34th Decorator Showhouse “Oakdale” a Resounding Success

After a 2 ½ year hiatus we launched our 34th Decorator Showhouse “Oakdale” in May of 2022. While we continued our mission of preservation during the no man’s land of Covid pause we could not be with lovers of historic showhouses in person until this spring. “Oakdale” proved to be one of our most successful Showhouses in recent times both financially and in attendance numbers. Our Preview Party was a sellout event on a glorious May evening by the pool with food, music and beverages flowing, people chatting, and enjoying the house’s grandeur and each other’s company. “Oakdale” was one of a kind both in its size and stature historically and architecturally.

The ancestral home of former Governor Edwin Warfield (1904-1908) provided us with soaring front entry columns, porches encompassing the view and 14 fireplaces. Hand carved mantels, moldings from ceilings to baseboards, more columns on the interiors and sumptuous rooms for entertaining the politically influential, both today and in Edwin’s time! We changed a lot of things in order to accomplish this production including moving the time frame of the Showhouse from our fall dates to spring. This house afforded us the opportunity to present history from the front door to an entire room dedicated to the site’s past.

We began the reimagine in early March and opened May 11th, eight weeks of moving out, in, up, down, painting, sanding, plastering, cleaning and cleaning again. Designers begged and borrowed to fill their rooms during the unprecedented nightmare of supply chain problems, and yet as it always does, magic happened. With gracious owners, tireless volunteers, generous sponsors and advertisers, we brought forth a piece of Maryland history for attendees far and wide. Relatives of those whose ancestors, both free and enslaved, had walked the same floorboards 150 plus years ago visited the house. And now that is why we can never relinquish our devotion to history and historic preservation!

For all who participated in, attended and sponsored, WE THANK YOU! And now our search for number 35 begins, see how you can participate by becoming a member, sponsor or volunteer.

HEC, Inc.’s 34th Decorator Show House has ended.

Thanks to all of our designers, volunteers, vendors and attendees who helped to make it such a great success!

All About the Historic Oakdale Showhouse

Former Estate of Maryland Governor Warfield

15 days, 17 Designers, 22 Rooms, 9,500 square feet, 180 acre site with Large Boutique,

Estate Sale and Artist Galleries

A Great Cause…

striving to preserve our historic buildings in Ellicott City and Howard County

This show house includes many special events planned throughout the month and has an onsite café for your dining enjoyment. Begins with a gala Preview Party on May 11th and continues through June 5th.

Historic Ellicott City, Inc. is pleased to announce its 34th Decorator Show House, Oakdale, located at 16449 Ed Warfield Road, Woodbine MD 21797. Since 1984 our organization has been hosting Decorator Show Houses to support our mission of preservation and restoration of historically significant buildings and homes in Old Ellicott City and Howard County. This is our primary fundraiser, and as such not only your attendance but participation is so very critical to our continued operation and support of our mission.

Currently listed for sale at $6,000,000 by Richard Watson of Long and Foster Real Estate, this culturally, historically, and architecturally significant home, Oakdale, circa 1838 and 1898, former home of Maryland Governor Edwin Warfield, is a magnificent estate on a tranquil 180-acre tract only 20 miles from both the Washington and Baltimore beltways. On The National Register of Historic Places and sited on land acquired by the Warfields in 1766, the main house boasts 12-inch thick brick walls and 12 fireplaces, with 24 rooms and 5 baths comprising over 9,500 sq. ft.

Impressive, original detail and craftsmanship are prominent throughout, and the grand front porch, graced by 18′ Roman Doric columns, provides a striking view of the property’s fields and woods, bested only by the stunning vista from the rooftop widow’s walk. An addition to the main residence, Oakdale Hall (2005), masterfully designed and artfully integrated, provides an additional 8,870 sq. ft. of space and a superb setting for grand entertaining or concerts. A large pool and indoor spa further enhance the property. The combined structures are gracefully connected via a 120′ covered colonnade merging into the main wraparound porch.

Show House Admission Ticket Pricing

Standard	$30 in advance purchased on this website or at our selected retail outlets, $35 at the door
Membership Packages	$30 HEC membership (individual) new or renewal + one $25 ticket
	$45 HEC membership (family) new or renewal + one $25 Ticket
	$75 membership (business) new or renewal + one $25 Ticket
	Additional tickets cost $30 when purchased in advance, $35 at the door
Group Packages	Minimum of 10 tickets, $25 each, must be purchased in advance on this website in one transaction, and must attend as a group.
	Private tour groups by prior arrangement only. Contact 410-461-6908 for further details

Retail Outlet Advance Ticket Locations

The Antique Center at Historic Savage Mill
Clarks Hardware, Ellicott City
Kendall Hardware, Ellicott City
The Pink Cabbage, West Friendship
Shoemaker Country, Ellicott City
Wheelhouse Farm Market, Glenwood
The Wine Bin, Ellicott City

Directions & Parking

Located approximately 20 miles from both the Baltimore and Washington beltways. Look for signs on Ed Warfield Road to direct you to entrance and parking

Hours of Operation

Opening Date: Friday, May 13, 2022 10AM - 5PM
Thursdays: 10AM - 8PM
Fridays & Saturdays: 10AM - 5PM
Sundays: 11AM - 5PM
Closing Date: Sunday, June 5, 2022 11AM-5PM