When Amy and Mark Wieland bought their traditional Cape Cod nine years ago, it offered a home with many improvements already in place and a nearly half-acre blank slate for Amy to work her gardening magic. Previously, the couple lived in Washington, D.C., and Silver Spring, and were unaware of Catonsville. A friend who knows that Mark is an avid mountain biker suggested they consider Catonsville because of its proximity to biking trails. After looking into the schools for the couple’s two sons and discovering the charming neighborhood with homes from various eras, they were sold. Amy Wieland …

Homeowners Laura Cook and David Hinman have unusual work schedules—his as a veterinarian and hers as a government employee that has taken her to distant countries. Both are avid cyclists and have converted one of the home’s four bedrooms into a fitness room. Hinman is a volunteer coach with Team in Training, which works with amateur cyclists to enable them to complete a century ride—100 miles—in one day, benefitting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Both volunteer with Border Collie Rescue. After years of working with the group, they found one they couldn’t resist. Her name is Jess and she is …

As the owner of Maryland Residential Realty, George Brookhart knows Catonsville well, having grown up in the area. He recalled wanting to live in Academy Heights in the early 1970s but the homes were just beyond his finances at the time. He has lived in other places, including Howard County and Carroll County, but knew he wanted to return to Catonsville. When this home on Northdale Road came on the market, originally he planned to list it. He is a realtor, after all. Instead, he chose to buy it himself. That was nine years ago.  This year, Brookhart—a strong champion of the community—assumes …

When only a member of the Stude family has lived in a home built in 1904, it should not be a surprise that some updating may be needed. But just how much would come as a shock. Dave Carney had lived in Catonsville for 25 years and owned two homes previously—one a gracious 1920s home on Park Drive, just several blocks away. But it was the Stude home that had been his dream house, ever since he and his wife, Joanne, first saw it when they were dating. Caroling in the North Beaumont Avenue neighborhood at Christmas with their church, Carney said they would remark: “Can you imagine living in such…

Homeowner Leslie Coombs seeks tranquility, a sense of calm in her life. Not surprising, for she is the owner of the Avalon Yoga Studio in Mellor Mews. It is apparent in her paint choices—soft lavender and aqua—hues also reflected in her collection of art glass and pottery displayed throughout the open living space. Even her front door is painted lavender. But the first thing one notices when approaching the cedar-shake covered exterior is the artfully planted garden and the curving pathway. A whimsical metal frog, in a yoga pose, sits amidst spring blooms. Her metal doormat features a frog. “…

Joan Plisko has spent her professional life in positions that draw upon her training as an environmental systems engineer. Since 2006, Plisko has worked as technical director, Maryland Hospitals for a Healthy Environment, an initiative of the University of Maryland School of Nursing. Plisko provides technical assistance, as well as educational and networking opportunities in environmental sustainability to hospitals and service providers in Maryland. During her tenure, the program has received numerous environmental awards. Her husband, Marc, is a certified industrial hygienist. His first …