A Peek Inside Westport Homes

Westport homes were dressed in their holiday finest for the Westport Historical Society's annual Holiday House Tour Sunday.

This year's tour featured five private homes ranging from an updated 1782 antique to a recently built "green" residence.  The tour also featured a bonus stop at Adams Academy, Westport's own 19th century one-room schoolhouse.

"True to the holiday spirit, this year's tour is all about surprises and delights." Said Dorothy Curran, event chair.

Enthusiastic admirers of fine architecture and the decorative arts arrived en masse from all corners of  Fairfield County, Westchester, northern Connecticut and New Jersey.   As the tour-goers meandered through the homes, they gathered inspiration for decorating their own houses, often remarking on the clever use of objects and unusual antiques.

Docents were stationed throughout each residence to provide a room-by-room commentary and discuss the history of the homes, their furniture, art, and seasonal decorations.

About the Homes:

Elegant 18th-century Greens Farms Homestead: The original structure was built in 1782 as a Saltbox Colonial and burned in 1779 by British troops during the American Revolution.   Rebuilt and restored a number of times since, this house has been recently remodeled with a nod to preserving as much of the original post and beam architecture as possible.  The contemporary art and décor is striking in comparison to the age of the structure, but lend an elegant, yet comfortable vibe to this airy home.  A third-floor media room with soaring pine ceiling was designed to mimic the feeling of a barn and patio and pool house make this a wonderful home for entertaining or relaxing.

A Romantic Connecticut Cottage: The owner of this charming 1930s home is a landscape designer and the décor reflects her passion for gardening.   In the formal living room, which also doubles as the family's music room, a glass topped garden gate is repurposed as a coffee table and the 12-foot Christmas tree was festooned with dried hydrangea blooms and hung with tiny antique bells.  The owners had previously lived abroad in England and the home contains many British treasures; including an enormous clock from a Christopher Wren designed church, a chandelier from an English church, and antique leather chairs.   This home, filled with family photos and heirlooms, reflects the warmth and tradition of the many years the family has lived here.

Forty Houses in One: A traditional home on an unassuming cul-de-sac holds no hint of the surprise to be found inside - for more than 37 years, the owners have been amassing a collection of fine and antique miniatures from around the globe.  They have more than 40 doll houses filled with tiny Persian rugs, original oils, miniature replicas of sculptures and even a tiny Shinto shrine.  The owners are passionate about their collecting and have turned their entire basement into a museum-like gallery to display their collection.     

Victorian Gem: The Sidney Watts house on Imperial Avenue, owned by the Westport Woman's Club, is a familiar sight on the Westport waterfront.   Built in 1881, this Queen Anne-style home has paneled brick chimneys and verandas with water views.  The interior has recently been dramatically restored and re-decorated by Beverly Ellsley and her daughter, Rebecca.  The sumptuous color palette of oranges and golds is historically accurate and compliments the water views and stained glass windows.   Upstairs, one of the bedrooms, has been designated as a Bride's Room, and decorated in soothing shades of green and cream.   The property is currently used as an event space and may be rented for private parties.

"Green" Waterfront Home: On land passed through two generations, this newly-built home offers spectacular views of the Saugatuck River. Built in a style that pays homage to the "Arts and Crafts and Adirondack" styles, this home represents the future of homebuilding and green design by using recycled and sustainable building materials.  Cork flooring, countertops made from recycled paper and resin and recycled glass and concrete, and a geo-thermal heating and cooling system, are only a few of the "green" resources used in building this home.

The historic Adams Academy on Morningside Drive:  This one-room college preparatory school was run by Ebenezer Adams from 1837 to 1867 and boasts a number of distinguished graduates, including E.T. Bedford, the Karo Sugar Company founder, and William Marcy, Secretary of State under President Franklin Pierce.  

Following the tour was a Twilight Soiree and Silent Auction at another home on the Westport waterfront.  Attendees were treated to the sounds of blues musician Mark Naftalin at the piano and Barry Urich on drums while sipping wine and bidding on auction items donated by artists and designers whose work was featured in the homes on the tour.

The proceeds raised by this event support the Westport Historical Society and go towards educational programs.  The Westport Historical Society, founded in 1889, is an organization that works to preserve, present and celebrate the history of Westport.