The perfect gift for every occasion

  • The Blue and Gold Suite, richly decorated in the US Naval Academy's colors, is well appointed with 19th century antiques. It's adjacent sitting room is also filled with both victorian and empire aged furniture. The rooms are spacious and comfortable - with a queen sized bed. Beautiful views of the gardens and grounds are found through all 6 windows in the suite!
    The Sullivan Suite is quietly appointed with early 20th century furnishings in the bedroom (a queen sized bed) and mid-19th century pieces in the sitting area. It was the suite most frequently praised after the May 2003 local historical society tour (550 people can't be wrong!).
    The only first floor suite, this very accessible pair of rooms is furnished with an old art-nouveau bedroom set (full bed) with loads of character! A little more "campy" than the more formal upstairs suites, it has been very popular with the young generations. It also boasts wonderful views of the gardens and woods - you can enjoy the antics of the wildlife from your window seats.
    Come and enter the bygone era of victorian summer-home living. The Wilderness invites you to come out for a visit and get lost in your dreams......

    • Address 2 Thistle Rd.
      Catonsville, MD 21228
      USA
    • Phone+1-410-744-0590
    • EmailContact Innkeeper
    Inn's website

    Not your average B&B – Welcome to The Wilderness! Surrounded by woodland tracts of The Patapsco Valley State Park, this Victorian era summer mansion has been restored to its country manor atmosphere, and offers unequalled peace and privacy. 210 years of history await you at The Wilderness – an historic preservation and hospitality award winning B&B providing suites for discriminating guests. Large rooms, comfy beds, fabulous baked goods and nearly total seclusion give guests the sense of “being somewhere totally different”, although only minutes from historic Ellicott City and Catonsville, and only 15 minutes from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The Wilderness is like no other B&B in the area - Come out for a visit and get lost in your dreams!

    Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 63 Reviews

    4.7 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  5
    • Services  5
    • Value  5
    • Cleanliness  5
    • Dining  5

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    5 out of 5
     

    Historic Beauty

    January 23, 2013

    LOVED this place!!! The owner/hostess was so generous with her home, we felt as though it was ours. The breakfasts were delicious and healthy and on the day we left she evven made us a go-to breakfast!! The propertyt is amazing so historic and set in the most beautiful forrest setting. The wildlife and views were a treat every day. Hope we can return again very soon.

    4.4 out of 5
     

    Beautiful, quiet, friendly

    December 03, 2012

    The house is beautiful, with huge suites, large windows, etc. Our hostess was very friendly and a very good cook - the orange chocolate cake in the afternoon was a particular treat. She made our 9-year-old son very welcome as well. The location is great for hiking and visiting Ellicott City. We enjoyed our visit and hope to return.

    4.8 out of 5
     

    The Wilderness Birthday Weekend

    November 09, 2012

    The Wilderness was a very special experience for my wife's birthday weekend getaway. Quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but then convienent to Ellicot City and Baltimore/Washington. Ellen was the best host we have experienced in our B&B stays and in reflection we honestly felt more like family than guests. We highly recommend a stay at The Wilderness.

    5 out of 5
     

    Outstanding

    November 05, 2012

    Quiet, comfortable, and excellent breakfasts.


    Location

    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeeper(s)

    Ellen Sawaya

    Innkeepers Description:

    Gardening, baking, art and architecture, travel, meeting people.

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English

    Resident Pets

    3 Cats

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  • Rooms & Rates

    • Nightly Rate $125 - $150

    The Dugan Suite

    The Dugan Suite is a family-friendly suite with a main bedroom (queen size bed) and a 2nd bedroom (which includes a twin bed). The possibility of an additional twin/camp bed is available for those families requiring 2 single beds in the secondary bedroom. The rooms are spacious, filled with antiques and all have views of the extensive woods and gardens surrounding the house. The private bath is large and directly off of the main bedroom.

    • Maximum Capacity: 4
    • Bathroom Private Bath
    • Beds 1 Queen, 2 Twin

    Contact for Availability Contact

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check In: 3pm or after    Check Out: 12p

    • Minimum Stay: A 2-night stay is preferred, but we try to be flexible.

    • Deposit Amount Required: 50% deposit required to hold suite - suites rented on first come first served basis.

    • Cancellations: 1 week cancellation notice is required for a full refund of the deposit. No refund is made for cancellations with less time unless it is possible to rent out the suite at the spur of the moment. For certain holidays/local events 2 weeks notice will be required for a refund - guests will be alerted of this at the time of their reservation confirmation.

    • Open All Year Round: No


    General Policies

    • Smoking Allowed: Limited

    • Guest Pets Allowed: No

    • Drinking Allowed: Yes

    • Drinking Description: a glass of wine or beer on Saturday afternoon at tea time

    • Drinks Available: Yes

    • Children Allowed: 2 suites have a 2nd twin bed - will discuss ages

    • Suitable For Children: Limited

    • Childcare Provided: No : Children must be supervised at all times while in B&B.

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  • Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 63 Reviews

    4.7 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  5
    • Services  5
    • Value  5
    • Cleanliness  5
    • Dining  5

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    5 out of 5
     

    Historic Beauty

    January 23, 2013

    LOVED this place!!! The owner/hostess was so generous with her home, we felt as though it was ours. The breakfasts were delicious and healthy and on the day we left she evven made us a go-to breakfast!! The propertyt is amazing so historic and set in the most beautiful forrest setting. The wildlife and views were a treat every day. Hope we can return again very soon.

    4.4 out of 5
     

    Beautiful, quiet, friendly

    December 03, 2012

    The house is beautiful, with huge suites, large windows, etc. Our hostess was very friendly and a very good cook - the orange chocolate cake in the afternoon was a particular treat. She made our 9-year-old son very welcome as well. The location is great for hiking and visiting Ellicott City. We enjoyed our visit and hope to return.

    4.8 out of 5
     

    The Wilderness Birthday Weekend

    November 09, 2012

    The Wilderness was a very special experience for my wife's birthday weekend getaway. Quiet and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but then convienent to Ellicot City and Baltimore/Washington. Ellen was the best host we have experienced in our B&B stays and in reflection we honestly felt more like family than guests. We highly recommend a stay at The Wilderness.

    5 out of 5
     

    Outstanding

    November 05, 2012

    Quiet, comfortable, and excellent breakfasts.

    4.8 out of 5
     

    Pleasant Stay

    October 10, 2012

    Very nice, close to home, get away. Food was unique and declicious. the whole house was beautifully decorated and the bed was comfortable. We were made to feell right at home by our hostess. We have already recommended it to friends.

    5 out of 5
     

    Wonderful experience!

    October 03, 2012

    The Wilderness Inn is over 100 years old (and has had only four owners in all that time!). The suites are delightfully decorated and spacious. Lots of light from those big windows.. Very comfy bed. The grounds are lovely and surrounded by woods, so it's a peaceful, quiet place. The innkeeper, Ellen, is very friendly and a pleasure to talk with. She also makes the best chocolate cake in the world! Snacks are always available, and breakfast was excellent. I spent two nights and wished I could have stayed longer.

    4.2 out of 5
     

    great place to stay,very quiet and relaxing.

    September 22, 2012

    we love this place 2nd time we stayed here.Both times were great.very relaxing ,clean and close to hiking.

    5 out of 5
     

    Beautiful Escape

    September 15, 2012

    A glimpse into the past right in our own backyard. We live in Catonsville but needed a local place to stay while our house was being worked on and this turned out to be a great find.. So glad we stayed here and will definitely recommend the Wilderness to friends and family.


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  • Location Type

    • Countryside

    City - Baltimore

    • Distance to city: 10 miles

    • Directions to property:
      Interstate 95 - off on Rte 195 West toward Catonsville. Follow signs for North Rolling Rd (Rte 166 North). Stay on this approx 3 miles - deadends into Rte 144 Frederick Rd. Turn left on Rte 144 and go through next traffic light (Candle Light Inn will be on your left as you go through the light). Half mile down on your left is Thistle Rd. - directly before Dimitri's Grill - turn left and The Wilderness is one half mile back on the right - #2 Thistle Rd. (large white victorian on hill).

    Airport

    • Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington) 8 miles

    • Directions to property:
      take I 195 out of the airport and remain on this for 5 miles - until you see signs for North Rolling Rd (Rte 166 North). Follow this for approx 3 miles and this deadends into Rte 144 Frederick Rd. Turn left and go approx 1 mile or so - you will see Dimitris Grill on the left - Thistle Rd is directly before this restaurant on the left. Turn onto Thistle Rd and The Wilderness is one half mile back on the right - #2 Thistle Rd (large white victorian on the hill).


    Area Attractions

    • Antique Shopping

    • Aquarium

    • Art Galleries

    • Concert venue

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Live Music

    • Movie Theater

    • Museum

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • Washington

    • DC

    • Johns Hopkins University and Hospital

    • Catonsville Community College

    • Baltimore

    • University of Maryland at Baltimore County

    • University of Maryland at Baltimore City

    • Performing Theater

    • Picnic area

    • Religious Services

    • River

    • Zoo

    • Bicycle rental

    • Bicycle riding trails

    • Billiards

    • Bird watching

    • Canoeing

    • Fishing

    • Golfing

    • Hiking trails

    • Horseback riding

    • Kayaking

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Tennis courts

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  • Amenities

    Type:

    • Bed and Breakfast

    Property highlights

    • Privacy

    • Secluded setting close to city

    • bird-watching

    • gardens/natural setting

    • home-made baked goods

    • Antiques/decor

    • Excellent views

    • Nature

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape

    On-site

    • BBQ grill

    • Board games

    • CD player

    • Ceiling fans

    • Computer

    • Copier

    • Desk

    • Fireplace

    • Library

    • Piano

    • Private entrance

    • TV

    • Telephone

    • VCR

    • Washer/dryer

    Guest room(s)

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Radio

    • Wi-Fi

    Other

    • screened in porch for breakfast and afternoon tea

    • locked storage for bicycles

    • table/floor fans in suites

    • stone patio coming soon! (July 2008)

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  • Breakfast

    • Type: Full breakfast on weekends/continental on weekdays

    • Time Served: 8am - 10am

    • Serving Location: screened porch weather permitting,veranda (unscreened),Dining Room

    Complimentary Perks

    • Afternoon Tea

    • Dessert

    • Fruit

    • Wine/Cheese Plate

    Signature Dish

    Bittersweet Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cake
    Bittersweet chocolate and raspberry merge in a wickedly dense and wonderfully fruity, very dark chocolate cake. It's frequently requested by returning guests - and often sliced at breakfast, too......

    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian

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