Dumbarton House

I went here for a girl scout outing. The staff was nice and attentive, and the breakfast was good. The museum was cool but small-​but that doesn’t really affect my review in any way. Even if it’s not for a girl scout outing, I am pretty sure you will love this place.

This is a magical place and a Georgetown historic gem. I went here for an event and would love to come back and have a handsome man propose to me in that beautiful garden…

My daughter and I stumbled upon the house and grounds while taking a walk from our temporary rental in Dupont Circle. We were a bit too late for the tour which ends at 3 pm, but the grounds is open until 5 pm. Admission to the house is $ 5 for adults, free for kids. However, the grounds are open for the public to enjoy, free of charge. I must say, if you’re looking for an opportunity to take some nice engagement or family photos, this is quite the place. The grounds are very well maintained and stunning. I’m sure any private reception would be perfect here.
There is a private lot adjacent to the house but it appears limited (perhaps 20 spaces at most?). There are special gatherings that I’ve read about such as an ice cream social on Sundays.

The Dumbarton House (not to be mistaken for Dumbarton Oaks, which is a short distance away in the same Georgetown neighborhood) is an absolute gem and good if you need to get away from the huge crowds at the National Mall and Downtown Washington, D.C. There were practically no other visitors around except for a couple ladies who handle the visitor’s lobby and gift shop. Those two staff members were friendly and helpful and provided insights on the history behind the house and they also answered my questions regarding the origins of the furniture in each of the rooms and exhibits. It’s a self-​guided tour that consists of about 5 – 6 rooms on the first and second levels of the house. You can’t take photos inside the house or the interior exhibits, but that shouldn’t be a problem if you are outside or in the gardens.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM, the Dumbarton House also provides free on-​site parking and their gardens are beautiful as well. Bicycle racks are also available near one of the street corners. This is one of those attractions that can be done in 30 minutes or less. I’d highly recommend it to those who are in Washington, D.C. for the first time.

It’s a lovely home, no doubt, and the grounds are nice, too. Just be clear that you won’t need to spend much time here. We saw everything in under 30 minutes, so if you’re making this a «destination,» be sure you arrange to see other nearby attractions.

Wonderful! We purchased a LivingSocial to visit and had a wonderful time. The staff were very friendly and wiling to answer any questions. We were able to park in the side parking lot by the house and enjoy the tour in about 1 hour. I look forward to taking my family when they are in town.

Absolutely lovely and a very informative staff.

Spent a lovely afternoon here. There was nobody around except for 1 guide lady in the gift shop. I love exploring old homes to get a glimpse of life long ago. The house is beautiful. It was elegant but not too gaudy. They did a wonderful job recreating the rooms in the federal period style and painting what upper middle-​class life in D.C. was like.
It also has a very peaceful outdoor garden, but it rained the day I was there. The place closes at 3:00 but they let me wait out the rain.
The place is small so the whole visit will probably take about 30 minutes or so. If you are in Georgetown, it is a must see.
Student ID will get you in for free.

This place is beautiful!~ It would probably had been better if we weren’t there when it was so dark.
It’s a classic post colonial home, with period charm everywhere! We were there for a formal event, so it was obviously decked out more lavishly than it normally would have been. But still, even when not all coiffed to perfection, this place is like taking a time machine back to the Regency era… sitting on the grass… reading Wuthering Heights… having a nice picnic. You can just picture yourself in fine period garb in a beautifully restored setting.
A great place for a wedding/​formal event!

Very nice and knowledgeable tour guide. Pleasant garden and property in a quiet part of the city. Well decorated to the period and a terrific historical home of DC’s earliest days that is not represented in any other home in DC. Easy and pleasant walk from the Dupont Circle Metro. Also recommend the nearby Anderson House and the Philips Collection. Do pay attention to the hours. A very nice attraction for out of town tourists.

My best friend got married here last weekend… gorgeous spot for a wedding! Beautiful gardens and places for the ceremony/​reception/​pictures.

This historic house in Georgetown was constructed in the 18^th century in style now known as «Federal style.» The first resident of Dumbarton was the first U.S. Treasury register. About 15 years later, Dolley Madison took refuge here once she fled the White House to avoid the British attack.
This house was actually moved one hundred feet to make way for the Q Street/​Dumbarton Bridge. Today, Dumbarton holds china that was once owned by Martha Washington’s grandchild, as well as toys, books and art dating back to the 1800’s.
Most of the furniture here dates back to the late 18^th century or early 19^th century. The same holds true for the paintings and wall hangings. You can see these items by taking a tour of the house which costs five bucks,. If you have a student ID, you get in free!