Brookside: Discover Settlement History and Nature in the Surrounding Area

Brookside combines the history of a planned settlement with distinctive architecture and a variety of destinations in the surrounding area. The settlement is located in unincorporated New Castle County next to the city of Newark. Its development began in 1951; in 1952, it was established on Marrows Road north of Chestnut Hill Road, which is also known as Delaware Route 4. Those looking for a vacation rental or holiday home for a trip can therefore consider Brookside a starting point for a range of interests: gaining insights into local history as well as taking excursions to parks and natural areas.

Brookside as a Historic Settlement Area

Historically, Brookside included a commercial street and two places of worship in addition to residential buildings. The design of the original homes also reflects the planning of the time: They ranged from 1,000 to 1,200 square feet, were built on a slab foundation, and had one bathroom and two or three bedrooms. Model homes with different price points were also built along Kirkwood Highway. These homes are still preserved east of Polly Drummond Hill Road and vividly illustrate the settlement’s architectural development.

The architectural history extends beyond individual buildings. Brookside has attracted architectural historians who study changes to the homes occupied by their owners. Among other things, they focused on alterations to the standardized carports. For visitors who enjoy looking more closely, this provides another way to approach the area: Brookside’s history includes not only striking individual buildings but also floor plans, recurring architectural elements, and later modifications.

Church, Community, and Distinctive Details

One of the neighborhood’s landmarks is Kingswood United Methodist Church, which was built in 1954–1955. The building is made of brick and limestone. Particularly striking is the tip made of translucent green plastic, through which a beam of light was directed. The church welcomes visitors and lists a Sunday service at 11:00 a.m. If you would like to get to know Brookside for its cultural interest, this building offers a specific point of reference without reducing the area to its architecture alone.

Brookside’s historic character also includes park areas with a swimming pool, playgrounds, ball fields, and a recreation center. The Brookside Community Center can be rented by residents and nonresidents for private events such as parties, meetings, receptions, and other gatherings. The Brookside Community’s summer barbecue includes food, games, and socializing. These community connections add the settlement’s social history to the view of its houses and streets.

Nature and Trails in the Surrounding Area

For a stay with a stronger focus on nature, White Clay Creek State Park in the wider Brookside area offers 3,689 acres of scenic open space suitable for recreation, as well as nearly 40 miles of trails. In the area around Brookside, Newark also offers more than 19 miles of trails and 36 parks with a total of more than 700 acres of parkland, including Newark Reservoir. This selection offers various options for planning your days without culture and local history having to recede into the background.

There is also a specific point of reference within Brookside itself: In Brookside Park, a pedestrian bridge leads toward Carlisle Road and Cameron Lane. When choosing accommodation, your preferred mix of activities is therefore especially important. Look for a vacation rental in Brookside if you want the settlement’s history, Kingswood United Methodist Church, and its architectural details to be the focus. If you would like to center your stay more on trails, parks, and landscapes, also consider Newark and the wider area around White Clay Creek State Park when searching.

Find more pages about local destinations for Bear, Christiana, Newark, Wilmington, New Castle, Hockessin, Delaware City, and Brandywine.

For the overarching travel overview: New Castle County.