Fives miles off of Interstate 270 in Montgomery County, an expansive rural landscape begins to unfold, with rolling hills, split-rail fences and tranquil scenes. Cornfields appear on both sides of the road. The first snow of the season coats the branches and covers the rooftops of well-kept Victorian homes coming into the little town of Laytonsville along Route 108. The fire station billboard advertises an upcoming “Breakfast with Santa,” and holiday decorations transform the village into a winter wonderland.
“It’s a small town,” said resident Kevin Shaw, who works as a fireman. “Blink your eyes and you’ll miss it.”
There’s a small shopping center with a barbershop, a 7-Eleven and a restaurant serving brick oven pizza. You still need to pay before pumping at the town gas station — though it does accept credit. Many of the antique shops the town was once known for have disappeared, though a new one has opened recently, noted Councilman David Preusch, “giving us some hope for more.”
The elementary school sits on a hill in the center of town. Victorian homes, newly built mansions and a few remaining farms — abundant with corn and cattle — are situated on large tracts of land.
“It’s a lovely place,” said Audrey Primozic, a Weichert Realtors agent. “It’s affordable. People come here for the small-town rural feel. Some prefer it over Potomac.”
A settlement for over 200 years, Laytonsville was originally known as Cracklintown for a popular bacon cornbread called “cracklin bread” served at the Cracklin Tavern. Farmer and postmaster John Layton named the post office Laytonsville after his family, and it became the official moniker in 1892.
It’s a small, tight-knit community of 100 families. The Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department hosts many seasonal activities including barbecues, breakfasts and the delivery of Santa to the annual lighting of the tree. The department also burns down old houses when new owners are ready to rebuild.
“It’s more efficient than demolition,” said Chief Buddy Sutton, who has followed in the footsteps of three generations of firemen. “It saves money on trash removal and helps us train new recruits.”
Sutton said the older homes, built with bloom frame and tin construction, were not as well-insulated. Fire crawls up the walls. But rest assured, he’s well-equipped to handle any blaze.
“We have more water on wheels here than anywhere in Montgomery County,” Sutton said. “I never in a million years thought I would see a mega-mansion here.”
Homes range from $200,000 into the multiple millions and include ramblers, split-levels, center-hall Colonials and old Victorian farmhouses.
“You can get a nice house on an acre or more of land — some lots up to 20 and 30 acres,” Primozic said.
Surrounded by an agricultural preserve, the town will maintain its wide-open spaces and breathtaking panoramic vistas.
Many residents moved to the town for its rural character, Preusch said. “Laytonsville is a wonderful place to live and raise a family.”
Top reasons to live in Laytonsville
Location
Only 25 miles to D.C. and close to Frederick and Baltimore, the town is well-situated and conveniently located to a number of areas. It’s also close to Montgomery Village and shopping in Olney.
History
Laytonsville has a number of historic landmarks and homes. The Bell House, the Layton House and the Griffith House have all been commemorated with Christmas ornaments. Constructed in 1852 by the “Mountain Dew Division” of the Sons of Temperance for their use, Temperance Hall No. 152 still stands gracefully at 6920 Sundown Road close to the intersection that is the heart of the town.
Laytonsville Volunteer Fire Department
A central fixture in the town, the fire department has a unique history and sponsors a number of activities throughout the year. Established in 1952, the fire station features “Minnie,” a red Brockway engine kept in mint condition and brought out for events and parades.
November 2009
Average sold price in the 20882 ZIP code: $466,000
Average list price in the 20882 ZIP code: $471,000
Average days on market for homes sold: 134
November 2008
Average sold price in the 20882 ZIP code: $533,000
Average list price in the 20882 ZIP code: $552,000
Average days on market for homes sold: 155
