2011 is the bicentennial of Saugerties’ founding, which merits a house tour. Actually, the May 21 event is the third annual house tour put on by the Town of Saugerties Historic Preservation Commission, but to honor the theme, all of the eight sites (all but one are homes) were standing in 1811. Except for the Wyncoop House, which is open to the public – it was built between 1740 and 1763 and is on the National Register of Historic Places – all the tour stops are privately owned, and hence kept a secret until the day of the tour.

Historic Preservation commissioner Susan Puretz would allow, however, that all of the houses except one are built of stone. She said that the houses represent a range of styles, from a cutting-edge, ultramodernized reconstruction to an abode that has been in the same family for years and hardly fussed with. Several also have lovely gardens, including one with a restored kitchen garden – once an essential part of any household.

You save by purchasing your $20 ticket in advance, at Smith’s Hardware or Hudson Valley Dessert Company; the price goes up to $25 on the day of the tour, which is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tickets will be sold at the Visitor Information Booth, adjacent to McDonald’s on Route 212. The torrential rain date is May 22. For more information call (845) 246-2800, extension 477, or visit www.HistoricHouseTour.com.