Stonecroft Manor feels like it has a story to tell as soon as you step inside. Sitting on a small hill just outside of Oakland, it’s been a part of Garrett County’s history for over 150 years. This stately, historic manor brings a wealth of history hidden behind its walls and across its expansive yard. It’s nearly impossible to miss its grand footprint, tucked behind stone gates off of Memorial Drive.
The charm starts with its early years. Built in 1868 by Judge William J. Lambert from Washington DC, it was originally called “Thorncraft Manor”. It was created as a summer getaway from the oppressive city heat, taking advantage of the cooler mountain air in Garrett County. The building features a large, elegant wrap-around porch that still impresses visitors today. Sadly, he was unable to retain the property due to illness,s and it was sold in 1895.
Over the years, rs the property has changed hands multiple times, each owner adding their own touch. It has served as a mountain retreat, a nursing home, and played an interesting role during the time when alcohol was outlawed in this area due to Garrett County being dry and liquor being outlawed. Lou Cornish bought it in 1947 and quietly ran a speakeasy there, giving the building a bit of intrigue. In 1959, it officially became “Cornish Manor” and started its long run as a dining establishment. The cold storage cave, constructed during the original design, still remains behind the restaurant, although it is not used currently. A full renovation took place in 2004, and much of the original woodwork and fixtures were restored to their original condition. It is an official historical building through the Maryland Historical Trust,t and that essence is felt from the drive into the parking lot when you first note its Victorian charm.
While its past is fascinating, what’s happening now makes it worth visiting. After a quiet period of closure, the home gained new life when Jim & Shirley Bailey purchased it with the desire to keep it a part of the community. The Baileys have a history of investing in the community and blessing the Garrett County area.
Today, Ed and Lydia Shuttleworth run things as general manager and chef. Their connection to the manor goes back generations. Lydia’s parents
– the Bergheims – used to own the manor when she was a child. Lydia had grown up there, and Ed worked there when he was 16. Jim Bailey convinced them to return after running into them on a coincidental visit to the restaurant. Lydia says, “It’s like coming full circle and coming home. It’s more than just a job. We met here”. Some of the menu items still come from Lydia’s Mom’s recipe. If you’ve ever enjoyed the warm chicken salad, one of her specialties, you know what that means. If you haven’t tried it yet, it should definitely be on your list.
The reopening is about giving people a reason to come back and rebuilding something meaningful. Lydia says, “It’s about bringing it back to what it used to be. Giving people a reason to come back”. They pay attention to the small things: greeting guests warmly, serving meals thoughtfully, and making the space feel welcoming from the moment you walk in. Ed carefully curates the menu, focusing on quality without making it feel like it’s too far out of reach. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a well-prepared, nicely plated meal without needing a special occasion. The food is elevated, and the atmosphere is stunning, yet comfortable. Guests can come in for a celebratory dinner or just a relaxed meal and feel equally at home.
Stonecroft Manor is moving into its next chapter with purpose. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Sunday brunch has quickly become a local favorite, drawing both residents and visitors who enjoy a slow morning with a great meal. The manor can also host private gatherings with friends and family.
But beyond the hours and setting, it’s the feeling that lingers. This isn’t just a reopening – it’s a revival. A return to something that mattered to the community, with new efforts to keep it that way. Guests are welcomed, remembered, and made to feel like they belong. It adds something special you won’t find on the menu. There is an emphasis on connection – between staff and guests, and even among the guests themselves.
For travelers passing by or locals looking for a place to come back to, Stonecroft Manor offers more than a meal. It offers a place to slow down, connect, and be a part of something that has quietly been working on coming back to life.
And now, it has.
Stonecroft Manor is located at 830 Memorial Drive, Oakland, MD 21550.
Written by Tamra Canfield.