East Hampton Historical Society Hosting Annual Holiday Weekend Hamptons House & Garden Tour

On Saturday, November 28th, the East Hampton Historical Society will offer a unique look at five intriguing Hamptons residences during the 2015 East Hampton House & Garden Tour, “A Peek at History: Behind the Hedgerows.” The annual Thanksgiving weekend tradition will debut during a kick-off cocktail party on Friday, November 27th from 6 to 8 p.m. The celebration will be held at the summer house of Mr. and Mrs. Elie Hirschfeld, “Where Lily Pond Lane Meets Georgica Beach.” The Saturday self-guided tour will take place from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

“The House & Garden Tour is one of our most important fund-raisers,” said the event chairman Joseph Aversano. “Without question, this is an opportunity for our house tour guests to delight in some special houses.”

1. The tour’s Dunemere Lane summer cottage was built in 1897 by esteemed builder George Eldredge. Upon entering the renovated home, guests will be greeted by a spacious entrance hall and porches typical of the turn of the 20th century.

The team of Samet & Wold bring their signature style to a set of houses on Main Street, Amagansett (Photo: Chris Foster)

2. For another historical home, head to Main Street, Amagansett. Constructed in 1898 for Isaac Mulford by Samuel Schellinger Babcock and Lyman Babcock, the grandson and great-grandson respectively of Samuel Schellinger, the prominent builder, craftsman, and millwright, this Main Street treasure had been left untouched for decades, until a couple saw its full potential, and set out to restore it to its former glory, with modern updates.

3. The tour’s stunning Egypt Lane abode is walking distance to the ocean and the prestigious Maidstone Club. The secluded compound has a quaint guest cottage, spectacularly manicured gardens, pool house, pergola, and tennis court.

Inside the secluded Egypt Lane abode. (Photo: East Hampton Historical Society)

4. The final Main Street, Amagansett property showcases a duo of different yet complementary houses. The “Little Cottage,” a classic Cape Cod-style home, is paired with a recently completed house that features a new and spacious living area, both of which were styled by the interior design team of Tom Samet and Nathan Wold.

5. The tour’s Drew Lane shingle-clad cottage was built as a guest cottage for Dr. Frederick K. Hollister, whose Albro & Lindeberg-designed stucco escape is complimented by natural light and located in the midst of an English garden.

The East Hampton Historical Society has a surprise for this year’s tourgoers, entrance to the Thomas & Mary Nimmo Moran house and studio. Built in 1884, The Moran Studio, which is normally not open to the public, was the first artist’s studio constructed in East Hampton. The Studio, which is currently being restored, served as an energetic center of the turn of the 19th century-East End art colony.

Normally closed to the public and still being restored, “The Studio,” by special arrangement, will be included on the tour. (Photo: Jeff Heatley)

“So while you’re contemplating the history behind the hedgerows, your dollars will be hard at work supporting the East Hampton Historical Society and its museums,” noted Aversano.

Admission to the Kickoff Cocktail Party and 2015 East Hampton House & Garden Tour start at $200. Admission to just the 2015 East Hampton House & Garden Tour is $65 in advance and $75 on the day.

For tickets or more information, visit www.easthamptonhistory.org.