Inside the Boutique Bed & Breakfast Rooted in Black Joy and Excellence With Lisa Brown Alexander
Tucked away on a quiet residential street in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, lies a treasure that most people drive right past without knowing it exists. Wellspring Manor & Spa is the kind of place that makes you do a double-take when you finally find that hidden driveway—and once you experience it, you'll never forget it.
A Space Where You Can Just Be
When Lisa Alexander and her husband envisioned Wellspring Manor & Spa, they had a simple but powerful mission: create a place where guests leave feeling "seen, safe, and celebrated." It's a philosophy born from their own experiences traveling to luxury accommodations where they often felt unwelcome despite being paying guests.
"The nicer the place got, the less welcome we often felt," Alexander explains. This all-too-common experience for people of color in upscale hospitality spaces sparked the idea for something different; a place where you can truly let your hair down without wearing masks or putting on a show.
From Raw Land to Hidden Gem
The journey to Wellspring Manor wasn't straightforward. The couple initially purchased raw land near Brandywine, but infrastructure costs made that dream unfeasible. Sometimes the best things come from Plan B, though. When this property appeared in real estate listings, Alexander couldn't believe they'd been living just 10 minutes away for years without knowing this beautiful space existed.
The manor, built in 1953 but with the character of an 1800s estate, had been vacant for eight years when they purchased it in March 2018. "Houses need to be lived in," Alexander notes, and this one was ready for new life. After extensive renovations that balanced modern amenities with classic charm, Wellspring Manor & Spa opened its doors.
More Than Just a Place to Stay
What sets Wellspring Manor apart isn't just the beautiful accommodations—it's the intentional curation of culture. Every detail reflects a commitment to celebrating Black art, music, and cuisine. Jazz flows through the space, original Black artwork adorns every wall, and the menu offers both familiar comfort foods and boundary-pushing culinary experiences.
Building Community, One Event at a Time
Wellspring Manor hosts a variety of events centered around music, art, and food. From intimate jazz concerts in the barn to holiday celebrations and HBCU gatherings, each event reinforces the manor's role as a cultural hub.
Overcoming Neighborhood Skepticism
Opening a unique business in an established residential neighborhood came with challenges. Long-time residents were understandably protective of their quiet street, concerned about noise, security, and increased traffic. Alexander and her husband took a proactive approach, hosting neighborhood meetings before opening, complete with refreshments and detailed explanations of their vision.
"We were watched quite a bit," Alexander recalls, noting that police were called a few times despite their respectful operations. But time and consistency won over the skeptics. The neighbors eventually realized that Wellspring Manor was bringing light and life to a space that had sat dark and vacant for years.
Lessons in Excellence and Listening
After nearly seven years of operation, Alexander identifies listening as one of the most crucial but underused skills in hospitality. Small additions like the coffee and tea bar accessible to guests all day, lavender vials in each room for relaxation, and the gift shop that opened in 2023 all came from paying attention to what guests wanted.
Her personal motto: "Be excellent consistently and consistently excellent" drives every aspect of the operation. It's a philosophy instilled in childhood and now applied to ensure every guest knows exactly what to expect: quality service, beautiful spaces, and an authentic cultural experience.
Looking Forward
As Wellspring Manor & Spa approaches its 10-year mark, Alexander's vision remains focused on consistency and reliability. She wants guests to walk through those doors knowing they'll receive personalized, quality service every single time.
The recent surge in business, even during economic uncertainty, reflects a growing intentionality among consumers to support Black-owned businesses. "We've had guests tell us explicitly, 'We came here because you're Black-owned,'" Alexander shares, hoping this represents a lasting shift rather than a temporary trend.
Plan Your Visit
Wellspring Manor & Spa is open every day except Monday, offering accommodations, spa services, and event hosting. Whether you're planning a girls' retreat, looking for a peaceful getaway, or wanting to attend one of their cultural events, this hidden oasis in Upper Marlboro offers something truly special.
For those ready to experience a space where luxury meets culture, where excellence is the standard, and where you can truly be yourself—Wellspring Manor & Spa is waiting to welcome you home.
— Visit Wellspring Manor & Spa
