A Georgian Masterpiece: Wood's Mill Farm Offers Rare Opportunity to Own Revolutionary War History
- Morgan Martin Boyer
- 18 hours ago
- 4 min read
This isn't just a luxury home—it's a National Register of Historic Places property with 255 years of American history, 25+ acres, and architectural significance that connects you directly to Maryland's founding families.
Nestled on over 25 pristine acres in Keymar, Maryland, Wood's Mill Farm represents far more than an exceptional real estate opportunity—it's a chance to become the steward of a property that has witnessed nearly three centuries of American history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and priced at $2,200,000, this Georgian masterpiece tells the remarkable story of Colonel Joseph Wood and the founding of what would become Woodsboro.
Revolutionary Roots Run Deep
The story of Wood's Mill Farm begins with Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Wood Jr. (1743-1788), a Revolutionary War soldier whose legacy extends far beyond the battlefield. Born into a family of English emigrants who first settled in Cecil County's "Bohemia Manor," Colonel Wood was destined to leave his mark on Frederick County's landscape and history.
Colonel Wood founded Woodsberry (now Woodsboro) on January 1, 1786, serving with the 37th Battalion (Catoctin) Maryland Militia during the Revolutionary War. He married Ann Reed on April 9, 1769, in what would become Woodsboro, and together they established this remarkable homestead that would anchor a growing community.
The Wood family's American story traces back even further—Colonel Wood's great-grandparents, William Wood and Susanna Merkall, were Quakers who emigrated from Nottinghamshire, England, and first settled in Darby, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. This connection to early American settlement patterns makes Wood's Mill Farm a tangible link to the colonial experience.
Architectural Excellence of the Georgian Era
Built around 1770, the Colonel Joseph Wood House stands as "an unusual example of an 18th-century brick, Georgian style manor house" featuring a two-story brick structure with a distinctive hipped roof and inside end chimneys. The Georgian style, popular during the colonial period, reflected the prosperity and sophistication of successful landowners like Colonel Wood.
The property's architectural significance extends beyond the main house. Two distinctive outbuildings—a remarkable two-story, two-room stone and brick smokehouse with a gable roof, and a substantial brick end barn built around 1830—demonstrate the evolution of the farm complex over time. These structures represent the practical necessities of 18th and 19th-century agricultural life, preserved in exceptional condition.
National Recognition and Preservation
Wood's Mill Farm earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, recognizing its exceptional historical and architectural significance. The listing identifies the property's periods of significance spanning from 1750-1799, 1800-1824, and 1825-1849, with significant years noted as 1770 and 1835. This designation places the property among Maryland's most important historic sites, joining over 1,500 other properties deemed worthy of preservation.
The National Register criteria specifically recognize the farm for both its association with significant persons (Colonel Joseph Wood) and its architectural importance as an exemplary Georgian-style manor house. This dual recognition is relatively rare and speaks to the property's multifaceted historical value.
Modern Luxury Meets Historic Charm
Today's Wood's Mill Farm seamlessly blends historical significance with contemporary luxury. The 6,227 square feet of interior living space includes 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, with an impressive 6 fireplaces throughout—5 gas and 1 fireplace feature. The home showcases period-appropriate details like exposed beams, crown molding, chair railings, and wainscoting, while incorporating modern conveniences including an elevator for accessibility.
The property's impressive amenities include:
Six-car detached garage with ample parking
Gourmet kitchen with island and separate breakfast area
Library with gas fireplace and hardwood floors
Multiple entertaining spaces including formal dining room and den
Finished basement with walk-out access
Private well and septic system
Whole house generator for reliability
Climate-controlled wine storage and water treatment system
A Working Farm's Legacy
The "Mill" in Wood's Mill Farm speaks to the property's historical function as more than just a residence. Like many colonial-era properties, this was likely a working farm with grain-processing capabilities that served the broader community. The 25.02-acre tract maintains its agricultural zoning, preserving the rural character that has defined this landscape for centuries.
The property includes a pond and maintains much of its historical agricultural character, offering new owners the opportunity to continue farming traditions or simply enjoy the expansive grounds that have remained largely unchanged since Colonel Wood first established his homestead.
Investment in American Heritage
At $353 per square foot, Wood's Mill Farm represents exceptional value for a National Register property of this caliber. The property taxes of $13,372 annually reflect the modest cost of maintaining this piece of American history. For discerning buyers seeking more than just a luxury home, this represents an opportunity to become a steward of Revolutionary War history while enjoying modern comfort and convenience.
The rarity of such properties cannot be overstated. Georgian-style manor houses from the 1770s, particularly those with documented histories connecting them to Revolutionary War figures, represent some of America's most precious architectural heritage. Most colonial-era homes of this significance are either museums or have been lost to development—making Wood's Mill Farm an extraordinary private ownership opportunity.
Schedule Your Private Tour
Wood's Mill Farm offers sophisticated buyers the rare chance to own a piece of American history while enjoying all the amenities of a luxury country estate. From its Georgian architectural details to its connection with Revolutionary War hero Colonel Joseph Wood, this property represents both historical significance and modern luxury in perfect harmony.
View the full MLS listing here: Wood's Mill Farm in Keymar MD
Contact Morgan Boyer at 304-596-3100 or Hunt Country Sotheby's International Realty at 703-443-1757 to schedule your private showing of this National Register treasure. Experience firsthand where American history meets luxury living on over 25 pristine Maryland acres.