Picture it: a bright, spacious apartment nestled in the forest next to a flowing stream, connected by a charming bridge that invites morning walks and quiet contemplation. You’re waking up to tree-lined vistas, stepping onto balconies surrounded by woodland views, and making nature part of your daily rhythm—not just something you experience on weekends.
A Hidden Gem, Revealed
For nearly six decades, Friends House has been the “hidden gem” among senior living communities in Maryland—a not-for-profit, sustainable Life Plan Community where Quaker-inspired principles create space for people of all backgrounds to thrive together. Located on a lush, 62-acre, tree-lined campus in Sandy Spring, you’d never know you were just minutes from local amenities, or less than an hour from Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and historic Annapolis.
Today, we’re excited to announce the next chapter in our story: the proposed North Forest Addition—bringing new, thoughtfully designed residences to a stunning forested area of our campus. It’s a rare opportunity to live and grow in an established, stable Life Plan Community where your voice will have real impact, combined with the joy of a brand-new home built in communion with nature.
Forest Living, Redefined
The proposed North Forest Addition reflects everything that makes Friends House special among senior living options near Sandy Spring, MD. Many residences will feature balconies where you can sip your morning coffee while listening to the sounds of nature, watch seasonal wildlife, or simply breathe in fresh forest air—the kind of daily connection to nature shown to enhance well-being as we age.
Quaker Simplicity Meets Modern Efficiency
These bright, spacious apartments will feature open-concept floor plans and comfortable, modern amenities that favor substance over superficiality. Using LEED for Homes as our guide, the proposed new residences will exceed Montgomery County’s energy conservation requirements through R45 room insulation, high-efficiency lighting and appliances, and sustainable materials—all while removing as few trees as possible.
The building will include inviting gathering spaces for coffee, conversation, and grab-and-go snacks. Community maintenance is included in your monthly fee, so you’re free to focus on what matters: whether that’s tending plants on your balcony, joining friends for conversations, or taking leisurely walks on our woodland walking trails. Details are outlined in the residence and services agreement.
Short walking paths connect you to existing campus amenities, and yes, this is a pet-friendly senior living community where your four-legged family members are welcome.
A Life Plan Community Where Your Voice Shapes Tomorrow
Here’s what makes this different from other communities: Your experience and wisdom help guide our collective journey. At Friends House, residents play a significant role in community governance, shaping policies, programs and activities, and our future direction. From resident-designed art studios to environmental stewardship committees, this is authentic, resident-led living where your experience and wisdom truly make a difference.
CEO Phil Burkholder observes, “As Friends House grows, our shared values and warm welcome draw folks to a culture where everyone can thrive.”
Community Built on a Foundation of Values
Friends House is rooted in Quaker-inspired values that shape every aspect of our community:
Simplicity – focusing on what truly matters without unnecessary complexity
Peace – creating harmony in our community and resolving conflicts thoughtfully
Integrity – practicing honest, authentic interactions in all we do
Community – believing everyone has something valuable to contribute
Equality – ensuring all voices matter, regardless of background or belief
Stewardship – caring responsibly for our environment and each other
These are more than just words on a wall. Take our award-winning composting program, organic community garden, all-volunteer thrift shop, and thriving apiary—all resident-driven initiatives that grew from the passions of people who call this place home. The proposed North Forest Addition will welcome new voices into this collaborative spirit.
Your Options, Your Timeline
We’re now accepting fully refundable Priority Deposits for the proposed North Forest Addition. Think of it as securing your options while giving yourself time to fully consider this important life decision. No pressure, just peace of mind knowing you have first choice of floor plans and locations when final selections begin.
Ready to explore what’s growing here? Visit our expansion microsite or call 240-390-3265 to learn more about the proposed North Forest Addition and discover how your voice can help shape the next chapter of our story.
Friends House is different from other retirement communities near Sandy Spring, MD. We’re not trying to convince everyone. We’re looking to connect with people who understand that the best things grow naturally—with care, intention, and genuine respect for nature and one another.
