations drawn from nearby quarries minimize the carbon footprint. As Gotto aptly notes, this isn’t nostalgic mimicry but a fresh evolution, where tradition meets innovation in perfect Maryland country home synergy.
Talented Design & Craftsmanship
The entry foyer sets a tone of understated grandeur, with wide-plank oak that guides the eye toward the open-concept great room and kitchen which truly serve as the focal point of the home. Interior designers from Ella Lee Interiors were instrumental in helping Whitney with the selections process throughout the home for paint, furnishings, fixtures, and textiles. “Since the kitchen was Whitney’s focal point, we considered how we could incorporate her desire for warmth and comfort beginning with the cabinetry design. The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dreamscape: custom cabinetry has a soft linen finish, with the island cabinetry and scullery built-ins in a warm green hue by Sherwin Williams called Garden Gate,” notes Hannah Wunder, Principal Designer.
Tapping into the artisans at Charles Henry Woodworking, the custom cabinetry was refined to consider the way Whitney likes to work in her kitchen. Cabinets were customized to include built-in organization for common kitchen tools, display areas for favorite bakeware, and plenty of work areas for prep. The scullery also includes custom built-ins to house large, tall, and wide kitchen appliances. The cabinets were beautifully paired with veined quartz islands that pickup that color scheme and double as casual dining spots. “Every element was chosen to foster connection,” Johnny recounts, highlighting how the design facilitates effortless flow during entertaining for holiday feasts or impromptu gatherings.
The Team Approach
Sustainability threads through every facet of this build, aligning with Mueller Homes’ commitment to eco-luxury. Passive solar orientation captures the sun’s arc to heat the home naturally in winter. The breezeway between the main home and garage was perfectly suited to Whitney’s passion for plants and herbs. These considerations, along with the design process was a masterclass in collaboration, a hallmark of Mueller Homes’ ethos as a Maryland custom home builder. Initial consultations unfolded over sketches and mood boards developed by the team at Ella Lee. Design renderings evolved iteratively, although Whitney notes that there were very few modifications because Hannah’s team was so in touch with our goals. By incorporating feedback on everything from cabinet pulls to color and texture, the home’s vibe is authentically cohesive. “We felt an immediate rapport and confidence in the team’s approach, which is unique to Mueller Homes,” notes Whitney, crediting this synergy for the home’s intuitive feel.
Construction spanned 18 months, navigated with precision to mitigate disruptions—phased deliveries kept the site pristine, and regular updates. In addition, the homeowners were able to visit the pristine site often and engage with the craftsmen.
The What’s Up? Annapolis feature arrives amid a renaissance in Maryland farmhouse architecture, where urban escapees flock to the countryside. Mueller Homes proudly leads the way to building luxury homes that are intentionally designed as one-of-a-kind. The Mueller portfolio spans from Howard County to waterfront retreats in St. Michaels, each with a unique story to tell.
Looking ahead, P.J. Mueller envisions a future where Maryland homes can embrace biophilic design—more living walls, adaptive facades, and flexible capabilities. “Luxury today means legacy tomorrow,” he posits, urging clients to invest in homes that that legacy for long-term livability and future generations.
For those inspired by this tale, Mueller Homes invites you to embark on your own journey. Whether crafting a cozy Maryland farmhouse or an expansive modern estate, the team collaboration of Maryland best architects and talented artisans is poised to help you realize your vision. Contact us at our Annapolis or Sykesville locations to begin. In Maryland’s timeless landscapes, your dream home awaits—handcrafted, heartfelt, and forever home.
