Stonum or The George Read House
Stonum was the country retreat of George Read, a Delaware Senator who signed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Construction started in 1730, with different additions over the years. All that remains of the original estate is a plot of less than an acre. Stonum is now a private residence and not open to the public.
Not to be confused the residence of his son – the National Historic Landmark George Read II House and Gardens on The Strand in New Castle.
The country place that Read so much enjoyed commanded a fine view of the Delaware (a view long since screened out by industrial development along the river). The oldest portion of the building, which is now occupied by the kitchen, dates from around 1730. The four-bay main wing is constructed of brick on a stone foundation. One room deep, it stands 2-1/2 stories high over a basement. There are two interior chimneys, at the southeast and northwest corners of the gable roof. Two gabled dormers face to the front. An original wood, dentiled cornice extends the length of the building. Shutters, paneled on the first floor and louvered on the second, flank the tall windows. The stairs have an open stringer, sawed brackets, molded handrail and balusters, and paneled wainscoting. Other original features of the main wing are detailed woodwork, corner fireplaces, elegant mantels, and red-pine flooring. There is a nine-foot door connecting with the main wing in front, probably the original entrance.((Stonum, Ninth and Washington Streets, New Castle, New Castle County, DE (HABS) ))
Completed
1730
| George Read House | Federal Style |
|---|---|
| Private residence | No public access |