Walnut Grove

Mar 13, 2009

Walnut Grove, built around 1780, was once the home of Colonel Gassaway Watkins, of the Army of the Revolution. The site overlooks some of the most beautiful farmland in Maryland. It is located at 5192 Sheppard Lane, Clarksville, Maryland.

The land on which Walnut Grove stands was originally owned by Thomas Browne of “Browne’s Chance and Dorsey’s Friendship.” The house and out buildings were surrounded by walnut trees with a long line of elm trees leading to the house. Walnut Grove is both historically and architecturally an outstanding property.

Once out of the service, Colonel Watkins returned to Walnut Grove. He married and raised a large family on these beautiful grounds. Upon his death in 1817, one son, Richard Gassaway Watkins inherited the property. Eventually, the property was purchased by Edwin Warfield, grandson of Colonel Watkins who later became the governor of Maryland. The Watkins were a large family and prominent in Maryland politics.

Unfortunately, the property became unoccupied from 1929 to 1959. It was purchased by T. Stockton Mathews and then changed hands several times. Over the years Walnut Grove fell into disrepair but a Baltimore businessman, W. Sears Hebb, took on the monumental task of restoration. The smokehouse and springhouse remain. The historic family cemetery lies several hundred feet from the home. Forty acres remain with the house.

Walnut Grove is listed on the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties.

The 25th Decorator Show House was open from September 19-October 18, 2009. Almost 5,000 guests visited the home. Ellen Bell was Chairperson and Lorna Ozgun was Assistant Chairperson.