You CAN go home again: Historic Newton holding first in-person house tour since Covid

David Boronkay has invited a few guests to visit his newly renovated home, but this weekend he’ll be welcoming hundreds.

That’s because his 1800s farmhouse is one of seven properties that will be open to the public as part of Historic Newton‘s 2023 Newton House Tour on May 21. The event, which is marking its 40th year, finally is back in person for the first time since Covid. The last face-to-face tour was held in 2019, with other viewings taking place virtually until now.

Boronkay worked for more than 18 months on renovating and modernizing his home, while also keeping “the integrity of the original structure,” he said.

“It’s a very personal space. … It’s a reflection of what I do for a living,” said Boronkay, an architect. “I’m hoping that people like the decisions that I’ve made.”

One of those decisions was to enlarge the house in the back, a change that is not apparent from the street.

“It’s an opportunity for people to see what they can do with their own homes,” said Boronkay.

When asked if he was apprehensive about allowing so many people into his home at one time, he replied, “I think if everyone masks and acts responsibly it should all be fine. … I think it’s important to just start and live again.”

Get ready for surprises

Aside from Boronkay’s home, the other six properties will remain a mystery until the day of the tour.

However, Clara Silverstein, Historic Newton’s Community Engagement Manager, offered a few hints about the other locations – including five more houses and one commercial space in a historic building.

None of the properties have been included on any recent tours, said Silverstein, who added that Historic Newton volunteers are excited to be back in person.

An English Arts and Crafts home that will be open to the public features one of the more whimsical interior elements: a “Harry Potter” bathroom under the stairs. Silverstein said the house’s refinished attic has a great view to the north of Newton and the owners “put a lot of sweat equity” into their home by completing much of the work themselves.

The tour also will include two Queen Anne Victorians, one of which has a billiard room. The other has preserved mahogany woodwork, a refurbished attic, a decorated turret that includes a kitchenette and a wraparound porch, said Silverstein.

On its website, Historic Newton described the other locations as a brick Dutch Colonial Revival cottage originally built for workers at textile mills in Newton Upper Falls, now modernized and energy efficient and a former mill now repurposed as commercial space.

Ticket sales from the tour benefit Historic Newton.

More information

Historic Newton’s 2023 Newton House Tour is Sunday, May 21, from 12PM to 5PM.

The tour is self-guided. All tourgoers start by going to the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds (286 Waverley Avenue) to pick up a map and other materials needed to take the tour.

Purchase tickets in advance ($55, or $45 for Historic Newton members) or at the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds on the day of the tour ($60 for all tickets). For more information, visit here or call 617-796-1450.

Masks and shoe covers are required in all homes. Children under age 12 (except infants) are not permitted on the tour.