Sunday, December 7, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

6 unique homes were decorated for the season,
from antique beauties to contemporary wonders.
(Click on each picture below to see it enlarged.)

 Gingerbread Gala
Friday, December 5, 6:30 - 10:00 PM
Westport Historical Society, 25 Avery Place

The event was a true success!  Many people made it out despite the blizzard, and it was quite festive,
with live music and a very successful silent auction of the 6 gingerbread buildings:
The Westport Country Playhouse, Saugatuck Rowing Club,  Westport YMCA,
The Inn at National Hall, Tavern on Main, and the Remarkable Bookshop.

 All proceeds from the Holiday House Tour benefited the Westport Historical Society.

Home of Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell
 

	Diane Farrell and Hilary Stevens - The historic home of Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell, built in 1764, was featured on the Westport Historical Society's Holiday House Tour on Sunday, December 7. House Tour Chair Hilary Stevens, First Selectwoman Farrell, and Percy (l. to r.) took part in the planning!
	Living Room - Built by Nathan Gray in 1764 as a farmhouse, the current owners, Westport First Selectwoman Diane Farrell and her family, are only the fifth family to have lived in this historic home. They have skillfully incorporated an addition to bring the house up to date with their family’s needs.
	Dining Room - Antique elements can be seen in the exceptionally wide-board oak floors, with their original square nails, the massive cooking fireplace in the dining room, and the compact twists of one of the staircases. The height of the ceilings and the large number of lights in the original windows disclose the prosperity of that long-ago owner.
	Historic View - Throughout the house there are antiques and artwork that show how this family treasures history. A collection of old documents includes a draft notice for the Revolutionary War and a notice of the agenda for an RTM meeting in Redding in 1764.
	First Selectwoman's Historic Home Photo - There is even an 1800’s photograph of the house! A true historic view of life in Westport in the 19th century.
Romantic 1860's Cottage
	Romantic 1860's Jewel - Pat Healing, the designer-owner of the romantic 1860's cottage, has created a little jewel.  Throughout there are accents of clear colors from chartreuse linen draperies, to celery-toned kitchen cabinets, to shades of pink, lime, yellow and blue upstairs.  A great deal of white provides a clean background that makes the owner's spectacular collection of Impressionist art "pop."  This collection has been assembled over many years, with pieces found in both the United States and Europe
	Grand Living Room - The spacious family room is painted in white-on-white stripes, and has two sets of French doors leading onto the lovely brick patio nestled into the perennial garden.
	Living Room - Located on picturesque Main Street in Southport, CT, every inch of space in this cottage has been ingenuously used to create a house with an emphasis on beauty, comfort and family life.
Colony Road
	Parlor - Set amidst towering pines along a sparkling river, the endearingly simple exterior of this home hides the grand dimensions of the interior, and the unique nature of the décor. As owner-designer Olivia Charney explained when speaking of the effective blend of formal and rustic style, “When we married each other we married our households.” The entry, sitting room, and well-proportioned dining room are formal, with the owners’ impressive collection of American antiques well displayed. Especially notable is the magnificent 18th century Hepplewhite sideboard.
	Bedroom
	Living Room - The great room is a contrast in style with its hunting lodge look. Dominated by a massive fireplace of river rock, it is a haven of cozy masculinity. The walls are faux painted to have a feel of rich crimson leather. This expansive room is filled with country American painted antiques. Original Hitchcock chairs, a painted game table, and a bench with a wonderfully weathered finish, create a fun and friendly environment. The collections of duck decoys, carved birds, and game trophies complete the rustic effect.
1930's Cape
	The décor of this 1930's expanded cape is a triumph of originality, creativity, and an unerring aesthetic sense. Most of the furnishing are mid-twentieth century and have been collected from all over the country.  The kitchen-great room blends barn motif with a clean-lined modern effect.  With original touches, such as a bright yellow dock ladder leading from laundry room to a child's playroom, used restaurant doors in the pantry, a gas station mirror in the  powder room, an imposing concrete fireplace, and a master bed that looks like it comes from a thirties movie, this house combines practicality and excitement in the best way.
Mansion on the Hill
	Perched high on a hill, this grand Shingle style “cottage” takes your breath away.  Built in 1899, this Mid-Victorian mansion was scheduled for demolition until the present owners rescued it. This two-year project included restoration and painstaking reproduction of interior finishes.  The result is an imperceptible blend of old and new.