The house sits on land that was originally part of a 1682 land grant from William Penn to George Peirce.
Before it became a public garden, the Peirce family operated an arboretum on the site, planting many trees in the late 1700s that still stand today.
Pierre S. du Pont purchased the property specifically to save the mature trees from being sold for lumber.
The house underwent several renovations between 1906 and 1923, integrating modern plumbing and heating while retaining the 1730s stone structure.
The interior displays original family furnishings, providing a glimpse into the domestic transition from 18th-century agrarian life to 20th-century industrial wealth.
The Peirce-du Pont House serves as the historic centerpiece of Longwood Gardens, representing the evolution of the property from a Quaker farm to a premier horticultural destination. The original section of the house was constructed in 1730 by Joshua Peirce, whose family cultivated the arboretum grounds for over a century. Pierre S. du Pont purchased the property in 1906, initially intending to use the house as a weekend summer home before expanding the estate into a botanical garden. The architecture reflects a fusion of 18th-century farmhouse aesthetics and the early 20th-century enhancements made by the du Pont family. It now functions as a museum space displaying artifacts from both the Peirce and du Pont eras. The residence is situated within the heart of the garden complex, offering insight into the private life of the estate's founders. Visitors can view preserved living spaces and rotating exhibits that document the site's transition from an agricultural site to a public conservatory. The building remains one of the few structures on the grounds that links the original landscape heritage to the modern botanical displays.
The front exterior facade during the late afternoon, when sunlight hits the original stone masonry.
Visit during the shoulder seasons to avoid the heavy crowds of the peak Christmas display period.
Check for temporary closures, as the house occasionally closes for archival research or interior maintenance.
Combine your visit with the nearby Peirce's Park to see the oldest trees on the estate.
Do not mistake the house for a dining facility; it is strictly a historic exhibition space.
The house is occasionally closed to the public for private events or conservation work; check the daily schedule upon arrival at the main entrance.
Maintain a quiet volume; do not touch historical artifacts or furniture.
