Near & Far Aid 2009 Designer House Tour to Showcase “Celebrations by Design”

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn., March 27 – Five spectacular Fairfield County homes will be on view Friday, May 1st as part of the 2009 Near & Far Aid Designer House Tour. “Celebrations by Design” is the theme of this year’s tour, which features exceptional homes decorated for special occasions by renowned designers. The houses will be brought to life by innovative design ideas that ignite the imagination and inspire one’s own creativity.

Victoria Hagan, one of New York’s most influential and visionary interior designers, is headlining a special pre-tour event “Decorating Power Breakfast with Victoria Hagan” at the Fairfield County Hunt Club. Proceeds from Near & Far Aid fundraising events support approximately 100 charities in Fairfield County.

The “Celebrations by Design” tour features the work of several well-known interior designers, including New York’s Eric Cohler, Wilton’s Margaret Bondy, and Silvermine CT-based Lisa Hilderbrand. Architecture styles range from classical to modern, and bear the stamp of celebrated architects past and present, from Cameron Clark to Jack Franzen.

“This year’s tour has an extraordinary diversity of style, architecture and design. It’s an event that will appeal to everyone, regardless of their personal style affinities,” notes co-chair Joan Panagos.

”We'd like to express our appreciation to the owners of the spectacular homes we are showing this year, and to the interior designers who have donated their enormous creative talents in staging each celebration,” adds co-chair Katia Mead.

Recognizing the need to respond to challenging economic times, Near & Far Aid is allocating funds raised from this year’s tour specifically to agencies in Fairfield County that provide housing support and related family needs.

Designer Eric Cohler conceived the interiors for a house in Greens Farms, whose expanse and stunning views, artwork and sophisticated design will offer a striking backdrop for an engagement celebration. The theme is "Love's in Bloom: East Coast Meets West Coast at an Engagement Brunch.” The groom’s New England family will host the bride’s California clan for an elegant occasion. The beautiful surroundings will set the tone for a long, happy and healthy marriage -- not only for the bride and groom -- but for the mothers and fathers as well. Architect Jack Franzen helped the owners renovate the home, the original estate on a renowned waterfront property, over a two-year period.

Designer Margaret Bondy has updated one of the original sea-captain's homes on Harbor Road in Southport with an artful mix that respects tradition. Some of the finest examples of ornamental glass and period plasterwork are on display in this light-filled home of historical note. In 1867, Mrs. Zalmon (Mary) Wakeman built this “French roof palace” for herself and her two daughters. Accordingly, it is the setting for “Ruffles and Flourishes: A Mothers Day Tea” that evokes the romance of a bygone era.

In Greenfield Hill, a 1940’s Cameron Clark home has been updated with contemporary flair by interior designer Lisa Hilderbrand. There is also a recently-added pool house, designed by Jack Franzen. which will be the focal point at “Red Hot & Blue -- A Memorial Day Barbeque with a Southern Twist.” Just up the road, designer Betsy Allen has brought a fresh perspective and an eye for color to one of Greenfield Hill's most notable estates. It will be the setting for “A May Day Celebration: Celebrating the Joys of Spring.”

In Westport, an 1810 colonial has been completely transformed into a “living sculpture." Created by designer Mar Silver, the house has no front or back, but instead three separate pavilions joined by glass. The home echoes the landscape that surrounds it, creating an indoor/outdoor space as one. It also serves as a one-of-a-kind gallery for Silver’s contemporary art collection, while being a work of art itself. It’s the perfect setting for “Contemporary Canvas:” An Art Opening in an Artist’s Enclave.

The tour runs from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tickets are $60.00 in advance, $75.00 the day of the tour and are available online at www.nearandfar.org. House Tour tickets will be available at the following retailers.

• Accents, Southport
• Pickets, Fairfield
• Bungalow, Westport
• Dovecote, Westport
• Garelick & Herbs, Westport
• Mirabelle Cheese Shop, Westport
• Parc Monceau, Westport
• The Goody Shop, Westport
• Good Food Good Things, Darien

TWO SPECIAL TOUR EVENTS:

“Toast the Tour” a cocktail reception at Applewood, an elegant estate in Fairfield’s Greenfield Hill, takes place Thursday April 30, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Tickets: “Leaders” $200, “Supporters” $150 and “Friends” $100. Please visit www.nearandfar.org or call (203) 259-1710 to add your name to the invitation list.

“Decorating Power Breakfast with Victoria Hagan” one of New York’s most influential and visionary designers, at the Fairfield County Hunt Club, Westport, CT. Ms. Hagan will discuss her approach to design, and how to apply her design concepts in your own home. Friday May 1st, 9:15 to 10:45 am. Tickets $65. Seating is limited. Please reserve in advance by calling (203) 259-1710 or by visiting www.nearandfar.org.

Near & Far Aid is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization with no paid staff and no office space. One hundred percent of the net proceeds of its fundraising events goes to Near & Far Aid to grant to charitable agencies serving those in need in Fairfield County. Since 2000, Near & Far Aid has raised more than $8 million to support critical needs through programs that address families at risk, adults in crisis, homelessness, elder care, hunger, education and job training, health services and academic and cultural activities for disadvantaged youth.