The East Hampton Historical Society is proud to announce their 2012 House & Garden Tour, showcasing some of the finest examples of historic and modern architecture, and welcoming in the Hamptons holiday season. This year’s tour – comprised of five unique homes – is scheduled for Saturday, November 24th, from 1:00pm – 4:30pm.

A kick-off cocktail party on the evening of Friday, November 23rd welcomes in this year’s highly anticipated House Tour. This annual event, now in its 28th year, is traditionally held over Thanksgiving weekend, ringing in the East End holiday season!
Whether you tend toward the charm of a classic, historic East Hampton “cottage” or the clean lines of modern architecture, this year’s tour has an enchanting combination of homes that are sure to delight….

How does the East Hampton Historical Society select homes for their annual house tour? Richard Barons, Executive Director of the East Hampton Historical Society shares, “We believe it is the mix of architectural styles — from the turn of the century to today — that gives East Hampton its unique character and flavor. Our community has the added benefit of having wonderfully diverse architectural styles that span several centuries. Our house tour committee has once again outdone themselves in identifying five different yet complementary homes that design enthusiasts and people who want a ‘look inside’ East Hampton will find of interest on this year’s house tour,” Barons further explains.

Five unique homes will be featured on the self-guided 2012 East Hampton House & Garden Tour, here’s a sneak peek of some of them SHHHHHH!!! :

Modern home enthusiast will delight at the clean lines of a house that embraces the 21st century. Located in Wainscott, this contemporary home ingeniously incorporates hanging gardens and showcases a museum-quality art collection. Designed by East End architect Maziar Behrooz, this modern abode is recognized for functionalism, innovation and sustainable design.

Located south-of-the-highway, a quintessential historic home has survived a move, a history of scandal and rumor and even seizure by the federal government. Recent expansion, though modern, compliments the historical aesthetic of this 18th-Century “half house”, whose core has remained intact more than 230 years.

For the history buff, a Farm House in Amagansett, built in 1894 by Capt. Samuel Loper of the Life-Saving Service, is now under the stewardship of a highly regarded designer and preservationist. With painstaking care, a 2-year renovation reconciled old and new, creating open spaces for family life while maintaining the integrity of the original house. Coincidentally, the current owner is also on the committee to restore the Amagansett Life-Saving Station (circa 1901), the same building where Capt. Samuel Loper was appointed keeper in 1910 and worked until retirement.

On a quiet street, just steps away from the Village, sits a charming cottage designed by a prominent East End interior designer and owned by a local landscape architect. Described as “East Hampton meets Nantucket via Harbour Island (Bahamas)”, this half-acre of perfection exudes charm and character in every detail.

In the spirit of the Tuscan countryside and artisanal craftsmanship, the fifth house on the East Hampton House & Garden Tour is a newly built “Tuscan Casetta”. Premier building techniques coupled with old-world aesthetics yields a gracious home and garden sure to transport you “Under the Tuscan Sun” via the Northwest Woods.

In accordance with tradition, the exact locations of these private homes will be revealed to ticket-holders the weekend of the event, thus building heightened anticipation and excitement. “We thought we had a real challenge this year coming up with an interesting mix of homes to rival last year’s tour,” says Joseph Aversano, Chair of the event. “Our committee started work in August, and the mix this year exceeds all our expectations!”

On the evening of Friday, November 23rd, the annual Opening Night Cocktail Party for the 2012 East Hampton House & Garden Tour will be held at the William E. Wheelock House [below] on Georgica Road, one of the Village’s first grand shingle-style cottages of the summer colony – a hidden gem of home with both historical and architectural significance. Built in 1891 and situated on over 10 acres of manicured grounds, this enchanting estate is reminiscent of a bygone era.

** Note: As the site of the Opening Night Cocktail Party – a fundraising event for the East Hampton Historical Society – the William E. Wheelock House is only open to Cocktail Party ticket holders

Tickets to the Opening Night Cocktail Party are limited and start at $200, which includes entry to the tour the following day. Tickets to the House & Garden Tour are $65 in advance and $75 on the day of the tour.

Recap:

Opening Night Cocktail Party: Friday, November 23rd (6pm- 8pm)
House Tour: Saturday, November 24th (1:00pm – 4:30pm)

Ticket proceeds benefit the East Hampton Historical Society and are on sale via:

EHHS office at 101 Main Street Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
phone at 631-324-6850
Website: www.easthamptonhistory.org.
Clinton Academy, 151 Main Street, on Friday, November 23rd and Saturday, November 24th between 10am and 4pm.