Wellesley Kitchen & Home Tour was over-the-top as usual—just the way everyone likes it

May 8, 2025

During a season of dreary, rainy weekends, the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club somehow managed to score the first profoundly beautiful spring Saturday for the Club’s annual Kitchen & Home Tour fundraiser. Wellesley’s leafy green streets were filled with excited tour goers who ditched their Hunters and high-rise jeans for strappy sandals and Saylor sundresses. It’s true, the Tour is always part gawking at over-the-top houses packed with all manner of amenities, and part fashion show.

Each of the six homes reflected what aesthetic heights a team of home-design gurus can achieve. Architects, interior designers, landscapers, builders, and more left their tasteful marks on every square inch of the homes. In one case, on every 7,932 square foot.

Co-chair Nidi Mohdi said, “This year we selected a broad range of homes that highlighted a stunning range of styles—from the simplicity of minimalism to bold use of color, pattern, and texture. Another unique aspect of this year’s tour was that we featured homes for growing families and also empty nesters, who designed something that was true to their own unique lifestyle.”

The $75 tour tickets provided design inspiration, a look at the latest trends, and perhaps a bit of envy.

If the Tour snuck up on you this year, that’s no surprise. Tickets went on sale in mid-March, and were gone in under an hour. Seriously. If you want a chance at tickets next year, you’ll have to camp out on the Juniors’ socials next year for word on the tickets release date.

Funds raised through Kitchen and Home Tour ticket sales, along with proceeds from the Club’s other events throughout the year, also enabled the Juniors to award over $228,000 this spring in scholarships for deserving local students and grants to organizations that provide education, enrichment, and essential services to the community.

Here are a few of the beautiful homes we had the opportunity to admire. Thanks to all the homeowners who let the washed masses tromp through their private living spaces.

Cliff Estates gambrel

Wellesley Kitchen Tour, 37 Cypress Rd.
This gracious gambrel-style home in Cliff Estates was custom built in 2024 by Back Bay Development Group

Wellesley Kitchen Tour, 37 Cypress Rd.
The first floor is anchored by an open-concept kitchen and family room. Cabinetry is natural finish white oak with oil-rubbed bronze hardware. Countertops are honed Mont Blanc quartzite.

Wellesley Kitchen Tour, 37 Cypress Rd.
Light and bright office space.

Wellesley Kitchen Tour, 37 Cypress Rd.
Stunning three-season porch with seating for 10 around a long table, and a wood-burning fireplace, is adjacent to the family room

Beauty on the Charles River

Kitchen Tour, Wellesley, 216 Winding River Rd.
The home, situated on the banks of the Charles River, was designed by a team from Jacob Lilley Architects, JW Construction, and Kate Kelley Design.

Kitchen Tour, Wellesley, 216 Winding River Rd.
The organic shapes and earthy color palette throughout the home create an inviting, soft atmosphere and sense of tranquility.

Kitchen Tour, Wellesley, 216 Winding River Rd.
Large, expansive windows showcase sweeping views of the yard and the Charles River beyond.

Kitchen Tour, Wellesley, 216 Winding River Rd.
Custom kitchen cabinetry by Walter Lane Cabinetmakers harmonizes with grey-veined white marble countertops and backsplash.

Kitchen Tour, Wellesley, 216 Winding River Rd.
Nice indoor basketball court!

Not exactly how the colonists did it

Wellesley is home to many Colonial-style homes. This one, built in 2015 and renovated by Jacob Lilley Architects, JW Construction, and Nicole Hirsch Interiors combines elegance and modernity.

Kitchen Tour, Wellesley, 52 Westgate Rd.
Custom rug by Art + Loom in Miami; custom coffee table by Robert James. Above the fireplace, textile art by Lauren Williams. The blue lacquer console is by Dune.

Kitchen Tour, Wellesley, 52 Westgate Rd.
The sophisticated foyer staircase rug is from Art + Loom in Miami. In the Swellesley household, all family members would be instructed to ascend only on the black section, so as to keep the light part pristine, and descend only by sliding down the banister.

Kitchen Tour, Wellesley, 52 Westgate Rd.

Kitchen Tour, Wellesley, 52 Westgate Rd.
The family room with its soothing neutral palette opens out to the beautifully landscaped back yard for true indoor-outdoor living. The Kravet sectional provides ample seating for relaxation.

Kitchen Tour, Wellesley, 52 Westgate Rd.
The sports court beyond the bluestone patio can be transformed into an ice rink during the winter months, thanks to an ice chiller.

Wellesley Kitchen Tour, 37 Cypress Rd.
Wellesley Kitchen & Home Tour co-chairs, from left, Brittany Rose, Nidhi Modi, and Kathleen Grandin. They were assisted by oodles of rank-and-file Wellesley Hills Junior Womens Club members—when it comes the Tour, it’s all hands on deck—to whom they expressed their deepest gratitude.

What’s next for Juniors

  • Wonder Run 5K and Kids Fun Run, taking place as part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend! REGISTER HERE.
    This family-friendly event promises a day of fitness, fun, and community spirit.  The Wonder Run 5K is a USATF-certified course, offering a scenic route through Wellesley, starting and finishing at the Wellesley High School track. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering, everyone is welcome to join in the excitement.
  • Wellesley Marketplace, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at Wellesley High School
    The premier juried artisan gift show is considered Wellesley’s official kick-off to the holiday season. Over 200 shopkeepers and artists—local and from around the country—convene at WHS as 2,500 shoppers browse and buy.

Interested in joining the WHJWC? Learn more about the Club here.