Ryves Holt House Is Delaware’s Oldest Remaining Home

Revel in Ryves Holt House’s History

Delaware is full of historic buildings dating back to the early Colonial days, long before we were nicknamed the First State. There are dozens of buildings and structures around the state that are older than the U.S. itself. Step back in time and see for yourselfthe oldest building in Delaware. Located a block from the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal near the 1812 Memorial Park, the historic Ryves Holt House is the oldest home still standing in Delaware.

Ryves Holt House History

Over 354 years old, the Ryves Holt House is a lasting echo of the early days in America before we gained independence in 1776. Located in the quiet seaside city of Lewes,the first town in the First State, Ryves Holt House was originally an inn for travelers to the New World. Built in 1665, the inn was run by Philip Russell who was a cup-bearer (otherwise known as a high-ranking officer) in the royal courts. Ryves Holt, the first Chief Justice of Sussex County, purchased the inn upon his arrival in 1721. After his death in 1763, the property changed hands many times though it maintained its original design.

The home is one of a few buildings that managed to survive decades of hostility and raiding by English soldiers. The cost to build a home at the time of construction is difficult to pinpoint as the U.S. dollar was not established until 1792. However, rough estimates put the construction cost around£200 or roughly$19,888 today. Lumber was much easier to come by back thencompared to today, making prices for building resources much cheaper.

Today, the home is owned and managed by theLewes Historical Society. In 2014, the house was officially added to the First State National Historic Park.

Lewes Historical Society

The Lewes Historical Society promotes the preservation and cultural enrichment of the Lewes area, which is ahistorical gold mine. Through museums, educational programs, historical research, and publications, the historical society’s mission is to educate residents and guests alike on Lewes’ town history and the Colonial era, which is sure to intrigue all the history buffs out there.

Real Estate in Lewes Today

In stark contrast to the cost of homes in the 17th century, the average home value in Lewes today is$439,497 or about $6,254 in 1665. Home values in Lewes have skyrocketed in the last year, jumping nearly 14% since April 2020. Ryves Holt would be rolling in his grave if he knew how expensive homes are now. If you or a client want to live near this historic home, this3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in the heart of Lewes is just minutes from Ryves Holt House.

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