Read House & Gardens, The Brandywine Valley Travel Guide

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Discover Federal-era elegance and serene gardens at this meticulously preserved National Historic Landmark in New Castle, Delaware.

The Read House & Gardens in New Castle, Delaware, is a beautifully preserved National Historic Landmark offering a glimpse into the lives of a prominent Delaware family and the evolution of American architecture and garden design. Built in 1804 for George Read II, son of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the house showcases Federal-period architecture and meticulously maintained gardens reflecting different eras.

A brief summary to Read House & Gardens

42 The Strand, New Castle, Delaware, 19720, US
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Thursday 11 am-4 pm
Friday 11 am-4 pm
Saturday 11 am-4 pm
Sunday 11 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Read House & Gardens.

Visit during spring or summer to see the gardens in full bloom.
Check the schedule for guided tours to learn more about the house's history.
Free parking is available along The Strand and throughout Historic New Castle.
Wear comfortable shoes to explore both the house and gardens.
The gardens are open daily from dawn until dusk, free of charge.

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Explore Read House & Gardens on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Read House & Gardens, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you're already exploring historic New Castle, the Read House & Gardens is easily accessible on foot. Head towards the Delaware River waterfront and locate The Strand. Walk along The Strand, enjoying the scenic views, until you reach 42 The Strand. The walk from the New Castle Court House Museum takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
Public Transport

DART Route 15 serves historic New Castle. Get off at the stop closest to The Strand and walk east on Delaware Street, then turn right onto The Strand. Walk a few blocks to find the Read House & Gardens at 42 The Strand. The bus fare is typically $2.00.
Car

From I-95, take exit 1B for US-13 N toward New Castle. Continue on US-13 N then merge onto DE-273 W. Turn left onto The Strand. The Read House & Gardens will be on your right. Free street parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis along The Strand and throughout Historic New Castle. Be aware that the historic roads may have uneven bricks and cobblestones.

Discover more about Read House & Gardens

Step back in time at the Read House & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark in New Castle, Delaware. This elegant house, completed in 1804 for George Read II, son of Declaration of Independence signer George Read, is a prime example of Federal-period architecture. The 14,000-square-foot mansion was the largest and most sophisticated in the state at the time.Explore the meticulously maintained gardens, which evolved from the late 1840s through the 1930s. These gardens reflect changing tastes in landscape design and offer a serene escape. The house's interior showcases a blend of different eras, reflecting the tastes of subsequent owners and offering insights into their lives.The Read House has a rich history, reflecting the lives of the Read family, the colonial-revival vision of Philip and Lydia Laird, and the early historic preservation movement in New Castle. Today, the Delaware Historical Society operates the Read House & Gardens as a museum, offering tours and programs that explore the property's history and significance. Visitors can explore the house and gardens, attend events, and learn about the people who shaped this remarkable landmark.