Historical Society’s

House & Garden Tour

Residents and visitors are all invited to explore picturesque Newtown when Newtown Historical Society presents its 15th Annual House and Garden Tour on Saturday, July 17, from 11 am to 5 pm.

More than 250 years of Newtown’s diverse history are reflected in the eight unique properties featured on this special tour. Organizers have chosen to include the Matthew Curtiss House museum because of its interesting connection to another wonderful property on this year’s tour. Although Matthew Curtiss Jr was not the first owner of the 1751 saltbox on Main Street that now serves as the historical society’s headquarters, he lived there for such a long time that his name became permanently associated with it.

The house is furnished with many antiques original to the period. Costumed docents will greet guests at the door, and will be able to answer questions about the Flow Blue China collection and several other artifacts having special Newtown connections. They will also be able to share the story of the little Ben Franklin tree growing outside the front door and discover its unusual history.  Like Matthew Curtiss House and its contents, this rare tree is also a survivor.

The 1748 home of Matthew’s uncle, Benjamin Curtiss, located in Sandy Hook (and whose gardens were recently featured as a Garden Conservancy Open Days touring destination) is a Connecticut classic colonial with center chimney. Its three stories and high ceilings, spacious rooms and beautifully crafted woodwork all reflect the status of the original owner.

Today the home is filled with period antiques and is surrounded by stunning gardens thanks to its current owners, the president of Newtown Historical Society and his professional garden designer wife.

Also on the tour is a 1798 Federal farmhouse built by Zachariah Clark III, now the home of a fashion designer and her husband. An imposing home with tasteful later additions that maintain the integrity of the original dwelling, it is colorfully decorated in a fabulously eclectic combination of modern and antique furnishings. On almost four acres, the gardens, pond and outbuildings reveal the artistic vision and creativity of the owners.

A secluded 1830 farmhouse with pool and gardens is owned by a master gardener who is also the president of Newtown Horticulture Club. The centerpiece of the home’s living room is a massive fieldstone fireplace around which the owner has arranged many family antiques.

Surrounded by woods, this unusual property is situated on a scenic unpaved road. Among the garden’s unusual features are two very old birdhouses (still in use) from the 1800s and an architectural piece, salvaged from a Vanderbilt mansion torn down in 1929, which is used as a unique lawn sculpture.

Another unusual 19th Century farm property was once owned by James Brunot of Scrabble fame. It was remodeled and expanded in the 1950s by an architect reputed to be a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and its long views of fields and woods beyond are treasured by the current owners. Where the Brunots once raised Dorset sheep, the new owners keep a flock of 40 Barred Rock chickens for their beauty – and their eggs.

The large windows of a 1973 contemporary home bring the outside views inside year round. A very special hidden garden contains a waterfall and fish pond protected by a whimsical heron sculpture. Ringed by tall trees, this private four acre property includes a small barn and three fenced pastures for the owners’ beloved riding horses.

In a contrast of visions from the end of the 20th Century, a traditionally designed 1995 home is located on historic farm property that contains an original outbuilding. Rock walls around the pool and herb garden are all made from stone that was found on the property by the owner, a professional landscaper. Strong proponents of organic gardening, the family uses no chemicals and the marvelous gardens with native plants are a tribute to their values.  

On Main Street not far from the Matthew Curtiss House, ticket holders will also be invited to visit a lovely historic barn surrounded by its own remarkable gardens. The renovated barn’s interior serves as a gallery for the work of Newtown artists.

The self-guided tour will take place rain or shine. There will be docents at each property to answer questions as well as written descriptive information for each home and garden.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the tour.  Checks may be sent to Newtown Historical Society House Tour, PO Box 189, Newtown CT 06470.  Please include name, address and telephone number. Tickets can also be purchased at C.H. Booth Library (25 Main Street), Drug Center Pharmacy (61 Church Hill Road) and The UPS Store (261 South Main Street).

Tickets are limited to prevent overcrowding. On the day of the tour, any remaining tickets will be sold only at the Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main Street, after 10 am. Information is available at NewtownHistory.org or 203-426-5937.

Proceeds from the tour benefit the Newtown Historical Society and are used to maintain the Matthew Curtiss House museum and to support the educational programs of the society.