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Handsome Historic Home - Carlyle House

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Carlyle House: Traveler Reviews

121 N. Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314
703/549-2997
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Carlyle House
9 visitor photos
Ranked #6 of 33 attractions in Alexandria
4.5 of 5 stars 38 Reviews
Type: Museums
Owner description: A Georgian Palladian manor house built in 1753 by merchant and city founder John Carlyle. Here, five royal governors and General Braddock met to... more » Owner description: A Georgian Palladian manor house built in 1753 by merchant and city founder John Carlyle. Here, five royal governors and General Braddock met to discuss funding of the French and Indian War. Daily tours, youth programs, special events, exhibits and lectures offer visitors a chance to experience eighteenth century life through the eyes of one man and his family as he made the journey from English citizen to American patriot. The story of Carlyle House parallels the early history of Alexandria, colonial Virginia, and America and is brought to life through costumed interpreters, guides and fun family programs. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. noon-4 p.m. (tours on the hour and half hour, last tour at 4). « less
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38 reviews from our community

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Reston, Virginia
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
“Handsome Historic Home”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 25, 2012

Carlyle House was built to be a show-stopper back in the day and is one now, too. A sad old wreck for years, hard work restored it to its colonial glory days. Enter through the side basement door to join a tour. The short video explains the background well, then a guide takes you through two stories of historic high style. Check out the small but nice gift shop and well-kept gardens when you're done.

Visited October 2012
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Orem, Utah
Top Contributor
95 reviews 95 reviews
28 attraction reviews
Reviews in 41 cities Reviews in 41 cities
47 helpful votes 47 helpful votes
“Great House to visit.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 17, 2012

Loved this tour of early Alexandria. This home gave me a better understanding of how life was back in early Virginia. So glad someone took the time and money to restore this home. Totally recommend visiting.

Visited October 2012
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NC
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
“loved the fashion show at Carlyle”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed September 24, 2012

We attended a colonial fashion show at Carlyle House. The staff were pleasant and accommodating. The fashion show exceeded my expectations. I was even allowed some up-close-and-personal time with the reproductions of undergarments. I'm looking forward to returning to participate in other special events that they have scheduled.

Visited September 2012
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Swindon, England
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 23 cities Reviews in 23 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
“Reconstructed gem”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed September 21, 2012

A merchant's house from the 18th Century rescued from its dilapidated state and restored with great skill. An excellent insight into the way a middle class merchant and his family lived. Worth a visit if you are in Old Town Alexandria.

Visited August 2012
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Richmond, Virginia
Top Contributor
59 reviews 59 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
“Interesting sight, worth the visit”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 20, 2012

Great to see where Alexandria started. The house tour and the gardens are worth a visit. My wife and I visited in August and saw this mentioned on the ghost tour and went back to visit the next day. Interesting to see original colonial artwork and furniture in its natural setting.

Visited August 2012
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Carlyle House
121 N. Fairfax St
Alexandria, VA 22314
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