House Tour Information
Date and Time: Friday, December 4th, 2009, 10am - 4pm
Price: $65 in advance or $75 the day of the Tour.
Where to Purchase Tickets:
- Online from this website through Dec. 3, 2009. Please print out the confirmation of your online purchase.
- Country Design, 150 Elm Street, New Canaan
- Pimlico, 7 Elm Street, New Canaan
- William Raveis Real Estate, 4 Elm Street, New Canaan
- M Milestones, 120 Main Street, New Canaan
- New Canaan Toy Store, 127 Elm Street, New Canaan
- At the Roger Sherman Inn on the day of the Tour
- The Young Women’s League Holiday Market at Waveny House on November 19th
Tickets are cash or check only, unless they are purchased online
When and Where to Pick Up Your Guide Book:
On Thursday, Dec. 3rd from 9am - 11am or on Friday, Dec. 4th from 9am - 3pm, ticketholders should present the printed confirmation of their online purchase or their ticket receipt at the Roger Sherman Inn (195 Oenoke Ridge Road, New Canaan) to receive the House Tour Guide Book. The Guide Book is needed to gain entry into each Tour home.
Transportation:
Visitors will drive themselves to the homes in the pre-assigned order they receive in their guidebook. Complimentary parking is available at the Roger Sherman Inn for the luncheon.
Luncheon:
A $35 Prix Fixe
Luncheon will be offered at the Roger Sherman Inn from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Other:
Please note that children and pets are not permitted entry to the Tour. Children are welcome on the "Holiday Lights Tour" in the evening.
History of the Tour
- A high-profile event for over 45 years, drawing over 1,000 visitors from all parts of Fairfield and Westchester Counties, that raises funds for numerous venerable charities.
- In 2007, Newcomers distributed $86,000 in net profits from the House Tour to local charities. For a list of charities that have benefited from past House Tours, please click here.
Sneak Peak at the Homes
Antique Farmhouse
This antique farmhouse, built in 1881, was renovated and expanded in 2002 by well-known local architect, Louise Brooks, senior partner and founder of Gullans & Brooks Associates of New Canaan, Connecticut. The home displays a plaque from The New Canaan Historical Society, which acknowledges and works to preserve historic properties in the town. It features beautiful archways, timeless details, and all the charm of its bygone era.
Dramatic Country Estate
This 2004 dramatic country estate, nestled on four acres, was designed and built by Michael Greenberg, owner of Michael Greenberg Associates from Westport, Connecticut. Greenberg is known for building his homes with an enormous amount of antique and reclaimed wood. This home is no exception, with soaring beams and millwork throughout. An 1850 converted barn with chestnut ceiling serves as a guest house and sits prominently on the property. The estate was decorated by international celebrity designer Barry Dixon, who specializes in high-end residential interiors worldwide and has been featured on Good Morning America, HGTV, and in a number of magazine pictorials. The home is furnished with an array of iconic and antique treasures, including a rocking chair that belonged to President John F. Kennedy.
Mid-Century Modern
Built in 1956, this mid-century modern was designed by John Johansen, the last surviving member of the Harvard Five, and has been featured in dozens of national and international architectural publications over the last five decades. The home has extensive glass walls and dramatic views of the Rippowam River. The current owners are in the process of renovating aspects of the home, all keeping with the authentic era in which the home was built. This tour will be the first time the public will be able to view the home since the new owners have made it their own.
Sophisticated Summer Manor
This magnificent 12,000-square-foot stone and shingle manor was built in 2005. It was designed by Judith Larson and built by Bill Gardner, co-owners of Gardner Larson Homes of New Canaan, Connecticut. This gorgeous home, with separate guest house, is reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century summer estate, sitting high on a Connecticut hill with sweeping views of the New Canaan Reservoir. The home is decorated by Maureen Griffin Balsbaugh, owner of Griffin Balsbaugh Interiors of Brookline, Massachusetts.
Authentic Turn-of-the-Century
Built in 1900, this authentic turn-of-the-century home has beautiful moldings and millwork, large fireplaces, and period stonework. The furniture and decor are in keeping with the period in which the home was constructed. The home is set back from the road and has a large circular drive and awnings over the windows. In 2008 the New Canaan Preservation Alliance bestowed an award on the home for “offering an aesthetic gift to the town and a pleasant trip into the past.”
Unique Features of the 2009 Tour
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“Bringing the Community Together”… We hope to heighten the exposure of New Canaan’s business community by pairing a local professional decorator with each of our five spectacular homes and showcasing a local merchant in each home.
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Five Senses… We aim to create a highly entertaining and interactive holiday experience for our tour-goers by stimulating all five senses, including shopping for those who consider shopping the sixth sense!
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Holiday Lights Tour… See the homes at night for the first time! From 6pm -9pm, trolleys will pick people up at the edge of town and bring them on a 20 minute tour of our five showcase homes decorated in festive holiday lights. Tour Guides will be on the trolleys to entertain and educate our tour-goers so they don’t miss a thing! At the end of the Tour, our Guides will invite our guests to stop by New Canaan Wine Merchants for a tasting or hot toddy.
Silent Auction
Make sure you stop by the Roger Sherman Inn’s Ivy Room, from 9:30am - 2:30pm on Friday, December 4th, to take part in the silent auction! A great variety of items are available – something for the home, kids, and guys, plus some great holiday gift ideas.
Payment is by cash or check. Winners will be contacted after the auction closes. Winners should plan to pick up items from 2:30pm - 3:30pm on the same day, or coordinate to get the item at a later time.
Auction items include the following:
- Design consultation with NYC/Hamptons interior designer Karen Gorman
- Notre Dame Football tickets for 6 and use of a 3-bedroom house for the weekend in South Bend! Generously donated by Newcomers, Eileen & Chris Murphy
- Basket of goodies from Lilly Pulitzer
- The perfect cocktail table from Oomph
- A pilates package from Movement Design & Wellness
- Lyn Evans for Potpourri Designs gift certificate for a "Wardrobe Party"
- A design consultation and book from Sandra Morgan Interiors of Greenwich
- Gift certificate from Harvest Supper Restaurant
- A "Beauty Bash" at Benefit Cosmetics
- Divaz Salon gift certificate and basket of products
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