Maryland Landmark To Be Auctioned

Released_By: USANews Press Release Network
Date: 10/1/98
Time: 2:52:35 PM

For_Immediate_Release

Saint Mary's Co., MD - Bachelor's Hope, a historical manor home once owned by Lord Baltimore, is unparalleled in Maryland for its architectural design. No other known eighteenth century structure in the state exists with a similar combination of plan, facade and component features.

Bachelor's Hope, presumably the second oldest home in Maryland, is registered with the National Historic Trust and is a working three hundred acre farm. It is located in historic Saint Mary's County just 45 minutes from Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia.

Appraised for over one million dollars, the complete estate will be sold at auction on October 15, 1998 by Express Auctions of Baltimore.

The first structures on Bachelor's Hope were originally built by Governor Thomas Notley during the late 17th Century. An early law at the time required that all plantations be given a name for tax identification, since Governor Notley was a Bachelor, it was so named.

Upon Governor Notley's death the property was left to Lord Baltimore and Benjamin Rozier who used it primarily as a hunting lodge. Dr. H. Chandlee wrote "the lodge is an early example of the formal plan: a two story central portion with flanking and low one-story wings".

Bachelor's Hope is not the product of additions or alterations. The brick section remains in its original state. Restored in 1826 by Philip Turner the home remained in the same family for over 100 years. In 1937 it was acquired by a retired colonel who painstakingly reconditioned the manor home, even to the original color of paint.

In 1992 the current owners, Joseph and Mary Lynn Stone of Saint Mary's County, preserving the architectural integrity added 2,200 sq. ft. of modern living space by building an additional wing on the original kitchen house foundation. With 5,000 sq. ft., five bedrooms and three and a half baths, the home's plentiful space uniquely combines modern living while preserving its rich architectural history. The country estate includes three barns, a tenant's house, caretaker's quarters and a three car garage.

For further information about the auction, contact Larry Makowski, principal auctioneer, Express Auction Marketing Specialists at 800-886-4333 or fax inquiries to 410-243-1256.