In 1848, Gustav W. Lurman, Sr., a German immigrant, purchased the estate, restored its original name "Farmlands" and proceeded to make it a Maryland Showplace. Bringing many rare trees and shrubs to the property, it was one of only two formal English Gardens in the state. His wife, the former Frances L. Donnell, was a descendant of Lady Godiva. They had three sons and four daughters, although there is some mystery surrounding one of the sons, some records only refer to two sons. In the late 1800’s after Gustav’s death and harsh times, most of the property was sold to a cousin.