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In 1852 Frederick Tschiffely bought a large parcel of land from the Clagett family. In 1901, Frederick's son had this impressive brick mansion constructed. The Tschiffely's called their farm The Wheatlands. In 1942, a Washington lawyer named Otis Beall Kent bought the 600-acre estate and changed the name to The Kentlands. Although additions and alterations have been made to the building, most of the original and essential character of the house remains intact. The photo on the left shows the Tschiffely estate a few years after it was sold to Otis Beall Kent. "COMMENTS"
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The Tschiffely family also had a large barn constructed in 1901. Today, this is the Gaithersburg Arts Barn, where visitors can attend workshops and classes, observe artists at work in studios, and enjoy performances in the 99-seat theater. "COMMENTS"
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According to Tschiffely sources, this spring house was on the property before the family purchased the property in the 1850's... and certainly before the construction of Inspiration Lake by Kent. All that is left is the foundation, but the spring is still active, which you can clearly see upon visiting the site. Pretty cool. "COMMENTS"
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Mr. Kent was an early advocate of wildlife preservation, a fact reflected in the alterations to the landscape. He added lakes, ponds and habitats throughout the farm for birds and game. He also bequeathed land to the National Geographic Society to develop a wildlife sanctuary.
At Kent's death in 1972, Kentland was bequeathed to his adopted daughter, Helene Danger Kent. In May of 1988 Helene sold Kentland to the Great Seneca Limited Partnership. "COMMENTS"
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This is a photograph taken in the 1980's, shortly after Mrs. Kent sold her estate. The picture shows the Darnestown Road entrance to Kentlands Farms. "COMMENTS"
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