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Read House & Gardens

About The Read House & Gardens

Explore the expansive early 1800’s 2.5 acre estate of George Read, Jr., including the 14,000 square foot mansion and its expansive garden space.

The residence serves as an important example of Federal period architecture. After losing adjacent and guest houses to a fire in 1824, a subsequent homeowner created a formal garden in their place, including brick walkways and gazebos.

Today, you can tour the mansion for yourself and see rooms from time periods ranging from the early 19th century all the way to the 1920s. See how each homeowner after Read created another point in the architectural timeline of the estate!

Tours:
Interior tours take place on the hour. The last tour begins at 3PM. The gardens are open for self guided exploration dawn to dusk.

Logistics:
On street parking is available throughout the Historic New Castle area.

Hours:
The Read House is open Thursday through Saturday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  Garden hours are dawn until dusk daily and year-round.

Admission:
Tickets may be purchased in advance or on-site.
Adults: $10.00
Military/Seniors/Students with Id: $8.00
Youth (6-17 yrs): $5.00
Ages 5 and below: Free
Art-Reach ACCESS Delaware: $2
Museums for All: $2

Getting Here:
Address: 42 The Strand, New Castle, DE 19720
Find on Google Maps

Fun Facts

  • George Read Jr. was the son of George Read Sr., an important statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence and President of Delaware.
  • Read Jr. served as Delaware’s first United States Attorney for nearly 30 years, and his son Read III succeeded him for 20 years.
  • The house itself has visible influences ranging from Rome to Sweden to China evident in decor and architectural style
  • Indoor photography is allowed and encouraged during tours of the house

Know Before You Go

While the full house is not wheelchair accessible, tour accommodations are available for guests with mobility issues.

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