'Wiley House' 18 East Third Street, New Castle Delaware is the finest early Federal house presently available in the state.Commissioned circa 1800 by John Wiley, a prominent lawyer, Attributed to Philadelphia architect, Peter Crowding, Wiley House exhibits the best Georgian design & craftsmanship for which he was known. Notably, Crowding's sophisticated "punch & gouge" carving on fireplace mantles throughout the house & neoclassical moldings on the fa ade are meticulously restored. The pedimented front door surround incorporates its original fanlight & is the best preserved of its kind in New Castle. Upon entering a spacious main hall, trimmed w/ mahogany chair rail is a curved & paneled architrave surmounting fluted pilasters framing the staircase. The main parlor to the left features an exceptional punch & gouge carved mantle w/ built in side cupboards. added at later date passages flanking the fireplace lead to additional living space behind & repeats the architrave design in the hall. The original kitchen wing now serves as the dining room, its original fireplace, hearth & hardware intact. Beyond the dining room, a well-equipped modern kitchen & screened porch overlook the gardens. At four stories tall, Wiley House features its original turned bannister staircase & mahogany stair rail that leads to 3 upper floors, each w/ a gallery like hall & large sleeping quarters. The second floor wing is an expansive suite w/ plenty of storage & tiled modern full bath. 2 large bedrooms, one of which expands the width of this fine home share this level. The third floor well-proportioned bedrooms have access to a full tiled bath w/ tub & dual sink vanity. The fourth floor landing brings you to 3 more rooms. Here you witness some of the original lath & plastering. 2 w/ dormers look over a protective shake roof. Wiley House presents a magnificent view of The New Castle Green open space w/ mature trees, one of the oldest in the United States. The 1730's courthouse museum & restored sheriff's house serve as headquarters for the recently designated Delaware National Monument are also in view. The Wiley House gardens extend a full lot to Fourth Street & are beautifully laid out. A meandering brick path planted w/ seasonal perennials, native plants & shrubs provide year round interest & low maintenance. An architecturally accurate recreation of a period outbuilding serves as a garden shed