Preservationists have worked for decades to save the National Park Seminary.
At the turn of the century, the property mainly functioned as a finishing school for women. Unique, internationally inspired homes were built around the campus. The school's founders built each home as a representation of different countries to teach the women about the world. A Japanese pagoda, a Swiss chalet, an American bungalow and a colonial home were just a few of the structures built as sorority houses. Now, however, they are all up for sale and could be yours.
"We were notified by the National Trust for Historic Preservation that this property was going to be available, and when we came out here, it was something like I had never seen before," said the Alexander Company's Development Project Manager David Vos.
The school faced a major setback during the Great Depression and turned the property over to the military. Many of the lavish furnishings and ornate details were torn down or sold at auction. The homes were eventually abandoned, but National Park Seminary preservationist Bonnie Rosenthal is working to bring them back to life.
"There were days when I felt this was hopeless and other days I said, 'It has to be saved, there is no other choice,'" Rosenthal said.
She had to fight to keep the homes in existence.
"This is a combination of architectural styles," Rosenthal said. "To find that any place else as a place to live is impossible, probably, in this country."
Her breakthrough came when she made a call to Vos's development company. They agreed to take on the project of selling the homes to preserve their history.
"We are just looking for individuals who really either really want to put some sweat equity into renovating a home, know what they are doing, or they have a team with professionals," said Vos.
The homes are going for about $315,000 to $425,000. The Dutch Windmill may soon be off the market. A Maryland resident is currently in the final stages of the sale.
