The Mayfair show house

By Amy Phalon
July 18, 2007

The Old York Historical Society's 18th Annual Decorator Show House, Mayfair, opened to the public Saturday.

Mayfair, located on York Street in York Harbor, was built at the turn of the twentieth century as a summer cottage. According to Historical Society records, it was built for Henry Blanchard Dominick, President of Dominick and Haff Silversmiths in New York City. The Dominick family owned the house until 1948. It was recently renovated by the current owner and is being offered for sale through Ann Erwin Sotheby's.

Since May, 26 designers have been working to bring the shingle-style house to life with innovative modern design that compliments the house's age, origins and location. Show House Publicity Chair Elaine Morgillo said the Mayfair is very different from previous Old York Historical Society show houses. "They are all very different," she said. "We've been fortunate to get a variety of homes over the years and each one has its own charms. This year we have designers new to the event as well as veterans."

The show doesn't stop at the house's outer walls either. The back veranda, updated by Janet Swanson and Georgia McGowen of Fiona's Porch in York, is intended to bring the comforts of indoors outside. "People want to spend as much time outside as they can," Swanson said. The veranda embraces the grace and charm of the early 20th century using durable 21st century outdoor furniture and fabrics.

Mayfair will be open to the public every day except Tuesday until Aug. 14th. Show house tickets will be $20 at the door, and the last ticket will be sold 30 minutes prior to closing.

"This is one of the biggest annual fundraisers for the Old York Historical Society," Morgillo said. "We are really excited to have Mario Buatta coming for the evening reception and Paul Tukey from HG-TV is very cool."

For information on the Show House or related events, call 363-4974.

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