Neighborhood Of The Month: Berrywood

Active families seeking plenty of green spaces, multiple water access points, and a robust calendar of events need look no further than the quiet 235-home neighborhood of Berrywood.

Tucked between Old Man Creek to the north and Cattail Creek to the south, Berrywood covers approximately 1,160 acres, with land records dating to 1687, when it was owned by Richard Beard. Beard sold his farm to Richard Robinson in 1702, and the farm became the home of his grandson, Colonel Elijah Robinson, a noted Revolutionary officer. That year, the “old stone home” was built and is said to have been used as an inn regularly frequented by George Washington.

Colonel Robinson’s heirs sold the old stone home to John Tydings, the son of John Louis Tydings, and his wife, Laura Robinson, in 1837. Local residents of historical significance buried in the “old graveyard on the hill” include Mary Warfield Robinson, John Tydings, and John Lewis Tydings.

Today, Berrywood is a bustle of daily activity including the annual Berrywood Day, progressive dinners, Rock the Dock, pool events, women’s clubs and book clubs, holiday decorating contests, Christmas Eve luminaries, and much more.

The neighborhood includes two marinas; two recreation areas for basketball, soccer, baseball or lacrosse; a pool and tennis courts for the neighborhood swim and tennis teams; and sizable children’s play area.

On top of the incredible amenities of Berrywood, three residents reveal the true gem of the neighborhood: the sense of community.

Molly LaChapelle
Resident for 46 years

Bud and Molly LaChapelle are Minnesota transplants who came to Maryland after Bud took a pharmacist position in Pasadena nearly 50 years ago. The couple temporarily landed in an apartment in Glen Burnie. The story of how they ended up in Berrywood is an adventure.

“We love boating and were drawn to the area by the Chesapeake Bay,” explained Molly. “I was teaching at Folger McKinsey Elementary School at the time and Bud was looking to build a 17-foot runabout and needed a garage.”

Her teaching assistant at Folger offered her family’s garage to Bud and he happily moved-in his boat. “During the boat build, they got a job transfer to Dallas, so instead of moving the project, we bought the house!” exclaimed Molly. “This wasn’t how we planned to make our house selection, but it turned out to be a great decision.”

Bud and Molly’s family grew with the addition of four sons, all of whom attended St. John the Evangelist School, where Molly then taught and later became assistant principal until her retirement.

Bud and Molly have stayed in Berrywood because “it is a very welcoming community,” she added. “It is large enough to support diverse interests and small enough that neighbors get to know their neighbors. Folks greet each other on the street or give the wave as they pass in their cars.”

Additionally, Molly said the Berrywood Community Association, for which her son David LaChapelle is the current president, supports the neighborhood, and participates in the Greater Severna Park Council and Magothy River Association.

Mary Marburger
Resident for seven years

Mary Marburger and her family moved to Severna Park in 2004 and into Berrywood in 2009. “We quickly realized we wanted to move to Berrywood for the large lots, mature trees, well-kept homes, pool, marina and tennis courts,” said Marburger. “We live on a street that is very quiet and has wonderful neighbors that became lifelong friends.”

Marburger loves that she and her neighbors can gather outside and watch their children play in the street or run from lawn to lawn. She said the kids in Berrywood grow up knowing they are always welcome at a neighbor’s house.

“We bought our next home on Cattail Creek in Berrywood,” explained Marburger, “because we knew we wanted to move to the water but couldn’t imagine leaving Berrywood.”

Tiffany Clay
Resident for 22 months

Tiffany Clay and her husband are both natives of Howard County. After their children were born, the couple wanted water access. As a realtor, Clay spent a significant amount of time researching Anne Arundel County and many communities throughout Severna Park before deciding on Berrywood.

“There are a ton of fantastic neighborhoods in Severna Park, but Berrywood just felt right from the first moment we checked it out,” said Clay. “Plus, it had our two non-negotiables: water access and a community pool. And, if you want a full social calendar, you will have that in Berrywood!”

Severna Park schools were also a consideration for the Clay family.

“Folger is an amazing school and another important factor in our choosing Berrywood,” said Clay. “We have a first-grader who started in kindergarten there last year. The school and staff are absolutely wonderful. I can’t say enough good things about Folger.”

Ultimately, it’s the sense of community that Clay feels is the hallmark of this tight-knit community.

“I don’t know of anywhere else in Maryland where you have such a strong sense of community, great schools and water access,” said Clay. “I have made so many wonderful new friends in my short time in Berrywood. These are friends for life, best friends.”