Hot House: White Oaks, a Horsey History on Seven Pastoral Acres. 5 Bedrooms/7
Bathrooms. 9,145 Square Feet. 2734 Caves Road, Owings Mills. $6.9 million.
What: Set on a hilltop overlooking Caves Valley (both the actual valley and the club),
sits the historic White Oaks, a 1905 stone house, which has been thoughtfully enlarged
and restored by Delbert Adams & Co. The minute you enter through the original front
door, you see its beautiful details, most of which were carefully retained during the
renovations. The living and dining rooms each have original fireplaces, and the newly
built sunken den has a new stone fireplace.
The new wing includes a gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, a huge center
island, and a bay-windowed breakfast nook, overlooking the property. In addition,
there is a large mudroom, connecting the kitchen to a four-car garage with a small
loft above.
The second floor has a massive primary suite with a sitting room, a walk-in closet that
would be the envy of almost everyone, and a beautifully remodeled bath. Another
bedroom with its own bath, and a former bedroom which has been converted to a
large laundry room, complete with a center island. The third floor has three
additional bedrooms and another bath, as well as some of the original rooms for the
live-in help.
Outside, the property is very special, with lovely landscaping that enhances the old
stone house and a view across the valley (please don’t cut down the trees to enhance
it!). There are covered porches, bluestone patios, a huge grill with heating and
cooling, a pool with a pool-house with a small kitchen and bathrooms.
The old stables have been converted to a “party barn” which has its own kitchen,
bathrooms, and huge gathering space with a large stone fireplace. It has a second
floor with a full bath, which could be a private office, guest space or a studio.
The property has a history of equestrian excellence, with a three-time winner of the
Maryland Hunt Cup living on the property, and the winning horse being buried there as well. Part of the property was used for a large horse-breeding and -training operation.
Where: “White Oak” or the Cottman House is located on Caves Road between Park
Heights Avenue and Garrison Forest Road. The property is a short drive over to
Reisterstown Road and all of the stores, restaurants and shops there. A few of the
private schools are within a 15-minute drive.
Final Appraisal: If you are looking for a property that feels like a wonderful resort,
White Hall might be the house you’re looking for. Tasteful additions over the past 15
years expanded the home’s footprint by about one-third and careful renovations
brought the house into 21 st century living. The most recent owner took a job in New
York.
The listing for the house is here.
Photographs from the listing and by the author.
