Welcome to Hill Meadow Farms, a charming retreat nestled in the forested hills and mountains of Big Pool near Clear Spring in Western Maryland. Enter the iron front gates and travel along the long, curving drive, past acre after acre of green pastures, meandering fences, bronze carriage lamps, and Virginia pine trees. Take your time and bask in the peaceful landscape, dotted with quaint barns and pastures. And then you’ll see it. A pebbled circular drive, the three-tier fountain, and an ornamental Japanese Maple. The brick and stone façade of a stately Colonial property rests on a gentle hill – the perfect image of home.
The moment you enter the foyer, its spacious two-story entry will take your breath away. A red cedar Palazzo front door welcomes you in while the Oak flooring leads you to a curved staircase with elegant, hand-crafted iron scrollwork balusters and handrails.
Beyond, a family great room is the heart of the home, where the focal point is a double-sided fireplace with hearth and surroundings made of fieldstone taken from the property itself. A custom dry bar features a mantel with reclaimed corbels, lighted travertine backsplash, and exposed brick treatment. Meanwhile, French doors open into the Billiards Game room with custom window treatments, poplar wood flooring, and a glass door beyond that opens onto a patio with views of the front pastures.
The formal dining room offers both abundant space and comfort for entertaining large gatherings or intimate dinner parties. The Brown Emperador marble hearth and rosewood carved mantel of the gas and wood fireplace warms the room, while the bronze crystal double chandelier is elegance itself. Creating the perfect meal for such a room is a snap in the spacious chefs kitchen. Honed Absolute Black marble countertops and stainless steel appliances give the kitchen a sleek ambiance, while a farm-house sink, large pantry, center island, and hand-crafted cabinetry with a pecan finish offer utility. Stainless Steel appliances include a 48” Viking Dual-Fuel commercial gas stove, two separate electric ovens, separate 30” refrigerator and 30” freezer, and Fisher and Paykel Double-Drawer Dishwashers.
An entire finished basement floor is dedicated to recreation at its best. Modern amenities like a media room and utility rooms combine with an old world style derived from exposed beam ceilings, stone masonry, and travertine flooring. A separate space is the perfect place for an exercise room or children’s playroom, while the perfect room for a connoisseur is the Tuscan wine cellar. It offers the perfect temperature and humidity for storing hundreds of your favorite vintages, while a separate tasting room with reclaimed New York street brick flooring and fieldstone arched doors offers the perfect setting to enjoy them.
For outdoor entertaining, a large back patio features a grilling area with a 36” stainless steel DCS Professional grill, ceramic burners, searing elements, and a rotisserie. Formal gardens, a screened-in gazebo, and a whole house system that encompasses this serene retreat make this the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Valencia Travertine stone is laid in a French Versailles pattern, while a deep elliptical pergola adds a Tuscan ambiance.
In addition to its formal living and dining spaces, the home also offers the perfect amenities for family life. An informal dining and gathering room enjoy a double-sided fireplace, and beyond, a gallery hall overlooks the reflection pool and patio.
True comfort and luxury lie in the second floor master suite. A private entrance and hall lead to this spacious bedroom with a gas fireplace, and sitting area where you can wake up to mountain views that you can enjoy while savoring your morning cup – made from the built-in coffee bar – on the private breakfast porch. Further refinement lies in the master bathroom, where black cabinets and white porcelain combine for luxurious surroundings with the two-person Emperador marble steam shower and large skirted Kohler Vintage porcelain soaking tub. A walk-in closet completes this en-suite offering abundant space, well-lit dressing areas and plentiful storage.
A secondary master suite is perfect for a children’s bedroom or spacious adult’s retreat. A pair of French doors open into a large garden bathroom with a jetted tub, and a step-in shower. A third bedroom features stunning vistas and access to yet another porch. A sitting area, formal library and office with its own fireplace, and custom cherry shelving, complete this domestic haven.
Meanwhile, the first floor guest suite features an old-world, French country charm. An office, laundry room, mud room, and attached single-car garage all offer utility and convenience. A second, separate, extra-wide two-car garage boasts handmade cedar doors, bronze carriage pendants, and second floor storage.
Outside, Hill Meadow Farms is bursting with life. Beautiful formal gardens, herb and cutting gardens, vegetable and flower beds, and a potting shed that doubles as a seasonal greenhouse are perfect for cultivation aficionados. A shade garden with cypress, dogwoods, redbuds, and honey locusts offers a quiet place for meditation, while the nearby waterfall and pond offer tranquility.
Many of the remaining 76 acres consist of pastures, rolling hills, and forest. The property also has eight outbuildings which include a hay barn, machine garage, livestock barn, corn crib, and historical log cabin that was built in the 1800’s. The property has been home to cattle, however it is versatile enough for other livestock, including horse boarding, or farming. The main house has even been host to an idyllic bed and breakfast.
Hill Meadow Farms has the perfect mix of peaceful countryside and proximity to plenty of amenities including over 20 Colleges and Universities. Ski, golf and try your luck at Whitetail Resort, Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Races, or Rocky Gap Casino Resort. Shop and dine in Hagerstown, Shepherdstown, Frederick, or Tyson’s Corner. Take in American Revolutionary and Civil War history at Fort Frederick State Park and the city of Gettysburg. All these and more are within your reach, and if the great outdoors is more to your liking, hike, bike, or boat around Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, the Western Maryland Land Rail Trail, or High Rock Lookout.
Washington DC, just an hour and a half away, is home to historical monuments, the Smithsonian Museum, The Kennedy Center, and all three branches of the federal government. Just a few minutes more and you will hit Baltimore, the birthplace of the American National Anthem and home to the National Aquarium and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy Baltimore Oriels, Baltimore Ravens, and Washington Redskins home games, as well as the Baltimore Grand Prix, The Maryland Jockey Club, and the Military Bowl – all in two of the nation’s most historical and culturally significant cities.
Travel to and from Hill Meadow Farms is easy. Ronald Reagan Washington National and Baltimore-Washington International Airports are each an hour and a half away, while Hagerstown Regional Airport is just 25 miles from the property.