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Read House & Gardens: A Glimpse into Delaware's Past

Explore a National Historic Landmark: Discover Federal-era elegance and Colonial Revival gardens at the Read House & Gardens in New Castle, Delaware.

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The Read House & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark in New Castle, Delaware, offers a captivating journey into the lives of a prominent Delaware family and the evolution of American design. Built in 1797-1804 for George Read II, son of a Declaration of Independence signer, the house showcases Federal-style architecture and meticulously maintained gardens reflecting different eras.

A brief summary to Read House & Gardens

  • Thursday 11 am-4 pm
  • Friday 11 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • The gardens are free to visit and open daily from dawn to dusk.
  • Interior tours are available Thursday through Sunday, with the last tour starting at 3 p.m.
  • Street parking is available, but it can be limited, especially on weekends.
  • Check the Read House & Gardens website for special events and updated hours.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the New Castle Visitor Center at the Arsenal, walk south on Market Street, then turn left onto The Strand. The Read House & Gardens will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. Note that some streets have uneven brick or cobblestone surfaces.

  • Public Transport

    From Wilmington, take the DART First State bus route 15 towards New Castle. Get off at the 6th St @ Delaware St stop. From there, walk southwest on Delaware Street, turn left onto 2nd Street, then right onto Harmony Street, and finally right again onto The Strand. The Read House & Gardens will be on your right. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. The bus fare is $1 - $3.

  • Taxi

    From Wilmington, a taxi or rideshare to the Read House & Gardens takes about 11 minutes and costs approximately $24 - $30. Inform the driver to take Route 141 South to Route 9, then follow signs to Historic New Castle and The Strand. Note that there is no designated parking at the Read House & Gardens; street parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Unlock the Best of Read House & Gardens

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Discover more about Read House & Gardens

Overlooking the Delaware River, the Read House & Gardens provides a window into Delaware's rich history and the changing tastes of American society. The house itself, completed in 1804 for George Read II, is a prime example of Federal-style architecture, boasting intricate woodwork and spacious rooms. The 14,000-square-foot mansion was considered the grandest in the state at the time. Beyond its architectural significance, the Read House tells the story of the Read family, prominent figures in Delaware's political and social landscape. George Read, the father, was a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The house also reflects the influence of later owners, including Philip and Lydia Laird, who transformed the gardens in the Colonial Revival style during the early 20th century. Their vision, widely publicized in magazines, cemented the house's reputation as a beacon of design inspiration. Visitors can explore twelve rooms, some restored to reflect the Read family's era and others showcasing the Lairds' Colonial Revival aesthetic. The gardens, open daily from dawn to dusk, offer a tranquil escape and a chance to appreciate the landscape design. The Read House hosts various events, including tours, artistic collaborations, and social gatherings, making it a vibrant cultural hub.

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