Aigburth Vale, Second Empire mansion in Towson, United States
Aigburth Vale is a three-story wood-framed mansion with prominent mansard roofs crowning its tower and wings in Towson. The structure was designed by architect John Rudolph Niernsee and features Second Empire styling throughout.
The estate began in 1868 as a country residence for actor John E. Owens on land formerly known as Rock Spring Farm. The property later served as an inn and hospital before becoming part of Baltimore County schools.
The mansion transformed from a private residence to an inn, then a mental hospital, and finally became part of the Baltimore County Board of Education.
The property sits within a residential neighborhood near Towson High School, which was established on the former estate grounds during the 1940s. It remains accessible as part of the local school district today.
The original gatehouse from 1860 remains standing at the intersection of Cedar and York Road, preserving a direct connection to the estate's early transportation routes. This small structure often goes unnoticed but offers a tangible link to how the original property was organized.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
