Step into a storybook brought to life as we journey through Maryland’s most enchanting historic homes – where ivy-clad walls and creaky wooden floors whisper secrets from centuries past.
From turreted rooftops to cozy fireplaces that once warmed generations, these homes are bursting with character, mystery, and a touch of old-world magic.
Nestled in the heart of Maryland, they invite you to slow down, look closer, and fall headfirst into a world where the past feels just a breath away. Ready to be charmed? Let the adventure begin.
1. Cylburn Mansion
Once upon a time in Baltimore, the Cylburn Mansion stood as a testament to Victorian opulence. Built in the late 19th century, this stone marvel is wrapped in the embrace of lush gardens, perfect for a whimsical stroll. Imagine the grandeur of its interiors, with fireplaces that could spin yarns of their own.
This manor isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a botanical paradise, inviting you to wander and wonder. A visit here is like stepping into a storybook, where history and horticulture dance in delightful harmony.
2. Hammond-Harwood House
In the heart of Annapolis, the Hammond-Harwood House stands as a quintessential example of Georgian elegance. Built in 1774, it whispers stories of colonial grandeur through its symmetrical architecture.
Peek inside, and the period furnishings might just wink at you, holding secrets of yesteryears. The gardens here—oh, they’re a sight for sore eyes, offering a serene escape. This isn’t merely a house; it’s a portal to a time when elegance was a way of life.
3. Homewood Museum
Nestled within the leafy embrace of Johns Hopkins University, the Homewood Museum is a Federal-style delight. This 1801 gem sports brickwork that seems to blush with stories of academic pastimes. Step through its doors, and you’re greeted by interiors that sing of scholarly charm.
The gardens outside nod politely as if welcoming guests to a genteel gathering. The blend of academic and architectural history here is nothing short of enchanting. Whether you’re a history buff or a lover of elegance, this is your cup of tea, served with a side of charm.
4. William Paca House
Oh, to be a guest at the William Paca House! This Annapolis treasure, built in the 1760s, dazzles with its colonial charm and luxurious gardens that could host the grandest of tea parties. Its brick facade is like a warm hug from history itself.
Inside, the antique furnishings seem to whisper tales of colonial banquets and political ponderings. The garden is a masterpiece in its own right, offering tranquility amidst its blooms.
5. Montpelier Mansion
Once the abode of wealthy planters, Montpelier Mansion in Laurel stands as a testament to Southern elegance. Built in the 1780s, its grand columns and expansive lawns speak volumes of a bygone era. Picture picnics under ancient trees, where whispers of the past mingle with the breeze.
Inside, rooms echo with the laughter of past generations, each with tales to tell. The mansion’s charm lies in its ability to transport visitors to a time when life was lived in stately grace. It’s a southern belle in architectural form.
6. Mount Clare Museum House
Mount Clare Museum House is Baltimore’s oldest surviving colonial structure, a Georgian marvel steeped in history. Built in the mid-18th century, its brick architecture stands strong, like an ode to times long past. Step inside, and the museum offers glimpses into colonial daily life—each room a chapter in history.
Outside, the landscapes beckon with stories of their own, a perfect blend of nature and history. This isn’t just a museum – it’s a living, breathing testament to Baltimore’s colonial roots, inviting explorers of all ages.
7. Fell’s Point Rowhouses
In Baltimore’s Fell’s Point, the rowhouses stand like a vibrant patchwork quilt, each one unique in color and charm. These 18th-century beauties line the cobblestone streets, inviting you to wander and explore their historic allure.
Step closer, and you’ll find details that tell tales of maritime adventures and bustling trade. The lively surroundings add to the charm, making it a neighborhood where history and modernity dance hand in hand.
8. Tudor Hall
Tudor Hall in Bel Air is a portal to Elizabethan times, with its distinct timber framing and historical allure. This 19th-century estate whispers secrets of its theatrical past, having ties to the famous Booth family.
The decor speaks of elegance with a touch of drama, fitting for a family of actors. Tudor Hall is more than a house – it’s a stage where the stories of Maryland’s past come to life in splendid fashion.
9. Surratt House Museum
Nestled in Clinton, the Surratt House Museum is more than meets the eye. This 19th-century farmhouse has intrigue woven into its very fabric, playing a part in the infamous Lincoln assassination plot. White clapboard siding gives it a humble appearance, belying its storied past.
The museum offers a peek into Civil War-era life, with exhibits that captivate history buffs. The surrounding area feels serene, a stark contrast to its tumultuous history. It’s a place where curiosity thrives, and the stories are as rich as the soil.
10. Riversdale House Museum
Standing as a neoclassical gem from the early 19th century is the Riversdale House Museum in Riverdale Park. This mansion exudes a regal air with its elegant columns and expansive gardens that could easily host a royal garden party. It’s like stepping into a scene from a Jane Austen novel.
Its decor is a dance of elegance and history, with artifacts that tell tales of cultural richness. Each room is a page in the story of Maryland’s aristocratic past, inviting visitors to indulge in a bit of time travel.
11. Thomas Stone National Historic Site
In Port Tobacco, the Thomas Stone National Historic Site offers a glimpse into colonial plantation life. This 18th-century home is an ode to simplicity and elegance, with white clapboard siding and sweeping farmland views that stretch to the horizon.
Visitors can explore the life of Thomas Stone, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, through exhibits and tours. The surrounding scenery paints a picture of serene beauty, a perfect backdrop for its rich historical narratives.
12. Bohemia Manor Farm
Over in Chesapeake City, Bohemia Manor Farm is a pastoral paradise. This historic estate stretches over rolling hills and cultivated fields, with a manor house that whispers stories of agricultural heritage.
The manor, once home to the founder of Maryland, offers a peek into the state’s early beginnings. Visitors can almost hear the echoes of colonial life in the rustle of the fields.
13. The Elkridge Furnace Inn
Discover the best of colonial hospitality in Elkridge at the Elkridge Furnace Inn. This charming inn, with its colonial-style architecture, sits gracefully along a river, offering picturesque views like a Monet painting come to life.
The inn’s history is as rich as its culinary offerings, with roots tracing back to the 18th century iron industry. It’s a place where history and gastronomy merge, providing a cozy retreat for those who appreciate good food and great stories.
14. London Town and Gardens
Get ready to be transported to a bustling colonial seaport with the London Town and Gardens. This historic site features reconstructed buildings and lush gardens that bring the 18th century to vibrant life. It’s like stepping onto the set of a historical drama, minus the corsets!
The gardens are a horticultural delight, offering both beauty and education. Wander the grounds, and you’ll find stories layered like petals in a blossom.
15. Sotterley Plantation
Perched in Hollywood, Maryland, Sotterley Plantation offers sweeping views of history and the river below. This colonial-era estate whispers of times when the fields were alive with the rhythms of plantation life.
Stroll the grounds, and you’ll almost be able hear the echoes of the past carried on the breeze. Inside, stories of the people who lived and worked here come to life.
16. Glenview Mansion
Amid well-kept lawns and gardens, Rockville’s Glenview Mansion is a neoclassical wonder. This stately home dances with elegance, as if awaiting guests for a grand soirée. Its history is woven into the very fabric of the community.
Each of its rooms tells a tale of cultural richness and architectural beauty. The gardens beckon with open arms, offering a serene escape from the modern world.
17. Brice House
In the heart of Annapolis, the Brice House stands as a Georgian masterpiece of the 18th century. Its intricate brickwork is a testament to craftsmanship, weaving history into every corner.
The decor delights with period furnishings that speak of elegance and grace. The house isn’t just a relic – it’s a living history lesson, inviting visitors to explore its storied past.
18. Hampton National Historic Site
The Georgian splendor at Towson’s Hampton National Historic Site is larger than life. This mansion and its vast gardens resemble a passage taken from a historical epic novel. The hallways reverberate with tales of opulence and toil from its past.
Every part of the horticulturally delightful gardens holds treasures just waiting to be unearthed. In addition to being a historic landmark, Hampton serves as a gateway to Maryland’s aristocratic past.
19. The William Brown House
A beautiful example of colonial architecture and style in Edgewater is the William Brown House in Historic London Town. This 18th-century home provides a window into the past, with each chamber narrating a tale as intricate as the woodwork.
A landscape that evokes the elegance of a bygone period greets you as soon as you enter the garden. This place has a tangible past that beckons guests to investigate and interact with its stories. The William Brown House serves as a gateway to Maryland’s rich colonial past and is more than just a structure.
20. The Carroll Mansion
Baltimore’s Carroll Mansion stands as a beacon of historical opulence, with its ornate architecture and lush surroundings. Built in the early 19th century, it tells tales of the Carroll family’s illustrious past, one of Maryland’s most prominent families.
Its decor is as grand as the history it represents, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of high society.
21. The Barracks
With stone walls that have withstood decades of alterations, The Barracks in Annapolis is a reminder of military history. History is embedded into every stone of this 18th-century building, which narrates tales of troops and strategy.
The barracks are about resiliency and the spirit of the past, not just military power. Exploring its past allows visitors to experience the weight of the tales it contains.
22. St. Mary’s City
In St. Mary’s County, St. Mary’s City invites you on an immersive journey through Maryland’s colonial beginnings. This reconstructed city offers a window into the 17th century, where every building and landscape tells a story of early American life.
Visitors can walk the same streets as the state’s founders, exploring history in a living museum setting. The lush surroundings add to the allure, creating a picturesque backdrop for learning and exploration.