Our Story: It All Started with a Dream

The Manor at River Run • February 2, 2023

"I finally found it!"


My daughter’s enthusiastic declaration jolted me from the stillness of an otherwise calm and

predictable morning. With questions colliding in my mind (What had she found? Why the sense

of urgency? Did I forget that she had been looking for something?), I managed to compose a

coherent response.


“That’s wonderful, dear! Tell me all about it,” I replied.


Little did I know that this brief exchange would alter the course of our lives. My daughter,

Whitney, had located a beautiful rural property for sale in Carroll County, Maryland. With 33

picturesque acres, a large manor home listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and a

small cottage in need of some love, this hidden treasure built in 1861 would soon become home

to some of us and the focus of a new family business venture for all of us.


The catch was that the property was only available to tour for one week and offers were due by

Friday evening. All of us had full lives, including careers and children, so finding a convenient

time for a group visit was challenging. But once we viewed the details of the property online, we

were united in our determination to carve out the time to head up to Westminster.


So it was that one morning in April of 2021, my daughters Ashleigh and Whitney, my son Caleb,

my son-in-law Luke, and my daughter-in-law Rachel arrived at the entrance to the property (or

The Farm, as we like to call it) for an open house. Although we were in separate vehicles, our

thoughts were remarkably alike.


We will never forget the scene before us as we slowly rounded the corner by the large bank barn.

The natural beauty of the land took our breath away. Untamed forests, open meadows, pastures,

and enchanting gardens were all visible to us as we emerged from our vehicles. Situated in a dell

and shaded by stately maple trees, the manor home was majestic, even though her shutters and

front porch were missing.


As we made our way inside, we were warmly greeted by local real estate agent, Paul Kotsher. He

gave us a brief history of the property and invited us to tour the home. As we walked through the

empty rooms, we were keenly aware that this home was the object of careful and loving

preservation. The plaster walls were crisp and smooth, the wood floors were clean and in

good repair, and most of the windowpanes were original.


With every step around the house, outbuildings, and grounds, we were increasingly convinced

that we wanted to become the next caretakers of this exquisite slice of Maryland history. But

with so many others interested in it too, and with one of the hottest real estate markets in recent history, could we even dare to hope that it might become ours? And if we were to become the

next owners, how could we share such a rare gem with others in the community and beyond?


Standing under the shade of an old cherry tree (yes, real cherries!), the answer to our second

question hit us: this estate would be the perfect wedding and event venue.


During a quick post-tour lunch, the long-cherished dream of starting another family business began to take shape.


With deep previous experience in a service industry and a proven track record of effectively

working together, we completed the details of an offer and began crafting our business plan.


Our offer was submitted on Friday as required, and we were informed on Sunday that the

property would be ours. Amid selling homes, packing, moving, and maintaining our busy

careers, the 80+ page business plan was completed. Only one thing remained – our name. We

wanted a name that would reflect the prominence of the manor home. And we also wanted to

acknowledge the life and legacy of my late husband, Scott. It didn’t take long for our name to

materialize after we identified our objectives. And so, The Manor at River Run was born.


For the past year and a half, we have worked tirelessly on renovating the Manor and grounds of

this beautiful property. We hope you will meet us here in this blog each month, where you can

follow our progress and learn interesting details about this place and our journey. You can also

follow our progress on Instagram and Facebook.


In addition to renovations, we’ve been working enthusiastically on our business, refining our

vision, making connections, and plotting a course to become Westminster’s premier wedding and

event venue.


We invite you to experience the unique grace and charm of The Manor at River

Run by hosting your unique celebration here with us.


We would love to be part of your journey, too!

Sandie

Share Article

You're Engaged! Now What?

By The Manor at River Run • August 15, 2025
Congratulations On Your Engagement! This exciting milestone marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. As you embark on the journey towards your wedding day, there are several important steps to consider. Here are some tips on what to do after you receive the ring: Celebrate and Savor the Moment Before diving into wedding planning, take some time to enjoy your engagement: Bask in the glow: Spend a few days savoring this special time with your partner before announcing it to the world. Capture the moment: Take some ring selfies to commemorate this milestone. Plan an engagement photo shoot: Consider scheduling a professional photo session to document this special time in your lives. Begin Wedding Planning As you start planning your big day: Organize your materials: Create a designated email address for wedding-related communication and use planning tools to keep everything in one place. Research venues: Once you have a date in mind, start looking into potential wedding venues. Consider hiring a wedding planner: A professional can help guide you through the planning process and keep you on track. Discuss your vision: Have conversations with your partner about what you both want for your wedding day. Remember to Enjoy the Process Throughout your engagement: Have fun: Don't lose sight of the fact that you're preparing for a lifetime together. Take breaks: If planning becomes overwhelming, step back and focus on your relationship. Practice gratitude: Keep a list of people who send congratulatory cards or gifts so you can send thank-you notes. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to planning a memorable wedding while enjoying your engagement period. Remember, there's no strict timeline to follow – do what feels right for you and your partner as you prepare for this exciting new chapter in your lives. Share the News Once you're ready to announce your engagement: Inform your inner circle: Tell your parents, immediate family, and closest friends before making a public announcement. Make it social: Share your news on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram with a photo or status update. Consider an engagement party: While not mandatory, it's a great way to celebrate with loved ones Practical Considerations Take care of these practical matters early on: Ring maintenance: Get your engagement ring sized and insured to protect your precious gem. Set a budget: Have an honest conversation about your wedding budget and how you'll finance the event. Choose a date: Select a wedding date that works for you and your partner. Start a checklist: Create a personalized wedding planning checklist to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Remember, there’s no need to rush through these steps. Take your time, enjoy the process, and focus on what matters most — your love and commitment to each other. Your engagement is a unique and special time, so savor every moment as you embark on this exciting journey toward marriage.