East Hampton Historical Society To Host House Tour

Curious onlookers peeking around the privet that hid a 7,500-square-foot shingle-style house on Hither Lane in East Hampton were common during the 18 months it was under construction. The inquisitive stopped at the edge of the grand circular driveway hoping to get a closer look beyond the stately front porch or nautically themed white shutters, perhaps wondering about the contents and aching for a good gander inside.

The 26th annual House and Garden Tour to benefit the East Hampton Historical Society will put a temporary end to the privet hedge peep show as it kicks off the holiday season this weekend by offering design enthusiasts, neighbors and curbside curiosity seekers a chance to stroll through a fine assortment of six East Hampton homes.

The tour will open on Friday, November 26, with a cocktail party from 6 to 8 p.m. at an 8,500-square-foot Regency-style Rollinson House in the Grace Estate in Northwest Woods hosted by Peter Emmerson. On Saturday, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., East Enders can visit the six houses on display, all selected by a historical society committee to highlight examples of historic and modern architecture.

“When something is beautifully crafted, it goes well with everything,” noted Richard Barons, the historical society’s executive director. The society “chose to include modern architecture along with historic on the annual tour because we believe it is a mix of architectural styles—from the turn-of-the-century to today—that gives East Hampton its unique character and flavor.”

For the Hither Lane property, Bridgehampton architects Barnes Coy and Associates, builder Ben Krupinski and the home owners drew upon architectural heritage to create an East Hampton beauty. The home’s entrance hall offers a Rumsford fireplace, white oak floors and graceful woodwork. The entry space is intimate and welcoming, not overwhelming. An intricate paneled ceiling, bookshelves, impressive encased ship model and artwork tie together the living room with a nautical theme. The large paned windows offer commanding views of the house’s gardens and pool. Carefully selected 18th century textiles set in hand-carved frames adorn the second floor hallway and are just a few of the remarkable details of the home.

In addition to the Hither Lane shingle-style home, tour-goers this year will also be treated to another elegant shingle-style house located on the waterfront, an elegant Aymar Embury Colonial Revival estate, a recently restored sprawling Queen Anne built in 1903, as well as two contemporary homes, one of which is owned by a famous designer.

Nestled in a white pine forest off Northwest Road in Northwest Woods, one of the tour’s featured modern homes has been highlighted in House Beautiful magazine for its architectural philosophy and design. The 4,000-square-foot weekend residence is a series of beautiful contrasts with its organic wood exterior concealing the interior living room’s formal architectural design and contemporary furnishings. The Edelman leather squares, animal hide rugs, white pillow-piled couches and large colorful artwork all betray the homeowners penchant for modern chic.

Made possible in part through support from Tiffany & Co. and Hamptons Cottage and Gardens Magazine, this year’s tour offers an interesting mix of homes.

Tickets for the House and Garden Tour are $50 in advance or $60 the day of the event and can be purchased at historical society’s office at 101 Main Street daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Saturday. Tickets will also be sold at Clinton Academy at 151 Main Street in East Hampton on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for the cocktail party cost $150 and include the house tour.