Auction Information
IMPORTANT AUCTION Historic 'Stansbury Mansion'
McArtor & Co. with RE/MAX Components
Auctioneer ID#: 2319
Phone: 443-885-0875
IMPORTANT PUBLIC AUCTION
Historic 'Stansbury Mansion'
Held On-Site: 1616 Eden Mill Road - Pylesville, MD. 21132
Sale Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026 @ 10 AM (Preview begins 9 AM)
Public Inspections: Monday, August 24, 2026 from 10 AM to 2 PM
and Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 3 PM to 5PM
Historic Stansbury Mansion
A once-in-a-generation opportunity awaits with the offering of the legendary Stansbury Mansion, one of Harford County's most distinguished historic estates. Gracefully overlooking the scenic Eden Mill Nature Center and Deer Creek, this extraordinary Federal-style residence has stood as a landmark of Maryland history for more than two centuries.
Constructed in 1801, just 2 years after the death of President George Washington, using clay sourced directly from the property, the mansion showcases exceptional craftsmanship rarely found today. Rising three stories above its picturesque hillside setting, the home welcomes visitors with soaring ceilings, impressive proportions, rich architectural detailing, and timeless elegance throughout.
The residence features four grand columned porches that frame breathtaking views of the surrounding woodlands, while nearly every room opens to expansive verandas that invite the outdoors in. A magnificent mahogany staircase with its graceful cherry balustrade serves as the centerpiece of the home, connecting spacious rooms filled with original hardwood floors, decorative moldings, oversized windows, heavy wood doors, and distinctive bubbled-glass transoms. Four impressive fireplaces anchor the home's formal living spaces, adding warmth and historic character.
The generously sized kitchen includes a large pantry—once home to the mansion's original dumbwaiter—and provides direct access to the attached stone springhouse. Complete with its original stone basins and shelving, this remarkable space offers endless possibilities as a wine cellar, tasting room, entertaining area, or preservation project.
Thoughtfully updated over the years, the home includes two spacious full bathrooms added in 1965, one of which incorporates a dedicated laundry area with washer and dryer.
Beyond the main residence, the property includes a historic brick outbuilding that once served as both a smokehouse and privy, a charming stone-and-glass front porch, and a detached three-car garage.
Surrounded almost entirely by protected parkland, the estate enjoys an unmatched natural setting overlooking Eden Mill Nature Center. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate immediate access to Deer Creek, canoe and kayak launches, hiking trails, a handicap-accessible boardwalk, abundant wildlife, and the peaceful beauty that has made this area one of northern Harford County's treasured destinations.
What is your Vision? Airbnb? VRBO? Personal Residence? Museum?
Whether your vision is to preserve a remarkable piece of Maryland history, establish a private estate, or steward one of the region's architectural treasures, the Stansbury Mansion presents an opportunity that is truly without equal. The Eden Mill Park Nature Center is located directly in front of the mansion. The 118-acre park has multiple access points, self-guided hiking trails, and free daily entry from dawn to dusk.
The nature center and historic grist mill museum welcome thousands of guests annually. The park is a popular local destination managed by a nonprofit committee in partnership with Harford County Parks and Recreation.
If you are planning a visit, you can explore their five miles of hiking trails, use the adaptive canoe/kayak launch on Deer Creek, and register for seasonal environmental programs through the Eden Mill Nature Center Events Calendar
For additional information on the rich history of the Stansbury Mansion and Eden Mill, please refer to the publication Eden Mill, which chronicles the historical significance of both the estate and its surrounding community.
Terms of Sale
All bidders must register prior to the auction and provide satisfactory identification and show deposit in the form of cash, certified bank check or cashier's check only. The Auctioneer reserves the right to refuse or revoke bidding privileges at its sole discretion.
METHOD OF SALE
The property will be offered at Public Auction with a Reserve. The Seller reserves the right to accept or reject the highest bid if the reserve price is not met. Once the reserve has been met and the Auctioneer declares the property sold, the successful bidder shall immediately execute the Contract of Sale.
BUYER'S PREMIUM
A Buyer’s Premium of 12% will be added to the final high bid to determine the Total Contract Purchase Price.
DEPOSIT
The successful bidder shall provide an earnest money deposit of $20,000 immediately following the auction. Deposit shall be made by certified bank check, cashier's check or cash ONLY. The deposit will be held in escrow and applied toward the purchase price at settlement.
SETTLEMENT
Settlement shall occur on or before 30 days following the auction, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties.
PROPERTY CONDITION
The property is being sold AS IS, WHERE IS, with all faults and without warranties or guarantees of any kind, expressed or implied. Bidders are encouraged to conduct all desired inspections and due diligence prior to bidding.
FINANCING
The sale is NOT contingent upon the purchaser obtaining financing. Bidders are expected to have financing arranged prior to the auction if needed.
TITLE
Seller shall convey marketable title by General Warranty Deed / Special Warranty Deed / Trustee's Deed, free and clear of monetary liens except those specifically disclosed.
CLOSING COSTS
Seller shall pay the cost of deed preparation and any liens required to convey marketable title. Purchaser shall pay all customary buyer closing costs, including transfer and recordation taxes, settlement fees, lender fees (if applicable), title insurance, and recording costs, unless otherwise provided in the Purchase Agreement.
DEFAULT
If the purchaser fails to comply with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the earnest money deposit may be forfeited as liquidated damages or other remedies available under Maryland law may be pursued.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Any announcements made by the Auctioneer on the day of sale shall take precedence over all prior advertisements, brochures, or printed material.
By registering and placing a bid, each bidder acknowledges that they have read, understand, and agree to these Terms of Sale.
RENOVATIONS / REPAIRS
Bidders agree to complete all due-diligence as to any potential repairs or renovations. The house and privy are both on the Maryland Historic Registry and that renovations may be eligible for state tax credits. The Stansbury Mansion property is a designated Harford County Historic Landmark, so any work on the property that requires a permit or would alter the exterior of the historic buildings (excluding regular maintenance) requires review by the Harford County Historic Preservation Commission before it can be undertaken. Qualified rehabilitation costs, excluding new construction, are eligible for the Harford County Historic Preservation Tax Credit. State tax credits may also be available from the Maryland Historical Trust.
For Further Information, contact Mr. Jacob Bensen, Historic Preservation Planner, Harford County Department of Planning & Zoning
Telephone: 410-638-3103
E-mail: historic@harfordcountymd.gov
NOTE: The mansion is surrounded by park land. It is believed that no one can build next to it. It is the only house inside the park.
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