Seller's Agent in 2026
Lauren Olson
RE/MAX
(240) 674-7744
1 in this area
124 Total Sales
Lorien at Avignon | A Rare Frederick County Estate
Once home to acclaimed author and Egyptologist Barbara Mertz—known worldwide through the pen names Elizabeth Peters and Barbara Michaels—Lorien at Avignon stands today as one of Frederick County’s most extraordinary historic estate offerings.
Set on over 10.24 scenic acres along picturesque Linganore Creek, this distinguished three-story Georgian stone residence, circa 1820, is recognized by the Frederick County Landmarks Foundation and showcases enduring craftsmanship, locally sourced stone construction, and preserved period detailing.
Thoughtfully restored and enhanced as a long-term residence, the property was never intended for resale and is now unexpectedly available due to a change in circumstances.
Inside, soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, restored original floors, and four working fireplaces create interiors rich in warmth and character. A dramatic solarium overlooks the gardens, while the renovated kitchen features quartz countertops, updated systems, and refined finishes that bring modern comfort to this remarkable home.
The estate offers rare everyday livability with three-zone central air conditioning, multiple heating sources, two wells, and infrastructure designed to support both home and grounds.
Outdoors, Lorien unfolds as a private sanctuary of elegant and whimsical beauty. Mature perennial gardens bloom throughout the seasons, winding paths lead to water features and gathering spaces, and the grounds include a restored gazebo, orchard, apiary, and a half-acre vineyard of Bordeaux varietal grapes currently maintained by experienced caretakers.
Two ponds joined by a waterfall, a reflecting pool inspired by Hadrian’s Villa, custom outdoor stone fireplace, and creek access just steps from the home create an atmosphere rarely found and nearly impossible to replicate.
Whether envisioned as a full-time residence, luxurious weekend retreat, creative sanctuary, or hospitality-inspired opportunity (buyer to verify intended use), Lorien offers a lifestyle few properties can match.
Optional furnishings available for a turnkey transition.. A curated selection of furnishings, décor, and functional elements is available separately, offering the opportunity for a seamless, turnkey transition. Thoughtfully chosen to reflect the character and rhythm of the estate, these pieces allow the next steward to step directly into the lifestyle Lorien has been designed to hold, where every space feels considered, cohesive, and ready to be lived in from day one.
A property of history, beauty, stewardship, and soul—ready for its next steward.
Last Agent to Sell the Property
(301) 698-5005 lauren@olsonsmithandco.com RE/MAX Results Brokerage Phone: 3016985005 Listed on: 04/29/2026
Last Buyer's Agent
(240) 397-9292 ironvalleyfrederick@gmail.com Iron Valley Real Estate Crossroads License #5003486
We collect this data history from publicly available records. To have your information removed, we recommend requesting removal directly through your county’s website.
We collect this data history from publicly available records. To have your information removed, we recommend requesting removal directly through your county’s website.
| Date | Type | Sale Price | Title Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deed | $1,220,000 | Paragon Title And Escrow | |
| Deed | $1,220,000 | Paragon Title And Escrow | |
| Deed | $700,000 | Attorney | |
| Deed | -- | -- | |
| Deed | -- | -- |
We collect this data history from publicly available records. To have your information removed, we recommend requesting removal directly through your county’s website.
| Date | Status | Loan Amount | Loan Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Previous Owner | $250,000 | Purchase Money Mortgage | |
| Previous Owner | $380,000 | New Conventional |
We collect this data history from publicly available records. To have your information removed, we recommend requesting removal directly through your county’s website.
| Date | Event | Price | List to Sale | Price per Sq Ft | Prior Sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06/12/2026 06/12/26 | Sold | $1,575,000 | 0.0% | $351 / Sq Ft | |
| 05/11/2026 05/11/26 | Pending | -- | -- | -- | |
| 04/29/2026 04/29/26 | For Sale | $1,575,000 | +29.1% | $351 / Sq Ft | |
| 06/28/2023 06/28/23 | Sold | $1,220,000 | -6.2% | $272 / Sq Ft | View Prior Sale |
| 05/10/2023 05/10/23 | For Sale | $1,300,000 | -- | $290 / Sq Ft |
We collect this data history from publicly available records. To have your information removed, we recommend requesting removal directly through your county’s website.
| Year | Tax Paid | Tax Assessment Tax Assessment Total Assessment is a certain percentage of the fair market value that is determined by local assessors to be the total taxable value of land and additions on the property. | Land | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $8,153 | $655,100 | $163,400 | $491,700 |
| 2024 | $7,729 | $626,033 | $0 | $0 |
| 2023 | $7,262 | $616,033 | $0 | $0 |
| 2022 | $6,878 | $581,400 | $114,400 | $467,000 |
| 2021 | $6,689 | $573,267 | $0 | $0 |
| 2020 | $6,689 | $565,133 | $0 | $0 |
| 2019 | $6,596 | $557,000 | $104,400 | $452,600 |
| 2018 | $6,411 | $536,233 | $0 | $0 |
| 2017 | $6,113 | $557,000 | $0 | $0 |
| 2016 | $5,346 | $494,700 | $0 | $0 |
| 2015 | $5,346 | $479,867 | $0 | $0 |
| 2014 | $5,346 | $465,033 | $0 | $0 |
Seller's Agent in 2026
Lauren Olson
RE/MAX
(240) 674-7744
1 in this area
124 Total Sales
Buyer's Agent in 2026
Frederick Genau
Iron Valley Real Estate Crossroads
(240) 446-5153
2 in this area
75 Total Sales
Seller's Agent in 2023
Elaine Koehl
Samson Properties
(301) 606-2363
1 in this area
43 Total Sales
Buyer's Agent in 2023
Alexander Esfahani
Coldwell Banker (NRT-Southeast-MidAtlantic)
(202) 701-6200
1 in this area
15 Total Sales
Source: Bright MLS
MLS Number: MDFR2080762
APN: 13-297991
Ask me questions while you tour the home.