Tudor Place NPS Photo

Designed by Dr. William Thornton, who also designed the U.S. Capitol as well as the Octagon House , Tudor Place was the home of Thomas and Martha Custis Peter. Martha Custis Peter was the granddaughter of George Washington, who left her the $8,000 in his will that was used to purchase the property in 1805. The property, comprised of one city block on the crest of Georgetown Heights, had an excellent view of the Potomac River.

A previous owner of the property had begun improvments by building what are now the house's wings. Thornton then provided the central structure and the joining elements to the wings, combining them with buff-colored stucco over brick. The "temple" porch and supporting columns provide a most striking addition to the front. The gardens and the historic house museum's collections are as rich and interesting as the home itself. A focal point is the collection of over 100 objects that belonged to George and Martha Washington. Over the years, both the home and gardens have been enriched by 180 years of Peter family ownership. Tudor Place gives a rare glimpse into American cultural and social history.

Tudor Place is located at 1644 31st St., NW. Tuesday through Saturday tours are available from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; last tour begins at 3:00 pm. On Sunday tours are available 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm; last tour begins at 3:00 pm. Tours are on the hour. A fee is charged. Garden Tours are self-guided. The garden is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. For more information about visiting Tudor Place, please call 202-965-0400.

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