Baltimore County Businessman Withdraws from Historic Perry Hall Mansion Purchase
A planned $5,000 sale of the historic Perry Hall mansion to Baltimore County businessman Robert Lehnhoff has fallen through, county officials confirmed on Tuesday. The unexpected withdrawal comes just months after the Baltimore County Council approved the contract in June.
The mansion, built in 1773 and a namesake for the Perry Hall community, was set to be sold at a price significantly below its assessed property value due to the county’s inability to afford its upkeep. Debra Shindle, the county property management chief, had previously stated that the mansion required extensive maintenance and repair to become habitable.
The proposed sale included a potential $250,000 county grant for capital expenditures, pending state and county approval. Lehnhoff had plans to convert the mansion into a bed-and-breakfast and part-time event space.
However, in a recent email to Shindle, Lehnhoff cited “significant challenges with the property and its use within the residential community” as reasons for withdrawing from the purchase. He expressed gratitude for the assistance received but regretted being unable to make the project viable.
The Perry Hall mansion holds considerable historical significance. Originally part of a 1,000-acre estate owned by Corbin Lee, it was later sold to Harry Dorsey Gough, a merchant who converted to Methodism and built a chapel on the grounds.
Councilman David Marks, who represents the area and authored a history on Perry Hall, expressed disappointment at the news. Marks, who helped nominate the mansion for landmark status, emphasized the importance of finding an owner committed to restoring the property.
“We remain committed to searching for the right person or entity to acquire and preserve this important piece of our local history,” Marks stated.
As the search for a new buyer continues, the future of the Perry Hall mansion remains uncertain. County officials are now tasked with finding a solution that balances the property’s historical value with the practical challenges of its restoration and maintenance.
