River views to highlight house tour
The North and South Rivers Watershed Association's biannual "River Views House Tour" is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The event is a major fund-raiser for the nonprofit organization, which works to protect the environment along the two rivers that diverge from the Marshfield coast. In past years, the tour has drawn 300 to 400 visitors.
"People love house tours," said Samantha Woods, the group's executive director.
Sunday's tour will include six homes in Marshfield, Pembroke, and Norwell that boast striking views of the North or South rivers.
"These are pretty special homes," Woods said. "All have river views; some have extraordinary views."
The Marshfield houses are the Cogan House, a recently renovated home on the South River; the Mullaney House, and the Osborne House.
The Mullaney House is a converted summer cottage at the end of a road on the banks of the South River, offering views of Humarock, nearby islands and the ocean. The Osborne House, on a lushly planted Cornwell Hill property, was designed by a naval architect, according to Woods. It's known for its interior decorative features such as curved ceilings, mahogany paneling and floors covered in cork to absorb moisture.
The Parks House, on the North River in Pembroke, was built around 1746 by a shipwright descendant of Myles Standish, David Standish. Its original features include a center chimney with five fireplaces and a beehive oven, plus details from the shipbuilding era such as folding closet doors and decorative scrollwork.
The Fuller House and the Hoadley House are both in Norwell. The Fuller House is a 1720s Cape with fireplaces in every room and some original glass panes in its windows. The grounds are natural and the views of the North River are spectacular.
The Hadley House also offers views of the North River from every room. According to Woods, the house is decorated throughout with "river art" by area painters.
The tour is self-guided.
Tickets are $20 in advance and are available at William Raveis Real Estate (the tour's sponsor), 293 Washington St., Norwell, and at other regional sites including Buttonwoods Book and Toy Store in Cohasset, Daylily Cards and Gifts in Norwell, Hallmark in Hanover, Marshfield Office Supply in Marshfield, and The 
