WESTFIELD – As Mother’s Day weekend approaches, The Friends of NJ Festival Orchestra, the fundraising group dedicated to the support of the orchestra’s mission, suggests taking Mom on their Tour of Notable Homes on Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 2024 tour includes the landmark Dutch Colonial home of architect Anastasia Harrison, located in the historic neighborhood of Stoneleigh Park in Westfield. The house, which was built c.1905 and recently designated as a Historical home by the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission, is an excellent example of the first period of Colonial Revival construction in Stoneleigh Park – a planned residential development with park-like features.
“This project was a passion project for me,” said Ms. Harrison, who has a deep inset career in sustainability. “This historic home restoration was a dream come true – it was an opportunity to honor a century of history and charm, preserving of the original integrity of the house while at the same creating a space that is livable for the 21st century.”
The project, a whole home restoration of 4,400 sq.ft., included a new open kitchen and downstairs design, renovation of living room and primary bathroom suite, plus all new bathrooms. The objective was to keep all historic interior architecture while still making a state of the art, functional home for a modern family. Visitors will be able to see how timeless elements can be used in innovative ways without sacrificing any of the original charms of this historic home.
Other homes on the tour include a 1904 Craftsman home in the historic Dudley Park neighborhood, a southside brand new custom construction modern farmhouse, a completely renovated 1960s ranch residence, and a recently renovated grand 100-yearold home that marries timeless and modern.
“What Mom wouldn’t be pleased with the opportunity to visit five diverse homes located in the picturesque neighborhoods of the Westfield area?” asks Friends’ co-president Veena Upadhyay. “It’s the perfect Spring treat and includes the opportunity to visit five magnificent residences, each more enticing than the next.”
David Wroe, Music Director of the NJ Festival Orchestra, observes, “The Friends are truly the ‘wind beneath the wings’ of the orchestra. Without the proceeds of this massive undertaking each year, we could never meet the needs of our budget. Our heartfelt gratitude includes the work of The Friends members, the assistance of their families and the generosity of the ‘notable’ homeowners.”
Tickets are $50 in advance, $55 on tour day. Tickets can be purchased online at www.njfestivalorchestra.org. Tickets are also available at Baron’s Drugs in Westfield and Christoffers in Mountainside.
For more information go to www.njfestivalorchestra.org, visit the Friends of NJ Festival Orchestra on Facebook and Instagram or call (908) 232-9400.
