Heading west from Baltimore on Interstate 70, it is impossible to ignore the pastoral scenes in Washington County: red barns, huge gray silos and lazing cows.
Just a few miles off the interstate, along Alternate U.S. 40, a winding, narrow road that crawls high into rugged hills, is the sleepy town of Boonsboro.
The town is rich in Civil War history, and its residents will tell you it's well worth a visit - or a lifetime's stay.
To get a sense of the detailed architecture found along Main Street, all you have to do is catch a glimpse of George Messner's house, which many consider the most beautiful house in town.
The restored Victorian home, circa 1886, serves as both residence and office for this insurance salesman. His wife, Vickie, a retired teacher from the Washington County school system, recalls the first time she saw the broken-down property.
"I walked in and said [to my husband], `Are you kidding?'"
The house was hardly in "move-in" condition. A true labor of love, it took the Messners, who furnished the home by purchasing period furniture at antique houses, years to complete the restoration.
"You can't work continuously," George Messner said of the home that was purchased in 1986 for $84,000. "You will burn out physically and emotionally, [and] your wallet gets drained."
In fact, patience is good advice for anyone wishing to buy one of Boonsboro's originals. There are many treasures to be had - log cabins and Colonials made with stone quarried nearby at South Mountain.
But when Vickie Messner looks for a bit of big-town excitement, she's off to Baltimore, having no problem with the little over an hour's drive east on I-70.
The appeal of Boonsboro intrigues buyers who desire country living, and ever-growing Frederick, about 15 miles east - is a bit too pricey, according to local real estate agent Yvonne Thomson.
"Great restoration possibilities [are here]," she said, "along with quaintness."
In addition, Thomson said, Ryan Homes is selling new homes, ranging from $200,000 to $250,000, but smaller, existing three-bedroom ranchers can be purchased for around $110,000.
Those who buy in Boonsboro range from young couples looking for the perfect starter home to "weekenders" whose cabins become a refuge especially with the wealth of nearby outdoor recreation at the Appalachian Trail, Greenbrier State Park, The C&O Canal and the Potomac River.
