Plan a Visit to Tudor Place in DC

Constructed in 1816 by descendants of Martha Washington, Tudor Place is a historic gem of a home, overlooking Georgetown and the Potomac River. It's one of the nation's few historic urban estates that still retains the majority of its original landscape. Inhabited by six generations of the family, and opened to the public in 1988, Tudor Place in DC allows visitors to experience the grandeur and history of life in the early American Republic.

Architecture and Design

Tudor Place embodied the design ideals of its time, aiming to impress the visitor whilst also expressing the values of the brand-new United States. This aim is evident in the melding of French-influenced romantic classicism with traditional English forms, all pulled together by neoclassical ideas of proportion and balance. Tudor Place features some elements that are almost entirely unique, particularly the domed, marble-floored Temple Portico. It is one of the only known full temple porticos embedded in a US residence, with the round structure extending into the house, as opposed to the more common half-round porches exhibited by many 19th century dwellings.

Visits to the house are by guided tour only and are offered daily on the hour. Reservations are recommended, as tours can fill up during weekends or other busy times. General admission is $10, with discounts available for seniors, military personnel, and students. Tudor Place in Washington DC also offers special Focus Tours on particular topics; check their website for calendar and details.

The Gardens at the Tudor Place in DC

Tudor Place is surrounded by 5.5 acres of garden spaces, each with its own rich history and story. The gardens were once needed for agrarian purposes, to support the people who lived on the estate, then were later converted fully for pleasure purposes. Some areas are devoted to native trees and shrubs, while others focus on roses and English boxwood. Still others had more specific purposes, like the East Lawn, which was formerly known as the Tennis Lawn, where games were played by members of the Peter family's tennis club around 1885.

The garden is open for self-guided tours, with maps and audio tours available for visitors. Admission is included with the price of a house tour, or you can choose to visit only the garden for a $3 admission. In summer, there are regularly scheduled events in the garden, as well as monthly tours given by an expert.

Special Events

A perennial favorite here at Tudor Place in DC is tea time. It's an English tradition that colonists brought with them to the United States, and Tudor Place is happy to accommodate your desire for a classic English tea. Consider pairing tea with a tour or hosting a special tea here to commemorate your own special occasion with friends and family. Tudor Place also hosts numerous programs aimed at children and teens, so check the schedule regularly for camps, workshops, and other special events.

Tudor Place in Washington DC is your chance to step into American history! Find it at 1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC. To make sure you have the perfect place to stay and see all of Washington, DC's sights, contact LUXbnb today to book your rental property. With homes in Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan and other great neighborhoods, you are sure to find a property you'll love!