Hot House: Mistfield Farm, 15324 Falls Road, Butler, MD 21023
One-hundred and twenty-eight-acre farm, circa 1779, with traditional-style farmhouse, circa 1952, all in pristine condition. Seven bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 7,722 sq. ft. house in brick and wood with Hardiplank siding. Living room with fireplace, large formal dining room with fireplace, gourmet country kitchen with Aga and Wolfe ranges, wood-paneled family room/den off kitchen with beamed ceiling. Private setting with panoramic views. Guest house, horse barn and fencing, stone party barn. Two ponds and swimming pool: $4,500,000
What: Autumn, the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,” when owning a horse farm most seems like a good idea. This is a pretty nice one. It’s been home for nearly 20 years to Ron Shapiro, the well-known attorney and sports agent (Cal Ripken, Jr., Brooks Robinson, Kirby Pluckett), who is now special advisor to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti. A 2013 article from the Sports Business Journal highlights Shapiro’s career and an account of his move to the farm in 1990.
There are three great aspects to Mistfield. First of all, it’s in great shape — no need to walk around looking for water damage or dry rot. Second, the views (see photos online) are really all that. Rolling fields of grass and grazing horses, uninterrupted by a neighboring development, thanks to the continuing efforts of the Valley Planning Council. Finally, the house manages to be luxurious and welcoming without dominating the landscape or shouting for attention with grand architectural flourishes. For equestrians, there are probably different priorities, but it seems unlikely that anyone would be disappointed.
Where: Off of Falls Road in Sparks, about four miles north of the intersection with Tufton Avenue — John Browns General and Butchery is on the corner. The Hunt Valley Towne Center and its Wegmans, about seven miles away, will probably be your everyday shopping destination. Around 40 minutes to downtown Baltimore.
Why: Stone party barn.
Why Not: You’ll have to share the impressive, tree-lined approach with two other farms.
Would Suit: Gentle(wo)man farmer.
NB: Broker blurb suggests you “salivate over the wormy chestnut kitchen.”
it’s beyond me why anyone would want to have an aga in our summers. they’re always on. and if you have an electric one, that’s shameful.