Tickets are selling briskly for the 2nd annual “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour. The Sunday, November 3 (1 to 4 p.m.) event includes 3 very cool centuries-old homes, and 1 stunning new build.
Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.
Click here for tickets. Our friends at KMS Team at Compass are once again co-sponsoring the tour.
342 Greens Farms Road
The exterior retains its original look. Inside, the 160-year-old home is exciting and modern.
Current owners Al and Chris DiGuido have lived there for over 33 years. They’ve overseen two major renovations, while keeping the charm and spirit of the home. (It is rumored that the large cistern in the cellar was a hiding place on the Underground Railroad.)
The home is a showcase for fancy millwork. It is a great gathering place, with 4 fireplaces, large rooms downstairs, and a full bar, entertainment center, mahogany tray ceilings and rooftop balcony upstairs.
It is well known too as the base of operations for Al’s Angels, the non-profit that provides aid to children and families suffering hardship due to life-threatening illnesses or poverty.
93 Cross Highway
This saltbox — visible to all, near North Avenue — was built in 1764 by Eliphalet Sturges. From 1908 through the 1950s, it was owned by George Hand Wright. He was one of the first noted artists to move to Westport, and helped establish this as an artists colony..
The house had great bones. With its massive stone fabrication, handsome hearth and wonderful Wright-era furniture, it was lovingly restored by Ed Gerber. A former member of Westport’s Historic District Commission, he’s also a trustee of both Historic New England and Preservation Connecticut.
Gerber refinished the maple floors, painted and plastered the walls and ceilings, and remodeled 2 baths and the kitchen.
He also preserved George Hand Wright’s legacy, by assembling the largest collection of his illustrations, etchings and other works. Much of it is now on display.
Extensive garden renovations add to the property’s allure. To ensure protection of the property in perpetuity, Gerber obtained landmark protection from Westport’s Historic District Commission.
87 Maple Avenue South
Dan and Nicole Donovan — Staples High School graduates, with a strong sense of history — lovingly restored this handsome 1870 Queen Anne-style farmhouse, on the corner of Greens Farms Road. It had sat empty for several years.
Every room is worth seeing. But the centerpieces are the former wine cellar, now a stone-walled bar that might be the town’s best man cave, and the kitchen that is the heart of the home for the Donovans and their 6 kids.
296 Compo Road South
Niv and Kim Harizman’s new home near the beach shows how new construction fits in to a historic neighborhood. Builder Peter Greenberg of Able Construction will be on hand to discuss his work. Michael Greenberg & Associates did the architectural design.
==================================================
“06880” often celebrates Westport’s rich history. We honor homeowners who preserve the past, while enhancing their neighborhoods — and those who bring new life to them.
“06880” tells stories. As you explore all 4 houses, you’ll learn the stories behind each one.
The homeowners will point out cool aspects of each home. You’ll get a brochure explaining the 4 houses too.
(Click here for tickets. Questions? Email 06880blog@gmail.com)
I wonder if anyone is aware that the house on the corner of Greens Farms Rd. and So. Maple Ave was once the property of the Whitehead family ( they also had greenhouses across the road ).
My Hungarian grandfather worked there. The year was approximately 1945.
Yes! All that historic info is in the brochure that historic house tour-goers will receive. Thanks, Rose Mary.