Ever driven down a road that felt like it was literally peeling back the layers of time? That’s the vibe on Rosecroft Road. You’re heading toward the Inn at Brome Howard, and honestly, it’s kinda surreal. One minute you’re in modern-day Southern Maryland, and the next, you’re staring at a Greek Revival farmhouse that looks like it was plucked out of a 19th-century watercolor.
Most people think this place has just sat on these riverbanks forever. They’re wrong. This house has actually been on a literal journey.
Back in 1994, the entire structure was moved about a quarter-mile. Why? Because it was sitting right on top of the ruins of Maryland’s first capital. To dig up the 17th-century secrets underneath, the state had to pick up this massive 1840s mansion and wheel it down the road. It’s basically a historic transplant.
Why the Inn at Brome Howard Isn't Just Another B&B
If you're looking for a generic hotel with beige walls and a "continental breakfast" consisting of a stale muffin, keep driving. This isn't that. The Inn at Brome Howard is a deep dive into the 1840s, specifically the life of Dr. John Mackall Brome. He built this place for his bride, and you can still feel that "gentleman’s plantation" energy in the architecture.
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The rooms have names that sound like they belong in a period drama. You've got:
- Calvert’s Retreat: Massive windows, queen bed, and a fireplace that actually works.
- The Ark and Dove Suite: Tucked under the eaves on the third floor, perfect for families who don't mind a shared bath.
- Mistress Brent’s Eventide: Airy, restful, and looks out over the front gardens.
- Arundel’s Hideaway: A private staircase leads you here. It's the ultimate "leave me alone" room.
Rates usually hover around $140 for weekdays and bump up to $185 on weekends. Compared to a soulless Marriott, that’s a steal for waking up to views of the St. Mary’s River.
The Complicated History Nobody Talks About
We need to get real for a second. While the main house is all charm and heirlooms, the grounds hold a much heavier story. Just 50 yards from the back porch sits a double slave quarter. It’s a rare, surviving frame duplex from 1840.
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Historic St. Mary's City hasn't tried to hide this. They've turned it into a living history exhibit that tracks the lives of the people who were enslaved here, like the Milburn family. You can see the transition from dirt floors to the wooden planks added after emancipation. It's a sobering contrast to the "gentlemanly" life of the Bromes, and honestly, the inn experience is incomplete without acknowledging it.
The Secret to Booking a Wedding Here
Planning a wedding at the Inn at Brome Howard is a bit of a "if you know, you know" situation. The website might say "check availability," but don't trust the online calendar. They hold back a lot of weekends for private events.
You basically have to call the Historic St. Mary's City (HSMC) event manager directly. The lawn can fit a massive tent for up to 500 people, but the inside of the inn is much tighter—good for about 60 people if everyone's standing.
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Pro Tip: If you book the weekend package, you basically own the place. You can decorate on Friday and you don't have to tear everything down until you check out on Sunday. That's a huge perk that most venues don't offer.
Is it actually open right now?
There’s been some confusion lately about whether it’s a full-time hotel or just an event space. Currently, it functions primarily as a premier venue for Historic St. Mary's City. While it has been run by private innkeepers in the past (like the Kelleys back in the day), the state now manages the property through the museum commission.
If you’re just visiting for the day, you can hike the three-and-a-half-mile trail that loops from the inn through the grassy fields and along the river bluffs. It’s some of the best birding in the county. You’ll see ospreys, eagles, and if you’re lucky, maybe a fox darting into the wild holly trees.
What to Do While You're There
You can't just sit on the porch all day (well, you can, but you shouldn't). You're smack in the middle of a National Historic Landmark.
- Walk to the Maryland Dove: It’s a replica of the ship that brought the first settlers in 1634. You can actually walk on deck and realize how tiny those boats really were.
- The Brick Chapel: Reconstructed using 17th-century techniques. It’s spooky-quiet inside and incredibly cool on a hot Maryland summer day.
- St. John's Site Museum: This is where the "real" archaeology happens. They built a museum right over an active dig site.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
If you're serious about visiting or staying at the Inn at Brome Howard, don't just wing it. This isn't a high-traffic tourist trap; it's a quiet, managed historical site.
- Call the Office: Reach out to the HSMC Events Manager at 240-895-4991. They handle all the lodging and event inquiries that aren't listed on the standard booking sites.
- Check the Museum Hours: The grounds are generally open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you show up on a Monday, you might just be looking at a locked gate.
- Pack for the River: If you're staying, bring binoculars. The St. Mary’s River is a tidal tributary, and the wildlife at dawn is incredible.
- Book Your Dinner: Since the inn doesn't have a full-service restaurant anymore, look into local spots in nearby Leonardtown or Lexington Park for your evening meals.