I remember being excited about spring two years ago, but not that excited. This year I can feel spring all the way down to my toes. What’s the difference? It’s back! Due to popular demand, the Rye House Tour returns in grand style.
By Annabel Monaghan
I remember being excited about spring two years ago, but not that excited. This year I can feel spring all the way down to my toes. What’s the difference? It’s back! Due to popular demand, the Rye House Tour returns in grand style. What has long been a Rye tradition is now in it’s 31st year. The five distinctly different homes featured are sure to inspire all who tour them, whether it’s for their place in Rye’s history or for their clever modern design.
Here’s a sneak peak of the homes on the upcoming tour.
One home is a beautiful historic house built in 1913 by a gentleman in the steamship business. He employed architects to design the house who were famous for building Gothic Revival churches, as is evident in exquisite wood work throughout. The house features original details like fine leaded glass windows, seven working fireplaces, and the remains of brass fittings that likely served as oil lighting back in the day. This home is ideal for indoor or outdoor entertaining, with formal and informal spaces and patios off of each.
Another featured home was completed in June 2010 and allows its owners to live 90% off the electric grid. This home achieves the nearly impossible: the maximum 
enjoyment of sweeping water views, while leaving nature nearly unaffected. It is powered by solar panels and geothermal technology and is lined with a second skin for circulation. Large windows throughout are coated with UV film to protect the interior from harmful rays of the sun while improving insulation. This home is the model of sustainability, while sacrificing nothing in beauty or comfort.
Aye, aye Captain! This home is one of the oldest in Rye, dating back to 1790. Neither Hook nor Crunch ever slept there, but in the 1820s the house became home to a sea captain. Since that time, the home has been lovingly restored and expanded to preserve it’s historic past while welcoming modern day amenities. Original details prevail, such as the original Federal door, wide plank Dutch floors, and ceramic ceiling moldings.
How about that view? This traditional home is situated to maximize the sweeping views of Long Island Sound, Manursing Island, and Byram, and also nods to the future with it’s design. It is equipped with state-of-the art SMART house technology allowing the family off-site control of systems like heating and cooling, security and water. It was built using the latest high efficiency products and systems, including geothermal heat. This homeowner even looked far enough into the future to anticipate the need for an elevator but it seems to be the family dog’s favorite ride these days. Not one detail has been overlooked in this property.
The “Beech House” is not a typo. It is so named in honor of the statuesque beech tree that adorns the front lawn, and also refers to the home’s location overlooking Rye Town Park and Oakland Beach. It is impeccable new construction, designed collaboratively by the builder, the homeowners, and their designer. The thoughtful design includes an office that overlooks the park and the Sound, a full screening room, and a living room designed to accommodate a baby grand piano.
The house tour is the most important fund-raising event for Rye High School, which uses the funds for scholarships and special projects. This year’s tireless chairs are Grace Aquilino, Denise Cypher, and Julie Friedmann. “It has been an honor to be a part of the House Tour’s return. We are grateful for our sponsors and the local businesses backing this event. Most importantly, we truly thank the homeowners for their generosity. We anticipate a big response and hope everyone has Friday, May 18 marked on their calendars!” says Ms. Friedmann.
The 2012 Rye House Tour is Friday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit www.ryehousetour.com for a countdown to the big day and to purchase tickets online. Tickets are also available at sponsored real estate offices. The tour runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $50 for the tour, $75 for the tour and lunch at Manursing Island Club, and $100 for the tour, lunch, and a book of raffle tickets. A boutique of area vendors will also be on hand during tour hours at Manursing, with a percentage of the proceeds benefitting the RHSPO.
Hope to see you there!
