The Best Spring House Tours for 2016
When spring arrives so arrives the glorious season of the house and garden tour. We are no longer tethered to two-dimensional images in magazines or on Pinterest; we are elevated from bystander to participant, able to enter the private spaces that are normally out of our reach.
And others benefit from our robust curiosity: proceeds from the sale of tour tickets fund community groups and select charities. Here are some of the best spring house tours for 2016 happening across the country:
NYC & vicinity
New York Junior League Spring House Tour
May 7th, 2016
VIP advance ticket – $250
Regular advance ticket – $100
As the granddaddy of all house tours, the NYJL Spring House Tour showcases New York City’s prestigious and luxurious residences while highlighting architecture, art, history and the exquisite style of interior design. Admission includes: breakfast at the Astor House, the self-guided house tour, a buffet lunch, post-tour cocktail reception and silent auction. Consult the website for additional advantages accrued to a VIP ticket.
7th Annual Southampton House Tour “Insider’s View”
Saturday, June 4th, 2016
$95 in advance, $110 day of
This self-guided tour provides the opportunity to explore the exclusive enclave of Southampton. Participants will visit a number of extraordinary residences, exploring the area’s architectural history from colonial days to present. Sant Ambroeus will host a post-tour champagne reception at the Rogers Mansion.
San Francisco
Berkeley Architectural House Tours
Sunday, May 1st, 2016
The annual spring house tour is BAHA’s major fundraising event, as well as an opportunity to share information on important Bay Area architects and Berkeley neighborhoods. Visit the website for past and present tour guide books.
2016 Silicon Valley Modern House Tour
Saturday, May 14th, 2016
$35 in advance; $40 day of
Self-driving, self-paced
Los Angeles
Venice Garden & Home Tour
For over 20 years, the Venice Garden and Home Tour has been a showcase for the unique homes and gardens of the creative Venice Beach community. The tour changes each year, featuring different properties and neighborhoods.
2016 Pasadena Showcase House of Design
April 17th – May 15th, 2016
$40 advance, $45 at the door
The Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts (PSHA) is a non-profit run by volunteers who produce the annual Pasadena Showcase House of Design. Founded in 1948, it is one of the most successful house and garden tours in the nation.
19th Annual Carpinteria Beautiful Home & Garden Tour
Saturday, April 30th, 2016
$30
Enjoy the day visiting five wonderfully unique homes in the small beach town with a big heart. The tour marks the finale of Carpinteria Beautiful Month and is the main fundraiser for local beautification projects.
Washington DC
2016 Georgetown House Tour
Saturday, April 23rd
$50 per ticket or $40 for groups of 10 or more
For the past 84 years, St. John’s Episcopal Church has organized and hosted the Georgetown House Tour. The 2016 edition features ten homes around the neighborhood and includes admission to the Parish Tea at Blake Hall.
Denver
2016 Denver Modern House Tour
Saturday, May 21st, 2016
$35 in advance; $40 online
Self-driving, self-paced
Seattle
2016 Seattle Modern Home Tour
Saturday, April 30th
$35 advance, $40 day of; children 12 and under free
Greater Seattle Area; self-driving, self-paced
Historic Seattle Tours
Check the website for upcoming tours
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