Behind the Hedges: Southampton’s Hidden Historic Homes Open Their Gates for One Afternoon

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Behind some of Southampton’s most distinctive hedges are historic homes and gardens that few members of the public ever get to see. For one afternoon this September, those gates will open.

The Southampton History Museum’s annual Insider’s View returns Saturday, Sept. 12, inviting guests on a self-guided tour of a carefully curated selection of privately owned historic residences and exceptional gardens. The locations, a closely guarded secret, will not be revealed until the day of the event.

Now a signature cultural event on the East End calendar, Insider’s View offers an unusual window into Southampton’s architectural history, landscape traditions and the private stewardship that has helped preserve the village’s historic character.

Ticket holders will receive an exclusive map and parking passes when they check in before setting out to explore the properties.

“The element of surprise and discovery is what makes this tour so special,” said Sarah Kautz, executive director of the Southampton History Museum. “Each property tells part of the story of this remarkable community, while the event itself helps ensure that the Museum can continue preserving and sharing Southampton’s history for future generations.”

The afternoon will conclude with a reception on the grounds of the Museum’s historic Rogers Mansion, sponsored by Sant Ambroeus. The gathering will give participants an opportunity to celebrate Southampton’s architectural heritage while supporting the Museum’s preservation and educational mission.

The proceeds help sustain the Museum’s work caring for its historic sites, collections and archives, as well as its educational programs and efforts to make local history accessible to the public.

“We curate an exclusive collection of sites, allowing our guests to discover Southampton’s architectural history one beautiful surprise at a time,” said Averitt Buttry, president of the Museum’s board and chair of the event.

The 2026 Insider’s View comes as communities across the country continue to mark America’s 250th anniversary, adding another dimension to the event’s focus on local history and preservation.

While Southampton is known internationally for its architecture, estates and gardens, organizers say the tour is ultimately about the stories behind those places — and the generations of residents who have maintained them.

From historic houses to carefully cultivated landscapes, the properties featured in Insider’s View illustrate how architecture, design and preservation have helped shape the identity of one of Long Island’s best-known communities.

The event also underscores the role of the Southampton History Museum in preserving that legacy. The nonprofit organization collects, preserves and interprets the history and culture of Southampton, with its work spanning historic properties, archives, collections and public programming.

After an afternoon spent discovering Southampton’s hidden architectural treasures, guests will return to Rogers Mansion — itself one of the village’s significant historic landmarks — for the closing reception.

Tickets and sponsorship information are available at southamptonhistory.org/iv.

The Southampton History Museum is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and incorporated under the New York State Education Department. The Museum’s mission is to preserve and educate the public about the history and culture of Southampton by engaging broad audiences with the community’s shared heritage.