Welcome to Gibraltar

In the early 1990s, Gibraltar faced an uncertain future following the death of H.R. Sharp, Jr.  With its rich history, exquisite gardens, and association with an important Delaware family as well as a nationally renowned landscape architect, Gibraltar was a perfect candidate for restoration. In 1995, Preservation Delaware began working with the Sharp family while beginning the search for funds to acquire the property. PDI was directed to the Delaware Open Space Council, which received an appropriation each year to protect natural, scenic, and cultural properties. However, no other property in the city of Wilmington had been protected by the Open Space Council's program and they originally shied away from the property.

Countless community members and preservation advocates showed their support for preserving the important piece of Delaware history. After a year of negotiations, the Delaware Open Space Council purchased the development rights from the Sharp estate, thus protecting the house and gardens from imminent demolition. Encouraged by the strong show of support from the community and the government, the Sharp family then donated the property to Preservation Delaware. A preservation easement was placed with the State Historic Preservation Office to ensure that Gibraltar would be restored and maintained to the highest standards. In 1998, Gibraltar was placed on the National Register for Historic Places. With the preservation of the grounds secured, Preservation Delaware and its Gibraltar Buildings Committee selected a hotel management firm, Someplace(s) Different, to reuse the building as an elegant inn and restaurant. Preservation Delaware then launched a capital campaign for the restoration of the gardens.