Click on the Small Image below, to get a larger picture:
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A Springtime picture of the Archer's Hays House as seen from the street. A planting of pine trees along the property provides a privacy screen. Other trees include pink dogwoods, hawthorn, and magnolia. The large Linden tree is over 300 years old, registered, and thought to be the oldest in the State of Maryland. It was once both the tallest and the biggest in circumference, until it was topped by lightning. Imported from Europe the Linden was typically planted for good luck. |
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Another view from the street, showing part of the historic barn that is part of the property. The barn is hand pegged and thought to be about 200 years old. It still contains what was the hen house and various parts of farm implements, wooden shutters, old glass windows, and various other pieces of significance to the history of the house. It is used for storage at this point and is awaiting restoration. |
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A partial view of the front gardens and lawn shows some of the perennials and the semi-annual flowers. Sweet Bay magnolia, ferns, hollyhock, moneyplant, lilac, swamp roses and hibiscus, and rose-of-Sharon are some of the many primitive plants that have been cultured in the gardens surrounding the house. Apple, plum, cherry, crabapple, weeping cherry, and almond trees contribute to the blooms which provide color year-round. Other perennials include hundreds of daylilies and summer lilies, jumbo hibiscus, daffodil, mature peonies and roses. |
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The area immediately outside the kitchen is a brick patio and cool place to spend time during the warm summer evenings. In the morning, it provides a sunny location for breakfast or just watching the birds which frequent the crabapple and lilac bushes. The crabapple tree is registered and is the largest found in the registry for Calvert County. |
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A full view of the historic barn which is a welcome sight and common reference point for neighbors' directions. It has had the foundation raised to prevent rot and insect damage and is awaiting full restoration. |
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A view of the house looking towards the garage. You can see the chimneys of the four fireplaces in the house. The two car garage has been used by Mr. Leger as a workshop during the restoration of the Archer's Hays home, but can be easily reverted to their original use. There is an electrical subpanel in the garage that provides 220 Volt power and also servers as the breaker panel for the electric which is provided to the dock. |
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An August moon, as seen from the backyard, overlooking the Patuxent River. At night, Great Horned Owls, Beaver, Otter, Great Blue Heron, and other night animals can be observed. The fishing off the pier reaps Rockfish, Catfish, White and Yellow Perch, and the finest river Crabs (95% males) in Maryland. Fishing along the shoreline and in the pristine creeks yields large and smallmouth bass. |
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The Boathouse in the Winter. The structure is built into the hill in the background, reinforced concrete block, and provides protection from the cold in the winter, and a cooler rest and storage area in the summer. It is equipped with electricity, a microwave, and a small refrigerator. The owner also has added a CD stereo with outdoor speakers, an automated lighting system for the dock, path, decks, and steps and running water for the pier. |
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One of the typical, beautiful sunsets to be enjoyed from the end of the 140' dock. Off the end of the dock, the water is more than 12 feet deep even at low tide. There is a wonderful rope swing which hangs out over the river, and a floating dock on which to soak up the sun and play. |
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These are a few of the geese that Mr. Leger has raised. They were relocated to the area because they needed to be moved from commercial sites, window ledges, and unsafe areas. Waterfowl abounds along the river, with thousands of geese and ducks making it their winter home. Osprey and Eagles also inhabit the immediate woods and are frequent visitors. There is an active osprey nest directly across the river from the end of the dock. |
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A great view from the back lawn, overlooking the upper platform deck. Directly across the river is the Merkle Plantation, a dedicated area for the study and protection of waterfowl and wildlife. Over thirty-three miles of parklands are situated across from Archer's Hays, ensuring that there will always be a natural and unencumbered view of the Patuxent River and the opposite shore. |
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Going down the steps to the river, finds one visiting the first of two landings. It is a wonderful place to sip an evening beverage while watching the sunset or the moon and stars. It is surrounded by mature white and purple Wisteria and domestic grape vines. The fragrant smells which waft on the winds welcomes a relaxing end to day while you watch the river activities and view the thousands of geese settling in for the night. |
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This is a view of the house from the path, as you come up from the river. The slope of the hill is covered in perennial Ivy and Periwinkle (vinca major), and has been terraced and landscaped. The trees, except for the wild Persimmon, Dogwood, and two huge Cedar are all well established and healthy Oaks. |
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From the same spot as the picture above, you can look down the path that curves along the hillside to the dockhouse and the river. During the conservation work on the hillside, Mr. Leger found numerous significant historical artifacts such as pistols, ceramic doll parts, watches, a silver pill box, several axe and adz heads, farm implements, hundreds of antique bottles and pounds of pottery and china pieces. It is an excellent spot for the amateur archeologist and historian. |
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A continuing view of the lovely walk, but further down the path from the house to the dock. A very cool place in summer, from where you can jump on the rope swing and fly out over the river. The sandy consistency of the soil allows it to drain well, and the ivy and periwinkle preserve the slope from any erosion. The beach along the river front is a black sand which is clean and easily to walk. |
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A great view from the end of the 140' dock, looking back towards the dockhouse. You can see the boatlift on the right, the livebox and crane on the left, and the sculptured wild blueberry bushes along the shoreline. The dock is equipped with running water, a number of spigots along the dock, full electrical power, lights, and ladders. |
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What a wonder view of the Archer's Hays House from the River! It is a beautiful site when you come around the bend in the river and the woods open up with this gorgeous home from the past. |
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The Shores of Calvert community pier, dock and boat launch ramp are within easy access from the Archer's Hays pier. These facilities are guarded by an electric gate activated by a remote control issued to each member of the community association. It is the only boat launch facility for miles around, and the only accessible private ramp. The community also has two large lakes for fresh water fishing. It is at the community pier that activities are held throughout the year in the pavilion. Easter egg hunts, a Pig Roast, an oyster fest and chili cookoff are only some of the activities attended by all in the neighborhood. |
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In the springtime, with the trees budding, the geese starting to leave to their northern nesting sites, and the spring flowers starting to bloom, you can see the start of the cycle of the wetlands across the way. Wild rice, millet, water grasses, and other native plants feed the river and the bay with the nutrients so necessary to wildlife. The wetlands also serve as the primary filter for cleansing the waters that flow into the bay and act as a reservoir for water during periods of heavy storms. You can watch the changes on a daily basis, and canoe or boat in the small streams that feed the wetlands. |
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This overhead aerial picture was taken in the Fall of 1997. It shows the house as it is situated on the Patuxent River, the barns, and the relative position of the house on the river. The shot was taken while flying over Rivershore Drive, but does not span then entire width of the lot. In the background, through the trees can be seen the dock and the river. |
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Taken in 1989, from over the Patuxent River, this photograph preceded most of the landscaping and conservation work done on the hillside. This picture was taken before the roof of the entire house, not just the shingles, has been replaced. The dock and the steps to the river had just been constructed, and work on the dockhouse was proceeding. At this point, the shoreline and hillside had just been cleared of downed trees and debris. It was also at this time that several other residents along the riverside also constructed piers and made a concerted effort to conserve and preserve the beauty of the location. |
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As a final delightful end to this page, here is another of the many tremendous sunsets that have been enjoyed from the Archer's Hays home. I hope you have enjoyed your visit and perhaps have given you some insight to the property and the enjoyment that can be found in owning such a unique and historical site. The interior of the house has been as meticulously restored and enhanced as the land and exterior. |