The East Hampton Historical Society is proud to announce the 37th annual House & Garden Tour, celebrating some of the finest examples of East End architecture. This year’s tour — consisting of five distinguished houses spanning five centuries — is scheduled for Saturday, November 26, from 1 to 4:30 p.m.
The East Hampton Historical Society’s House Tour Committee has creatively selected houses that express the unique spirit of living on the East End. From the 17th Century to the present day, the society’s annual House Tour offers a one-time-only glimpse inside some of our town’s most storied residences. Drenched in history, pedigree, and local lore, this year’s tour is sure to inspire, delight and invite appreciation for the stewardship of some of our most charmed properties.
East Hampton’s “White House”, which dates to 1724, is one of the East Hampton’s most recognizable properties. Standing at the gateway to the village, this historic mansion was completely renovated in 1992 by the late developer Fred Mengoni in the grand American style. Although it was barely ever lived in, it was always meticulously maintained right down to its window boxes holding red geraniums each summer and white Christmas lights for the holidays. The 7,615-square-foot home — which was moved back from the road in 1906 — is the first house motorists see as they enter the East Hampton Village, making it a welcoming landmark.
After an estate sale in December 2020, the White House found new owners who understand the concept of simple luxury. Pared down to its exquisite bones, this year’s tour offers a very rare look inside East Hampton’s most beloved White House
GREYCROFT
19th Century Masterpiece
Greycroft — its very name conjures up the grand country homes of British literature — was designed in 1893 by architect Isaac Henry Green who introduced the Shingle Style to East Hampton’s summer colony. Completed by 1894 for a prestigious couple, Lorenzo Guernsey and Emma Woodhouse, Green’s signature features — gambrel-roof, delicate fan windows, stairwells with multiple turns, paneled wainscoting, and a boxed beam ceiling — are evident throughout.
CENTER-HALL COLONIAL
20th Century Centerpiece
Owners of the 1919 center-hall colonial in East Hampton set out to revive their home with aligned harmony and orchestrated vision. One, the proprietor of a Manhattan gallery specializing in the best of 20th-century furniture, lighting, and accessories, and the other, a renowned creative event planner, both wanted to reflect the passions they have for their businesses in a carefully collected yet comfortable environment to entertain while maintaining the integrity of the original property. Through thoughtful design and collaboration, this 1919 center-hall centerpiece was updated to the 21st century while keeping the historical integrity of the house intact.
ISAAC W. MILLER HOUSE
17th Century, AKA “Third House”
One of the best remaining examples of a slant-roof saltbox still exists on Main Street, thanks to the owner’s labor of love to preserve a perfect example of early East End life.
Local lore surrounds the origins of this colonial treasure. One source attributed the house to Lion Gardiner, who presented it to his daughter Mary upon her marriage in 1658. Historically, it is called the Isaac W. Miller house, after its owner from the late 19th century, who purchased it from the Hedges family.
NEW JEWEL ON THE CROSSWAYS
21ST Century
The newest house on the 2022 East Hampton House & Garden Tour was developed as a shingle style guest house adjacent to other family residences of the owner. “Shingle Style” homes began to emerge in the late 1800 and is a uniquely American adaptation of other traditions such as Queen Ann, Colonial Revival, and Romanesque.
Tickets to the Opening Night Cocktail Party are $250 each, which includes entry to the House & Garden Tour the following day. Tickets to the self-guided 2022 East Hampton House & Garden Tour are $85 in advance and $100 on the day of the tour.
Admission can be purchased via: www.easthamptonhistory.org</p
