Nemours

Nemours

Yesterday we drove south to Wilmington, DE to visit the Nemours Estate. Nemours was created by Alfred I. du Pont in 1909–10 as a gift for his second wife, Alicia, and named for the north central French town affiliated with his great-great-grandfather, Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours.

Covid concerns have closed the mansion for tours, but the grounds are open. The 300 acre estate is gorgeous. Vast lawns frame the many gardens: the Boxwood, Colonnnade, Sunken, Reflecting Pool, Maze and more. We walked a woodland trail on the property as well. In one area, a huge field of pachysandra had been planted to grow among the trees. The effect was stunning.

In his later years, Alfred du Pont gave Nemours to the children’s hospital (adjacent to the mansion) he established in his name, and set up a trust for the mansion’s upkeep.

Longwood fountain pre-show

After our visit here, we drove back to the RV for dinner, and then departed for the evening fountain show at Longwood, where 1,719 water fountain jets dance and soar as high as 175 feet to the sound of music, and the spectacle of colored lights and fire. Very cool performance.

Nemours photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/fHs75U4U2RFMmSa96

Longwood photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/BGcXwfrzSgBgkyUQA