Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Newcomer.
Hi Debbie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My husband and I purchased Bowling Brook Mansion and 9 acres in February 2019. The property was zoned Country Inn and had most recently been an event venue. The Mansion and guest houses had sat empty and neglected for 12 years and required much repair and updates. My husband is a custom home builder and immediately captured the vision to restore this historic Mansion and property to it’s former glory. We completed phase 1 renovations in May 2019 and hosted our first wedding on October 5 of the same year. In 2020 during the COVID epidemic, we completed renovations and launched into hosting weddings and events that same year. Although all renovations are complete, we continue to improve the beauty of the property and add amenities and appeal. It has been our passion for 7 years.
We are family owned and operated. We have 2 daughters, a son-in-law, and a granddaughter that work with us, and many amazing, dedicated employees. We treasure our bridal couples and their families and are honored to be a part of their special day. We love and value our neighbors and community and are blessed to be a part of Bowling Brooks history.
Bowling Brook Farm was once an 1800 acre Thoroughbred horse training farm, owned by the famous trainer Robert Wyndham Walden who was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1970. Walden boasted 7 Preakness wins and held the record for the most wins in history until 2023. In 1872 he transformed the existing farm house into a huge and extravagant Victorian style home. He hosted lavish parties and entertained his rich and famous clients. He was extremely benevolent and a strong Christian. There is much written about he and his families life and Bowling Brook Farm!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our first obstacle was in purchasing Bowling Brook. We had a home to sell and a farm that was under contract with a local builder that needed to settle in order to finance our down payment and renovation costs. Nothing was immediately eminent and things looked very unlikely. However, God had another plan for us and within 2 weeks He moved every mountain on our road to settlement.
The next obstacle was in the massive renovations and repairs that the mansion and property required. We did much of the work ourselves which took it’s toll on both of us. I was 56 and Bert was 59 when we purchased. It was a huge project and dream but we felt God had chosen us to restore Bowling Brook so we persevered. It was definitely worth it!
What next? COVID. Five months after our first event with 14 weddings scheduled for 2020, the state of MD closed our business. Most of our couples postponed their wedding and a few under rigid restrictions moved forward when permitted. 2021 brought a slow trickle of bookings but most couples were fearful of another shut down. However, by 2022 things had settled down and couples began to make plans with confidence. Business began to pick up and by 2023 we had our biggest year since we opened. 2024 brought a slow down due to the economy and upcoming political elections. 2025 brought renewed confidence and bookings soared. We anticipate 2026 to be a bumper year!
We have had several deaths of family and close friends, life altering family and personal illness, and much stress and uncertainty in the years that we have owned Bowling Brook. This road has not been an easy one. However, our faith that this is God’s plan for us has not wavered. We and our family have been blessed with incredible personal growth, 1000’s of friends that we have made in and through our couples, the honor of being part of the legacy of Bowling Brook Farm, never getting past the beauty and wonder of this property, and the constant, overwhelming sense of gratitude for all that we have and have accomplished by God’s grace. We will be eternally thankful!
We’ve been impressed with Bowling Brook Mansion, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Famed, Elegant and Unique! Renovated from farmhouse to Mansion in 1872, Bowling Brook was one of the most significant horse training facilities in the nation boasting 7 Preakness winners. The mansion has been fully restored with elegant finishes while maintaining the original historic detail and charm. The mansion’s ornate woodwork and beautiful chandeliers provide a truly memorable atmosphere for every event. Bowling Brook Mansion is located in Carroll County, Keymar Maryland, surrounded by scenic countryside views while remaining accessible to Frederick, Westminster, and the greater Baltimore area.
Bowling Brook Mansion hosts weddings, private parties, corporate events, showers, and social celebrations in an elegant, historic setting with flexible event spaces. However, we consider weddings to be our specialty and passion! Our multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony areas offer idyllic settings for couples to say their vows in front of their loved ones. The spacious 3100 square feet indoor ballroom, expansive 2000 square feet rooftop patio, and 9 acres of manicured grounds provide our clients numerous options for their various events and celebrations.
A beautiful and spacious bridal suite and a groom’s suite are available for the couple and the members of their wedding party to make their final preparations before heading down the aisle. We offer 8 luxurious suites that can accommodate 18 overnight guests the night of your event. Each suite offers numerous amenities including a private bath and individual climate control.
Our Venue price includes use of indoor and outdoor spaces, day of vendor and ceremony/event coordinator and venue staff, all reception tables, Chiavari reception chairs, and upgraded ceremony seating. We hold a MD State Liquor License and provide full bar service. Full-service catering must be provided by an approved partner. We work with 12 approved caterers with a variety of pricing and options to best suite your catering needs. You may also bring your own appetizers, desserts, and nonalcoholic drinks. We host one wedding a day so that no couple is forced to rush or share their day.
We consider ourselves to be the “Easy Button” of venues. The amenities and support that we provide, which most are included in our pricing, is unique to our industry. You are not a number or a dollar sign! We treat our clients and their guests like family. The mansion is warm and inviting yet elegant and upscale. A place that feels like home. We have worked hard to create a one of a kind experience for every client and are most proud of our reputation.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I could go on and on! However, I think I have covered the heart of Bowling Brook.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies dpending upon season, day of the week, and event type.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bowlingbrookmansion.com
- Instagram: Bowling Brook Mansion
- Facebook: bowlingbrookmansion
