Old Westbury Gardens Announces The Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse
May 6, 2008
(Long Island, N.Y.) The Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse at Old Westbury Gardens opens this spring in Old Westbury, NY. The Showhouse opens with a gala preview party on Friday, May 2nd, and runs for 6 weeks through Sunday, June 15. Proceeds benefit Old Westbury Gardens.
The Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse at Old Westbury Gardens is a showcase for America’s premiere design talent. Approximately 20 top interior designers and decorative artists will transform Orchard Hill into a decorating masterpiece in the gracious traditional manner of the house itself.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens is the former country estate of John S. (Jay) Phipps. Westbury House, a magnificent, Charles II-style mansion, is surrounded by 200 acres of tree-lined walks, lakes, statuary, grand allées, and indescribably beautiful gardens. Jay’s daughter, Peggie Phipps Boegner, who grew up in Westbury House and was the founder of Old Westbury Gardens, lived in the Orchard Hill home from 1930 until her passing in 2006.
Mrs. Thomas M. Bancroft, Jr. is the Showhouse Chairman. Mario Buatta is the Honorary Showhouse Chairman and Mrs. Howard Phipps is the Honorary Preview Party Chairman. The Showhouse is sponsored by No. 9 Thompson, Electrolux and Daniel Gale. The Showhouse is produced by Hampton Designer Showhouse Foundation, Inc.
The Orchard Hill Designer Showhouse at Old Westbury Gardens opens with a gala preview party on Friday, May 2 and runs for 6 weeks. The Showhouse is open seven days a week, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (Last admission is at 4:00 PM). Children under six, infants, strollers and pets are not allowed in the Showhouse. Admission to the Showhouse is $30 and includes the Showhouse Journal as well as admission to Old Westbury Gardens on that day.
For more information, please call 516-333-0908 or 212-980-1711.
About Orchard Hill
The name Hicks is very much entwined with the history of Nassau County. Valentine Hicks, the man for whom Hicksville, NY was named, was the second president of the Long Island Railroad. From 1812 to 1850 he lived in a house that is now home to the Maine Maid Inn. Another family member, Isaac Hicks, founded Hicks Nursery in 1853.
Built in 1859 by John D. Hicks and his wife Caroline Haviland, Orchard Hill is the former home of John S. Phipps’ daughter, Peggie Phipps Boegner, who grew up in Westbury House. Originally constructed in the Italianate style, the house featured an arcaded porch, round-headed windows, and a bay window on its front façade. In 1900, a wing was added to the house that now includes the living room and master bedroom suite. In the early 20th century, Mr. John S. Phipps purchased the Hicks’ house, moving it to its present location and re-named it Orchard Hill. Upon her marriage, Peggie Phipps Boegner moved into the house which became her home until her death in 2006. Mrs. Peggie Phipps Boegner was the founder of Old Westbury Gardens. Orchard Hill, now part of Old Westbury Gardens, will be used to promote environmental activities for its visitors.
About Old Westbury Gardens
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens in Nassau County, NY, is the former country estate of John S. (Jay) Phipps and his wife Margarita. Mr. Phipps was the son of Henry Phipps, a partner in the Carnegie Steel Company. Westbury House, a magnificent, Charles II-style mansion, was the family home until 1958 when it became an incorporated-non-profit institution open to the public. The house and gardens were planned by London designer George Abraham Crawley and he was assisted in the construction of Westbury House by American architect Grosvenor Atterbury.
Preserving the charm and beauty of the property in the tradition established by the Phipps family, Old Westbury Gardens features 200 acres of tree-lined walks, lakes, statuary, grand allées, and some of the most beautiful formal gardens in America.
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Photo: Westbury House (Front View) - Old Westbury Gardens
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Mitchell Manning Associates
155 East 55th Street, Suite 205
New York, NY 10022
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