Hudson Homes Tour 2018

Step back in time and experience the elegance of a truly historical Hudson home

PHOTO BY SEAN MURPHY

Reminiscent of plantation homes of Charleston and Savan­nah, the Antebellum-style Murphy home will open its doors for the Hudson Homes Tour.

Pierrette Murphy is kindly opening her 115-year-old-home to visitors June 7 for the 62nd Hudson Country Homes Tour organized by St James’ Church. This Antebellum-style summer residence of Reverend Pyke’s family (the first priest of St James’) provides visitors with a rare glimpse into Hudson’s past.

Approaching the house up the tree-lined driveway, the house’s symmetrical design – central entrance door, triangular gables and perfectly balanced windows – is particularly striking. Built from local stone and surrounded by a deep portico with stately white columns, the design is reminiscent of the plantation homes of Charleston and Savannah. From the cool north-facing porch, the wide sweeping lawn offers a beautiful view towards the Lake of Two Mountains.

Inside the front door, the drawing room provides a warm welcome. The room is beautifully staged with period furniture, pictures and ornaments, and the warm maple floors are tastefully accentuated with area rugs. The main staircase provides an elegant backdrop and oversized doors tempt visitors to explore further.

To the right, the master bedroom features an impressive four-poster bed, side tables and armoire. Pretty, red-floral fabrics dress the large French in-swing windows. A gold-gilded mirror hangs proudly over the fireplace. Leaving the bedroom through the gentlemen’s dressing room and ladies’ powder room, the décor and furnishings make it easy for a visitor to be transported back in time.

To the left, the painted wood-panelled study and dining room showcase the historical authenticity of the house. With candelabra lighting, a high-beamed ceiling, elegant green window dressings and displays of porcelain and silverware, the dining room makes for stylish entertaining.

Upstairs, each room is thoughtfully decorated. Small footstools by each bed, white hand-crocheted and embroidered bed linen, decorative jugs and wash basins, hand-crafted wooden chairs and tables, portraits and paintings are treasures all worth seeking in each of the bed rooms. The spacious main bathroom, bathed in tones of orange, features a footed bath, pedestal sink and bidet. A corner dressing table adorned with a fairy-tale, gold-gilded mirror forms an obvious focal point.

The back stairway leads from the maids’ rooms down to the country-style kitchen. Decorated in whites and blues, this cosy room has views of the pool and courtyard. A small garden room off the kitchen offers a charming exit to a truly beautiful and fascinating Hudson historical home.

Tickets for the tour go on sale beginning May 1 and are available at:

Décors & Tissus Sérénity

67 rue Cameron, Hudson

(450) 853-0635

Centre Décor Hudson

33 chemin Yacht Club, Hudson

(450) 458-5121

Boutique Alena Kirby

3200 route Harwood, Vaudreuil-Dorion

(450) 455-6156

Le Panier

274 chemin Lakeshore, Pointe Claire

(514)695-7038

Boutique Mireille Marly

484 Beaconsfield Blvd.

Beaconsfield

(514) 694-6782

or by emailing hudsoncountryhomestour@gmail.com.