Tudor Place
Tudor Place is a federal-style mansion and former residence of Martha Washington’s granddaughter and her descendants
George Washington left his step-granddaughter Martha Parke Custis Peter $8,000 in his will, which she and her husband used to build Tudor Place. Completed in 1816, the house was designed by Dr. William Thornton, who was also the architect for the U.S. Capitol and the Octagon House. Also like the Octagon House, it is not known why the Peters named their estate Tudor Place.
Tudor Place contains the largest collection of artifacts connected to George and Martha Washington outside of Mount Vernon. The house was owned continuously by Peters family descendants for 178 years. The four owners understood the historic importance of the house and their belongings and worked to preserve it for future generations. The house has a lived-in feel that is the result of mixing inherited antiques with new furnishings and decorations.
The most charming feature of the house is the domed, circular portico that curves into the south side of the house, providing a wonderful view of its marble floor and four columns. Even in dreary February, the view is terrific. I imagine the Peters family spent many hours reading, drawing, and nature watching from this room.
After touring the house, take a stroll around the gardens. Like the house, Tudor Place’s gardens forgo ornate designs in favor of a more natural landscape made for relaxing and spending time with family and friends. Although the garden is probably most enjoyable during the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom, the matching greyhound statues in the Bowling Green area are delightful all year round.
Other adventurers note the house does not have air conditioning, which can make summer tours a bit stifling. Tudor Place offers discounted tours in February to honor George Washington’s birthday. During this time, the tours are usually at capacity so it is recommended that you make reservations in advance (especially on weekends). The full tour groups can make it difficult to hear the guide and navigate through the cramped spaces inside the house, but there was not enough to distinguish this tour to recommend paying full-price.
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Address
1644 31st Street NW
Metro Station
- Dupont Circle (RD)
Directions
Take a bus or walk a little over a mile from the Dupont Circle metro stop
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessibility to the first floor of Tudor Place must be arranged in advance. Due to the historic nature of the house, the second floor is not accessible. The gardens are semi-accessible, but the paths are mostly grass, gravel, or bricks and stones interspersed in the grass.
Cost
$10.00
$1.00 during the month of February in honor of George Washington’s birthday
Hours
Open February to December
Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sunday from 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Last tour at 3:00 pm
Tours begin on the hour and last approximately 50 minutes
Length of Adventure
1.5 hours
