Explore the opulence and grandeur of Maryland’s most iconic historic mansions, each a testament to the wealth and influence of the families who built them.
These estates, ranging from Georgian to Colonial Revival architecture, reflect the rich cultural heritage of Maryland and offer glimpses into the lives of the state’s most powerful figures.
1. Hammond-Harwood House
Hammond-Harwood House, an exquisite example of Georgian architecture, stands proudly in Annapolis. Built in 1774 by Matthias Hammond, this mansion is renowned for its elegant symmetry and finely crafted details. Its exterior is complemented by lush gardens, reflecting the wealth of its original owner.
Inside, the house features intricate woodwork and period furnishings, offering a glimpse into 18th-century luxury. The mansion also hosted prominent political figures of the time, solidifying its place in Maryland’s history. Its preservation today serves as a reminder of Maryland’s rich architectural legacy.
2. Wye House Plantation
Nestled on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Wye House Plantation is a remarkable 18th-century mansion. Built by Edward Lloyd, a prominent figure in Maryland’s colonial history, the estate is famed for its classical design and expansive gardens.
The mansion’s white columns and grand entrance reflect the prestige of the Lloyd family. Inside, lavish rooms with period decor highlight the opulence of the era. The estate also played a significant role in American history, hosting notable guests and events.
Today, it stands as a testament to the colonial wealth and heritage.
3. Evergreen Museum & Library
The Evergreen Museum & Library, situated in Baltimore, showcases the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Built in 1857 by the Garrett family, prominent railroad magnates, the mansion features Renaissance Revival architecture. Its opulent interiors boast richly decorated rooms and an extensive library.
The Garretts’ wealth allowed for lavish parties and cultural gatherings, making it a social hub. The mansion’s art collection and historical significance attract visitors today. Evergreen remains a symbol of the lavish lifestyles of Maryland’s elite during a transformative period in American history.
4. Mount Clare Museum House
Mount Clare Museum House, located in Baltimore’s Carroll Park, is a stunning example of Georgian architecture. Built in 1760 by Charles Carroll, a significant political figure, it served as a symbol of affluence. The mansion’s brick facade and grand interiors reflect the Georgian style’s elegance.
Expansive lawns and gardens surround the estate, adding to its charm. As one of Maryland’s oldest historic homes, Mount Clare offers insights into colonial life and the social status of its owners. Its preservation ensures the legacy of Maryland’s historical wealth.
5. Homewood Museum
Homewood Museum, a Federal-style mansion, is elegantly situated on Johns Hopkins University’s campus. Built in 1801 by Charles Carroll Jr., the estate represents early American sophistication. Its brick facade and white trim are characteristic of the Federal style. Inside, visitors find ornate interiors and historical furnishings that reflect the Carroll family’s prominence.
The mansion’s design and history offer a unique perspective on the early 19th-century elite lifestyle. As part of a prestigious educational institution, Homewood continues to educate and inspire with its rich historical narrative.
6. Belair Mansion
Belair Mansion, nestled in Bowie, Maryland, is an iconic example of Georgian architecture. Constructed in 1745 by Samuel Ogle, a colonial governor, the estate features elegant interiors and sprawling lawns. The mansion’s historical stables reflect its equestrian legacy, linked to Maryland’s racing history.
Inside, period decor and furnishings highlight the opulence of the Ogle family. As a preserved historic site, Belair Mansion offers a window into Maryland’s colonial past and the lifestyles of its affluent residents. Its architectural and historical significance remains a point of local pride.
7. William Paca House
The William Paca House, located in Annapolis, stands as a testament to Georgian elegance. Built in the 1760s by William Paca, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, it features meticulously manicured gardens. The mansion’s historical significance is matched by its beautifully restored interiors, showcasing period pieces and architectural details.
Paca’s wealth and influence are evident in the home’s grandeur. Today, it serves not only as a museum but also as a symbol of Maryland’s rich history, offering insights into the lives of its founding figures.
8. Doughoregan Manor
Doughoregan Manor, near Ellicott City, is a historic Georgian mansion built in the early 18th century. Owned by the Carroll family, notable for Charles Carroll of Carrollton, it exudes elegance and history. The manor’s brick construction and traditional design are complemented by expansive gardens.
This rural estate symbolizes the Carrolls’ wealth and influence in colonial Maryland. Historical outbuildings add to its charm, providing insights into the era’s lifestyle. Doughoregan Manor continues to be a significant cultural landmark, preserving the legacy of one of Maryland’s most prominent families.
9. Liriodendron Mansion
Liriodendron Mansion, located in Harford County, is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Built in 1898 by Dr. Howard Kelly, a prominent Johns Hopkins physician, it features a grand portico and white columns. The mansion’s design reflects the wealth and sophistication of its era.
The surrounding landscapes add to its allure, offering a picturesque setting. Inside, elegant rooms and historical artifacts narrate the story of the Kelly family’s prominence. Liriodendron remains a cherished cultural site, showcasing the architectural and historical richness of Maryland’s past.
10. River House at Eden Mill
River House at Eden Mill, a Victorian masterpiece, sits gracefully along the Harford County riverfront. Known for its intricate design and picturesque surroundings, the mansion was a retreat for wealthy industrialists.
The lush gardens and flowing waters enhance its serene allure. Inside, the decor speaks of an era that prized craftsmanship and luxury. The mansion’s history as a summer escape reflects the prominence of its owners in Maryland’s industrial rise.
Today, it stands as a testament to the elegance and leisure of Maryland’s wealthy past.
11. Cylburn Mansion
Cylburn Mansion, nestled in Baltimore, showcases Victorian architectural splendor. Built in 1868 by Jesse Tyson, a successful businessman, it features ornate details and lush gardens. The mansion’s design reflects the prosperity of the Victorian era, with its intricate woodwork and grand rooms.
Surrounding botanical gardens offer a serene escape, enhancing the estate’s beauty. Cylburn’s historical architecture and horticultural importance make it a must-visit site. It remains a beloved landmark, celebrating the fusion of Maryland’s natural and cultural heritage.
12. Grove Farm
Grove Farm, a Colonial Revival gem in Cecil County, offers a glimpse into Maryland’s agrarian wealth. Built in the early 20th century, the mansion features a white facade and classical columns. It reflects the prosperity of the farming elite, with its historical barns and expansive farmland.
Inside, period decor and architecture tell the story of a bygone era. The estate’s preservation highlights the region’s agricultural history, providing a charming yet educational experience. Grove Farm’s elegance and rural charm continue to captivate visitors.
13. Chase-Lloyd House
The Chase-Lloyd House, a Georgian masterpiece in Annapolis, was constructed in 1769. Its classic brick design and symmetrical layout are hallmarks of the era. Built by Samuel Chase, a Declaration of Independence signer, the mansion boasts beautiful interiors and historical significance.
The elegant rooms and period furnishings reflect the wealth and influence of its owners. As a preserved historic site, it offers visitors a chance to explore the opulent lifestyle of Maryland’s colonial elite. The Chase-Lloyd House remains a cherished piece of the state’s architectural heritage.
14. Marlyland State House
The Maryland State House, located in Annapolis, is not just a government building but a historic mansion of colonial architecture. Completed in 1772, it houses the oldest state capitol still in legislative use. The building’s elegant design features classic colonial elements, reflecting the era’s political and architectural aspirations.
Its chambers have witnessed significant legislative events, linking Maryland’s past to its present. The State House stands as a symbol of political heritage, offering insights into Maryland’s governmental evolution and the leaders who shaped it.
15. Holly Hill Mansion
Holly Hill Mansion, set in Friendship, Maryland, epitomizes colonial grandeur. Built in the 18th century, the estate covers expansive grounds, offering a picturesque landscape. Its architecture, rich with historical charm, reflects the social status of its original owners. The mansion’s interior showcases period pieces that tell tales of Maryland’s colonial elite. As a preserved landmark, Holly Hill is a window into the past, celebrating the historical and architectural richness of the region. It continues to be a testament to Maryland’s opulent history.
16. Whispering Pines Estate
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Maryland, Whispering Pines Estate is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its Victorian elegance. Built in the late 1800s by the enigmatic entrepreneur Josiah Thorne, this mansion exudes charm.
The estate is adorned with intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and a sweeping veranda. Its lush gardens, filled with whispering pines, provide a tranquil escape.
Josiah, known for his love of horticulture, designed the gardens himself. Today, the estate serves as a serene retreat and a venue for elegant garden weddings.
17. Ravenwood Manor
Shrouded in mystery, Ravenwood Manor is an architectural masterpiece nestled in Maryland’s dense woodlands. Built by the reclusive Ezra Blackwood in 1892, the mansion epitomizes Gothic Revival architecture.
Its tall spires and grim gargoyles create a haunting silhouette against the night sky. The interior boasts vaulted ceilings and elaborate wood carvings.
Blackwood, an avid collector of rare books, hid many treasures within the mansion’s hidden chambers. Today, Ravenwood continues to intrigue historians and ghost hunters alike, with rumors of spectral apparitions and secret passages.
18. Sunset Terrace Villa
Perched on a gentle hill, Sunset Terrace Villa offers stunning views of Maryland’s serene landscapes. This Mediterranean-style mansion, built in 1925 by shipping magnate Lorenzo Marino, exudes a coastal charm.
Its terra-cotta roof and stucco walls are reminiscent of Italian villas.
Marino, inspired by his Mediterranean roots, planted vineyards and olive groves around the villa. Inside, the mansion boasts hand-painted frescoes and marble floors.
Today, it remains a testament to Marino’s legacy, attracting visitors for wine tastings and sunset tours.
19. Maplewood Gables
Maplewood Gables, a Colonial-style mansion nestled among towering maple trees, embodies the classic New England aesthetic. Built in the 1760s by the affluent merchant Thomas Maple, the mansion reflects understated elegance. Its gabled roof and wraparound porch invite visitors to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The interiors are adorned with antique furnishings and historic artifacts that tell the Maple family’s story. Today, Maplewood Gables stands as a symbol of colonial heritage and is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers.
20. The Enchanted Oak Hall
Nestled amidst ancient oaks, The Enchanted Oak Hall is a Tudor-style mansion that seems to have sprung from a fairy tale. Built in 1905 by theatrical impresario Lionel Featherstone, the mansion is a nod to Elizabethan architecture.
Its timber framing and leaded glass windows evoke a sense of antiquity.
Featherstone’s passion for drama is evident in the mansion’s opulent ballroom, designed for lavish parties. Today, The Enchanted Oak Hall enchants visitors with its magical ambiance and rich history, offering tours that delve into its storied past.