June Events for the Design Minded, Part 1

By Lynda Simonton

There are endless opportunities to go to house tours, showhouses, and garden tours this month! Now is the time to put the snowy winter behind us and enjoy the beauty of New England homes and gardens. 

Concord Museum Garden Tour 

Darien House Tour—Homes with Heart

This inaugural house tour taking place on June 4 offers the chance to see some of Darien, Connecticut’s most beautiful homes. The tour will showcase a handful of homes chosen for their unique architecture, historical significance, environmentally conscious design, and interiors. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Advance purchase tickets $55 for tour, $75 for tour and lunch, $65 the day of the event at the First Congregational Church of Darien. (203) 655-0491, darienhousetour.org

Concord Museum Garden Tour

Attendees of this annual event are sure to be inspired to create their own outdoor oasis by visiting some of the most beautiful gardens in Concord, Massachusetts. The tour takes place on Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6. Tickets for the self-guided tour can be purchased online in advance, or on tour days at the Concord Museum. (978) 369-9763, x216; concordmuseum.org

Garden Conservancy Open Day in Fairfield County Connecticut

On June 7 you will have the opportunity to tour two of Fairfield County’s most beautiful private gardens, in Sandy Hook and Ridgefield, through the Garden Conservancy. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. $21 members, $35 non-members. gardenconservancy.org

Providence Preservation Society’s Annual Festival of Historic Houses

The festival, now in its 36th year, offers the opportunity to explore the homes of Providence’s Fox Point and South Benefit Street neighborhoods. The tour takes place on June 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Providence Preservation Society members $35 and non-members $40 in advance; $45 the day of the tour. ppsri.org

Day of Design

Day of Design will take place at The Mayflower Grace, a Relais & Châteaux hotel in Washington, Connecticut on Saturday, June 13. Day of Design includes panels with renowned interior designers, architects, stylists, and industry VIPs, a sumptuous lunch on a porch overlooking the gardens, and a “Meet the Designers” cocktail party. Last year’s panelists included Robert Couturier, Robert Passal, and Philip Gorrivan, among many others. The cost for the day is $170, which includes entry to both morning and afternoon panels, refreshments, lunch, and a VIP cocktail party. Reservations are required and can be booked by calling Christine Afiouni at The Mayflower Grace, (860) 868-9466.

Westport Historical Society’s Hidden Garden Tour

Garden lovers will have the opportunity to tour seven sensational gardens in Westport, Connecticut at the 24^th annual Hidden Garden Tour on June 14. The showcased gardens range from a cutting garden to a woodland garden to a rose garden. There will also be a pop-up garden shop at the historical society along with a post-tour Garden Party at Gilberties Herb Gardens from 5 p.m.  7:30 p.m. The tour takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., tour tickets are $45 members, $55 non-members, and $60 day of tour. Garden Party tickets are $60. Combo tickets are $90 members, $100 non-members, and $110 day of tour.  Tickets and directions will be available for pick-up at the Westport Historical Society on the day of the tour beginning at 10 a.m. More information can be found at westporthistory.org

Cape Cod Designer Show House to Benefit WE CAN

For this inaugural event, a turn-of-the-century Shingle-style home has been renovated and redecorated by more than 20 designers from Boston, Cape Cod, and the islands, and showcases the latest design trends, fine furnishings, and art. Proceeds from the tours will benefit WE CAN, an organization dedicated to empowering Cape Cod women to achieve lasting positive change for themselves and their families. The showhouse will be open from June 12 – June 28. Osterville, Mass.,  Fridays 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sundays 1 p.m.–5 p.m., other days 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; free parking and shuttle service. $35 in advance, $40 at the door, $30 for groups of 15 or more; tickets sold at Margo’s in Osterville and all Puritan of Cape Cod locations, or online at wecancenter.org

Historic New England’s Program in New England Studies

This program will educate participants about the history of New England through architecture and artifacts of the region. The curriculum includes lectures from noted historians, tours of historic homes, museum visits, and much more. The class will take you throughout New England with like-minded people who are passionate students of this region’s rich past. The course takes place on June 15 – 20. Enrollment is limited to 25 people. The $1,550 fee covers all aspects of the program, including lectures, admissions, guided tours, transportation to and from special visits and excursions, daily breakfast and lunch, evening receptions, and other service charges. (617) 994-6629, historicnewengland.org