reflecting on the East Hampton Historical Society's House Tour

a detailed column at my favorite garden on the

East Hampton Historic House Tour

photography by Gabby & Miles Stephenson

interior photography provided by the East Hampton Historical Society

I enjoy house tours because it gives us a modern glimpse into these historic gems and how people are adapting them to every day living.  In addition, we learn the history of our neighborhood in an authentic manner.  I want to share my enthusiasm for the annual East Hampton Historic House Tour.  Each November I look forward to this event, and since many of my viewers live too far away to attend, I'm adding a re-cap of the entire affair.

You may have read the editorial I wrote for
East Hampton magazine Dan's Papers
about the event's details
 The five homes on the tour this year were located in the East Hampton Village neighborhood.  They were eclectic, ranging from cozy 18th century shingle cottages to a large Queen Anne style mansion.  The Arc House ended the tour, and evoked forward thinking sensibilities with a modern approach by architect Maziar Behrooz.  I appreciate the arc shaped roof and the home's setting - we walked a path of pine needles and lined with evergreen trees to enter the house.  The historical society thinks long and hard about which homes to add to the tour each year, offering a comprehensive look and wide range of homes which illustrate various ways  people live in the Hamptons. 
Here are some of my favorite highlights:

a weather vane adorned with the character Puck from 
Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream
This historic house on Huntting Lane was built  in 1894 on the Woodcroft estate. The original, three-story tower holds the home’s kitchen and living spaces, there is now a second-floor bedroom and a small  room on the third floor as well. This attic room is adorable - and we took turns navigating up the narrow steps to peek in the small bedroom. As you approach the house a weather vane finishes off the tower and a detail of Puck perches...you may remember Puck is the mischievous elf from Shakespeare's

"A Midsummer Night's Dream"
 This was an unexpected detail.

The Windmill Tower House

There was a Federal-style home, which had originally been built in 1853 on Division Street in Sag Harbor for Captain Wickham S. Havens.  It was moved to East Hampton in 1960. When I had read this fact it makes sense to me since there are many Federal style homes dotting the village of Sag Harbor as you drive towards the harbor.

The Captain Wickham S. Havens House
in the Federal Style

I love the quirky nature of this little cottage/shed in one back yard with the greenery growing.

manicured hedges and beautiful landscape - even the smallest homes have well cared for  privet and gardening -- very quintessentially Hampton style.  This shows the beauty of the area dating back centuries.

a group photo of us meandering from house to house on a beautiful, sunny day.

These classically designed rooms with nautical touches and interesting spurts of color feel very appropriate for the beach setting and age of these homes

this attic-like bedroom is sweet

and the two charming beds mirror the matching windows well

The annual kick-off party rings in the festivities.  The very first cocktail reception was held several years back and hosted at the famous Grey Gardens home -- of course that party set the tone for future kick-off events.  This year's celebration kept its promise of offering wonder and merriment.  We wandered the cavernous home, marveling at the intricate details, noting the home is steeped in the area's  history. 

a photo as we approach the The Charles H. Adams House, which hosted the cocktail party

The Charles H. Adams House is on Lee Lane, just a few short blocks to my favorite beach called Georgica in East Hampton. This house was also on the tour, but the evening's event gave us a more in-depth look at this extravagant home.  It was originally designed by William B. Tuthill , the architect of Carnegie Hall, in 1891 and for only a mere $20,000 .  The home is vast and detailed, and designed in the Queen Anne style.  It is larger than many of the original cottage-style homes from this era.

To me, the homes were all interesting and fascinating, but my favorite highlight was this incredible garden included on the tour. 

The ornamental details throughout this garden were a beautiful artistic venture...antique columns, lions and gates.  I am certain this project took years to complete.  Of course there is also  topiary, hedges, plantings, beds and incredible landscaping all completed by
Marders in Bridgehampton

This reminded me of my very favorite book growing up The Secret Garden, and as we turned each corner it was like discovering a beautiful hidden treasure trove of green and stone.

the walk up the stairs to the Grecian-esque pool feels decadent

a pair of sphinx to add to the drama

I particularly enjoyed the mixture of gardening styles from Classic English to manicured French and beautiful over-the-top Italian ornate elements -- these gardens are an exploration in creativity

espalier at its finest

Miles leads us on our incredible 
maze-like garden tour

That's my take on all of it!! 

I hope you feel as if you've explored a little bit along with me. 

Happy New Year!

Happpy Nesting 

XO Tamara

Stop back next week for a stop into our

Culinary Club MadMen themed dinner,

complete with Americana fare from the 1960s