Why do I love Winterthur? Perhaps it’s the extraordinary collection of American decorative arts housed in the stately Du Pont home. Maybe it’s the bucolic setting in the picturesque Delaware Brandywine Valley. Or, the specimen trees, shrubs and rare plants on the estate’s naturalistic landscape. I would say all of the above.
Winterthur was the country home of Henry Francis Du Pont—industrialist, collector and horticulturalist. Unlike his contemporaries collecting European furnishings, Du Pont had a
passion for furniture, antiques and decorative arts made or used in America.
He furnished his 175 room home with the best of the best. Always with the intention of sharing his collections,
he opened Winterthur to the public in 1951.
I love to visit this special home, museum, library, and horticultural gem. Winterthur, to me, is gracious country living in a magical setting. Enjoy these photos from my weekend trip.
The formal box scroll garden adorned with ornaments.
 The last few peony flowers in the walled peony garden. Sadly the peak was over, but still so beautiful.
 The stately conservatory fitted with bronze and glass windows and doors.
 A lattice pavilion with carved millstone as stoop.
 Lilies and ferns naturalizing in the woodlands.
 Elaborate terracing leads down to the formal reflecting (formerly swimming) pool.
 I love the steep land – looking back and up towards the house.
 A bronze sea horse.
 Potted plants on the upper loggia.
 An intricate fan light and elaborate moldings.
 Classical style furnishings with delicate fretwork.
    An impressive curved, floating staircase.