One of the East End’s cherished Thanksgiving weekend traditions will return this fall as the East Hampton Historical Society hosts its 2025 Annual House & Garden Tour. This event offers visitors an exclusive glimpse into some of the area’s most notable homes and gardens.
The weekend kicks off with the Kickoff Cocktail Party on Friday, November 28, from 6 to 8 PM. This event will take place at a private residence in the historic Devon Colony, a favored location known for its stunning views and rich history. Guests who buy tickets will receive the exact address.
The House & Garden Tour is set for Saturday, November 29, from 1 to 4:30 PM. It will highlight five unique properties that together tell the architectural story of East Hampton, ranging from classic 19th-century designs to modern takes on Hamptons style.
Started over 30 years ago by former Historical Society Vice President, Allen Schneider, and Executive Director, Karen Hensel, the House & Garden Tour has grown from a simple neighborhood event into a key part of the Hamptons’ social scene. Throughout the years, it has opened the doors to some of the East End’s most beloved homes, including Grey Gardens, The White House, Woodhouse Playhouse, and Windy Dunes, one of the original estates in Devon Colony.
Each property chosen for the tour provides a unique view of East Hampton’s architectural heritage. They blend traditional craftsmanship, coastal styles, and a strong respect for landscape and history. Visitors can look forward to a vibrant mix of homes that embody both preservation and innovation. Expect to see restored shingle exteriors, transformed barn structures, and modern glass pavilions that connect seamlessly with gardens and terraces.
“The House & Garden Tour is a wonderful way to relax after the Thanksgiving celebrations,” said Dale Ellen Leff, Historical Society Trustee and Chair of the Special Events Committee. “Guests gain a rare look into some of East Hampton’s most iconic homes while making lasting memories. Supporting the tour enriches your appreciation of our community’s architectural heritage and also helps fund important programs and museums of the East Hampton Historical Society.”
A Sneak Peek: A Village Treasure on Dayton Lane
While the names of all five featured homes will be announced on the day of the event, one standout property provides a preview of what’s to come. The historic home at 15 Dayton Lane, situated in the heart of East Hampton Village, exemplifies the thoughtful care and architectural conservation celebrated by the tour. This residence combines period details with stylish updates, demonstrating how modern living can blend with historical charm.
With its classic shingled facade, well-kept gardens, and close access to the village’s tree-lined streets, the property embodies East Hampton’s lasting appeal, where history, craftsmanship, and a sense of place remain connected.
“The House & Garden Tour benefit connects the past and present, and aligns perfectly with the mission and programming of the East Hampton Historical Society,” said Steve Long, the Historical Society’s Executive Director. “Just as visitors to the Historical Society can see the historic homes of the Dominy, Moran, and Mulford families to learn about East Hampton’s past, patrons of the House & Garden tour can view some of the most unique and interesting homes in East Hampton today.”
Architecture as Cultural Memory
The House & Garden Tour has become a living record of East Hampton’s architectural changes. It showcases not just beautiful homes, but also the historical layers that shape them. From 19th-century saltboxes and early Colonial Revival houses to mid-century modern retreats and new designs influenced by the East End’s coastal style, the event offers a rare chance to peek behind the hedges of one of America’s famous resort towns.
Proceeds from the event benefit the East Hampton Historical Society, which since 1921 has aimed “to illuminate the past and inspire the community through the preservation and interpretation of East Hampton’s history.” The organization manages six historical properties, including the Osborn-Jackson House, Clinton Academy, and Mulford Farm, and hosts exhibitions, lectures, and education programs throughout the year.
Tickets and Event Details
Tickets to the Kickoff Cocktail Party start at $325 and include entry to Saturday’s House & Garden Tour. Advance tickets for the tour alone cost $120. Both can be bought through the Historical Society’s website at easthamptonhistory.org.
