Nothing can replace time spent together, but it’s often hard to come by.
For many people, time without distractions, obligations and outside noises is even harder to come by.
Guests at Caboose Farm are lucky to experience the gift of uninterrupted time surrounded by nature’s beauty and awe-inspiring backdrop for events such as weddings, family reunions, corporate events, private parties and even holiday functions.
Nestled in the mountains near Sabillasville, Maryland, the venue sits just outside Catoctin Mountain Park, a stone’s throw from Camp David and less than a five minute drive from Cunningham Falls State Park.
“Guests are able to experience the beauty of the mountains and being outside,” said Colby Stouffer, who has been property manager of the site since 2013, and who had his own wedding there in 2016. “I have seen it from both sides—helping to run events here and also getting married here. It truly is a beautiful and remarkable place.”
Take a quick scroll through pictures of weddings held at Caboose Farm and it isn’t hard to see why so many couples choose this setting for their special day. With 215 acres, the property includes hiking trails, a pond, woods, a stream and vast fields. Couples can choose to hold their ceremony wherever they please, with the assurance that every spot is picture perfect.
“It’s a jewel in the valley,” said Peter Fedak, whose family has owned and grown the property since 1971. “But I don’t want it to stay hidden—I want people to come and enjoy all it offers. The best thing I can do is share this experience with others.”
Various features of the estate allow guests to “chill and relax” while also exploring the great outdoors and valuing each other’s company. “That is what this property has always been—even when I was a kid—a place to walk around with family, getaway to the mountains and take time to reconnect,” Peter said, recalling nostalgic memories throughout the years with his own family and expressing his desire that others are able to do the same.
The estate is fondly named after a caboose which was purchased by Peter’s father in 1974, and is now centrally located on the property as a welcoming symbol for all visitors. Across the road from the caboose is the event barn which includes three levels, each serving a variety of functions. The 2,600-square-foot lower level is perfect for dinner and dancing. The barn’s main level features a family-heirloom antique bar and cash register, a seating area, movie theater and three outdoor decks. The upper level houses a game room, where guests can play foosball or lounge with a good book.
In addition to the picturesque scenery and the event barn, Caboose Farm also features seven fully-furnished houses that are available for couples and guests to rent, giving the unique opportunity to make special events into multiple-day affairs.
“Couples can have their wedding party and guests stay and celebrate all weekend—with the rehearsal dinner on Friday evening, the ceremony on Saturday and then a brunch on Sunday,” Colby explained.
Mostly named after various presidents, each house holds between 10-16 people, with a total of 33 bedrooms across all seven rentals, allowing for about 100 people to stay on site. The oldest house was built in the late 1700s, two were built in the mid to late 1800s, and the remaining four were built in the 1950s and 1960s. The interior of each house has been newly renovated and features all of the amenities of modern living, including a full kitchen, sitting areas and distinctive decor created and procured by Peter’s wife, Daniele, and her parents who are local visual artists.
Nearby wineries, golf courses, national and state parks and other local attractions allow for a sort of “private vacation” for guests, while still being close to major cities and airports.
“We are away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Instead, our guests can come here and really enjoy their time together,” Colby said, noting that his goal is to help guests feel at home and enable them to create an experience they will remember fondly. While the venue doesn't have in-house catering at the moment, Colby works with guests to build their perfect team of services and also gives recommendations when needed.
“Colby and the staff are so easy to work with,” said Peter. “They really make it their mission to accommodate and make the entire experience stress free and enjoyable.”
The serenity of the Caboose Farm property is not only a great spot for weddings; other events such as corporate team building, yoga retreats, writers workshops, family reunions, birthday parties, religious retreats and even Thanksgiving and New Year celebrations are among the gatherings that have been held there.
“The property can be utilized for anything you can imagine,” Peter said. “It doesn’t have to only be something on a weekend; we would love the property to be used throughout the week and throughout the year.”
Whether it's a wedding, corporate retreat, family reunion, or surprise birthday party, the Caboose Farm offers the unique opportunity for groups to be together in a way that allows each person to have their own space and time to explore, creating a story unlike many other venues.
“We want to be a part of that story,” Colby said. “We would love to share that story with them.”
CabooseFarm.net
“The property can be utilized for anything you can imagine...we would love the property to be used throughout the week and throughout the year.” - Peter Fedak
