Press Release by Castine Historical Society
Castine House & Garden Tour, "Under the Elms and By the Sea," Set for July 29, 2010.
Castine, Maine, April 6, 2010 -- This summer, the Castine Historical Society presents the 2010
Castine House & Garden Tour, which takes place on Thursday, July 29, 2010 from 10am-4pm. For the first time since 2004, in this town known for its lovely harbor and rich history, Castine opens its front doors and garden gates for all to enjoy a glimpse into the wonderful character of this unique coastal village.
Under the Elms and By the Sea, the theme of this year's tour, celebrates one of Castine's great
treasures: its beloved collection of towering elm trees that still canopy many of its charming streets. Recognized as one of the last great stands of the majestic Dutch Elm, over 300 elm trees remain, through the tireless preservation efforts of townspeople, as a glorious symbol emblematic of the era of American growth and forestation.
Offering a range of architectural periods and styles, the walking tour which comprises nine houses and five gardens, has something for everyone. Among traditional architecture, colonial homes and summer cottages, visitors will have the opportunity to see an historic once-functioning sail loft that the current owners have transformed into a highly attractive living space overlooking Castine Harbor, the former home of American poet Robert Lowell, a house constructed of birch logs and a masterfully restored 18th century Captain's house.
Several of the homes make use of stylish interior design including a Cape house decorated in the Arts and Crafts style, one that incorporates contemporary art and furniture into its renovations, one that blends mid-century modern furnishings with its classic underpinnings, and one that takes advantage of its rustic yet fanciful lodge style.
A cornerstone of the tour is the Parson Mason House, built in 1797, a classic example of Federal architecture, which has been carefully restored, benefiting greatly from the homeowner's dedication to research, historical accuracy and aesthetics.
For the sail loft featured on the tour, it is not just lore but documented in the archives of the Castine Historical Society, that around 1890, during the heyday of its sail-making operation, the interior walls were covered with vaudeville posters and included an original framed Fitz Henry Lane oil painting Castine from Ft. George, circa 1856. Today, the modernized sail loft,
situated in the commercial district, is a summer residence which has been reconstructed to experience life in the heart of harbor activities.
The gardens on view include one that sweeps across an 1802 federal house with formal plantings, an herb garden, vegetable beds and fruit trees. Another garden that sits in a charming in-town location provides an unusually restful oasis of native perennials that flourish in the unique climate of coastal Maine. At the former home of celebrated American author Mary McCarthy, there is a secret garden which includes all the rose bushes planted by the author, who apparently adored roses. Further out on the peninsula, another garden unfolds situated high above the entrance to Castine Harbor, capturing the dramatic views of the mouth of the harbor as it leads out to the open waters of the Penobscot Bay.
To kickoff the event, a Preview Evening will be held on the night of Wednesday, July 28th,
which will include a lecture, free and open to the public, followed by a Preview Party fundraiser. For the lecture, the Castine Historical Society welcomes Christopher Glass, architectural historian and author of the newly-released book Historic Maine Homes: 300 Years of Great Houses.
A special luncheon is available for tour-goers, by reservation, at The Manor Inn, for $25. Reservations can be made at the time of ticketing.
To purchase tickets, contact Castine Realty at s.vogell@msn.com or by telephone at
207-326-9392, or visit www.castinehistoricalsociety.org. Tickets purchased by June 30 are $30, and throughout July are $35. Group tickets of parties of 10 or more are $30. Proceeds benefit the Castine Historical Society. Additional information is available at www.castinehistoricalsociety.org.
Contact:
Jennifer Lieberman
jenniferlieberman@comcast.net
781-235-8864
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