Tudor Place is a Federal-style historic house and garden at 1644 31st St NW in Georgetown, Washington, DC. Built for Martha Parke Custis Peter, a granddaughter of Martha Washington, it remained in her family for six generations. A guided visit brings the house’s history to life, including the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked there. Outside, paths pass formal garden areas, roses, topiaries and lawns with views across the city. Plan time for both the interiors and grounds.
A Georgetown house with six generations of history
Tudor Place stands on 31st Street NW in Georgetown. The Federal-style mansion was built for Thomas Peter and his wife, Martha Parke Custis Peter, a granddaughter of Martha Washington. The property stayed in the Peter family for six generations before becoming a museum and historic landmark.
The house’s connection to Martha Washington’s family is part of its story, but the estate’s history also includes the enslaved people who lived and labored there. Special exhibitions have brought their experiences and descendants into the interpretation of the house. The focus of exhibitions can change, so check what is on view when planning a visit.
What to see inside
A guided tour is the way to explore the house’s interiors. The roughly one-hour visit covers much of the home and uses stories about its residents to give context to the rooms and architecture. Guides can address questions about the house and its history.
The interpretation includes difficult parts of the estate’s past, including the lives and work of enslaved people. This gives visitors a fuller picture of who sustained the household across generations. The house is not air-conditioned, and fans have been used during tours.
Walking the gardens
The grounds cover about five and a half acres, divided between formal garden spaces and a sloping lawn. The formal areas include topiaries and cultivated roses; elsewhere, magnolia, holly and boxwood grow among paths, gates and fountains. From the lawn, the garden’s position above the city opens views across Washington.
A garden map helps with an independent walk. Allow time to see the grounds as well as the house: the garden visit can stand on its own, but the interiors require a formal tour. Spring and fall are recommended seasons for the garden. Sunday mornings have been described as peaceful.
FAQ
Do you need a guided tour to see inside Tudor Place?
Yes. The house interior is accessed through a formal tour. A guided visit takes about an hour.
How long should you spend at Tudor Place?
Allow about an hour for the house tour, with extra time to walk the gardens. A self-guided walk through the grounds has taken roughly 30 to 45 minutes.
What can you see in the gardens?
The grounds include formal garden areas with topiaries and roses, a sloping lawn, and plantings such as magnolia, holly and boxwood. The lawn has views across the city.
When is a good time to visit the gardens?
Spring and fall are recommended for the garden. Sunday morning can be a quieter time to visit.
