Been Under the Weather

Member of our intrepid group started getting the four day flu in Washington DC. I thought I was going to escape this plague. But alas, I was the last one to get it.  Four days of feeling like I was run over by a Sherman Tank. Wilmington is du Pont territory. We are in Wilmington, DE. (39.63637, -75.63239) Yes, those du Pont's how made a fortune in gun powder.




This is our last day here and I finally feel good enough to visit the du Pont estate, Winterthur.

Winterthur was home to three generations of du Ponts' from 1837 to 1951, when it was converted into a museum. Henry Francis du Pont, the last du Pont to call Vinterthur hoome, was an avid collector of American furniture which fill the 175 rooms.

Guest suite

The gentleman's bedroom was connected to his ladies' bedroom by a bathroom

 My ladies' room

Breakfast was served in your room on china that matched the color of your room's decor

Another guest suite down the hall

When Henry planned the diner, he first asked for samples of flowers in bloom on the estate. Then selected the place settings to complement the table's floral arraignment.

After diner the guest might retire this oriental theme room to socialize. We were told that Henry, an avid horticulturist, would have numerous flower arraignments through out the home

He never mixed flowers in an arraignment

By the stairs, a night cap and snack for the guests turning in.

The Grounds

They have a small car show each weekend. This 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I would have been right at home back in the day.

family plunge

East Terrace

Henry took great joy in landscaping his 1000 acre estate (39.80617, -75.60068) . Areas were planted so that the plants all bloomed at the same time. Plants bloom year round. 

Henry was very proud of his Peony garden

The grounds are spectacular