CHS hosts beloved House and Garden Tour
The celebrated event is held every four years in Castine, drawing hundreds
An underground tunnel in a Castine home. Photo by Annie Means.
July 29, 2026
By Annie Means
CASTINE—July 24 saw over 1,000 people pour into Castine for an event that happens only as often as the World Cup: the 2026 Castine House and Garden Tour, hosted by the Castine Historical Society.
This year’s tour featured twelve houses and three gardens, attracting visitors from both “here” and “away.” Tourists from across the country walked alongside longtime residents, all admiring Castine's unique history and architecture.
The town’s iconic homes—like “The Windmill House,” with a centuries-old windmill and tower that has been transformed into a card room—offer something for everyone.
“The Point of View House,” once home to author and literary critic Elizabeth Hardwick, showcased sweeping views of the Bagaduce River and an underground tunnel, connecting the main house to a second property for quick and easy winter access.
Lindsay’s Scott’s thoughtfully designed gardens featured pollinator-friendly and deer-resistant plants, many of which were in full bloom on the day of the tour. The name of her tour stop was “Always Gardening,” an apt description. Her neighbors frequently pass her in the early mornings, coffee cup in hand, as she works on her flower beds.
Lindsay Scott, above, keeps the bees happy and the deer away with a carefully curated selection of colorful flowers and plants. Photos by Annie Means.
“I’m out here all the time,” Scott said.
Castine’s one-of-a-kind “Pink Palace” offered visitors a break from classic New England architecture. Built in 1923, the Spanish Colonial villa is made of stucco and features a ceiling fresco in the library, custom ironwork, and color leaded glass doors. The interior is vibrant and eclectic—for a moment you forget you’re in Maine.
Just down the road sits the beautifully restored “Stone House.” There was a long line of visitors at the house throughout the day but most didn’t seem to mind the wait. “It’s absolutely worth it,” said Betsy Smith, who was visiting from Ohio.
“It is such a lovely day,” said Abigail Whiffen Arney, who splits her time between Bucksport and Virginia. “From the perfect weather to the gorgeous homes and gardens— they each represent different personalities and perspectives and people have been so generous in opening up their doors. This is the first time I’ve attended, but I hope it won’t be my last.”
The Castine Historical Society sold 1,446 tickets to the Home and Garden Tour, and raised over $170,000—more than half of the Historical Society’s yearly operating expenses, executive director Kate McMahon said.
“It goes without saying that this is a very significant fundraiser for our nonprofit,” she said.
The fundraiser received immense support from the town of Castine. Over 250 volunteers dedicated their time and energy to the event, serving as everything from committee chairs and shuttle car drivers to docents, publicity volunteers, and tea service hosts.
People from all walks of life pitched in to make the event possible, and for many it was simply a matter of hometown pride and hospitality.
“As a business owner, I like to welcome people to the town,” said Susan Parish Adam, a volunteer docent at “The Lieser House” and co-owner of the Adam Gallery—one of the tour’s lead corporate sponsors.
The ‘Pink Palace’ is a 1923 Spanish Colonial Revival villa. It was designed by architect William Lawrence Bottomley for Richmond banking heiress E.K. Branch. Photos by Annie Means.
“The House & Garden Tour is not only a major event for the Historical Society, but for our community as a whole,” McMahon said.
“It shows how much this community values its history as well as the way our community opens its arms to visitors from around the country to come and enjoy this beautiful, historic town,” Dr. McMahon continued.
The Castine Historical Society has operated as an official non-profit since 1966, though earlier, informal iterations date back as far as 1865. With slim budgets, events like the Castine House & Garden Tour make a meaningful difference. 40 percent of the Historical Society’s budget comes from donations from members and supporters.
“This fundraiser allows us to meaningfully invest in our future, including ensuring the long-term preservation of our historic buildings and our collections, while ensuring our museum and programs remain free of charge for all members of our community, in Castine and the broader peninsula,” McMahon said.
To learn more about the historical society’s upcoming events and programming, please visit https://www.castinehistoricalsociety.org/.
