Beautiful countryside vistas, nature-lover's paradise, feels like you are far away, yet the fine food and art of Frederick are only a 15 minute drive up the road. Hikes, Harper's Ferry, Ski Liberty, or just the quiet of our bucolic setting await. It can also be a part of a larger retreat when combined with 2 other farmhouses on the farm, and a restored Dairy Parlor venue. It's a great place to host friends, family, and more. You can join one of our farm-based education classes too. Chestnut House is a part of Fox Haven - a historic organic farm and non-profit ecological education center located along the Catoctin Creek in Jefferson, Maryland, within one hour of Washington D.C. and Baltimore, and 15 minutes from the charming town of Frederick, MD. Chestnut House is a restored early 19th century farmhouse cradled by beautiful rolling hills on a gravel country road. A creek gurgles in the front yard, woods loaded with birds, and a chestnut orchard are on the other three sides of the house. A big red barn - no animals - and re-purposed dairy parlor venue also sit on the property. The house has a large kitchen with double oven, lots of counter space, and a big farm kitchen table for all to share. There are two large rooms downstairs, bay window and fireplace, the other with plenty of space to stretch out for some yoga and board games. The front porch is wide and lovely, a perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace. Walking trails and the country road provide breathtaking views, birds of all sorts, and the Catoctin Creek is home to big blue herons, eagles, beaver, and plenty of rich plant life - a feast for the senses! Antiques, civil war history, rock climbing, canoeing along the Potomac or Shenandoah Rivers, minor league baseball, art studios, outlet shopping, mountain biking and so much more are all within 15-20 minutes of the house. Plenty of wineries, cideries, and distilleries are within 10-30 minutes away. The farm office is inside the house, so the phone will ring occasionally, though we turn the ringer off when guests are here. If we are holding classes out in the barn, you will see other folks around. Check in with us to see what is happening the weekend of your stay. You might want to join in the fun. Your stay supports farm programs that we offer children and adults from low income communities, people suffering with PTSD, and other life challenges. You have use of the entire house. Country gravel roads to walk, woods and streams to explore, a big porch where you can relax and observe nature, are all accessible to guests. The owner has very little interaction with the guests. Basically a welcome and then you are on your own. However, we are a working farm and occasionally have outdoor classes that meet in the barn or Dairy Parlor. We are always available by phone and are nearby if needed. Chestnut House sits along a gravel country road surrounded by fields, woods, and streams. There are a few houses up the road, but you are unlikely to see many people - mostly wildlife. Places to eat within a 5 minute drive include Ingram's Diner, an ice cream and sandwich cafe, Jefferson Pastry Shop, and Watsons chicken carry out. There is a small grocery in town, but a Safeway in Middletown or the Common Market and other grocery stores are in Frederick and will offer more options. The Appalachian Trail is a short drive (15-20 minutes) and offers great hiking and rock climbing. Bicyclists love it out here! Harper's Ferry is about a 15-20 minute drive and there's plenty of history, whitewater rafting and tubing, and quaint shops and flea markets to explore. Frederick offers an abundance of restaurants, art galleries, shops, live entertainment, museums, parks, and a triple A baseball team to watch. Brunswick is a great place to hop on the C&O bike path, grab some coffee and a homemade meal at Beans in the Belfry. There are many artists in the Middletown Valley, as well as historic sites to explore. The metrorail system offers the MARC train from Washington D.C. and Reagan National airport to Frederick and Brunswick. One must take a cab from there to Chestnut House. Sometimes you can catch a shuttle from Dulles airport to Frederick where you then take a cab to Chestnut House. We are a retreat center and occasionally offer experiences: wild food forage, garden tour. & tea tasting, herb classes, tree grafting classes, beekeeping 101 and honey tasting, etc...that you can join. You can arrange in advance for a group of 8 or more to have your own class dependent on staff availability.