Delaware is like a time machine, full of historic homes that each tell a unique story. From grand estates to cozy cottages, walking through these places feels like stepping into a history book.
One time, I visited a mansion so old, I half-expected a ghost to offer me tea! Each home is like its own little snapshot of the past, whether it’s the stunning architecture of a sprawling estate or the charming quirks of a centuries-old cottage.
Trust me, you’ll feel like you’re living in a different time, minus the questionable fashion choices! Ready for a trip through history?
1. Winterthur Museum
Some places make you feel like royalty, and Winterthur is one of them. With over 175 rooms, this mansion was once the residence of the DuPont family, known for their love of art and antiques.
The gardens are expansive, offering a colorful tapestry of flora and fauna. Walking through its halls, one is greeted by an array of American decorative arts, each piece whispering stories of the past.
It’s like a history lesson wrapped in a work of art. It’s a majestic journey worth taking for anyone visiting Wilmington.
2. Hagley Museum and Library
Ever wonder what it was like when industry and nature coexisted peacefully? At Hagley, you don’t need to wonder.
Situated on the banks of the peaceful Brandywine River, this museum explores the early American industry. The stone powder mills echo tales of yesteryears when the DuPont company was just starting out.
Stroll through the worker’s village and imagine life back then. It’s a spot that mixes the charm of nature with the grit of industry, a truly unique experience in Wilmington.
3. Nemours Estate
Fancy a trip to France without leaving Delaware? Nemours Estate is your ticket. This French-style chateau, built by Alfred I. DuPont, oozes luxury and grace.
The gardens rival those of Versailles, with fountains that dance and flowers that bloom in vibrant hues. Inside, opulent rooms filled with plush furniture and art pieces await.
It’s a setting fit for a king, though you won’t need a crown to appreciate it. A visit here is like stepping into a European fairy tale amidst the heart of Wilmington.
4. Woodward Houses
Not all treasures are grand, some are nestled in the heart of a city. The Woodward Houses stand as a testament to 19th-century craftsmanship.
These quaint brick rowhouses, with their gabled roofs and brick facades, whisper tales of Wilmington’s past residents. The cobblestone streets and gas lamps add to the charm, transporting you back to simpler times.
It’s a delightful stroll through history, where each house has a story to tell, making you wonder about the lives once lived within these walls.
5. Rockwood Park & Museum
Have you ever seen a house that looks like it belongs in a Gothic novel? Rockwood Park & Museum fits the bill perfectly.
This Gothic Revival mansion is nestled in lush gardens that sing with the chirping of birds and rustling leaves. Its architecture, with pointed arches and intricate woodwork, offers a glimpse into the Victorian era. Rooms are filled with period furniture and artifacts, creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and fascinating. It’s a Victorian dream come to life in Wilmington.
6. Historic New Castle
Stepping into Historic New Castle feels like flipping the pages of a colonial-era book. The town’s streets are paved with brick, and its homes are quaint reminders of the past.
As you wander, you’ll find shops and inns that have served travelers for centuries. The Delaware River gently flows nearby, adding a serene backdrop to this colonial picture.
It’s a place where history isn’t just remembered, but lived. Every corner has a story, and every building is a chapter in New Castle’s rich history.
7. Amstel House
Who knew bricks could tell such a captivating story? Amstel House stands proudly as a prime example of Georgian architecture.
Its stately presence, with elegant brickwork and symmetrical windows, speaks of an era when craftsmanship was king. Inside, the home is furnished with period pieces that transport visitors to the 18th century.
The garden is a peaceful retreat, echoing with whispers of past gatherings. It’s a stately yet inviting piece of history nestled in New Castle’s historic district.
8. Read House and Gardens
Some homes impress with grandeur, others enchant with elegance. Read House and Gardens does both. This Federal-style mansion, with its stately columns and wide porches, offers a gracious welcome.
The interior is equally charming, filled with artifacts that speak of a refined past. Outside, the gardens are a green oasis, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
It’s a place where elegance meets history, creating a harmonious atmosphere. A visit here is like a gentle breeze on a warm day. Refreshing and delightful.
9. Historic Houses of Odessa
Odessa may be small, but its history looms large. The Historic Houses of Odessa offer a delightful journey through time.
These charming 18th-century homes, each with its own unique architecture, showcase the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Inside, rooms are decorated with period furnishings, offering a glimpse into everyday colonial life.
The town itself is a treasure, with its quiet streets and welcoming community. It’s a charming escape into the past, where history feels close enough to touch.
10. Belmont Hall
Not all grand entrances are marked by gates some are defined by history. Belmont Hall is a colonial gem, standing proudly with its grand facade and sprawling lawn.
The mansion has seen history unfold, hosting notable figures of the past. Inside, the rooms are filled with period decor, offering a glimpse into the life of Delaware’s elite.
The grounds, with their stately trees and serene ambiance, invite visitors to ponder the stories of yesteryear. It’s an impressive slice of history in the heart of Smyrna.
11. John Dickinson Plantation
A farmhouse might not seem grand, yet it can hold a wealth of history. John Dickinson Plantation does just that. As the boyhood home of the “Penman of the Revolution,” it offers insight into early American life.
The farmhouse, with its rustic charm, is surrounded by fields and trees that whisper stories of the past. Inside, the rooms are modest yet filled with history.
It’s a slice of rural 18th-century life that invites reflection and appreciation for those who shaped our nation’s history.
12. Anderson House
Victorian charm is hard to resist, and Anderson House has it in spades. This delightful home, with its gingerbread trim and inviting porch, is a testament to 19th-century design.
Inside, visitors are greeted with period furnishings and decor that tell tales of a bygone era. The house, with its warm ambiance, feels like a hug from the past, welcoming and comforting.
It’s a charming reminder of a time when life moved at a more leisurely pace, nestled in the heart of Newark.
13. Egglinton Hall
Egglinton Hall stands as a proud relic of the 19th century, with its grand columns and stately presence. The mansion is steeped in history, with rooms that echo with stories of the past.
Outside, the manicured garden offers a serene escape, with flowers that nod in the gentle breeze.
Inside, visitors find themselves transported to an era of elegance and grace, where every detail is carefully crafted. It’s a sophisticated journey through time that invites reflection and admiration in Milford.
14. Shipcarpenter Square
Sometimes, history needs a new home. Shipcarpenter Square is a delightful collection of relocated historic homes, each with its own story to tell.
These 18th and 19th-century houses form a picturesque square, where visitors can wander and wonder about the lives once lived within these walls.
Each house, with its unique architecture, adds to the charm of the square. It’s a community of history, inviting exploration and reflection in the charming town of Lewes.
15. Ryves Holt House
Some houses wear their history on their sleeves, like a badge of honor. Ryves Holt House, believed to be the oldest surviving house in Delaware, does just that.
Its simple colonial facade and welcoming porch invite visitors to step back in time. Inside, the rooms are filled with stories of colonial life, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
It’s a humble yet proud piece of history, standing strong in Lewes, inviting visitors to explore and learn from its storied past.
16. Cannonball House
Not every house can boast a cannonball in its foundation, but Cannonball House can. This historic home, near the waterfront in Lewes, has a unique claim to fame.
The cannonball, a relic from the War of 1812, serves as a reminder of the town’s storied past. Inside, the home is filled with maritime artifacts, offering a glimpse into Lewes’ seafaring history.
It’s a quirky piece of history that adds a unique twist to this charming home, inviting exploration and appreciation.
17. McCoy House
Some homes exude a warmth that makes you feel right at home. McCoy House is one such place. This quaint 19th-century farmhouse, with its welcoming porch and charming garden, invites visitors to step back in time.
Inside, the rooms are filled with period furnishings that tell tales of simpler times. It’s a cozy slice of history that offers a glimpse into rural Delaware life, where the past feels close enough to touch, nestled in the heart of Kirkwood.