Montpelier Mansion
Montpelier Mansion
4.5
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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MstqMI
Manistique1,299 contributions
May 2023
This is not to be confused with Montpelier, home of James & Dolley Madison located in VA. This Montpelier was built by Major Thomas Snowden, very wealthy and a slave owner. The booklet for the self guided tour was very thorough and the house was beautiful. Also had gorgeous gardens outside.
Written May 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maurene_K
Dover, NH12,593 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
This stately Georgian red brick mansion is in a picturesque, peaceful country setting on 70 acres off Route 197 / Laurel-Bowie Road, a very busy secondary highway.
Built between 1781 and 1785, Montpelier Mansion was home to Maj. Thomas Snowden and his wife Anne. It was originally a 9,000 acre plantation. Maj. Snowden had 162 slaves, plus indentured servants. From the types of barns on the grounds, it is believed that it was a tobacco plantation. Maj. Snowden was also an owner in the family’s ironworks.
Famous visitors to the house included George Washington and Abigail Adams en route to the White House after her husband John became second President of the U.S.
During our visit on a Saturday, we took a self-guided tour. Rates were $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for seniors, and $1.00 for children ages 6-18.
We found the house furnished in period furniture.
The first major room was the dining room. There was sofa, the original dining table, reproduction chairs, and two sideboards along with crystal, glasses, and a tureen.
Next was the lady’s chamber. The remarkable furnishing here was the white quilt on the four-poster bed. Documentation on it stated that each puff in the quilt was stuffed individually.
The parlor was next. There were antique maps. One dated from 1752 and was done by Thomas Jefferson’s father Peter. It was in good condition. The room contained antique violins, playing cards, a game of dominoes, and a jigsaw puzzle. It was obvious that this was the home a very well-to-do family as these pastimes were not part of family life for the middle and lower classes.
In the library, there was a curiosity. It was a sizable standing fox that turned out to be holding an ashtray. There was also a nice French gold gilt mantel clock. Room documentation said that it dated from the 1840’s and was not original to the house. And, as expected, there were antique books along with portraits of various Snowdens.
Upstairs, the first bed chamber had another curiosity. Next to the washbowl was a shiny pewter item. Room documentation stated it was a baby bottle. There was also a 1770 Chippendale mahogany-frame wing chair.
Next was a fun room for youngsters. It was the Hands-On Room. There was chest with period items such as tri-corn hats, sunbonnets, aprons, a shawl, period shirts and skirts, etc. for youngsters to dress up for those times. There also toys such as Jacob’s ladder, whirligigs, and ball and cup.
Last was the Snowden’s bedroom which contained an actual Snowden family bed form 1830. There were also two wingback chair reproductions.
On our way outside, we stopped by the small gift shop in the entryway and the restroom nearby.
Outside, we visited the colonial herb garden, carriage house, art center, and summer house where ladies would have tea. Then, we explored the path through a fruit tree orchard.
Montpelier Mansion has a number of events that include holiday candlelight tours, educational programs for schools and Girl Scout/Boys Scout groups, concerts, festivals, reenactments, special exhibits, lectures, seminars, and occasional teas. The mansion is also available for rental for weddings, receptions, luncheons, and meetings.
We enjoyed our visit to this well-kept, scenic museum home. It is one of major attractions in Laurel. We recommend a visit to anyone staying in the Baltimore-Laurel-Washington area.
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Built between 1781 and 1785, Montpelier Mansion was home to Maj. Thomas Snowden and his wife Anne. It was originally a 9,000 acre plantation. Maj. Snowden had 162 slaves, plus indentured servants. From the types of barns on the grounds, it is believed that it was a tobacco plantation. Maj. Snowden was also an owner in the family’s ironworks.
Famous visitors to the house included George Washington and Abigail Adams en route to the White House after her husband John became second President of the U.S.
During our visit on a Saturday, we took a self-guided tour. Rates were $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for seniors, and $1.00 for children ages 6-18.
We found the house furnished in period furniture.
The first major room was the dining room. There was sofa, the original dining table, reproduction chairs, and two sideboards along with crystal, glasses, and a tureen.
Next was the lady’s chamber. The remarkable furnishing here was the white quilt on the four-poster bed. Documentation on it stated that each puff in the quilt was stuffed individually.
The parlor was next. There were antique maps. One dated from 1752 and was done by Thomas Jefferson’s father Peter. It was in good condition. The room contained antique violins, playing cards, a game of dominoes, and a jigsaw puzzle. It was obvious that this was the home a very well-to-do family as these pastimes were not part of family life for the middle and lower classes.
In the library, there was a curiosity. It was a sizable standing fox that turned out to be holding an ashtray. There was also a nice French gold gilt mantel clock. Room documentation said that it dated from the 1840’s and was not original to the house. And, as expected, there were antique books along with portraits of various Snowdens.
Upstairs, the first bed chamber had another curiosity. Next to the washbowl was a shiny pewter item. Room documentation stated it was a baby bottle. There was also a 1770 Chippendale mahogany-frame wing chair.
Next was a fun room for youngsters. It was the Hands-On Room. There was chest with period items such as tri-corn hats, sunbonnets, aprons, a shawl, period shirts and skirts, etc. for youngsters to dress up for those times. There also toys such as Jacob’s ladder, whirligigs, and ball and cup.
Last was the Snowden’s bedroom which contained an actual Snowden family bed form 1830. There were also two wingback chair reproductions.
On our way outside, we stopped by the small gift shop in the entryway and the restroom nearby.
Outside, we visited the colonial herb garden, carriage house, art center, and summer house where ladies would have tea. Then, we explored the path through a fruit tree orchard.
Montpelier Mansion has a number of events that include holiday candlelight tours, educational programs for schools and Girl Scout/Boys Scout groups, concerts, festivals, reenactments, special exhibits, lectures, seminars, and occasional teas. The mansion is also available for rental for weddings, receptions, luncheons, and meetings.
We enjoyed our visit to this well-kept, scenic museum home. It is one of major attractions in Laurel. We recommend a visit to anyone staying in the Baltimore-Laurel-Washington area.
If you found this review helpful, kindly click YES below.
Written September 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marcyNewYork
new york140 contributions
Nov 2013 • Business
The grounds were peaceful and well kept and it was interesting to see how people lived and entertained in bygone eras. While the mansion is listed as the attraction, you are not told that about 30% of the “attraction” is the (exquisite) needlework art on display. When you enter the mansion you are told of two separate prices: one to see the mansion and another to see the needlework however, at the end you are told that you cannot see the mansion without seeing the needlework, located in a few areas of the mansion. Why mention two prices when the needlework is a mandatory part of the tour, which doubles the price? The needlework art is beautiful however, it should be told up front that the needlework is a mandatory part of the attraction, which doubles the price of admission. The admission for both attractions is only $6 but I think employees should be honest because some people are on a strict budget and there may be several family/friends visiting together. With that said, I would definitely recommend this attraction – just be honest and people won’t mind paying.
Written January 10, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LOTRfan
Jessup, MD343 contributions
Without a doubt, one of the hidden jewels in Laurel, Maryland is the Montpelier Mansion. From Maryland-197, one would never guess of the wonderfully preserved 18th Century Georgian mansion located above the busy road. The mansion was built by Major Thomas Snowden approximately 7 years after he married Anne Ridgeley in 1774. Snowden and Ridgeley came from very prominent Maryland families. Snowden was part owner in a family ironworks located along the Patuxent River as well as owning 9,000 acres of land surrounding the mansion. The present estate consists of the mansion, carriage house, summer house, arts center and 70 acres of land.
The mansion itself is beautifully preserved and gives a glimpse into life of the late 18th and early 19th century. Some of the rooms contains pieces of furniture that were owned by the Snowden family and were original furnishings in the mansion. On the first floor, visitors can see the dining room, parlor, library and the best bedroom as they would've looked during the early 19th century. On the second floor, one can see two bedrooms including the Snowden Bedroom which features a rope bed filled with cornhusks and straw. The bed was one common at that time. The second floor also has the household school room where the Snowden children would've been taught how to read, write and do their numbers.
Outside the mansion is a very nice colonial garden and grounds. The grounds would be great for enjoying a picnic. There is the carriage house where the visitor will find the The Little Teapot Giftshop run by Valerie Peacock [--]. The shop has the standard tourist t-shirts as well as an extensive selection of loose teas (over 50), British teas and tea sets. Miss Peacock also offers afternoon teas in the mansion on selected Fridays. Reservations are mandatory for the teas. If interested, please call 301-498-8486 to find out when the next tea will be and or to make reservations.
The Montpelier Arts Center [--] features works by resident artists. The day I visited, they were displaying a number of prints by Shirley K. Hubalek. There are also various metal pieces of art in the main gallery.
The mainsion offers self-guided and guided tours. Self-guided tours are available Monday through Saturday, Noon to 3 p.m. Guided tours are given on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost for either tour is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and groups, $1 for ages 5 to 18 and free for those 4 and under. The arts center is free. The mansion is located on Muirkirk Road just off of Maryland-197. If travelling along the Maryland-295 Beltway, you would take the Maryland-197 towards Laurel. You would turn left onto Muirkirk Road and take the first right into the entrance for the mansion (there is a sign). The mansion has at least 40 or 50 parking spaces.
The mansion holds various special events. On July 7th, 2007, it'll hold it's "A Day in the Life of a Patriotic Soldier." This will show how life was for a Revolutionary War soldier. The cost for this event is $7. For additional events or further information on the mansion, please check out their website at [--]
The mansion itself is beautifully preserved and gives a glimpse into life of the late 18th and early 19th century. Some of the rooms contains pieces of furniture that were owned by the Snowden family and were original furnishings in the mansion. On the first floor, visitors can see the dining room, parlor, library and the best bedroom as they would've looked during the early 19th century. On the second floor, one can see two bedrooms including the Snowden Bedroom which features a rope bed filled with cornhusks and straw. The bed was one common at that time. The second floor also has the household school room where the Snowden children would've been taught how to read, write and do their numbers.
Outside the mansion is a very nice colonial garden and grounds. The grounds would be great for enjoying a picnic. There is the carriage house where the visitor will find the The Little Teapot Giftshop run by Valerie Peacock [--]. The shop has the standard tourist t-shirts as well as an extensive selection of loose teas (over 50), British teas and tea sets. Miss Peacock also offers afternoon teas in the mansion on selected Fridays. Reservations are mandatory for the teas. If interested, please call 301-498-8486 to find out when the next tea will be and or to make reservations.
The Montpelier Arts Center [--] features works by resident artists. The day I visited, they were displaying a number of prints by Shirley K. Hubalek. There are also various metal pieces of art in the main gallery.
The mainsion offers self-guided and guided tours. Self-guided tours are available Monday through Saturday, Noon to 3 p.m. Guided tours are given on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost for either tour is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and groups, $1 for ages 5 to 18 and free for those 4 and under. The arts center is free. The mansion is located on Muirkirk Road just off of Maryland-197. If travelling along the Maryland-295 Beltway, you would take the Maryland-197 towards Laurel. You would turn left onto Muirkirk Road and take the first right into the entrance for the mansion (there is a sign). The mansion has at least 40 or 50 parking spaces.
The mansion holds various special events. On July 7th, 2007, it'll hold it's "A Day in the Life of a Patriotic Soldier." This will show how life was for a Revolutionary War soldier. The cost for this event is $7. For additional events or further information on the mansion, please check out their website at [--]
Written June 19, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bdoon
Washington DC, DC29 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
As a resident of Laurel, MD I have to be honest. We ended up in Laurel 20 years ago as a compromise that neither of us wanted (though God has a reason which became clear to us a few years after we moved there). Montpelier is located off of US 1 near the Balto-Wash Parkway (in other words, congestion, convenience stores, gas stations, etc.) The whole area impacted by the ongoing development of Konterra (planned community by Kingdon Gould, driect descendant of Robber Baron Jay Gould. Prince Georges County ranks right behind Baltimore City in violent crime. the building is attractive but setting a diamond in a necklace made from Budweiser cans degrades the diamond. Unless you are in Wash DC and have seen everything else you want to see.......
Written September 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Summertime Traveling Professor
Baltimore, MD309 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
My father grew up in a historic Howard County mansion originally built for one of the daughters that grew up in Montpelier. Going and visiting Montpelier was like taking a walk back in time for my father, but also a wonderful experience for the rest of us as well. The house is beautiful and interesting and the grounds are gorgeous and a great place to explore for a few hours. We also really enjoyed the gift shop and got some really nice blankets with the mansions on them. I wanted to have my wedding here but they did not hold the number of guests I invited. It is a beautiful location and such a big difference from the busy street just steps away. It is a great day trip and a nice trip away from the hustle and bustle of things. I really enjoyed how beautifully the bedrooms were decorated!
Written August 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick S
Laurel, MD380 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
We took the behind the scenes tour, which takes you to the attic, cellars, and hidden staircases. Somewhat challenging. Very knowledgeable guide who had lived at this pre-revolutionary war dwelling. House has been expanded, updated, and hosted a lot of interesting folk. See the vault in the basement.
Good place to visit during normal hours as well, particularly during the Holidays.
Good place to visit during normal hours as well, particularly during the Holidays.
Written November 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adrianaenvy
Laurel, MD2 contributions
Lovely mansion with tons of history. They have a ton of free activities and movie nights, a small quiet garden area.
Written August 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John P
Fairfax, VA383 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
We enjoyed visiting one of the few remaining plantation homes in this part of Maryland. The docent guided tour was very god and quite informative.
Written July 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SML-Travels
Perry Hall, MD77 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
We visited Montpelier Mansion on our way home from a Maryland beach trip. The Mansion has a very detailed booklet that gives you a self-guided tour. The Mansion provides information about the Snowden family and makes sure to address aspects of the lives of the Snowden family's slaves. There are historical furnishings in most of the rooms, including little objects of daily living that we modern folks aren't likely to be familiar with. Perhaps because we've visited a number of other historic homes over the years, we were just meh on this one. Nevertheless, if you happen to be in Laurel, it might be worth taking a look.
Written July 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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