Chateau Country, Stateside: Grandeur on Your Doorstep
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is once again putting lavish estates and aristocratic drama in the spotlight, but fans don’t have to cross the pond to experience the grandeur.
The United States has its own fair share of mansions from the Gilded Age that rival anything you can find on the Continent. The Delaware/Pennsylvania “Chateau Country” is the ideal destination for fans of the series seeking an affordable trip that ticks all the period-drama boxes, without requiring extensive travel.
In particular, Wilmington, Delaware, and the Brandywine Valley’s historic du Pont family estates offer the same opulent splendor that transports visitors straight into a period drama.
The du Pont family estates are known for their gorgeous gardens, breathtaking ballrooms and rich history. The du Pont family is one of America’s richest and most influential early industrial dynasties, whose fortune originated in the early 19th century with a gunpowder mill in Delaware. From this foundation, the family expanded its business into a diversified chemical manufacturing giant, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (now known as DuPont). It’s a true American story, and the upside is incredible cultural riches that everyone can enjoy.
What to See
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library: Once the home of Henry Francis du Pont, this 175-room mansion holds one of the country’s most significant decorative arts collections and hosted the “Costumes of Downton Abbey” exhibit in 2014–15.
Nemours Estate: Historic estate in Wilmington, Delaware, featuring a 77-room mansion and expansive, French-inspired formal gardens built by industrialist Alfred I. du Pont for his wife. Known for its precision and majesty, the estate combines formal elements, such as fountains, mazes, colonnades, and the “Temple of Love,” with vast native woodlands and features a chauffeur’s garage housing vintage automobiles. Originally built as a grand gift for his second wife, Alicia Heyward Bradford, the estate is now a publicly accessible attraction, offering self-guided tours and various events.
This is eye-popping, European-inspired opulence, and you’ll need to take your time to explore all the splendor, inside and outside. Get yourself someone who would build you a house like Alfred du Pont, if they had the money. Plus, there is a charitable element: Following his death, du Pont’s will established a charitable corporation dedicated to providing healthcare services to children, a mission that continues to this day.
Longwood Gardens: This premier horticultural attraction and botanical garden in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is known for its diverse plant collections, extensive conservatories, and spectacular fountain displays. Developed from a 19th-century arboretum by the du Pont family, it features outdoor gardens, open meadows, and indoor displays of plants from around the world.
Today, Longwood Gardens also offers special events, educational programs, and a visitor center, making it a significant cultural and scientific institution dedicated to horticulture and public enrichment. Famous for its awe-inspiring conservatories and more than 1,000 acres of manicured gardens, originally designed by Pierre S. du Pont.
Mt. Cuba Center: A former duPont estate turned botanical paradise with over 1,000 acres of gardens and trails in Hockessin, Delaware, dedicated to the study, display, and conservation of native plants. The former private estate opened to the public in 2013 and offers formal gardens, naturalistic landscapes, walking trails, and educational programs.
Where to Stay
Hotel du Pont: Opened in 1913, Hotel duPont exudes old-world elegance and dramatic architectural details that resemble the stately homes you often see on Downton Abbey, perfect for those looking to extend their whimsical getaway overnight. This is a historic, luxury hotel in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, built as part of the DuPont Company headquarters and a global hub for its business and social scenes.
Now, it offers elegant guest rooms and suites, extensive event spaces, and is renowned for its sophisticated architecture, including ornate public spaces that feature French and Italian craftsmanship. The hotel is also home to a modern brasserie, Le Cavalier, serving French-inspired cuisine and afternoon tea.
