Celebrating Rye’s Historic Homes ~ as published in Stroll Magazine Sept. 2023
Over the past 400 years, our town’s residential architecture has evolved from 17th century colonial to 21st century modern styles. Each one has a story that is part of who we are as a community.
As one of the final events of our 400th celebration, the owners of four historic homes and one barn are opening their doors to a limited number of visitors on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last entry at 3:30 p.m.).
Decorated for the holiday season by leading area designers — Darcy Boyle, Cara Burzynski, Renee Carmen, Colleen Lake, Alisha Lavasseur, Kendra McCauley, Bridget Shannon and Suzanne Stone — the self-guided tour is an opportunity to not only enjoy the beauty of the season, but also learn more about the significance of these structures to our local cultural identity. Tickets go on sale, online only via Eventbrite, beginning Sunday, October 15, 2023.
The buildings include the:
Marden/Parsons Homestead @ 520 Washington Road (c. 1757)
William Trefethen House @ 540 Washington Road (c.1812)
William Berry House @ 546 Washington Road (c. 1725)
Dr. Charles F. Patterson House and Office @ 585 Washington Road (c. 1900)
Simon Goss House Barn @ 1 Central Road (c. 1810)
After the tour, visit the Rye Town Museum, open for holiday shopping, and the Rye Congregational Church for “Holiday Tea” in Fellowship Hall.
According to Jean Briggs Badger, the Rye400 Tour Coordinator, “I wish to thank the homeowners for their generosity and hospitality, the designers for their vision and talent and the community members who have helped plan this event for the past year! It will be a magical day in Rye as we honor our past and celebrate our future.”
Learn more about Rye’s historic homes by researching the archives at the Rye Historical Society. Also, watch the YouTube video (below) for the Rye Advocates — formed by volunteers from the Rye Historical Society, Rye Heritage Commission, Rye Historic District Commission, and the Demolition Review Committee — who are working to preserve our historic buildings.
