Amstel House | New Castle

A Glimpse Into Colonial Life
The Amstel House, located in New Castle, Delaware, is a remarkable example of 18th-century colonial architecture and domestic life. Built in 1730 by Cornelius Van Santvoord, a prosperous merchant, the house reflects the Dutch and English influences that shaped early Delaware. With its brick façade, steeply pitched roof, and elegantly proportioned windows, the Amstel House stands as a preserved jewel of colonial craftsmanship.

Architectural Features and Interiors
The house’s exterior showcases classic colonial brickwork and Flemish bond patterns, with decorative keystones above windows and doors. Inside, visitors find original woodwork, wide-plank floors, and fireplaces that once provided warmth to the family’s daily life. Period furnishings, fine china, and original artifacts illustrate the lifestyle of a well-to-do 18th-century household. Each room tells a story-from the formal parlor, where business and social gatherings occurred, to the kitchen, which offers insight into domestic labor and culinary practices of the time.

Historical Significance
Amstel House provides a vivid window into the social, economic, and cultural fabric of colonial Delaware. The Van Santvoord family played an active role in the town’s mercantile and civic life, and the home reflects their status and tastes. The house has survived centuries of change, offering visitors a tangible connection to the people, architecture, and daily routines of early New Castle residents.

Tours and Educational Programs
Operated as a museum, the Amstel House offers guided tours and educational programs that immerse visitors in colonial life. Costumed interpreters demonstrate household tasks, explain historical artifacts, and share stories of the town’s early history. School groups, history enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike can experience the rhythms of 18th-century living while exploring the house and its modest but charming garden.

A Timeless Colonial Treasure
Walking through the Amstel House, visitors encounter the textures, colors, and details of colonial Delaware in a remarkably preserved setting. The combination of architectural elegance, historic furnishings, and engaging interpretation makes it more than a museum-it’s a living story of family, community, and daily life in early America. The house continues to captivate those seeking to understand the foundations of Delaware’s rich colonial heritage.