Beauty in Neglect
On April 18, 2004 a group from our church had a tour of Blandair Farm, a 300-acre farm right in the middle of heavily developed Columbia, Maryland.
The history of the farm goes back to 1757, but the last owner was an eccentric recluse and as she aged, she allowed the farm to run down. After she died, it was bought by the county and state to serve as a regional park, but the manor house was left unguarded and became a haven for unsavory youths, who did a great deal of damage. Now protected by a caretaker who lives onsite, the mansion and outbuildings will be restored.
Meanwhile, however, the farm is a marvelous trip through real history, and a wonderful example of the beauty that can be found even in neglect.
This gallery is a tour through the grounds -- the outbuildings, fields, ponds and woods. My other Blandair gallery. Manor House, takes you through the unrestored19th century mansion.
Read MoreThe history of the farm goes back to 1757, but the last owner was an eccentric recluse and as she aged, she allowed the farm to run down. After she died, it was bought by the county and state to serve as a regional park, but the manor house was left unguarded and became a haven for unsavory youths, who did a great deal of damage. Now protected by a caretaker who lives onsite, the mansion and outbuildings will be restored.
Meanwhile, however, the farm is a marvelous trip through real history, and a wonderful example of the beauty that can be found even in neglect.
This gallery is a tour through the grounds -- the outbuildings, fields, ponds and woods. My other Blandair gallery. Manor House, takes you through the unrestored19th century mansion.
