montpelier mansion

The gardens here are incredible. I have been there many times and always like to go alone when I have much to think about. Very therapeutic to my mind. Although i always enjoyed alone, would be a great place for single parents to bring their children to bond and communicate.

The Needleart that's exhibited is exquisite; so intricate and unbelievably unique.The boutique set up in one wing of the house is lots of fun to visit. Tours of the historic house are interesting too.

My wife and I have been to many Colonial & Early American Estates in the Northeast; from Mount Vernon the home of our 1st President, to the estates of the DuPonts of Delaware and of the robber Baron estates in Newport RI. This estate holds it's own in archer true and historical significance. Beautiful estate and gardens, which should be visited along with these other gems. Only $3 admission too!

This is a very interesting mansion, it has a lot of history and at times they have various programs, tea time. When I took my granddaughter she loved it and wanted to live at the mansion.

This stately Georgian red brick mansion is in a picturesque, peaceful country setting on 70 acres off Route 197 / Laurel-Bowie Road, a very busy secondary highway. Built between 1781 and 1785, Montpelier Mansion was home to Maj. Thomas Snowden and his wife Anne. It was originally a 9,000 acre plantation. Maj. Snowden had 162 slaves, plus indentured servants. From the types of barns on the grounds, it is believed that it was a tobacco plantation. Maj. Snowden was also an owner in the family’s ironworks. Famous visitors to the house included George Washington and Abigail Adams en route to the White House after her husband John became second President of the U.S. During our visit on a Saturday, we took a self-guided tour. Rates were $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for seniors, and $1.00 for children ages 6-18. We found the house furnished in period furniture. The first major room was the dining room. There was sofa, the original dining table, reproduction chairs, and two sideboards along with crystal, glasses, and a tureen. Next was the lady’s chamber. The remarkable furnishing here was the white quilt on the four-poster bed. Documentation on it stated that each puff in the quilt was stuffed individually. The parlor was next. There were antique maps. One dated from 1752 and was done by Thomas Jefferson’s father Peter. It was in good condition. The room contained antique violins, playing cards, a game of dominoes, and a jigsaw puzzle. It was obvious that this was the home a very well-to-do family as these pastimes were not part of family life for the middle and lower classes. In the library, there was a curiosity. It was a sizable standing fox that turned out to be holding an ashtray. There was also a nice French gold gilt mantel clock. Room documentation said that it dated from the 1840’s and was not original to the house. And, as expected, there were antique books along with portraits of various Snowdens. Upstairs, the first bed chamber had another curiosity. Next to the washbowl was a shiny pewter item. Room documentation stated it was a baby bottle. There was also a 1770 Chippendale mahogany-frame wing chair. Next was a fun room for youngsters. It was the Hands-On Room. There was chest with period items such as tri-corn hats, sunbonnets, aprons, a shawl, period shirts and skirts, etc. for youngsters to dress up for those times. There also toys such as Jacob’s ladder, whirligigs, and ball and cup.Last was the Snowden’s bedroom which contained an actual Snowden family bed form 1830. There were also two wingback chair reproductions. On our way outside, we stopped by the small gift shop in the entryway and the restroom nearby.Outside, we visited the colonial herb garden, carriage house, art center, and summer house where ladies would have tea. Then, we explored the path through a fruit tree orchard. Montpelier Mansion has a number of events that include holiday candlelight tours, educational programs for schools and Girl Scout/Boys Scout groups, concerts, festivals, reenactments, special exhibits, lectures, seminars, and occasional teas. The mansion is also available for rental for weddings, receptions, luncheons, and meetings. We enjoyed our visit to this well-kept, scenic museum home. It is one of major attractions in Laurel. We recommend a visit to anyone staying in the Baltimore-Laurel-Washington area. If you found this review helpful, kindly click YES below.

Peace & tranquility surround you as you tour the former home of Pres. James And (1st)First Lady Dolly Madison. Standing in the room where Madison composed the framework for The Virginia Plan, which served as foundation for the U.S. Constitution gave me a feeling of patriotism and pride....Frequent house guest, Thomas Jefferson's architectural influence is highlighted throughout the house. The final family to reside here, the DuPont's graciously do acted the place to us all....An American landmark worth spending the day at.Visitor's Center has it all...Good food, drink, nice Rest Rooms and a good gift shop.But the story that sticks in one's mind the most, is the dedication of slave Paul Jennings, who was present with Pres. Madison upon his death, and despite being " sold" by Dolly, due to her being left destitute by her son's debts, Mr. Jennings continue to care for Dolly, giving her food and care till she also died.Perhaps Mr. Jennings deserves our gratitude, as well.

My father grew up in a historic Howard County mansion originally built for one of the daughters that grew up in Montpelier. Going and visiting Montpelier was like taking a walk back in time for my father, but also a wonderful experience for the rest of us as well. The house is beautiful and interesting and the grounds are gorgeous and a great place to explore for a few hours. We also really enjoyed the gift shop and got some really nice blankets with the mansions on them. I wanted to have my wedding here but they did not hold the number of guests I invited. It is a beautiful location and such a big difference from the busy street just steps away. It is a great day trip and a nice trip away from the hustle and bustle of things. I really enjoyed how beautifully the bedrooms were decorated!

Lovely mansion with tons of history. They have a ton of free activities and movie nights, a small quiet garden area.

We enjoyed visiting one of the few remaining plantation homes in this part of Maryland. The docent guided tour was very god and quite informative.

This mansion has art shows and lots of events for little or no cost. You can find prettier plantations but I don't know any one with more activities per year. If there is an admission fee it is never high.

The grounds were peaceful and well kept and it was interesting to see how people lived and entertained in bygone eras. While the mansion is listed as the attraction, you are not told that about 30% of the “attraction” is the (exquisite) needlework art on display. When you enter the mansion you are told of two separate prices: one to see the mansion and another to see the needlework however, at the end you are told that you cannot see the mansion without seeing the needlework, located in a few areas of the mansion. Why mention two prices when the needlework is a mandatory part of the tour, which doubles the price? The needlework art is beautiful however, it should be told up front that the needlework is a mandatory part of the attraction, which doubles the price of admission. The admission for both attractions is only $6 but I think employees should be honest because some people are on a strict budget and there may be several family/friends visiting together. With that said, I would definitely recommend this attraction – just be honest and people won’t mind paying.

This is one of the great mansions of PG county. The Architecture and the grounds make you feel like you are back in colonial times. A hidden treasure in the congested Washington Baltimore area. Make sure you take a tour of all the out buildings.

In the summer the have great free concerts every other Friday evening. The have a semi trailer which unfolds into a full stage which is set up at the bottom of a natural slope of meadow. Bring your own chairs or blankets and coolers and set on the hill side for the concert. We recently attended a Tribute to Motown music. It was a two hour concert by a group from Washington. Very nice way to spend an evening with your family or your sweetie.

Its not a bad place to stroll and have a picnic. The gounds are maintained. You feel like you are back in time. You can smell the old bricks and actually unwind.

The drive out was very scenic and I did some vineyards tours the same day. Enjoy the beautiful Virginia countryside while en-route to Montpelier Mansion.