Dutch House near Philadelphia, PA is one of the oldest houses in Delaware, having originated in the 17th century. In the late 1600s, the first house was built. Although small, 24'X27' and only one room, it was the start of the landmark house that tourists still view today. It's been entertaining tourists and visitors for three centuries. The Dutch House has been continually restored through the years. An additional story was added to the house, along with adding a brick exterior. Each time they did some restoration on the home, they added a little more, each time making it more elegant while still keeping each original 17th century appeal.
The Delaware Society for the Preservation of Antiquities purchased the house in 1937. It was at this time that it was given the name of Old Dutch House and opened as a historic house museum. Mrs. Louise du Pont Crowninshield was put in charge of decorating the Dutch House. She was very particular in what she chose for the house. She would only pick something that was the proper type and from the proper time period. She did such an excellent job that in 1946 it was deeded to the Historical Society of New Castle.
Furnishings from the American and European decorative arts are the style chosen for the Dutch House. You will see Delft ceramics all through the house, most of these purchased by Louise du Pont Crowninshield. The rooms are decorated in a style symbolic to the Colonial Revival. A beautiful and unique addition to the furnishings of the Dutch House are a set of six Queen Anne yoke back duck foot side chairs. They are finished with an old paint that's stamped "coutant".
