The Darien Community Association has invited local designers, sponsors and other partners to give both the inside and outside of DCA’s Meadowlands estate a “glow up” and inviting the commmunity to come take a look from Thursday to Sunday, March 21 to 24.
— an announcement from the DCA
As of today, Feb. 6, a total of 13 local interior and landscape designers are collaborating in “The 203 Project: A Sustainable Showhouse,” the DCA said in its announcement.
With a focus on sustainability and community, the “showhouse” project “challenged designers to embrace existing floor plans and layer new furniture along with reimagined and repurposed pieces to create sophisticated and communal spaces that will remain and leave a lasting impact on the community,” the DCA said on its website.
Meadowlands, the DCA’s eight-acre estate, receives more than 15,000 visits a year. A former home with spacious rooms, tall ceilings, wood floors and large windows, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“Local interior and landscape designers, artists and many generous sponsors, will transform the spaces and help reflect the beauty and legacy of the DCA through design and sustainability,” said DCA Executive Director Erin Noonan.
“There’s nothing like the Meadowlands estate with its huge light-filled rooms, impeccable design, award-winning gardens and historical touches for weddings and private events,” said Susan Graham, private event manager for the Meadowlands.
“The 203 Project takes everything that is already stunning about the Darien Community Association and makes the property and our community glow so we can welcome many happy events into the future.”
According to the announcement, each designer was selected for their talent and dedication to the Darien community as well as their commitment to honor the legacy of the house and leverage sustainable design by including one or more projects from the existing home.
The 203 Project: A Sustainable Showhouse at the Darien Community Association will be featured by the project’s media partner in the July/August issue of CTC&G, presented by exclusive media partner CTC&G (Connecticut Cottages & Gardens) and on cottagesgardens.com.
Participating Designers and Landscapers
The project features these participants (as of Feb. 6):
—Alicia Sands Tiberio of Dorset and Pond, Riverside
—Carey Karlan of Last Detail Interior Design, Darien
—Elena Phillips Interiors, Rowayton
—Fiona Leonard Interiors, Darien
—JG O’Neil Designs, Darien
—Karen Bow Interiors, Darien
—Kelly Interiors, Darien
—Krista Fox Interiors, Darien
—Matteson Landscape Architecture, Southport
—Nielsen’s Florist, Darien
—Prudence Home and Design, New Canaan
—Sarina Galu Interiors, Darien
—William Lyon Designs, Norwalk
If You’re Going …
The 203 Project will celebrate its grand opening on March 21, 2024 with a special preview party from 6 to 9 p.m. Public house tours begin Friday, March 22, and run through Sunday, March 24, 2024 at select times.
The Meadowlands is located at 274 Middlesex Road, Darien.
All proceeds from the Showhouse will benefit the Darien Community Association, a privately-funded nonprofit, and the DCA Scholarship program. The DCA Scholarship program offers need-based scholarships to Darien High School students.
Tickets for opening night, house tours and these special events are available at the DCA website or by following the links here:
—Opening Night Cocktail Party, THURSDAY, March 21, 6 to 9 p.m. — Be among the first to experience The 203 Project while enjoying specialty drinks and hors d’oeuvres. “Mingle with designers, sponsors, partners and VIP guests and be a part of a special tribute to Connecticut Cottages & Gardens Editor-In-Chief, DJ Carey, as she celebrates her 20th anniversary with the magazine. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the newly and beautifully decorated mansion and gardens of this historic property, which have been refreshed and reimagined by top, local designers. Members: $100, Non-members $120.”
—Showhouse Tour and Cafe Lunch, FRIDAY, 12 noon to 2 p.m. — “Your journey will begin with a self-guided tour of the newly and beautifully decorated mansion and gardens of this historic property, which have been refreshed and reimagined by top, local designers. Following your tour, enjoy a delicious lunch and complimentary cocktail in our Garden Wing cafe as well as a presentation by a special guest. Members $80, Non-members $100” PURCHASE TICKETS HERE (lunch included)
—Showhouse Tours, 2 to 4 p.m., FRIDAY and 10 a.m. to 12 noon, SUNDAY, March 22 and 23 — Visit for a self-guided tour. “Enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and water in our Garden Wing cafe.” For either day, the price for members is $45, for Non-members, $50; PURCHASE TICKETS for FRIDAY HERE and for SATURDAY, HERE.
—Saturday Showhouse Tour, Lunch and Speaker Event with Jane Beiles, 12 noon to 2 p.m. — “Following your tour, enjoy a delicious lunch and complimentary cocktail in our Garden Wing cafe, as well as a presentation by special guest, Jane Beiles. Jane is an award-winning photographer often featured in the New York Times and is the sole proprietor of Jane Beiles Photography, a business called upon by the finest designers, artists and publications throughout the country. In her presentation, “Capturing the Soul of a Space,” Jane will share insight on how to make the most of every photo and create images to treasure. The price for members is $100; for non-members, $120. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE (lunch included)
Thanks to …
The 203 Project: A Sustainable Showhouse at the Darien Community Association is presented by media partner CTC&G and supported through the generosity of both local and corporate sponsors including (as of Feb. 6):
A Little Something White Bridal Boutique, Alchemy Celebrations, Atria Darien, BMW of Darien, Darien Carpet, Darien Sport Shop, David Harvey Jewelers, Diane Browne Catering, Farrow & Ball, Michael Joseph’s Catering, Navesink Wealth Management, Nielsen’s Florist and Garden Shop, OKA, Palmer’s Market, Ring’s End, The Gardener’s Center and Florist, Tile America and Visual Comfort & Co.
About the DCA
The Darien Community Association is a privately-funded nonprofit in Darien offering educational and cultural opportunities, connection, sustainability and public green spaces. The DCA depends on its members, partners, neighbors and over 100 volunteers to make a lasting impact on future generations through scholarships and programs.