Historic Homes in Washington, DC

Washington DC is home to many fine, historic homes that are open for public tours. You can learn more about our country's rich history from colonial times on by visiting some of these famous homes from yesterday on your next trip to the area.

The Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens is known as the historic home of George Washington. This national treasure sits just sixteen miles outside of Washington DC. With a guided tour of the estate, you can explore the gorgeous colonial style home filled with artifacts from Washington's life, as well as the 45 acre grounds with a four acre working farm and dozens of outbuildings including slave quarters, kitchens, stables, and more. While you're at the estate, pay homage to one of our country's greatest heroes by visiting the final resting place of Martha and George Washington on the Mount Vernon grounds. Also on-site, you can visit the George Washington Museum and the Archeology and Restoration Museum.

In Georgetown, you can take a tour of the Old Stone House. This home was built in 1765 and is believed to be oldest structure in the area, dating before the creation of the District of Columbia. Old Stone House is significant as a home representative of the common working man in Washington DC, but it is also believed that George Washington stayed in this home during some of his visits to the area. The Old Stone House has also been used over the years as a paint store, a clock shop, a haberdashery, and an office building. The interior has been restored and boasts 18th century décor and furnishings. Admission to the Old Stone House is free, and this building is open to the public on Sundays through Wednesdays from 9am to 5pm. Guided tours are available upon request.

Also in Georgetown is Tudor Place. This historic home was the residence of Martha Washington's granddaughter, Martha Custis Peter. The home boasts neoclassical architecture and is filled with historical documents, paintings, antiques, and a host of other treasures, including many that belonged to George and Martha Washington. The home sits on five lushly landscaped acres and boasts a Japanese Tea House on-site. Self-guided tours take approximately an hour to complete.

These historic homes in the Washington DC area provide you with a unique look back at the lives of some of our country's earliest citizens and are filled with interesting artifacts, furnishings, and other treasures. Include some of these historic homes on your itinerary!