Tusculum Farm in Laytonsville, Md. is a rural home away from home for DC denizens looking for an escape from the city. The same goes for Michelle DiFebo Freeman, board president and CEO of real estate developer Carl M. Freeman Cos. While Freeman lives in Potomac, Md., she also owns the luxe B&B—the former residence of the Freemans till 2015. And she and her staff (including son Nick, who assists the management team) recently gave it a nip and tuck, debuting four revamped suites in The Farm House. “When I go away, I want to stay in a room that rejuvenates me, wraps me up in softness and comfort,” says Freeman. “I think that is what we did [here].” And the house’s library would be her pick for throwing a party. Because, yes, the historic haunt (dating back to 1747) doubles as an event venue. “Tusculum is magic,” she notes. “The air, the stars... the way the sculptures change shape as the sun sets. And is there anything better than having a party in a beautiful space, not having to clean up and walking back to a delicious room? It’s dreamy.” Now, she sets the table. Rooms from $285 per night, venue rentals from $2,500.
Who are you inviting?
It would be a gals’ dinner—Gertrude Stein for sure, Georgia O’Keeffe, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Alice Paul (in honor of the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment), Beyoncé.... My mother, Charlotte Difebo; my daughter, Jules; my sister, Lisa; and my girlfriends: They’d have to be there [too].
Assigned seating?
Yes, to spread out the greatness.
Serve a taste of your first course.
In the fall, I almost always start with soup. A hearty [one] on the farm like butternut squash is lovely and warms the insides.
And you will wear...
[something] fabulous and comfortable—feels like Gucci. Definitely black with maybe a little red thrown in.
To cap it all off?
Lady 4 Gaga [will] show up for a nightcap and sing us out with a rendition of "Telephone" with Beyoncé.
Photography by: Greg Powers
