A former healthcare executive wants to sell his historic Maryland estate, one with 276-year-old roots and ties to King George II.
John McDaniel, former CEO of Maryland's MedStar Health, is selling "Hickory Ridge," a 19.47-acre estate at 13032 Highland Road in Highland, Maryland, that offers a four-story residence with five bedrooms, five bathrooms and a cottage-turned-guest house that dates to 1749. The property used to total 60 acres, but McDaniel sold parts of it six years ago, according to The Washington Post.
The 8,533-square-foot residence is part of the Maryland Historical Trust. Henry Ridgley, one of the first English settlers, received a land grant from King George II and built the cottage. Today, the owners use the cottage as a guest house.
The main house was built in 1789, and the current owner uses the original kitchen as a gathering space. The property later belonged to Samuel Hopkins, nephew to philanthropist Johns Hopkins. The main and guest houses fall under a historical easement, protecting them from major changes.
"It's very difficult to find an estate like this with its privacy close to Columbia, Maryland. You don't find big historic estates like this; they're usually farther out," said listing agent Richard Watson with Long & Foster Real Estate. Watson listed the residence last week.
The house is about a 10-minute car ride to Columbia and the closest town center, Watson said.
In addition to its proximity to Columbia, Watson said the home also offers equestrian facilities, a heated pool and a basement bar.
The one potential downside? Given the easement, the residence's future buyer must love historic homes and be prepared to maintain the property under historical restrictions.