Richard Watson

** One of 10 Nationwide Finalists for HGTV Homes w/a History ** . In 1726, a tract of land known as Hickory Ridge, a high point in what is now Howard County, MD, was ~patented~ by royal land grant to Col. Henry Ridgeley by King George II. A stone cottage was constructed circa 1749, &, as George Washington was taking office in 1789, Col. Ridgeley~s son, Greenberry Ridgeley, began construction of the manor house, which was expanded in the early 1800's. The property was subsequently owned by notable Maryland families including The Hopkins, The Owens, & The Clarks. During the 75-year Hopkins period, it was known as White Hall, after their family home near Annapolis. Beautifully maintained & carefully restored by the current owner over the last 35 years, Hickory Ridge is listed on The Maryland Historic Trust & lends its name to one of the 10 villages of Columbia. The property is sited on 64 acres in Highland, MD, close-in to shopping & amenities. Approached by two gated, tree-lined lanes & boasting classic period details & exemplary materials & craftsmanship, Hickory Ridge comprises the manor house, the 1749 cottage, carriage house/office, & an English greenhouse. First-class equestrian facilities include two barns with a total of 20 stalls, a separate tack room & gym, eleven double-fenced paddocks, five run-in sheds, two exercise rings, & a trail. Completing the grounds are a 3-car garage & a large equipment shed. The bucolic setting is meticulously landscaped & graced by specimen trees, a large meadow & woods, 4 ponds, historic boxwoods, stacked-stone walls, brick pathways, & English-style gardens. At the Manor House, unlock the 200+ year-old door with the original lock & key, welcome your guests into the stunning reception hall, & entertain them on the sweeping side porch. Choose the evening's wine from the incomparable underground barrel-ceiling wine cellar, enjoy a lavish meal in the gracious dining room, & then repair to the formal living room for an aperitif, or retreat below to your own Jockey Club Pub to draw an ale or watch the big game. Outside, stroll among the English gardens or host a barbecue in the secluded picnic grove by the large pond. Overnight guests may be comfortably accommodated in the charming 2BD cottage. At leisure, enjoy the large bedrooms, high ceilings, & modern baths. Read a book in the paneled library or appreciate the view from the sunroom. Cook gourmet meals in the modern kitchen and savor them in the family dining room, once the original 18th century kitchen. Personal business may be attended to in the large, private 3rd-floor office. In winter, cozy up to one of 8 fireplaces. Venture outside, take-in the sublime setting, & relish the quiet and privacy. Stroll through the lush gardens or meditate in the tranquil hidden Zen garden. Enjoy the cottage butterfly garden by day, or the ubiquitous fireflies at night. Nurture plants in the greenhouse, workout in the gym, jog along the trails, or take a dip in the 50x25 heated pool. Comprising 12 separately deeded parcels, including 7 approved building lots, Hickory Ridge offers many possibilities for future owners. The ability to construct additional homes provides the perfect opportunity for a family compound for multiple generations. For those desiring a smaller estate, the secondary parcels would lend themselves to divestiture without disturbing the sight lines from the main house. The large barn & surrounding paddocks currently house an independent equestrian business, which could continue, providing the ambiance of an active horse farm & income, leaving the second barn & paddocks for personal use. With an unrivaled location in the heart of Howard County, & within easy reach of Baltimore, Washington, & Annapolis, this historic estate offers luxury & comfort for family living, elegant space for grand entertaining, facilities to pursue your equestrian dreams, & a rare close-in sanctuary for those seeking privacy with easy access to area amenities.