Cottages to Castles House and Garden Tour

August 20, 2009 | 10:44 AM
Do you enjoy a win-win situation? Most people do. Well, here's a win-win situation that helps out some local cultural organizations, all nonprofits, and gives you a chance to really have an enjoyable day.

The Smithtown Garden Club, the Smithtown Historical Society, the Smithtown Township Arts Council and the St. James Chamber of Commerce will be holding the annual Cottages to Castles House and Garden Tour on Friday, Sept. 11 from 10 am to 4 pm.

Said Arline Goldstein, chairperson of the Cottages to Castles tour since its inception, "The homeowners are so community-minded. They do this because they know where the money is going to — all are good causes. They promote the arts, history and creativity."

Participants will be able to visit beautiful homes and gardens in the St. James, Nissequogue, Head of Harbor and Smithtown areas, at their own pace in this self-drive event. Volunteers will be at each home to answer questions.

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The name of the tour comes from the fact that while some of the homes on the tour are large with sumptuous gardens (castles), others are smaller with the gardener making the very most of small spaces (cottages). Each of the owners has graciously opened his or her home in support of the fundraiser.

"The houses on the tour go from a cottage which is a kid-friendly home," to a Tuscan mansion. Added Goldstein of the cottage, "I think people will be shocked to see Bahama blue and Tuscan Red work together on the moldings. She (the owner) made the house cute, comfortable and child-friendly."

One of the homes belongs to a decorator who travels extensively, incorporating travel items into the home. Another is a small, elegant home which has paintings on the walls done by the owner, who, before she retired, used to create mall displays.

"The gardens of each house relate more to how the homeowner wants to live … Most of [the cottage's] garden is in front with baskets of flowers which enhance the cottage atmosphere. The lively colors complement the house. The second garden has a feeling of tranquility — meditation — very still. In the third house the garden is designed for entertaining with a big waterfront backyard." The third house is "really an estate," noted Goldstein. The plants are "sculptural, carrying out the idea of sculpture which you see in the house."

Added Goldstein, "This year is just a magnificent tour … It outdoes all the [past] tours. I don't know how we're going to top it next year."

Cost of the day is $70 per person which includes the tour and a hot and cold buffet luncheon at Flowerfield between 11 am and 3 pm. For those who prefer to have lunch on their own, the cost of the tour only is $45 per person.

Make your check payable to Cottages to Castles and mail to 239 Middle Country Road, Smithtown, NY 11787. The tickets will be mailed to participants just before the event. The tour is for adults and children 12 and over. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a fair amount of walking. For further information, call 265-6768.

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