Delaware’s largest house, Winterthur, is a 96,582-square-foot Georgian Revival masterpiece with 175 rooms and 1,000 acres of gardens.
Originally built by Henry Francis du Pont, it now serves as a museum and cultural landmark, showcasing early American decorative arts.
Delaware’s Largest House – The Winterthur
- 📍 Location: Winterthur, Delaware
- 💰 Estimated Price: Not publicly available; as a museum and cultural landmark, its value is considered immeasurable.
- 🏗️ Year Built/Remodeled: Originally built in 1837; expanded to 175 rooms by 1932.
- 🌳 Size of Land: Approximately 1,000 acres
- 🏠 Size of House: 96,582 square feet
- 🛏️ Rooms: 175 rooms
From its grand Georgian Revival architecture to the tranquil natural beauty of its 1,000-acre estate, Winterthur tells a captivating story of American craftsmanship and cultural preservation.
Whether you’re drawn to its lavish interiors or iconic spiral staircase, this estate offers an experience like no other.
Foyer and Staircase
Entering Winterthur is an experience in itself. The foyer’s centerpiece, a sweeping spiral staircase, commands attention with its polished wooden banister and cream-colored railings.
This architectural gem rises gracefully, inviting visitors to explore the mansion’s upper levels. The staircase is framed by soft lighting that highlights its curved lines and classical moldings, making it as much a piece of art as a functional structure.
It’s impossible not to pause here, imagining the footsteps of guests past and present echoing through the space.
Formal Living Room
The formal living room is the epitome of elegance, dominated by a rich yellow and gold color palette. Plush, upholstered sofas and armchairs form a welcoming seating area, arranged to encourage conversation.
Above the carved marble fireplace, a dramatic seascape painting evokes the grandeur of America’s maritime history. Crystal chandeliers dangle from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room’s luxurious drapery, which frames the tall windows.
The space is adorned with fine china, vases, and other decorative pieces, each selected to complement the room’s theme.
Drawing Room
A more subdued but equally charming space, the drawing room is a retreat of muted green walls and white moldings. Here, delicate furniture arrangements create an inviting atmosphere.
Silverware displays and floral centerpieces add a layer of refinement, blending formal aesthetics with a touch of natural beauty.
The balance between comfort and formality makes this room perfect for intimate gatherings or quiet moments of reflection.
Dining Room
The dining room is where du Pont’s attention to detail truly shines. A large wooden table dominates the space, set with the finest china and crystal glassware, often arranged around pink floral centerpieces.
Cream-colored walls provide a neutral backdrop, accented by portraits and built-in cabinetry that houses a display of porcelain treasures.
A chandelier, with intricate crystal detailing, hangs above the table, offering warm and ambient lighting that enhances the room’s sophisticated atmosphere.
Sitting Rooms
Winterthur’s sitting rooms are smaller spaces designed for intimacy and comfort. Each features unique seating arrangements, ranging from antique settees to plush chairs.
Decorative vignettes, often including books, antiques, or curated artifacts, give these rooms a personal touch.
These spaces feel less formal but no less refined, offering a glimpse into the more private side of life at Winterthur.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces are a hallmark of Winterthur’s design, serving as both functional elements and works of art. Each carved mantel tells its own story, with intricate details that echo the themes of the rooms they anchor.
In other spaces, the wood-carved mantels and decorative tiles reflect du Pont’s appreciation for craftsmanship and his ability to integrate beauty into everyday objects.
Winterthur’s Gardens and Surrounding Grounds
Spanning nearly 1,000 acres, Winterthur’s grounds are a breathtaking extension of the estate’s architectural grandeur.
Designed with a naturalistic approach, the gardens blend manicured lawns, winding woodland trails, and formal planting areas, creating a harmonious balance between cultivated and wild landscapes.
Pathways meander through the estate, leading visitors to secluded garden rooms framed by blooming azaleas, rhododendrons, and towering trees.
Each turn offers a new discovery—whether it’s a stone staircase carved into the hillside or a hidden bench surrounded by vibrant seasonal flowers. The gardens are as much a journey as they are a destination, a testament to Henry Francis du Pont’s love of horticulture and design.
Comparisons with Other Notable Mansions in Delaware
Compared to other notable Delaware mansions, Winterthur is in a league of its own. Take Shadowbrook Estate in Greenville, for example—while impressive in size and modern renovations, it lacks the historical and cultural depth of Winterthur.
| Mansion Name | Location | Size (Square Feet) | Unique Feature | Current Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winterthur | Winterthur, DE | 96,582 | 175 rooms, museum of decorative arts | Museum and garden |
| Shadowbrook Estate | Greenville, DE | 11,875 | Modern geothermal systems | Private estate |
| Shell House | Rehoboth Beach, DE | 7,800 | Oceanfront property with private pool | Private estate |
| Du Pont Estate | Wilmington, DE | 21,000 | Indoor basketball court | Private estate |
Coastal properties like Shell House in Rehoboth Beach offer luxurious oceanfront living, but they can’t compete with Winterthur’s pastoral elegance and vast acreage. Winterthur’s blend of history, art, and horticulture makes it a singular experience in Delaware’s real estate landscape.
The Historical Significance of Winterthur
Winterthur was commissioned in the early 20th century by Henry Francis du Pont, a man with a profound love for horticulture and early American decorative arts. Completed in 1932, the mansion was designed to reflect both his personal taste and the prevailing architectural trends of the era.
Du Pont envisioned a home that seamlessly combined Georgian Revival elements, with their stately proportions and symmetry, alongside modern updates that reflected the needs of the time.
By the mid-20th century, Henry Francis du Pont recognized that his collection had grown beyond the bounds of a private home.
In 1951, Winterthur was opened to the public as a museum, making it one of the first institutions to offer decorative arts in their original context. Each room was carefully preserved, with furniture, paintings, and objects left exactly as they were during du Pont’s lifetime.
Where did Henry Francis du Pont live after Winterthur became a museum?
After transforming Winterthur into a museum in 1951, Henry Francis du Pont continued to reside on the estate, maintaining a private apartment within the mansion. This arrangement allowed him to oversee the museum’s operations and remain connected to his family home.
What is the exact address of Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library?
The Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is located at 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware 19735. This address situates the estate in the Brandywine Valley, approximately six miles northwest of Wilmington.
What is the estimated value of the Winterthur estate?
Determining the current market value of the Winterthur estate is challenging due to its unique status as a museum and cultural landmark. Factors such as its extensive art collection, historical significance, and the vast 1,000-acre property contribute to its immeasurable cultural and financial worth.
Is Winterthur open to the public year-round?
Yes, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is open to the public throughout the year, offering a variety of tours, exhibitions, and programs. However, operating hours and available activities may vary seasonally, so it’s advisable to check their official website for the most current information.
Conclusion
Winterthur is more than Delaware’s largest mansion—it’s a living testament to art, history, and design. From its grand interiors to its serene gardens, this estate captures the vision of Henry Francis du Pont and offers a timeless experience for visitors. Explore Winterthur to witness the beauty and cultural legacy of this iconic property.
