It used to be that a ticket to the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club semi-annual kitchen tour, which takes place on Saturday, May 7, 11am – 3pm, bought visitors a walk and gawk around the well-appointed kitchens of homeowners talked into it with the promise that “it’s for a great cause and it will be so fun.” And that was all true, and pretty much the end of it.
It’s still for a great cause (the proceeds benefit local non-profits and scholarship programs), and the fundraiser still promises to be a good time. However, this year’s expanded tour sounds more like a new and improved party, one where there’s no need for everyone to congregate in the kitchen. That’s because it’s been re-branded as the Wellesley Kitchen and Home Tour, thank you very much, and in addition to the kitchen, the first floor will be open in each of the six fabulous participating homes, ranging from the newly constructed to remodeled architectural gems.
This is welcome news for people like me, who have occasionally let their eyes stray from the sub-zero refrigerators, Viking ranges, and imported tile of the kitchens into cozy dens and show-stopping family rooms as I made my way from the front door to the exit. I have burned with the shame of it all. But no more. This year, such voyeurism is actually encouraged.
Tickets are $45 in advance and can be purchased here and at area locations. Day-of tickets can be purchased for $55 by showing up at one of the homes on tour: 100 Brook Street, 21 Cushing Road, 12 Greenwood Road, 8 Hamilton Road, 43 Highgate Road, and 89 Ledgeways Road.
Your ticket gets you access to the homes, of course, as well as the creative forces behind what looks effortless but actually takes a village of interior designers, kitchen designers, landscape architects and more to make the magic happen. Sometimes the homeowners are even lurking about, although they tend to keep a low profile, sort of like when royalty dons rags and walks among the commoners. So watch what you say. Also, gourmet bites will be served, and last-minute Mother’s Day gifts will be available via pop-up boutiques.
And a tip from a seasoned Wellesley Kitchen Tour guest: leave the complicated lace up, over-the-knee leather boots at home in favor of your trusty easy-on, easy-off Dansko clogs. You will be expected to take off your shoes at each residence and don provided booties to protect the homeowners’ floors.
