Rarely seen behind the brick facades of Boston’s 19th century townhouses are the kitchens within. A special event to be held Saturday, April 11, offers a rare opportunity to do just that.
The Creative Kitchens Tour 2015 welcomes guests to step into the heart of eight distinctive homes on Beacon Hill and the Back Bay. They’ll see warm and inviting kitchens, such as one combining elegance with functionality in a home once used as a convent, another in the former home of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. A galley kitchen has floor-to-ceiling cupboards in a rich walnut shade. A chef’s kitchen features high-end appliances, yet maintains the historic integrity of the 1840s row house. Several kitchens open to stunning views of hidden gardens or courtyards beyond.
A limited number of tickets are available for a special Heart and Hearth Luncheon, generously hosted prior to the Tour by restaurateur Tom Kershaw at the elegant Hampshire House, a turn-of-the-century mansion overlooking the Public Garden. The menu will feature Hampshire House favorites, such as a specially prepared chicken dish, seasonal vegetables and basmati rice.
The Tour is a fundraising event for the Beacon Hill Village, which partnered with architects, florists and chefs to spotlight the creativity that goes in and comes out of the kitchens. The non-profit organization has changed the experience of growing older for hundreds of Boston residents age 50 and older. It provides activities, programs, services and opportunities for community engagement as well as access to needed assistance enabling its members to live active, independent and healthy lives.
Business sponsors of the Tour are the Cambridge Trust Company, Hingham Institution for Savings, Boston Private Bank & Trust, HouseWorks, Roche Bros., and Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rogers, P.C.
The Creative Kitchens Tour will be held rain or shine from 1-4 p.m. on April 11. The optional Luncheon will begin at 11:45 a.m. Parking is available at the Boston Common Garage. A shuttle service is available between Beacon Hill and Back Bay.
Limited tickets for the Luncheon and Tour are $125, and should be purchased in advance. Tickets for the Tour only are $45 and may be purchased in advance at www.beaconhillvillage.org or by calling the office at 617-723-9713. They will be available on the day of the Tour for $50 at the Hampshire House, 84 Beacon Street, or at the Cambridge Trust Company, 65 Beacon Street. All proceeds benefit Beacon Hill Village. For more information, call 617-723-9713.