Due to upcoming construction, the ballroom of the Orianda House will not be available for rentals.
Mr. Thomas Winans
Painting of Thomas Winans
This Mr.Winans is responsible for the building of the Crimea Estate. This was his summer retreat. The cornerstone was laid on Friday, June 27 in 1856. They worked through the autumn, winter and summer of 1857. All told, the house cost $9,170.69 according to a recapitulation in the labor ledger. Its assessed value in 1859 was $12,000.
Mr. Winans was very fond of fine horses and their quarters were situated a quarter of a mile north of the house near the residents of the men who had charge of them. Some of the horses driven by Mr. Winans were considered to be the finest in the country and doubtless were, as he valued them and the means to secure them. The stables and round barn and other out buildings and race track were located where the Chesapeake Steam Model Railway runs and also near the baseball diamonds. This area is just off of Windsor Mill Road.