Historic Home Blog

World Famous Presidential Retreat

This extraordinary country retreat is steeped in history and at 450+ acres, arguably, the most beautiful piece of real estate in Maryland. Near Camp David in the Catoctin Mountains, this former
presidential retreat boasts its own private 2 mile wild trout stream and resonates through the expansive compound of river stone lodges with a voice of calm and tranquility. Some presidents came
here for a respite from the hustle of Camp David, for solitude and privacy - a place to hunt and fish, and seek quiet reflection from the deafening issues of state.

Purchased for Herbert Hoover in the 1920’s as a private getaway, he spent many presidential hours fishing Little Hunting Creek - deemed one of Maryland’s finest wild trout streams. FDR in
the 1940’s also enjoyed Trout Run’s amenities including fishing from the footbridge that now carries his name. Eisenhower, an accomplished watercolorist and outdoors man found Trout Run an
ideal place to practice his favorite leisure pastimes.

The entrance to the complex opens to an enchanting array of four stone lodges, 2 aptly named for their favored residents. The Hoover House overlooks the stream and main lodge from a hillside and
the Eisenhower House, downstream, features a wall of windows that frames the most beautiful view of stream and wilderness imaginable and includes spacious living quarters. The main lodge, with its
large gourmet kitchen and rustic two story stone fireplace, has a patio that nudges right up next to the stream.

Past the old Spring House and the enormous stone barbecue center, across the flagstone courtyard from the Main Lodge, is the Caretakers Lodge, full of modern amenities. Down stream and just
before the Olympic sized pool, tennis court and gaming area, is the Pavilion, with its own large stone barbecue, bar area, kitchen and rest rooms, and seating for 100+ - perfect for conferences,
dancing or dining. Adding to the unique character of this property is a replica of the Yugoslav House that was originally constructed for the 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair.

The fifth and final residence is a wooden chalet, separate from the main complex and up a wooded path with a gorgeous view of the stream and hillside. Secluded and private, this was Amy
Eisenhower’s favorite retreat and includes a built in movie screen and three levels of comfortable living.

Surrounded on three sides by State Park land, Trout Run is a wooded paradise nestled in the Catoctin Mountains, minutes from Frederick, 1 hour to either Baltimore or DC, and convenient to
Maryland & PA historic sites.

Buildings & Amenities (all with heat & A/C, unless noted)

Main Lodge - Stone, 3BR, 2BA, kitchen, cathedral ceilings, FP.

Eisenhower House - Stone, 2BR, 2BA, cathedral ceilings, FP.

Hoover House - Stone, 1BR, 1BA, no A/C.

Catoctin Chalet - Wood, 4BR, 3BA, 2 FP, kitchen.

Caretaker’s House - Stone, 3 BR, 1BA, FP, kitchen.

Pavilion - Wood & Stone, seats 100+, barbecue, kitchen, bathrooms.

Yugoslav House - 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair structure and replica of traditional house

Swimming Pool - Olympic sized

Bath House, tennis court, flagstone patios & walkways, numerous barbecue pits, laundry house, 3 car garage, large parking lot.

FEATURES DETAIL
LOCATION:
Privately nestled in the Catoctin Mountains near Camp David in Frederick County, Maryland. Less than one hour from Washington D.C. or Baltimore Md. beltway, Convenient to Routes
270 and 70. Scenic Mountain location with hiking, camping, boating and horseback riding facilities in neighboring Catoctin Mountain Parks. Shopping facilities in Thurmont, 3 miles and Frederick 8
miles. Nearby attractions include Gettysburg, Pa., 20 miles, Antietam Battlefield, Harpers Ferry, Ski Liberty and the Charles Town race track.

PROPERTY:
Spectacular mountain retreat, ideal for family vacation compound or corporate hideaway, encompassing more than 450 acres of woodland. Two private miles of Little Hunting
Creek, excellent for fishing; wooden foot bridge; five rearing ponds. Entrance gates permit road access to the compound, a complex of residences and outbuildings which serve both functional and
recreational needs. In ground swimming pool (30′ x 75′) with filtration system and adjacent bath house; shuffleboard and basketball courts; horseshoe pit. Open-air pavilion with bar and wood and
charcoal barbecue grills; several barbecue pits. Extensive flagstone patios and outdoor lighting throughout complex area. Three-car garage and hard surface parking for 50 cars. Zoned conservation,
maximum development permits 90 residences, single or clustered.

MAIN LODGE

5 rooms (includes 3 bedrooms, 2 baths). Two story stone structure built circa 1930. Stone construction; shingle roof. Oil forced hot air heating; electric hot water heater; septic/well plumbing; air conditioned. A barbecue pit and stone terraces surround this residence, which overlooks Little Hunting Creek. Completely furnished and outfitted, the house is in excellent condition throughout. First Floor: Living Room (24′ x 32′) featuring stone walls, cathedral ceiling, hardwood floors, massive stone fireplace and hearth, and French doors which open onto a lovely stone terrace with wood railings overlooking the creek. Kitchen (15′ x 30′) with double wall ovens, counter-top burners, plate warmer, two dishwashers, refrigerator, and Dining Area. There are also two Bedrooms, one Bath. Second Floor: Master Bedroom (15′ x 30′), with full Bath.

GUEST LODGE

3 rooms (includes 2 bedrooms, 2 baths). One story stone structure; shingle roof. Oil-forced hot air heat; electric hot water heater; septic/well plumbing; air conditioned. Stone terraces. House is completely furnished. Living Room/Card Room (21′ x 24′), overlooking the stream, with pine paneled walls, hardwood floors, cathedral ceiling, stone fireplace and bar unit; two Bedrooms (each 14′ x 16′), each with full Bath.

HOOVER HOUSE

2 rooms (includes 1 bedroom, 1 bath). One story Lodge of stone construction, built circa 1930s. Shingle roof. Electric and gas heat; electric hot water heater; septic/well plumbing. Enclosed porch offering view of the creek and the complex from the residence?s hillside setting.

CATOCTIN CHALET

The Catoctin Chalet situated on an elevation overlooking the creek and located approximately one fourth mile along a picturesque stream side trail from the main buildings. The chalet on three levels features a magnificent stone fireplace, four bedrooms, bar, kitchen and living room plus large ground floor family room also with fireplace. Innumerable building sites along the creek or at elevation away from the stream exist for the owner who may wish to build additional housing or other facilities. This property is one of a kind and can not be duplicated in the Washington-Baltimore area. A four lane highway takes the visitor to within one mile of Trout Run’s entrance.

CARETAKER’S HOUSE

5 rooms, 1 bath. One-story stone structure. Oil heat and A/C with electric hot water heater; septic/ well plumbing. In addition to the three Bedrooms, the house offers a Living Room, fireplace, and Kitchen.

MAIN PAVILION

Built in 1948, this octagon- shaped structure of stone and wood construction features an entertainment area which can accommodate up to several hundred people; seating capacity approximately 100, under cover; Kitchen, Barbecue area and bar. Ideal for use as a recreation hall or conference area.

Yugoslav House

A replica of the first parliament building in Belgrade, displayed at the Seattle World’s Fair in 1964, this structure is a large recreation building and can also serve as a conference area.

Laundry House:
Stone construction, located to the rear of the caretaker’s house; 3-car Garage with storage space:

Bath House:
Adjacent to the pool and featuring separate dressing areas;

Other Structures: Storage shed with workshop, enclosed Barbecue Pit; Incinerator.

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