Carlyle House

"Fun with the Family"

Reminiscent of country houses of Scottish gentry, this sandstone manor embodied the dreams of John Carlyle, a prosperous merchant. Completed in 1753, the two-story mansion, built on two choice lots, stands in contrast to the smaller brick townhouses that are flush with the sidewalk.
 
The best view of Carlyle House for many kids may be from the outside. Sparsely furnished with donated period furniture, the rooms seem a bit plain, and a tour often proves bland for kids. An unrenovated bedroom does shed some interesting light on eighteenth-century building techniques, as the old beams reveal the careful carpentry of the era. Be sure to pause amid the aster and foxglove in the gardens. Although not faithful to Carlyle’s plan, these flower and herb beds conform to eighteenth-century ideals of symmetry and usefulness.
 
There are family programs throughout the year (fee and registration required, so plan ahead of time), including Hunt for History and Hands-On History. Call or check the Web site for schedules.