Name/Title
Bull Stone House FundraiserEntry/Object ID
000628Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House AssociationScope and Content
Kitchen Views: Fund-raiser Blends House Tours with Gourmet Treats
The article details the third annual Chef’s Domain kitchen tour, a local fundraising event in Orange County, New York, designed to benefit the programs of the Mental Health Association and the Junior League of Orange County.
Key Details of the Event & Featured Home
The Bull Stone House: The featured cover story highlights the historic Bull Stone House in Hamptonburgh (located off the Sarah Wells Trail), originally built in 1722 by William Bull.
Modern Renovation: The home's historic kitchen underwent a major, highly anticipated modern renovation designed by Joe Matta of Masterwork Kitchens. The design beautifully blends historic preservation—featuring wide-board floors, original exposed stone, and deep-set windows—with modern conveniences like a dishwasher, green cabinetry, and custom-designed spice drawers.
The Caretaker: Betty Brown, a live-in caretaker of the historic property for 27 years (and an 8th-generation Bull family descendant), is pictured in the newly renovated kitchen. She speaks about managing the constant flow of visitors and organizing the annual Bull family reunion, which hosts between 200 to 300 relatives each year.
Tour Mechanics & Community Involvement
The "Chef's Domain" Concept: Created three years prior by event organizer John Matta, the tour allows ticket holders to visit beautifully designed, high-end kitchens throughout Orange County.
Gourmet Tastings: To elevate the experience, local restaurants, chefs, and bakeries are stationed in each host kitchen, offering gourmet food samples and recipes to attendees.
Featured Homes & Businesses:
Seven other local homes are opened up for the tour.
Local businesses like Tom’s Greenhouse in Goshen donate floral arrangements to accent the homes, while local culinary figures like Curt Kuehn (a former Warwick resident and self-taught chocolatier) participate by providing gourmet treats like handmade chocolates.