Description

Architecturally, the hipped-roof home is an exceptional example of the Georgian style of architecture, popular along Benefit Street during the early National period. Its milky-yellow exterior and white trim consist of heavily rusticated quoining and elaborate balustrades. Its front portico is of the Roman Doric order, and is below a Palladian window. These elements, although typical of Georgian architecture of the late eighteenth century, denote that a considerable sum was spent on the construction of the home. Its exterior is similar to that of the Edward Dexter home on Waterman Street.

Its 19,000 square feet consist of three floors, and at one time twelve separate fireplaces. The interior is spacious, housing the Brown family in addition to John Carter Brown’s Americana collection and guest spaces. A dining room contains a mural commissioned by a French artist in the 1840s, and wood trim is abundant throughout the home. All of the interior decorations, including the mural and wallpapers, were restored to their original state during the 1990s restoration.

Today, the John Nicholas Brown Center for American Civilization occupies the home, and hosts both private and public tours.