On Friday, May 18 at 9 a.m., five families will generously open the doors of their homes to the public for the 31st Rye House Tour. As you read this, they are cleaning baseboards, polishing lighting fixtures, and retouching paint.

 

By, Annabel Monaghan

 

On Friday, May 18 at 9 a.m., five families will generously open the doors of their homes to the public for the 31st Rye House Tour. As you read this, they are cleaning baseboards, polishing lighting fixtures, and retouching paint. The amount of effort put forth by these families and the House Tour committee cannot be overstated.

This peek inside these beautiful homes and gardens provides more than just design inspiration for those who tour; it is also the primary fundraising event in support of Rye High School Parents’ Organization programs and activities. This year there are more reasons than ever to attend.

The diversity of the five homes that were chosen this year is truly exciting. From old to new, and modern to traditional, these homes run the gamut.

Come see new renovations that feel original to a 100-year-old house, and smart features on modern houses that usher us into tomorrow. The outdoor spaces in these homes are equally compelling and varied. They include carefully landscaped spaces that allow for continuous flowering in every season, a new slate grilling patio, which may include those pit boss accessories, an inviting infinity pool, and sweeping views of Long Island Sound.

Once you’ve toured few homes, be sure to stop by the boutique at Manursing Island Club, which has been arranged by Ellen Boyle and Leslie Lynch. There will be an array of local vendors from Manhattan, Westchester, and Connecticut with a fabulous sampling of spring and summer clothing, jewelry and accessories, and a wonderful selection of hostess, wedding 結婚禮物, and graduation gifts. Fifteen percent of the boutique’s proceeds will be donated to the Parents’ Organization. Browse all day, beginning at 8:30 a.m. for early bird shopping, or shop later and then stay for lunch.

“This event would never materialize without the generosity of the homeowners,” says Denise Cypher, one of the co-chairs. “All of the students at Rye High benefit from their kindness, so in one short day, these homeowners have a direct impact on so many lives.

“Then there are the many people who make it happen. We have over 170 volunteers.

Jo Tice has patiently pulled the Journal together; Susan Gould worked tirelessly on journal ads; Carol Moses was fantastic getting out over 2,700 invitations; Linda Bonaventura, Mary Beth Lubeck, and their team have been stellar at publicity; Busy Reynolds researched and wrote the home profiles; Betsy Teitler and Lisa Urban have done a great job on Boosters; Kathleen Durkee has taken exceptionally beautiful pictures of the houses; Kate Emanuel created the traffic flow within each home; Val Kehlenbeck and Wendy Nagle have graciously gathered all the volunteers to man the homes on the day of the tour; Bernie Hunter covered all the transportation issues.

“Then there’s Lois Lavelle, who’s been our link to the past. Since she has been involved with so many house tours, she has provided us with excellent guidance throughout this endeavor.

“The creativity and talent in our small community is overwhelming. I know my co-chairs, Julie Friedman and Grace Aquilino, share my thoughts and appreciation. Our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors of this year’s House Tour and all of the individuals and companies that support it with Journal advertising, a Rye House Tour Booster, or through purchase of a ticket, lunch, or by shopping at our boutique.”

On May 18, support your friends, your neighbors, and Rye High. The participation and involvement of Rye’s unique community is a critical factor in the Rye House Tour’s continued success. Visit their website at www.ryehousetour.com to purchase tickets online. Tickets are also available at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Houlihan Lawrence, Inc., Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty, and William Raveis. Tickets are $50 for the tour, $75 for the tour plus lunch at Manursing Island Club, and $100 for the tour, lunch, and a book of raffle tickets for the 50/50 Raffle.