Today we’d like to introduce you to Polly Wiedmaier.
Polly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started during the first “COVID summer.” A close friend of mine came down to visit with her children, along with one of her girlfriends and her kids. They spent the day swimming in the pool and relaxing on the property and beach at Rousby Hall. At the end of the day, my friend’s friend asked if she could rent the house for a month that summer. I said yes and that was the beginning of my Airbnb journey.
At the time, all of our restaurants were temporarily closed, and like many in the hospitality industry, we were looking for ways to adapt. Turning our second home into a rental made perfect sense, especially given the property’s natural beauty and historic charm. The experience opened my eyes to a new way of offering hospitality, more personal, more immersive, and just as fulfilling. That first guest’s reaction confirmed what I suspected: Rousby Hall wasn’t just a beautiful home, it was a destination. From there, I leaned in fully, refining the guest experience, adding thoughtful touches, and building something truly special.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The first year of Airbnb hosting was incredibly busy, largely due to the pandemic. With so many people working remotely, demand was high, not just during the typical spring-to-fall season, but year-round. Between guest stays, I was constantly making improvements, painting, refinishing floors, updating furniture, always with an eye toward enhancing the guest experience.
Overall, it’s been a fun and relatively smooth road. In 2022, we expanded into hosting weddings, which brought a new level of excitement and complexity. Weddings definitely take a lot of effort, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see people make lifelong memories in a place that means so much to us.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m the Chief Marketing Officer and co-owner, alongside my husband and partner, Chef Robert Wiedmaier. Together, we own and operate Keystone Korner, a premier jazz club in Baltimore, two Mussel Bar & Grille locations in Bethesda, MD and Arlington, VA, and Tommy Joe’s, a popular sports bar in Bethesda.
When the pandemic forced the temporary closure of our restaurants, we saw an opportunity to turn our second home, Rousby Hall, into a unique Airbnb destination. With our deep roots in hospitality and a shared passion for travel, we thoughtfully refined the property and our guest services to not only meet but exceed expectations.
What truly sets Rousby Hall apart is its rich history and remarkable setting. One of Southern Maryland’s best-preserved 18th-century homes, the property sits on 16 private acres along the Patuxent River. Guests enjoy pool (heated in spring and fall), private beach, and pier. I’m proud to be an Airbnb Superhost, and we take great care in offering a level of warmth, professionalism, and experience that reflects our lifelong dedication to hospitality.
Note: other restaurants that we owned before and during Covid.
Robert’s first and flagship restaurant, Marcel’s, was a fine dining European establishment located on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., and operated from 1999 to 2024. He also owned Brasserie Beck at 11th and K Streets (2007–2024), and Siren by RW (2017–2019), where he earned his first Michelin star.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
My husband, Chef Robert Wiedmaier, and I offer dinner services to our Airbnb guests. He prepares family-style meals at our home and delivers them directly to the guests (right next door). We also host weddings at Rousby Hall, where he has catered rehearsal and welcome dinners for up to 25 guests.
Pricing:
- Summer rates at Rousby Hall is $750 per night, one week minimum
- Wedding venue rental is $7k
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rousbyhall.com
- Instagram: rousbyhall
