Tudor Place | Northwest Washington

Information

Landmark: Tudor Place
City: Northwest Washington
Country: USA Washington DC
Continent: North America

Tudor Place, Northwest Washington, USA Washington DC, North America

Tudor Place is a historic house museum located in Northwest Washington, D.C. It was the ancestral home of the Peter family, descendants of Martha Washington.

Visual Characteristics

The house is a Federal-style mansion constructed of stuccoed stone. It features a central pedimented portico supported by four Doric columns. The exterior is painted a pale yellow. The property includes formal gardens designed in the English style.

Location & Access Logistics

Tudor Place is situated at 1644 31st Street NW, Washington, D.C. It is approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) northwest of the White House. Limited on-street parking is available in the surrounding Georgetown neighborhood. The nearest Metro station is Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue, Orange, Silver lines), which is approximately 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) east. Bus routes 30, 31, 33, 37, and 39 stop within a 0.8 kilometer (0.5 mile) radius.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of Tudor Place began in 1805 and was completed in 1816. It was designed by architect William Thornton, who also designed the U.S. Capitol Building. The house was built for Thomas and Francis (Custis) Peter. It served as a private residence for six generations of the Peter family.

Key Highlights & Activities

Guided tours of the house interior are offered, detailing the architecture and family history. Visitors can explore the 5.5 acres of gardens, including the South Lawn, the Boxwood Garden, and the Dower House Garden. Special events and educational programs are scheduled throughout the year.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the visitor center. Limited shaded areas are present in the gardens. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available on the property. No on-site food vendors are present, but dining options are available in the nearby Georgetown area.

Best Time to Visit

For garden photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination. The gardens are most vibrant from spring through fall. House tours are available year-round, with specific hours of operation varying by season.

Facts & Legends

Tudor Place is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Martha Washington, who supposedly visits the property. A verified historical detail is that the house contains a collection of artifacts belonging to George and Martha Washington, including a silver tea set and a writing desk.