Upstate New York is home to a number of beautiful historic homes dating back centuries to the Revolutionary War. Some , like the Schuyler Mansion in Albany and the Hart-Cluett House in Downtown Troy have been beautifully restored to their original luster as museums, while others have sat vacant and in disrepair. But, scattered throughout the Capital Region are historic homes, like the Norman Vale House, which have been lived in and loved by those who call it home.
A GRAND OVERTURE OF HISTORY & HARMONY
The 2019 Vanguard Designer Showhouse opened its doors this week at the historic Norman Vale House located at 6030 Nott Road in Guilderland. This past Sunday, the showhouse designers and decorative artists as well as sponsors and donors gathered for a preview party and were the first patrons to see the completed home, while local Realtors gathered yesterday at the house for a special walk through and tour. The home is now open to the general public through May 19, 2019 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 10:30am – 4:00pm, Thursdays 10:30am – 7:00pm, Saturdays 10:30am – 5:00pm, and Sundays 12:00pm – 5:00pm. Admission to the Designer Showhouse is $20 per person with proceeds benefiting the Albany Symphony.
A LABOR OF LOVE
For nearly 38 years, volunteers and members of Vanguard Albany Symphony have partnered with teams of talented interior designers and artisans to transform a residence into a unique piece art. WHY? To sustain exceptional classical music in the greater Capital Region. Featured designers at the 2019 Showhouse include A New Perspective-Margaret Launer, Anthony Michael DeMeo, Bassett Furniture-Tina Kelly, California Closets-Melissa Hatch, Chuckle & Crow Interior Design-Cyndi Myers, Custom Design Associates-Mary Korzinski, Experience & Creative Design-Rudy Grant and David E. Siders, Hudson River Fine Interiors-Michel Patterson, KatsEye Design-Katherine Brickley, Klassic Stone and Design- Kim Pyle & Lori Seifer, Designs by Michele-Michele Conti, Patti Connors Interior Designs- Patti Connors, Rae Rau PaintFx-Rae Rau, REimagine Studio-Stephanie Means, Roger Reid Interior Design-Roger Reid & Ron Symansky, Starlily Design Studio-Stephanie Salway, 2B Design-Michele Ahl.
If you see something you like you can buy it! All furniture and accessory items featured at the Showhouse can be purchased, tax-free! You can also shop the Showhouse boutique for quality handmade crafts by local artisans or enjoy lunch and a glass of wine in the Vanguard cafe.
IF WALLS COULD TALK!
Every home has a story to tell, but the story of this home is truly unique. Placed on the Historic Register in 2009, the original portion of the house was built in 1790 by John Tayler who, among many positions he held, was a U.S. Senator and Governor of New York. Rumor has it that Alexander Hamilton visited the home on several occassions. In fact, the famous 1804 duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr is linked to comments spoken by Hamilton while having dinner with Tayler at Norman Vale. The comments were then related in a letter written by Dr. Charles Cooper, Tayler’s son-in-law and published in an Albany newspaper. The home was later inherited by the family of Union College President Eliphalet Nott. A couple generations later, Nott’s great granddaughter, Marjorie, would frequently entertain First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Come see the Eleanor Suite and the dinning room that entertained patriots and politicians at the 2019 Vanguard Showhouse.
HOW DO I GET TO THE SHOWHOUSE?
From Western Avenue in Guilderland, head south on Route 155 towards Voorheesville. Go 0.8 miles to Nott Road. Take right onto Nott Road. Go 0.2 miles to Showhouse. Parking is on the property.