Summer Kitchens House Tours
Peek into the kitchens of some of Nantucket's oldest perfectly preserved 18th century homes! The 4th Annual Summer Kitchens House Tours opens the doors of 10 exquisite homes to the public for one day only, Thursday, July 17, from 10 am to 4 pm. Learn how modern appliances and 21st century functionality can be sensitively and comfortably incorporated into historic settings.
For the second year, the tour will highlight local chefs, including celebrity chef Sarah Leah Chase; pastry chef for American Seasons, Natasha Misanko; and executive chef for Bartlett Farm, M.J. Mojer. Guest chefs will demonstrate a favorite recipe and provide treats for the participants along the way. Tour participants also will receive a copy of Ramblings, an annual Nantucket Preservation Trust (NPT) guide that includes a historic sketch of each house on view. In addition, docents will be on hand throughout the day to provide information about the tradesmen and designers who created these kitchens.
Over the years, the houses on view have ranged from simple 18th century Quaker dwellings to elaborate 19th century sea captain mansions. This year’s tour focuses on the neighborhood west of the central business district along the main roads of North Water and Centre streets, and the small lanes of Ash and Step that connect them. This area holds some of the earliest dwellings in Town, including several ancient center chimney homes saved from the Great Fire of 1846, Greek Revival houses built during the whaling heydays in the early 19th century, and Victorian cottages constructed for the late 19th century summer resort industry. In addition, the tour will include the kitchen of the Veranda House—one of the area’s early inns recently renovated. Although the NPT tour emphasizes kitchens, participants will also have an opportunity for a glimpse at other rooms in several homes as well as private gardens.
13 N. Water Street, one house featured in this year’s tour. Courtesy the Nantucket Historical Association
For those visiting the island for the day, the tour area is a two-minute walk from Main Street and the ferry terminals. A ticket stand along Main Street will direct attendees to the houses on tour.
Tickets for the Summer Kitchens Tour are available in advance by contacting the NPT office at 508-228-1387 or visiting NPT online at www.nantucketpreservation.org. The cost is $40 per person.
Founded in 1997, the Nantucket Preservation Trust is a not-for-profit, membership organization which serves as the island advocate for the preservation of Nantucket’s historic architecture, including building interiors, streetscapes and gardens. NPT also offers educational programs for islanders and visitors throughout the year.
