
Home & Garden Pilgrimage – 5/21
Writer: L. Beth Bonifant | Spring-Summer 2022
St. Mary’s County is on May 21, 2022 – For more information or tickets, go to mhgp.org, call 301-861-6112 or email Lbethbonifant@gmail.com.
Following a two-year absence, the Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage tour returns to Southern Maryland with the help of the St. Mary’s County Garden Club on May 21st, 2022. This year marks the 91st anniversary of tours organized and sponsored by the MHGP committee. Established in 1931 for the primary purpose of promoting preservation, and restoration of architecturally and historically significant properties in the state of Maryland, MHGP teams up with counties across the state each spring to invite “pilgrims” for a peek into some of the area’s most unique and special properties.
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ALL FAITH EPISCOPAL CHURCH 3885 New Market Turner Road, Mechanicsville All Faith Episcopal Parish and Church began in 1650 when land grant families and settlers arrived from England. The original log building was rebuilt twice before the Vestry voted in 1766 to build the present brick church of Georgian colonial design on the same site. Stop in at the “invisible” church hall, constructed below ground level to retain the 18th-century ambience of the churchyard, to view an independent documentary film, “Let There Be Light” about the art of stained glass. The film features work of Rowan LeCompte who designed the Rose Window in All Faith’s Chancel.
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TRENT HALL 29350 Trent Hall Road, Mechanicsville Located on the Patuxent River south of Trent Neck Creek on land granted to Thomas Truman in 1654. Truman was the first commander of Maryland under Lord Baltimore, as well as a member of Maryland Council in 1658. His counterpart in Virginia was John Washington, grandfather of George Washington. Truman built the first manor house, Trent Neck, soon after arrival. Its enormous center chimney was still standing when John DeButts purchased the property in the 1780s. DeButts built the current Trent Hall Manor in 1789 with a center hall entry and both front and back porches. There are four fireplaces in the main dwelling; a large open hearth in the attached kitchen appears to likely predate the manor house. Trent Hall survived British warships anchored in the Patuxent during the War of 1812. This property is considered by many as one of the crown jewels of colonial Maryland. Owners: Dr. Henry and Nancy Virts.
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THE WILLIAMS RESIDENCE 29447 Carrie Lee Lane, Mechanicsville Built in 2010 on Trent Hall Creek by the owners who collaborated with local architect Lisa Davis Holmes to design their dream house. Welcoming guests from all approaches, the tree-lined drive is in full bloom with thousands of daffodils in spring. Double front doors facing the waterside are flanked with the warm flicker of gas lights. Furnished in a fine mix of traditional and antique pieces throughout, the home’s interior has many unique and appealing features created by some of the area’s most talented craftsmen and artists. Look for the colorful Majolica collection curated by Mrs. Williams and upper porches adorned with white Chippendale railing crafted by Mr. Williams. Owners: Randy and Cindy Williams.
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DELABROOKE MANOR 41280 Delabrooke Road, Mechanicsville In 1650, Robert Brooke with his family of 10, a household of 28 and a pack of foxhounds arrived by ship from England to settle his original land grant of 2,000 acres on the Patuxent River. Brooke was commander of the newly created Charles County and acting governor of the province in 1652. The 1658 patent as the 18th Manor in Maryland will be on display with transcription. The current structure, built in 1835 of brick made locally and parged with oyster shells, stands dramatically 25 feet from the river’s edge. Delabrooke remained in the possession of direct family descendants for more than 277 years. In 1927, the house was sold to British diplomat Mr. Goodhart. Visit Delabrooke to learn more about this interesting chapter of Anglo-American history through World War II and the famous people who came to call, including President Franklin Roosevelt. Walk the 600-foot-long pier constructed for his wheelchair and explore the grounds and gardens of this manor with such a rich past. Exterior only. Xella Winery will offer wine tastings beginning at noon, and a demonstration by the De La Brooke Foxhounds W Hunt club is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Owners: Mr. and Mrs. Goodhart.
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BIRCH HANGER 26815 Baptist Church Road, Mechanicsville Nestled in the heart of Mechanicsville is beautiful Birch Hanger Farm. Situated on 85 acres, the house was originally built in 1818 by Judge Mark Chunn as a suitable home for his new bride Annie Matilde Dent. In 1870, the home became a private school for boys and remained until becoming a tobacco farm in 1907. The current home features many of the original rooms including a tack room turned family den. Antique furniture pieces reflect the homeowners’ love of furniture restoration. A short stroll down the dirt road leads to an original slave cabin, believed to have been built in the 1600s. A pool and pool house, barns and detached garage have been added to complete the farm. Pre-ordered lunches served at this site. Owners: Bill and Heather Schoenbauer.
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BALDWIN-BRISCOE HOME AND GARDENS 45030 Steer Horn Neck Road, Hollywood This Williamsburg-style plan constructed in 1980 was modified by the owners on the waterside to take advantage of spectacular Patuxent River views. A charming, dormered house with clapboard siding and handmade oversized brick ends and foundation laid in a Flemish Bond pattern. Family antiques, heirlooms and furniture accumulated from Baltimore, Budapest and Sotterley Plantation, the birthplace of Janice Briscoe’s grandfather, are scattered throughout the house. The property has remained in the Briscoe family since the 1800s during the timeframe they also owned Sotterley. Experience the “Harry Potter Room” inspired by the Red Room at Sotterley with an ornate copper ceiling. Outdoors, enter into the 11,000-square-foot live hedge maze through one of three dramatic arched gates and discover the two-story “folly” inside with Sotterley-style Chippendale.railings and hand-painted floors. Cross the Japanese moon bridge with transparent decking to view the koi pond below and stop in at the family’s restored 1850s tobacco barn customized for hosting events and annual concerts. Tobacco Barn Distillery will be in the barn with complimentary samplings of Maryland’s premiere bourbon along with other whiskies and spirits from 2-5 p.m. Owners: Samuel C.P. Baldwin Jr. and Janice Briscoe.
- ANCHORED ROOTS FARM 45281 St. Cuthbert Farm Road, Hollywood Located on the banks of the Patuxent River, Anchored Roots is a working cut-flower farm growing fresh cut flowers for Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, customers, local events and floral designers. Operating since 2017, Anchored Roots Farm has slowly transitioned from a commodity crop field to a diverse crop of annual and perennial flowers. The owners follow organic practices and have implemented several pollinator habitats on their property. A custom-designed, fresh-flower photo-op by owner Priscilla Leitch will be on display for use in your own special photos. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season on Anchored Roots Farm. Owners: Jacob and Priscilla Leitch.
WHEN YOU GO
Lunch – Boxed lunches are available by pre-paid orders received no later than May 4. Lunches will be served or available to go from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Birch Hanger. Limited seating capacity. Sandwich choices: turkey and Swiss; club (trio classic); roast beef; and vegetarian (all sandwiches served on fresh-baked bread). Sandwich selections come with a pickle, chips, side salad and cookie. The salad option is a gluten-free chicken Caesar salad with gluten-free bread. All lunches include a bottle of water. Mail a check payable to SMCGC for $15 along with your lunch choice to: Duffy Boyd, P.O. Box 7, Chaptico, MD 20621. Contact Duffy at duffyboyd@gmail.com or call 301-481-6090. •
TICKETS
Advance tickets are $35 at mhgp.org. Tickets are $40 at the door, available at all locations. Cash and check only. Don’t have time for the entire tour? Tickets for individual locations may be purchased for $15 each. Tours are held rain or shine. “Pilgrims” may begin their self-guided tour at any of the addresses provided above or go in the sequence listed. A tour book containing a map, addresses and descriptions is included with each ticket purchase. For more information or tickets, go to mhgp.org, call 301-861-6112 or email Lbethbonifant@gmail.com