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Historic Charm, Modern Comfort

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Exterior
Miscellaneous
Exterior
Exterior
Property grounds

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Main bedroom

1 Double Bed

Second Bdroom

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

First Floor bathiom

Toilet

Main upstairs Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Historic Charm, Modern Comfort

Discover timeless charm and modern comfort in this beautifully preserved 3-bedroom, 2-bath colonial, built in 1875 and nestled in the heart of Ellicott City. Located on Frederick Road, once a major route connecting Baltimore City to Ellicott City, this home offers a unique blend of history, character, and convenience.

Perched above the Patapsco River and overlooking the iconic B&O Railroad—the first commercial railroad in the United States—this property invites you to experience Maryland’s rich heritage from your front porch. The views alone tell a story, with passing trains and river breezes adding to the ambiance.
Inside, you’ll find original hardwood floors, stone accents, and cozy architectural details that reflect the home’s historic roots. The updated kitchen features stainless steel appliances and modern cabinetry, while central air and a fenced patio provide everyday comfort and privacy.

Located just minutes from Ellicott City’s historic district, local shops, parks, and commuter routes, this home is ideal for families, professionals, or travelers seeking a unique and memorable stay. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer-term visit, 134 Frederick Rd offers a rare opportunity to live where history meets hospitality

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 22
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside only

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Baltimore (and vicinity)

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Map
Ellicott City, MD

What's nearby

  • Patapsco River - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • B&O Railroad Station Museum - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Howard County Welcome Center - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Patapsco Valley State Park - 2 min drive - 1.8 km

Getting around

  • Halethorpe Station - 11 min drive
  • Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Tea Horse Sichuan Bistro - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Outback Steakhouse - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Charm, Modern Comfort pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Historic Charm, Modern Comfort?

As of 27 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic Charm, Modern Comfort on 15 June 2026 start from NZ$388, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Historic Charm, Modern Comfort?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Historic Charm, Modern Comfort?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Charm, Modern Comfort?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Historic Charm, Modern Comfort located?

Situated on a river, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Benjamin Banneker Historical Park & Museum, B&O Railroad Station Museum and Howard County Welcome Center. Patapsco Valley State Park is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) away.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 37 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 37 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 37 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 37 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 37 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were in town for a funeral and this place worked well for us. The location was great and the property was pet friendly. The owner was very responsive to questions. The property is charming and had everything we needed.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Definitely recommending this home to others.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place to feel part of the history of ElOld Can walk to downtown tes
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Siri G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location & Stay

This location is ideal for accessing downtown
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tina M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome place to stay

Wonderful place to stay, cozy house to stay in and walking distance in to town. Will be booking again
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

charming, well-located

Excellent communication and accommodated our needs, including pets. Very clean!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 6 July 2025
Wonderful guest. Any host would be happy to have Liza and her group. The door is always open if she would like to return down the line. Thanks for choosing to stay at the Mello-Ray River House.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denise S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

living history

We were there for a family event. Our host was gracious and accommodating. the property was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara A N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay!

.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 June 2025
Wonderful guest. Any host would be happy to have Barbara and her group. The door is always open if she would like to return down the line. Thanks for choosing to stay at the Mello-Ray River House.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very quaint property within walking distance of Ellicott City

Stayed here for a week over Thanksgiving. Such a cool place!! Had everything we needed and lots of history!
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brittani

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We could not be happier with stay at this lovely home! We love visiting historic Ellicott City and will definitely be back to stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alena C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet weekend

Thisbwas exactly how it is listed. Had a great time
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chad S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

Very nice house in a Convention’s location near old Ellicott City. Very comfortable. Would stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lana G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Stay

Love the property and the eclectic atmosphere this 1875 home brings. Quick walk downtown to enjoy the holiday lights, shops and restaurants. Would stay here again for future stays.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint historic home in great location

This is our second time staying at this cute historic house. The property is comfortable and relaxing and very clean. We enjoyed sitting out in the evening in the side yard to recharge after spending the day sightseeing with local friends and family. We will definitely be back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Curtis P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun historic home in perfect location!

We stayed for two nights while researching the area for a possible move. It is a wonderful historic home with tons of character! It is right on the main road, but unlike others who complained about the noise we found the occasional passing vehicle very easy to tune out. The place was extremely well equipped and clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect location for spending a weekend in Ellicott City

Very short drive to downtown Ellicott City (you can also walk but there's no sidewalk and it's a little harrowing with cars flying past you). Really cool old house built into the surrounding rocks.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super cute!

We stayed a few nights and loved the little town and house. The owner has thought of everything! We very much appreciated all the love she’s given to this historical home. I saw another review complaining of road noise and difficulty using the bathtub shower, but we live on a busy road and we thought the tub/shower combo was unique and appropriate for the home. The dog loved the yard! I was impressed with how there was no evidence of pets being allowed- no pet hair anywhere. (Although the owner had left pet food/water bowls… very thoughtful!)
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A quiet getaway just outside of town

We stayed at the house over the St. Patrick weekend with friends who drove down from Philly. The owner gave us instructions on where to park. Both of our cars fit in the space.What we liked about staying there was the house had character. Thick stone walls that kept down the noise from the street. A side yard with a grill and a fire ring. We used the grill on Saturday night to cook some steaks.The location was only several minutes from the Historic District. Our commute from restaurants and shops were minutes away. The beds were comfortable and it was easy to get rest.The one drawback was there was a beautiful claw-footed tub up on a small platform. As a older person needing a knee replacement, it was a little bit of a negative. That isnt the owner's fault. More of my limitations of having an arthritic knee.There was enough space in the house to one to have a little alone time.It was a very enjoyable weekend. If we return to the town, we would definitely stay there again
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Griffin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cool Old House Near Merriweather Post Pavillion

We enjoyed our stay in your interesting, old house, especially being so close to the river and Merriweather Post Pavillion.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Neil G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family weekend in cozy cottage

We had a really pleasant stay at this cottage. Everything was listed accurately. We spent most of the weekend sitting in the living room or outside in the garden chatting, eating and drinking. As some other reviews noted, the double bed was a little small for us (parents) but our daughters were fine with their bed. The road traffic, though noticeable, did not interfere with the atmosphere. Thanks a lot.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for the pups and me!

I needed a pet friendly property for a quick weekend trip. This house fit the bill just great. Note that the yard is fenced, but if you have really adventurous dogs, there are probably opportunities for escape. Everything in the house worked great and was just as advertised. Bed time as really comfy! Also, really close to the main street area of Ellicott City, but far enough away to be nice and quiet. Thanks for a great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique!

We enjoyed our stay in this unique home. I love antiques and history, so I especially appreciated that the house has lots of character and charm. I’m thankful the owner allowed our dogs to stay as well. Overall, we had a pleasant experience, and we thought it was an interesting break from cookie cutter hotel rooms. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Toni R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Mello Ray House

The house is exactly as pictured, quaint, rustic historic. There are a couple of things that should be mentioned that would make another group's stay more pleasant. We are big people, and the beds were just double and not comfortable. There are coaches but we did not try them. Frederick Road is a very busy highway with a great deal of traffic noise. If a group wants quiet, this stay is not recommended. The kitchen is not stocked as well as it could be. If a group wants to cook there are only a couple of full-size plates and they are clear glass and only 5 forks and we had 8 adults. Only a couple of small skillets. The grills are small portable webers. There is plenty of space downstairs and outside to spread out, but not enough seating for everyone in the same area at once.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in
Disliked: Location

Difficult to navigate

Very old house was expected, but was disappointed with the reality. Lots of stair climbing. Main bathroom’s claw footed tub was set up very high on a “platform” was difficult to get in and out of, ended up bruising my leg pretty badly getting out of tub. Kitchen lacked pots and pans we could use and there was no frying pan. The parking was less than desirable, but at least is was off the road. Would not stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2021
Sorry that you expected something else vs what is clearly shown in pictures and in description. Thanks for leaving trash cans not emptied and food in fridge. Extra charges incurred on my end for that. Next time look over the property entirely prior to booking. That may help decrease your future disappointment in your stays. My river house is prefect just the way it is. Maybe look in all cabinets for your cooking needs and or reach out if have issues locating something. We would not want you back anyhow. Take care.

About the host

Hosted by Kathryn Mello

Host profile image
I was raised right here in Ellicott City and have always had a soft spot for old stone homes and the stories they carry. This house had been on my radar for years — a forgotten gem that finally came up for auction in rough shape. I spent over six months breathing life back into the bones to be able to share my place with others… and it’s a continued love to fix it up as time marches on.

With the help of a great contractor (and more than a few late-night Pinterest and YouTube deep dives), I’ve worked to preserve its character while adding comfort and charm. Hosting here isn’t just about offering a place to stay — it’s about welcoming people into a home that’s rooted in the community I know so well. Ellicott City has its own rhythm, full of quirks and hidden gems, and I’m always happy to share local tips or stories that make your visit memorable.

Why they chose this property

There’s something timeless about Old Ellicott City, especially down by the lower Patapsco River. The winding streets, the stone bridges, the echoes of train whistles from the historic B&O Railroad — it all feels like stepping into a storybook. My home sits right in the heart of it, perched above the river with views that shift beautifully with the seasons.

This neighborhood isn’t just scenic — it’s soulful. The buildings wear their age proudly, with weathered stone and ironwork that whisper tales of centuries past. You’ll find antique shops tucked into old mills, cafés with creaky floors and warm smiles, and trails that lead you straight into nature’s quiet corners. It’s a place where history and community live side by side.

What makes this property unique

This isn’t just a rental — it’s a chance to experience Ellicott City’s soul from the inside out.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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