You don’t have to drive 2-3 hours from Washington, DC, to commune with nature. 1617 is just 8 miles from the district line and 18 miles from Capitol Hill. It's a home for your kayak and a retreat for your soul. Unhang your binoculars and spot some amazing birds.
1617 Accokeek Rd West
AESTHETIC AND Design
This ranch-style home is infused with Mid-Century Modern lines. Designed with a low profile, expansive windows, and clean lines, it echoes Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural design principles, seamlessly blending the indoors with the outdoors. This Aldai-type model offers a ground-hugging silhouette and contemporary styling, creating a serene and inviting retreat. 1617 Accokeek Rd West was a Catalog Home purchased through the Washington, DC-based Standard Homes. Co. This is a modified “Riviera” model (as it has a full basement) from the “Homes of Color” collection. Learn more HERE.
1617 Accokeek Rd West in its present condition (early spring, pre-foliage) is being sold “as-is.” It has good bones - but the old gem could use physical therapy (and maybe some cosmetic work too).
9.7812 Acres of "AR" zoned property
This land is not ideal if you are looking to build a subdivision- but if you love the sound of birdsong (and cricket song, and frog song), have dreams of a small farm, being close to what nature has to offer, maybe opening your own tiny log cabin (or container cabin) “rustic” Air BnB with goat yoga and tours to all the wonderful things that Accokeek has to offer (scroll down) - then yes, this is the place for you. Every day is different - from soaring eagles, to roaming deer, wild turkeys in the brush (and some not so wild too), watching little wild rabbit graze, or simply turning over a log to find what’s living underneath (once found a cixius nymph that looked like a legit alien fairy - Google it, and recently a hibernating yellow spotted salamander under a planter). At night, you see the stars shine, and you can pick out the planets from the constellations. 1617 offers the bones if you are willing to put in the effort.
Rural and Agricultural Base Zones
(a) General Purposes of Rural and Agricultural Base Zones
The Rural and Agricultural zones are intended to:
Support and provide lands for agricultural, forestry, agri-business, agritourism, agricultural support, and related uses important to the County’s economy and the character of the County’s Rural and Agricultural zones;
Preserve and protect the County's important natural resources, environmentally sensitive lands, and ecological heritage lands, while providing for their use and enjoyment;
Encourage agribusiness and tourism uses such as, but not limited to, equestrian centers and boardingfacilities, boutique or unique agribusiness, farmers’ markets, retreat and training facilities, day camps, recreational campgrounds, heritage and rural tourism destinations, and bed and breakfast inns, and ensure they are compatible with the Rural and Agricultural character established in the zones;
Ensure open spaces are designed to maximize preservation and protection of important natural and agricultural resources, to facilitate stormwater management and protect water quality, to maximize residents’ exposure to open space, to maintain the visual character of scenic roads, to promote rehabilitation of degraded habitats, and protect ongoing agricultural activities and prime agricultural lands; and
Provide and maintain infrastructure at levels of service that are compatible with the character and needs of the Rural and Agricultural zones.
Horse and Country Amenities
Soft Landing Stables: Boutique hunter/jumper stable with fabulous turnout and nice sized indoor and outdoor rings. 40-acre farm has access to Piscataway Park across the street. NO TRAIL RIDES OFFERED. Excellent, personalized care for your horse. Pastures are 10, 9, 4.5 and 1.5 acres and full of emerald green grass in the spring, summer & fall. We feed Buckeye (top quality) grain and green, leafy orchard/alfalfa hay. Attentive staff look out for your horse. 14 stalls, most of which are oversized. Hot & cold water wash stall. Two tack rooms. Friendly crowd.
Hossin’ Around Stables: Self-care and partial-care horse boarding stable in Accokeek, MD. (Their goal is to have boarders who develop mutual trust and respect, as they pursue a shared love and enjoyment of being with and caring for their horses.) We're on 16 acres - 12 acres in pasture divided into 10 fenced paddocks with shared automatic drinkers. Six 4x8x6 passive compost bins for horse manure and curing area. Eleven stalls with rubber mats on stone dust base in two stables.
Longview Farm: Bald eagles nest in their woods. Deer, foxes and wild turkey are in residence. A traditional tobacco barn, where tobacco leaves once grown on the farm were speared onto sticks to hang and cure from the rafters, now houses their tractor. Piles of tobacco sticks remain, but are now used as spacers between the wood boards cut from fallen trees on the farm, stacked and drying to be used for fencing or barn siding. A bluff rises above the fields, where the house was built in the 1930’s to take advantage of the view, Washington DC straight ahead and Mount Vernon off to the left. The farm has been in the Breese family since the 1940’s. They raise their cows, chickens and pigs humanely and do not feed them hormones, antibiotics, growth stimulants nor animal-by-products. No pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals - growing heirloom tomatoes, salad greens and flowers. They take their mission seriously, to protect open space and to raise delicious and healthy food the natural sustainable way
Moose Manor: Located within the Moyaone Reserve in Accokeek, this little farm currently breeds a variety of chickens, ducks, geese, turkey's, and guinea fowl for super fresh, healthy eggs and meat. Additionally, they breed Polypay Sheep and raise about a dozen pigs each year. They use organic methods to produce happy and healthy free-range animals without the use of antibiotics, pesticides, or layer-lights. The poultry provide them with all the fertilizer they could ever want for an organic vegetable garden as well as natural pest control.
Mayaone Community Swimming Pool: The Moyaone Association is the homeowner group that owns and maintains the community center, pool, and roads and works in the interests of the Mayaone Reserve membership. membership to the pool is a part of annual dues for residents of the Mayaone Reserve, however local Accokeek residents may also apply for and attain household memberships. The pool is also the practice site for the local swim team, Accokeek Stroke Technique, an ASTS competition team.
Accokeek Public Library - click HERE
Accokeek Neighborhood Park - click HERE
Moe’s Seafood & Crabs: Best crabs, a local fave and a locals secret. Click HERE
B&J Carry Out: Local favorite with soft serve, April-Nov.. Click HERE
Commune with Nature - all within A 5 mile radius - stretch those legs and breathe
The Saylor Grove public fishing pier provides visitors a panoramic view of the Potomac River and Mount Vernon. The pier is named for Congressman John Saylor who sponsored the 1961 law creating Piscataway Park and each of the subsequent laws. His final work in the congress was an act to complete the park. He came here on summer evenings to enjoy the quiet peace and beauty he helped preserve. The area is a living memorial to him for his help in making this possible. The pier is open to visitors and those interested in fishing year-round. Learn more HERE.
A partner of the National Park Service in Piscataway Park, the Accokeek Foundation stewards 200 acres of the park while honoring the Indigenous people and values that shaped this land. Free and open to the public year-round. Explore one of Piscataway's seven nature trails and the indigenous cultural landscape of Piscataway Park on over three miles of nature trails. These trails wind alongside the Potomac River, under the canopy of the park's woodlands, past rolling pastures, and over wetlands and marshes. Learn more HERE.
The National Colonial Farm is a historic farm museum established by the Accokeek Foundation in 1958. The farm tells the interconnected stories and histories of early Marylanders within an agrarian landscape. Structures located within the farm site are open to the public and include a circa 1770 farm dwelling, an 18th-century tobacco barn, and an out-kitchen. The kitchen garden features 18th-century varieties of herbs, flowers, and vegetables. Historic varieties of field crops such as “Orinoco” tobacco, “Virginia Gourdseed” corn are grown and cultivated for seed. The National Colonial Farm is a recognized leader in the field of historic plant preservation. Learn more HERE.
The Accokeek Foundation partners with the National Park Service to provide programs and services to enhance the park visitor experience and steward 200 acres of Piscataway Park, which covers approximately 5,000 acres from Piscataway Creek to Marshall Hall on the Potomac River. This effort began out of a desire to preserve historic vistas from George Washington’s Mt. Vernon Estate. It has preserved much more. The conservation area protects a wealth of environmental, cultural, and historic resources, from wetlands to farms to nationally significant historic sites. Visit the Accokeek Foundation at Piscataway Park for farm tours, nature trails, fairy trails, volunteering and more. Learn more HERE.
The ruins of the Marshall Hall Mansion represent the largest house built in pre-1740 Maryland and one of only two surviving examples of 18th century one and a half story buildings. The property functioned as a steamboat landing for much of its history and from 1958 through 1980 housed an amusement park, complete with Ferris wheel, roller coasters, bumper cars, and slot machines. Today the ruins are surrounded by a 110 x 115 foot chain link fence after a fire in 1981 and a truck crash in 2003 destroyed much of the structure. Learn More HERE.
Farmington Landing is one of the smaller sites at Piscataway, but it’s the most popular with locals. Beginning in the mid-1800s, Farmington Landing was one of the main access points around Piscataway Creek. Steamboats ferried passengers between the wharf and the city of Alexandria. By the 20th century, the landing had fallen out of commercial use due to the rapid accumulation of silt, but the spot remains a favorite for local fishers and kayakers. Farmington Landing is in biking distance and a very quick drive from 1617. Offering easy boat launching. Learn more HERE.
The Accokeek Creek Boardwalk traverses the marshland along the Potomac River and offers spectacular views of the Virginia shoreline, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. Accessed via Bryan Point Road, the boardwalk (just over 1,000 feet long) crosses Accokeek Creek. In 2010 the Alice Ferguson Foundation worked with several agencies and the National Park Service to create a 2,800 foot living shoreline to prevent further erosion of the marsh and to protect the plants and animals that call it home. Learn more HERE.
Heritage Livestock Conservation: Many people are aware of endangered species in the wild, but very few realize that domesticated livestock species are also threatened. The livestock grazing in the fields at Piscataway Park are rare breeds of animals with unique genetic traits. You'll meet many friendly faces in the pastures and barnyards of Piscataway Park. Here are the unique breeds that call this place home: American Milking Devons, Ossabaw Hogs, Hog Island Sheep, and Heritage Poultry. Sales are available for those interested in raising heritage livestock on their farm or fiber artists participating in Shave 'Em to Save 'Em. Learn more HERE.
For 70 years, the Alice Ferguson Foundation has provided the opportunity for hands-on, active, and direct experience outdoor environmental and agricultural education to hundreds of thousands of urban and under-served schoolchildren from Washington, DC, and the nearby suburbs of Maryland and Virginia. They have connected more than a million students and families to the wonders of nature since 1954. Join them for a transformative hands-on learning experience in nature from elementary through high school programs and school break camps. They also offer professional development, outdoor experiences for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to explore the beauty of the outdoors, and community clean-up opportunities along the shoreline. Learn more HERE.
Located in the northwest section of Charles County at the end of Route 227, the Marshall Hall boat launching facility gives direct access to the Potomac River. Available, free to the public, are two boat ramps, a boarding pier and parking for approximately 25 boat trailers. This is a popular area for shoreline fishing. Marshall Hall boat launching facility is open from dawn to dusk year round. More info HERE.
Discover and participate in the Arts in Accokeek
Accokeek Artists Alliance (AAA) is a group of visual artists, sculptors, poets, musicians, and writers promoting the arts in Accokeek and surrounding areas. Although we have unique styles and mediums, we are united in using art and the creative process to build community and deepen the artistic experience. The AAA has grown from a small group of artists to an organization of over 60 members. The steering committee plans monthly activities and includes a wide range of options, from plain air events to local market opportunities. In addition to full gallery shows at Mattawoman Creek Art Center and Harmony Hall, AAA organizes and provides an annual holiday show and market for its members to showcase their art. Learn more HERE.
The Homegrown Coffeehouse is an all volunteer run, cozy, warm, listening room dedicated to providing great local music. Musicians interested in performing, or those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Homegrown Coffeehouse. Performance dates and locations are also available on their FaceBook page. Learn more HERE.
Within 15-30 Minutes South of 1617 Accokeek RD W
PURSE STATE PARK: Fossil hunting is a popular activity here. Fossilized sharks teeth, bones and shell fragments are often found at low tide in along the waters edge. Check tides before you come. At high tide there is very little beach. Hunters are limited to 10 in the area at any given time. The sign-in box for hunters is next to the parking area. Purse has one permanent waterfowl blind that is available on a first come first serve basis. Fishermen will need a Bay Sport (Tidal) Fishing License to fish this area. Wades Bay is a great fishing location for carp, large mouth bass, white perch and many other fish species. There are a few unmarked, hunter created trails on the same side of the road as the parking area that bird watchers enjoy walking - come prepared with map and compass when using unmarked trails.
SMALLWOOD STATE PARK takes its name from General William Smallwood, a native born Charles Countian. He was the highest ranked Marylander who served in the American Revolutionary War. His house, called Smallwood's Retreat, has been restored and is open to visitors seasonally. The 628 acre park offers a marina, boat launching ramps, a picnic area, camping area, pavilions, two playgrounds, and nature trails. On occasion, there are craft demonstrations, military exhibitions and other special events.
MALLOWS BAY-POTOMAC RIVER NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY: Protects and interprets the remnants of more than 100 World War I-era wooden steamships - known as the "Ghost Fleet." You can kayak or canoe among the largest collection of visible historic shipwrecks in the Western Hemisphere. These shipwrecks have evolved into incredible artificial habitats for birds, animals, and fish, making this a great spot to view wildlife. Mallows Bay has been described as a bird watcher's paradise for its abundance of osprey, waterfowl, bald eagles, and herons. The site offers four hiking trails to view some of the shipwrecks and learn more about the natural and cultural resources. Site amenities include a boat ramp, soft kayak or canoe launch, portable toilets, parking, interpretive signs, and a picnic area.
NANJEMOY CREEK: This winding, marshy creek has deeply forested banks, with few houses or signs of human activity. At the headwaters of the creek, off Md. 425 in Ironsides, is the Durham Parish Church, built in 1732. The county has a free public boat ramp at the end of Friendship Landing Road. The ramp is 10 miles west of LaPlata, off Md. 425 south of Ironsides. The creek is protected and suitable for small boats and canoes. The creeks and bays of the lower Potomac provide some of the finest bass fishing on the East Coast of the U.S.
CHAPMAN STATE PARK: Enjoy a journey through time to Southern Maryland's pastoral heritage, finding mature forests, rare plants and bald eagles frequenting the skies above. Park visitors also discover the Mt. Aventine Mansion, the historic home of the Chapman family, who were closely tied to the families of our Founding Fathers George Washington and George Mason. Standing in front of the Chapmans' grand estate, looking down the Potomac River and Virginia shoreline, is one of the most striking views in the region. Certain activities are permitted outside of the regular park hours (e.g. fishing, boat launch, hunting where permitted). Please check with the park before your visit if you plan to engage in an activity which requires you to be in the park before or after the posted hours.
DOUGLAS POINT SPECIAL RECREATION AREA : Offers fantastic opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fossil collecting, and relaxing along the shore. It is one of the last remaining undeveloped tracts along the Potomac River. Douglas Point encompasses 548 acres of hardwood forest and marshes, picnic area overlook, river shoreline, an accessible historical walk, and hunting blinds. The Douglas Point tract contains magnificent hardwood forests, historic houses, and an overlook of the Potomac River.
INDIAN HEAD RAIL TRAIL: The 13-mile paved rail trail travels alongside creeks and through woods halfway across Charles County from the town of Indian Head on the Potomac River to the inland community of White Plains. The trail leaves off in the west from Mattingly Avenue near the gates of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, a facility that got its start in 1890 as a weapons base. The town of Indian Head grew up around the base and was incorporated in 1920. Local leaders say the town’s name is most likely derived from the peninsula where the town sits (known as the Indian Headlands) and the Algonquian peoples who once lived here. The area’s Indigenous community has petitioned for the name to be changed, however, asserting that it alludes to violence inflicted on them in years past.
MATTAWOMAN CREEK: Paddle Mattawoman Creek from Mattingly Park upstream and experience the Chesapeake Bay in miniature. Follow the migration route of herring, shad, and yellow perch to spawning sites in the upper Mattawoman drainage. The extensive wetlands and the large beds of submerged aquatic vegetation are critical nurseries and feeding grounds for fish, including anadromous species and weakfish, spot, croaker, and rare longnose gar. These areas attract anglers for national fishing tournaments and large fish-eating birds like herons, egrets, and bald eagles.
The Farm at Thorne Gut: A small family farm located in Southern Maryland, offering:
Raw Milk Micro-Dairy
ADGA Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Pasture Raised Chicken Eggs
Heritage and Fancy Chicks
Hoof Trimming - Barefoot Farrier
Goat milk soaps and small batch herbal bath and beauty products.
Mattawoman Creek Art Center (MCAC): The Mission of MCAC is to cultivate the creation, appreciation, and availability of the visual fine arts in Southern Maryland. They provide a space for the advancement of the visual fine arts, encourage artists, of all levels of experience, in the pursuit of their art, facilitate a vibrant and enduring engagement between the general public and artists to foster a stronger appreciation of culturally diverse art, engender a sense of community, and facilitate a free exchange of ideas, among artists., and ecruit, retain, and engage actively participating members business partners, and government organizations to support the mission.
Karl's Farm: A small Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm in southern Maryland. All the work is done by Karl and Paula, from the planting and weeding to the harvest and delivery to your home in Washington, DC. That's right, you can have your CSA share delivered to your door and still meet your farmers! From the farm's beginning in 2004, they have been using natural and sustainable methods to grow various vegetables and herbs for our CSA supporters. They also raise free-range chickens and offer egg shares as an add-on to our vegetable shares. As vegetable lovers and farmers, they grow food without pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or synthetic fertilizers. They believe that good soil produces good vegetables, so they feed the soil in addition to feeding their CSA community.
Red Tree Farmstead: A patch of land in Piscataway country, where they grow beautiful cut flowers using regenerative techniques. The farmstead is also home to some young and young-at-heart humans, dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, goats, sheep, and tons of wild plants, weeds, and wild animals. They are constantly delving into a new homesteading project, and are adept amateurs at all sorts of things.
Yuletide Pines Equestrian Services: Offers horseback riding lessons and summer riding camps tailored for riders of all ages, from 3 to 83. The facility features trained staff and specialized instruction, including English and hunt seat jumping. Their programs focus on providing a safe and enjoyable learning environment, accommodating smaller groups in response to health guidelines. The company aims to foster a love for horseback riding among its clients while promoting skill development in a supportive setting.
Cedar Lane Farms: They have made it their mission to create a space for your family to gather and create new memories. Offering year-round visits and workshops on and off the farm so you can make memories even outside of the holiday season. Check out their handmade line of non-toxic candles and spa products while you’re here; they are created with care for you and your family! Soon, you’ll also be able to choose and cut your family Christmas tree at Cedar Lane Farms.
