Renovated Historic Waterfront Home with Pool, Dock, 200 acres
About the property
- House4500 sqft
- Bedrooms7
- Sleeps18
- Bathrooms3
- Half Baths1
- Minimum Stay7 nights
Waterfront Country Home with 7 spacious bedrooms and 4.5 baths
Spocott is a 350 year old house, newly renovated to provide a unique blend of history, environment, and modern comfort for a large multigenerational family. Located on Gary’s Creek on the Little Choptank River, 5.5 miles west of Cambridge in the historic Neck District of Dorchester County, Spocott House was built in 1663 and has since been owned by the same family. Spocott is the home of a former US Senator and provided inspiration for James Michener in writing Chesapeake. Immerse yourself in history, gaze at wildlife from spacious porches, and engage in a number of indoor and outdoor recreational activities. Sleeping 18 people comfortably, the house with its large waterfront, pool, boat ramp, and dock offers a wonderful opportunity for a private family getaway. Recently renovated, the house has central heating and AC, 7 bedrooms all with a water view and new beds, and a billiards room. Situated on 200 acres of wildlife management area, the property, bordered by over 1 mile of waterfront, has 5 miles of walking trails, birdwatching stations, ponds, proximity to great biking trails, and scenic views of the Little Choptank River. Consider off-season vacations when up to 10,000 geese inhabit the surrounding waters.
Owner
George Radcliffe
- Response rate:
- 90%
- Response time:
- within a few hours
- Speaks:
- english
- Calendar last updated:
- Apr 03, 2018
About George Radcliffe
George and Jackie Radcliffe have spent the 42 years of their married life on the property, raising 3 wonderful sons. George Radcliffe is the six great grandson of the original owner of the property and lives on the adjoining property. His grandfather, U.S. Senator George L. Radcliffe, was born and spent much of his life in the house. Both retired school teachers, George and Jackie, with the help of their children, have restored and modernized Spocott House and developed the 200 acres as both a working farm and wildlife management area, They both retired to help take care of 3 of their grandchildren, who live on the adjoining property. George is also an avid birdwatcher and Youth Coordinator for the Maryland Ornithological Society and has set up the property as an eBird Monitoring Station.
George Radcliffe purchased this House in 1663
Why George Radcliffe chose Dorchester County
The property has been in the family for 350 years. In 1662 the land was given to George's ancestor, Stephen Gary, for whom the Creek is named, by the King of England in exchange for Gary becoming Sheriff and High Judge of the area that would become Dorchester County. The home site was also the location of a major Native American assembly area and burial ground. In the 19th Century, Spocott was a major shipbuilding center for the area and was hence was used by James Michener as a resource in writing the novel Chesapeake. Many of the original buildings are still located on the property. The Radcliffes, in restoring the house and property, have tried to retain its historical and environmental uniqueness. The property is protected by a perpetual environmental conservation easement.
What makes this House unique
Spocott House provides a unique blend of history and environment. Located on a spacious 200 acres with over 1 mile of waterfront and 5 miles of trails, there is ample opportunity for wildlife viewing and exploration. The modernized house with its pool, dock, and spacious lawns allows visitors multiple recreational opportunities as well as a comfortable place for a large family gathering. Part of the house has been restored to its 17th Century look, but the modernized bedrooms and geothermal heating and air conditioning make the house a comfortable place to stay year round. Step back in time to the early days of our country, and surround yourself with beautiful views of the Little Choptank River. The historic Spocott Windmill, the only working grist windmill in Maryland, and the accompanying museum complex are located on an adjacent property. Optional tours of the historic areas as well as bird walks are available to renters.
Amenities
- Internet
- Pets Welcome
- Air Conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Accessible
- Heater
- Satellite or Cable
- Kids Welcome
- Washer & Dryer
- Parking
- TV
- No Smoking
Bedrooms
- 7 Bedrooms, Sleeps 18
- Bedroom 11 king
- Bedroom 21 king
- Bedroom 32 double
- Bedroom 41 queen
- Bedroom 52 twin/ single
- Bedroom 61 king
- Bedroom 72 double, 1 twin/ single
- Rooms are spacious and comfortable for 18 not including an infant (crib available). Up to 20 could be housed.
Bathrooms
- 3 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bath
- Bathroom 1toilet, shower
- Bathroom 2toilet
- Bathroom 3toilet, tub
- Bathroom 4toilet, shower
- Outdoor Showeroutdoor shower
Location Type
- RiverGary's Creek on the Little Choptank River
- RuralLocated in the historic Neck District area
- Waterfront1 mile of waterfront on the Little Choptank River
Theme
- Away From It All
- Family
- Historic
Meals
- Guests provide their own meals
General
- Living Room
- Air Conditioning
- Ceiling Fans
- Clothes Dryer
- Firewood
- Free Local Calls
- Heating
- Internet
- Iron & Board
- Laundry Soap
- Linens Provided
- Alarm Clock
- Local Maps
- Local Restaurant Guide
- Paper Towels
- Parking
- Telephone
- Toilet Paper
- Towels Provided
- Washing Machine
- Wireless Internet
- Wood Stove
Kitchen
- Lobster Pot
- 4 Ring Stove
- Cooking Utensils
- Dishwasher
- Ice Maker
- Kitchen
- Coffee Maker1 in Utility Room also
- Microwave1 in Utility Room also
- Oven
- Pantry Items
- Refrigerator1 in Utility Room also
- Toaster
Dining
- Child's Highchair
- Dining Area
- comfy seating for 18 people
Entertainment
- Radio
- Books
- DVD Player
- Games for Kids
- Pool Table
- Books for Kids
- Satellite / Cable
- Stereo
- Television
- Toys
- Video LibraryNumerous DVDs available
Outside
- Binoculars
- Boat Dock
- Deck Furniture
- Large Cooler
- Lawn / GardenSpacious lawn with outdoor games Horseshoe Pits 6-hole Disc Golf Course Basketball Court Pickleball Court
- Outdoor Furniture
- Outdoor GrillTwo available
- Outdoor Grill Gas
- Porch Furniture
- Screen Porch / Veranda
Suitability
- Groups
- Long-term Renters Welcome
- suitable for elderly or infirm
- wheelchair accessible
Pool / Spa
- Outdoor Pool
Attractions
- forests
- autumn foliage
- churches
- cinemas
- coin laundry
- festivals
- bay/sound
- library
- marina
- museums
- playground
- pond
- restaurants
Leisure Activities
- bird watching
- horseback riding
- photography
- walking
Local Services & Businesses
- ATM/bank
- fitness center
- groceries
- hospital
- laundromat
- massage therapist
Sports & Adventure Activities
- basketball court
- cycling
- fishing
- hiking
- pier fishing
- swimming
Notes
- Outdoors • Waterfront with dock and boat ramp • 120’ dock and boat slip • Wildlife sanctuary with ponds, wetlands, and 5 miles of trails • Optional bird walk available; property used by 180 species of birds • Outdoor basketball court and Pickleball Court * 6-hole Disc (Frisbee) Golf Course (professional caliber) * New: Horseshoe Pits • Windmill and historic village located on adjoining property • Kayaks and canoes can be rented in advance • Riding school adjoining property that can be utilized with prior scheduling • Outdoor barbecue, campfire ring, and 2 all-weather tables • Outside shower • Outdoor kennel Entertainment • Direct TV • Two 40' LED Flat Screen TVs with DVD Players • TV and DVD in most bedrooms • WiFi 2 large porches Crib and High Chair available All rooms with water view
13 Reviews
Latest reviews
Wonderful Family Vacation in an Historic Home
Wonderful Relaxing Time
Spocott is a little piece of heaven
The historic property is beautiful, house is well-stocked.
A Pa. family at Spocott
Great family vacation spot near the Chesapeake
Location
Historic Spocott House, itself 350 years old, is located in the historic Neck District, an area also known for its wildlife, especially the large Canada Goose populations in the fall and winter. There is an historic windmill and museum complex on the adjoining property. The house is also located 20 minutes from Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
Rates & Availability
Additional information about rental rates
11% state and local tax included in rate.