Kenmore is a beautiful Georgian mansion built by George Washington's sister, Betty, and her husband Col. Fielding Lewis in 1775. Yes - George really slept here! The tour of the house lasts about 40 minutes and is quite different than most historic house tours because the house is undergoing restoration. There are no furnishings in the house, and the tour focuses on the original construction methods and craftsmen, as well as the fascinating restoration process.
You learn, for example, about how paints and wallpapers were used to decorate a wealthy gentleman's home in 1775 and how those items were accurately recreated for the current restoration. Kenmore is famous for its plasterwork ceilings (amazing!). They were created by a craftsman known only as the "stucco man." Kenmore and one room in Mount Vernon are the only known legacies of his work. One great thing about the house being unfurnished is that the rooms aren't blocked off by ropes, so you can really get a close look at the plaster ceilings and other decorative work throughout the house.
The gingerbread and gift shop mentioned by another reviewer are unavailable now because of the restoration. The restoration is supposed to be finished in late 2005 or 2006. In the meantime, Kenmore offers a most unusual and highly interesting tour.