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A Tour of Historic Folly Quarter Manor

This magnificent estate sits on Maryland property once owned by Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence

Bucolic Folly Quarter Manor in Maryland’s Howard County truly offers the best of both worlds. This historic estate is steeped in several fascinating chapters of American history, and its Tudor-style main residence, built in 1936, has been impeccably updated with state-of-the-art amenities and luxurious finishes. Folly Quarter is located atop a hill on 45 pristine acres. In addition to its 8,000-square-foot main residence, it has a charming guest cottage as well as horse barns, a pool, and a tennis court. The pedigreed mystique of this estate begins with Charles Carroll (1737–1832), a prominent Maryland planter who was one of the earliest advocates for independence from Great Britain during the Colonial period. He served in the Continental Congress and later became a senator for his home state.


The signing of the Declaration of Independence as illustrated on the two-dollar bill.

Charles Carroll’s signature on the Declaration of Independence is located just a few spots underneath John Hancock’s in the third column.

The only Roman Catholic signer of the Declaration of Independence, Carroll was the last surviving signatory until his death in 1832. His family, which was made up of important figures in the local economy of the region now known as Ellicott City, had obtained a land grant for the property on which Folly Quarter Manor now resides in 1702. By the 1920s, the original 10,000-acre Carroll estate had been divided into several parcels. One parcel was eventually purchased by Morris Schapiro from Van Lear Black, chairman of the board of the Baltimore Sun newspaper. Schapiro was a co-owner of the Pimlico Race Course, one of the country’s oldest thoroughbred racetracks and the site of the Preakness Stakes every spring.


The well-manicured grounds and warm-hued stone exterior of Folly Quarter Manor signal the refinement and elegance of the home’s interior.

Built in 1936, Folly Quarter Manor displays an exterior influenced by the Tudor Revival style and an interior accented by elegant Greek Revival elements.

The house that Schapiro built on Folly Quarter is a spacious but unpretentious six-bedroom home featuring Colonial-style woodwork. Given the property’s prime pasture land and Schapiro’s keen interest in thoroughbreds, it makes perfect sense that this storied home would become an equestrian estate like no other. With its elevated perch, Folly Quarter enjoys spectacular views and relative seclusion. 

The house itself is rich with thoughtfully chosen finishes and historically inspired details. The light-filled entry hall has an eye-catching black and white marble floor, and a graceful wrought-iron staircase curves up to the second floor. A hand-painted mural on the stairwell wall depicts a bucolic pastoral scene in a muted shade of green.

Just above the wrought-iron staircase, a hand-painted mural adds a compelling artistic touch to the gracious entry hall.
Just above the wrought-iron staircase, a hand-painted mural adds a compelling artistic touch to the gracious entry hall.

Extending off the entryway, a long gallery leads to the formal living room, dining room, and wood-panelled library. The dining room features rich mahogany, fluted columns, a crystal chandelier, and wall sconces.

The Folly Quarter Manor dining room is panelled in warm mahogany and lit by glimmering wall sconces and a crystal chandelier.
The Folly Quarter Manor dining room is panelled in warm mahogany and lit by glimmering wall sconces and a crystal chandelier.

In the living room, delicately carved molding surrounds each door frame and draws the eye upward. Handsome fireplace mantels are found in multiple gathering areas of this inviting home.

Custom door surrounds and crown moldings add lively patterns to the understated design of the formal living room.
Custom door surrounds and crown moldings add lively patterns to the understated design of the formal living room.

The family room of Folly Quarter Manor boasts a flat-screen TV that can be concealed when not in use as well as a marble wet bar and French doors that offer lovely views of the terrace and hills beyond.

In the family room, a coffered ceiling, marble wet bar, ornate fireplace mantel, and French doors give this cozy space elements of sophistication.
In the family room, a coffered ceiling, marble wet bar, ornate fireplace mantel, and French doors give this cozy space elements of sophistication.

The master suite has a large dressing room and luxurious master bathroom clad in Carrara marble. A floral trompe l’oeil above the tub adds visual interest to the welcoming space.

Folly Quarter Manor has six spacious bedrooms including a large master suite with adjacent dressing rooms.
Folly Quarter Manor has six spacious bedrooms including a large master suite with adjacent dressing rooms.

The refinement of the interior of Folly Quarter Manor matches the beauty and impressive history of the pristine land upon which it is located. 

The outdoor entertaining spaces at Folly Quarter are exquisitely appointed. Details include ornate decorative elements such as this unique portico.
The outdoor entertaining spaces at Folly Quarter are exquisitely appointed. Details include ornate decorative elements such as this unique portico.

The house is reached via a winding road lined with Japanese cherry trees, and the manicured grounds are home to a variety of flowering plants, giving the property the look and feel of a traditional English garden.

Folly Quarter has state-of-the-art equestrian facilities set against scenic bridle paths and pastures.
Folly Quarter has state-of-the-art equestrian facilities set against scenic bridle paths and pastures.