WILMINGTON, Del. — In the 1700s, the village of Montchanin occupied a bit more than 2 acres in the Brandywine River Valley. But by 1874, its proximity to the du Pont powder mills had made it a major rail station for shipping black powder to the coal fields of northern Pennsylvania.
Today, Montchanin encompasses 20 acres but retains a timeless atmosphere because 11 stone, wood and stucco structures built between 1799 and 1910 have become part of a luxury boutique hotel, The Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa. Room rates range from $192 to $244, suites from $290 to $399, per night.
The village is rooted in du Pont family history because it was named for Anne Alexandrine de Montchanin, mother of French immigrant Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours. He was the patriarch of the du Pont family, which ran one of America’s most successful business dynasties in the 19th and 20th centuries.
All 11 buildings stand on what was once part of the du Pont estate, and nine of them were used as homes by workers at the nearby du Pont gunpowder mills. They were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 and renovated in the late 1990s by Missy Lickle, a seventh-generation member of the du Pont family, and her husband, Daniel Lickle.
“Montchanin is an outstanding example of the success of private philanthropic preservation efforts,” Constance Wyrick wrote in her National Register nomination.
A walk down the cobblestone Privy Lane takes you past wrought-iron benches and gorgeous flowers, a reminder of the time when people lived here and tended their own gardens. Staying here for a few nights will lower your stress level. Plus, you will be five minutes away from the du Pont estates of Winterthur and Longwood Gardens.
The entryway to the Dilwyne Barn is flanked by large, luscious sprays of red and green angel wing begonias. This is a beautifully restored bank barn that houses a reception area with exceptionally helpful staff who will print out directions to a local restaurant for you in seconds.
Inside the barn is a vast gathering room with a massive stone fireplace. This is a great place to unwind. Between 5 and 11 p.m., you can pour yourself a glass of wine or mix a drink at the honor bar. Snacks are provided, too, including Hershey Kisses.
From here, it’s a 2-minute stroll to Krazy Kat’s Restaurant, a fine dining spot serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast granola with fruit is excellent and so is the coffee. This building was once the local blacksmith’s shop and forge. Now, its decor includes whimsical portraits of cats and dogs.
In the rooms, amenities include a Keurig coffee maker, umbrellas, turn-down service with delectable sweets plus daily newspaper delivery. Snuggling into Frette sheets on your queen-size bed will make you wish you had been born a du Pont.
Marylynne Pitz: 412-263-1648 or mpitz@post-gazette.com.
The Inn at Montchanin Village & Spa
528 Montchanin Road, Wilmington, DE 19710
Information: 1-301-888-2133 or www.montchanin.com.
First Published: September 21, 2014, 4:00 a.m.