The Wilderness

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!

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Location

  • Location is best described as:
    • Countryside
  • Nearest major city: Baltimore, MD (10 miles west)
  • 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).
  • Nearest major airport: Baltimore, MD (BWI-Baltimore Washington) 8 miles
  • Directions from airport:
    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).
  • Meeting places:
    • Airport
    • Train

Room Rates (USD American Dollars)

All occupancy rates are subject to change
  • State and local taxes may apply
  • Accommodations: Suites
  • There are 4 guest accommodations (4 with private baths)
  • Single occupancy rate is between $ 125.00 and $ 140.00
  • Double occupancy rate is between $ 135.00 and $ 150.00
  • The rate for each additional person is $ 35.00

Amenities

In Room
  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm clock
  • Radio
  • Wi-Fi
  • On Site
  • BBQ grill
  • Board games
  • CD player
  • Ceiling fans
  • Computer
  • Copier
  • Desk
  • Fireplace
  • Library
  • Piano
  • Private entrance
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • VCR
  • Washer/dryer
  • Other Amenitites
  • screened in porch for breakfast and afternoon tea
  • locked storage for bicycles
  • table/floor fans in suites
  • stone patio coming soon! (July 2008)
  • Meals

    • A Full breakfast on weekends/continental on weekdays breakfast is included with room rate
    • Breakfast is served from: 8am - 10am
    • Breakfast is served in the screened porch weather permitting, veranda (unscreened), Dining Room
    • Additional food services included in room rate: Afternoon tea, Dessert, Fruit, Wine/cheese
    • Special meals available: Low Fat, Restricted, Vegetarian
    • Our signature dish is 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......

    Policies

    • No minimum stay required
    • Smoking is allowed in limited areas (outdoors on veranda, only)
    • We cannot accommodate guest pets
    • Limitations on children staying (2 suites have a 2nd twin bed - will discuss ages)
    • No childcare is provided (Children must be supervised at all times while in B&B.)
    • Consumption of alcohol is permitted (a glass of wine or beer on Saturday afternoon at tea time)
    • Deposit amount required (50% deposit required to hold suite - suites rented on first come first served basis.)
    • Closed: Dec 23-Jan 1
    • Check in time is 3pm or after and Check out time is 12p
    • 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.
    • Accepted by the following agencies:
      • Chamber of Commerce

    Innkeepers

    • Innkeeper(s): Ellen Sawaya
      Gardening, baking, art and architecture, travel, meeting people.
    • The innkeepers speak: English
    • There are 3 cats on the property

    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

    Onsite or Nearby Activities

    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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    Contact Information


    The Wilderness Bed and Breakfast
    The Wilderness, Catonsville, MD - Inn
    The Wilderness
    2 Thistle Rd.
    Catonsville MD 21228
    USA
    Phone: +1-410-744-0590
    Innkeeper(s)
    Ellen Sawaya
    Rates:
    $125 - $150

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    Reviews

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    Read all 13 Reviews
    Review The Wilderness, Catonsville, MD

    Photo Album

    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......

    Features

    Property Noted For:
    • Privacy
    • Secluded setting close to city
    • bird-watching
    • gardens/natural setting
    • home-made baked goods
    • Antiques/decor
    • Excellent views
    • Nature
    • Peaceful getaway
    • Romantic escape

    Type:
    • Bed and Breakfast

    Details:
    • Architectural style is Second Empire
    • Built in 1799
    • Opened for business in 2003
    • Restored / Remodeled in 2002
    • Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
    • Access for the disabled is limited
    • Parking available (off street directly in front of main entrance)