Community Corner

The 27th annual Tour of Notable Homes Set for June 4th

Former Yankee Steve Balboni's mansion on the tour.

The 27th annual Tour of Notable Homes produced by The Westfield Symphony Orchestra Friends for the benefit of the orchestra will be held Saturday, June 4th and, according to chair Gretchen Castorina, includes one-time-only entre to three fabulous homes in Westfield and two mansions in Summit and Berkeley Heights.  

A featured classic award-wining Westfield Queen Anne Victorian home, circa. 1895, located in the Kimball Avenue Historic District, contains a collection of extraordinary chandeliers designed by Baccarat, Waterford, Murano and Schonbek.  The dining room is illuminated by a one-of-a kind reverse-painted chandelier signed by Ulla Darni, the acclaimed Danish artisan often referred to as the “present day Tiffany.”  

This home was once owned by the J. Fred Cowperthwaite family.  Cowperthwaite Place in town was named in honor of a son killed in the first World War. The home has been authentically restored to the highest standard and is characterized by its hipped roof, dormers, bay windows and elaborate trim. The home’s interior delights include a hand-carved, quarter sawn staircase with a built-in settee, three original wood burning fireplaces with hand-carved paneling and mantelpieces, stained glass, original artwork and treasures from Italy.

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“La Fetra” as the Summit mansion is known, in honor of its first owner, H.A. Fetra, a leader of the Nabisco Company, was designed by Henry Bacon, architect of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.  Built of salmon colored brick and stucco, the home’s design marries Greek Revival and Beaux Arts styles. This eight-bedroom, seven-bathroom home is an expression of beauty and perfection in every dimension with 12’ high ceilings, stained glass windows, rare hand-carved woods, wainscotings, ionic pilasters, intricate moldings, sconces, custom crystal chandeliers and much more.

The Berkeley Heights location, built overlooking the Kittatinny Mountains, as the Summit Country Club, circa. 1860, was chosen by Westfield’s acclaimed artist and author, Harry Devlin, as the setting for his beloved prize-winning children’s book, To Grandfather’s House We Go. The large Victorian has massive rooms with 13’ ceilings and Italianate features.  The interior is replete with intricate mantelpieces, archways, art collections and baseball memorabilia. A portico has recently been added for entertaining.  It is home to former Yankees first baseman, Steve Balboni, and his family.

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A brand new Westfield home on the tour has the exterior lines of a small Tudor but Mrs. Castorina says that the interior is laid out as a center hall Colonial.  “People will experience the serenity of this gem decorated by the lady of the house, herself a designer.  The unique white-on-white palette throughout is perhaps a tribute to her Northlands origins. The home has many child-friendly touches with a family room adjacent to the large kitchen.”  The master bedroom has a fireplace and many granite enhancements.  On the third floor a boy’s bedroom has a chalkboard wall for drawing murals.  The girl’s room is lighted by a crystal cranberry chandelier.

Speaking of another Westfield home, Mrs. Castorina observes that it “sprawls” on a little rise covered with annual and perennial plantings.  According to Mrs. Castorina, the exterior paint was researched to exactly replicate its original early 20th Century style.  “The home is not to be missed, there’s so much to see.  It is appointed to perfection at every turn.  Visitors will be especially drawn to the magnificent garden – certainly among the most lush in town.  Lavender peonies and gigantic rose bushes perfume the air as visitors walk past a charming pool house with pergola covered in wisteria and a bubbling fountain with a lily pond that is home to a school of koi.  A large swimming pool fills the lower terrace.”            

David Wroe, the orchestra’s Music Director observes, “Many people do not realize that the orchestra which is designated the Resident Orchestra of Union County, plays to audiences all over the state, Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Even so subscriptions and individual tickets fund little more than a third of the costs involved.  Our auxiliary group, The Friends, put on their tour each year to provide supplemental income.  This year in their choice of homes they have wisely decided to reach beyond home base.  I’m confident that patrons will be charmed by the fascinating group of residences that comprise the tour this year.”

This year’s Tour of Notable Homes begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. and features refreshments, live musical entertainment, a boutique raffle, a plant sale and more. 

Tickets are $30 when purchased in advance, $35 on the day of the tour. They are available in Westfield at Baron’s Drug Store, Coldwell Banker Realtors East and West, The Town Bookstore, Weichert Realtors and Westfield Symphony Orchestra office.  In Fanwood they are available at Norman’s Hallmark, in Cranford at Periwinkle’s Fine Gifts, in Mountainside at Christoffers Flowers and in Summit at Keller Williams Realty Premier Properties, Coldwell Banker and Paperfolio. 

Further information about the Tour can be obtained by calling the orchestra’s office, 908 232-9400 or visiting its website: www.WestfieldSymphony.org or visiting the Friends on Facebook . 


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