A kick-off Cocktail Party was held on Friday, November 25th to welcome in the highly anticipated 2016 East Hampton House & Garden Tour. This annual event, now in its 32nd year, was held at the historical Maidstone Club, ringing in the East End holiday season in style. The cocktail was well attended by local dignitaries, architects, interior designers, home enthusiasts, design aficionados and history buffs. “When selecting a site for the Opening Night Cocktail, we look for a historical building that can accommodate 300+ people. We’re thrilled to have hosted our annual event at the Maidstone Club [below] because it is such an important and iconic building” said Richard Barons, Director of the East Hampton Historical Society.

The following day, KDHamptons and hundreds of design lovers followed along on the East Hampton Historical Society House & Garden Tour, showcasing some of the finest examples of architecture in the Hamptons. This year’s tour – comprised five noteworthy homes and gardens.

Party guest photos by Richard Lewin

“The House & Garden Tour is one of our most important fund-raisers,” said the event chairman Joseph Aversano. “This year’s tour takes you on an amazing journey from sea to bay, all within four miles. It is a visual feast of stylish houses. So, while you’re breathing in the sea air and enjoying the varied terrains and architectural styles, your dollars will support the East Hampton Historical Society’s museums and programs,” he said.

“From the Atlantic Ocean to Gardiner’s Bay, our House Tour Committee creatively selected five houses that express the unique spirit of living on the East End. The East Hampton Historical Society’s annual house tour offers a one-time-only glimpse inside some of our town’s most storied residences,” said Richard Barons, the Executive Director of the East Hampton Historical Society.

Whether you tend toward the charm of a classic shingled cottage, a historical Greek Revival farmhouse, or the clean lines of contemporary architecture, this year’s tour offered a fantastic combination of houses.  “We believe it is the mix of architectural styles — from the 19th century to today — that gives East Hampton its unique character and flavor,” said Mr. Barons.