A trip back in time between Baltimore, D.C. and Annapolis
Most famous as the home of Maryland’s beloved Renaissance Festival, Crownsville is a sprawling community in Anne Arundel County that is more than just jesters and jousting. “It’s a nice community,” says Realtor Dave Wright, managing member of The Wright Team of Coldwell Banker and lifelong Annapolis resident. "Some of the houses have waterfront access to the Severn River, and it's right in the triangle between Baltimore, D.C. and Annapolis.” Despite this centrality and its status as a popular destination, Crownsville is a secluded neighborhood where houses sit on large lots, towered over by mature trees and separated by two-lane country roads. While some land is slowly being developed, Crownsville’s quietude remains undisturbed. “It’s still going to maintain its rural character for a while yet,” Wright adds.
The Renaissance Festival at Revel Grove
Since 1985, Crownsville has played host to the Maryland Renaissance Festival. For nine weeks starting at the end of August, hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on the fictional 16th-century village known as Revel Grove to indulge in tankards of mead, devour colossal turkey legs and browse the 140 vendor stalls in search of magical artifacts. All through the fall, bards delight tavern patrons with jovial tunes; knights square off in the jousting ring, and children are knighted by the king and the queen before running off with their friends to climb a castle wall or navigate a canvas labyrinth. However, as Crownsville Road is the only avenue into and out of the festival, residents should expect heavy traffic on autumn weekends.
The wooded country outside of Annapolis
Prospective buyers will find various styles of detached single-family homes in Crownsville. Minimalist options like ranch-style homes and cottages sit across the street from larger two-story Colonial Revivals and expansive multi-acre estates. Prices begin around $500,000 for smaller inland homes and climb over $1 million for large estates on the Severn River. All homes in the neighborhood are spread out from one another and feature front and backyards with ample space for landscaping projects. An important aspect, however, is Crownsville’s lack of available public utilities. “It’s one of the few areas in and around Annapolis that’s still on well and septic,” Wright says. “For septic tanks, owners must use best available technology systems, which can be a $20,000 pill to swallow.”
Commencement in Crownsville
Children on the north side of Crownsville are zoned to attend Millersville Elementary School, which has served the community continuously since its construction in 1965. On the south side, they attend South Shore Elementary, where they receive education in environmental literacy. All students then proceed to Old Mill Middle School South, where they can participate in Sea Perch, an underwater robotics club. All three institutions score a B-plus from Niche. At Old Mill High School, which earns a B, students can develop sound financial strategies in the Millionaire’s Club or compete for a spot on the varsity bocce squad.
Annapolis Mall, Lures and Rams Head
When shopping for groceries and everyday essentials, residents can take a quick 5-mile drive down Generals Highway to Safeway, Sam’s Club and the Westfield Annapolis Mall. A community cornerstone since 1980, Annapolis Mall features over 130 retailers and is home to many casual eateries frequented by locals. For a quick bite closer to home, Lures Bar and Grille offers a menu full of classic Maryland seafood options like crab cakes and fusion dishes like shrimp stir-fry tacos. “Lures is very popular,” Wright says. “I play golf at the Eisenhower course with a group of guys on Mondays, and we always stop in at Lures after.” At Rams Head Roadhouse, locals treat themselves to National Bohemian beer at a special price during all Orioles baseball games.
The Severn River and Bacon Ridge
Featuring beaches, boatyards and marinas, Crownsville offers residents direct access to the Severn River for fishing, crabbing and boating. At Bacon Ridge Park and Natural Area, locals can meander along 20 miles of trails through the forest and the wetlands or practice mountain biking at Skills Park. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy their proximity to The Preserve at Eisenhower Golf Course, a historic public facility that features a newly renovated 18-hole course designed to both challenge players and create an environmentally friendly wildlife sanctuary.
Generals Highway and I-97
Generals Highway is Crownsville’s main thoroughfare, connecting the neighborhood to Annapolis 5 miles south. Residents will also likely use Interstate 97, which runs between Annapolis and Baltimore. This provides the most direct route to Baltimore Washington International Airport 16.5 miles to the north.
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Snyder
