Get your bidding paddles ready!

We are thrilled to share the items that will be part of the live and silent auctions at our Benefit Gala on Saturday May, 20. Each item has been carefully selected, with many of the options being unique to Hill-Stead. Support our magical institution while purchasing invaluable experiences.

Grande Experience

  • Your own Luxury Villa in Costa Rica – Designed by Inspirato
    • Discover the charm of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province with Inspirato. On offer is a 7-night stay in one of Inspirato’s luxury hillside 4 bedroom villas in the Costa Elena Resort Community, nestled in tropical greenery with dramatic vistas over the azure waters of Jobo bay and enchanting views in all directions, including distant views of Guanacaste’s famous Orosi volcano. Be immersed in nature while surrounded by creature comforts at Costa Elena, with miles of hiking trails through bio-diverse forests, luxuriate under dark skies, enjoy the private beach club, take advantage of in-resort restaurants, pools, spa and gym, and reconnect with family and friends, all with the renowned support and attention to detail offered by Inspirato . The lucky recipient of this Inspirato luxury travel package will enjoy:
      • An Inspirato luxury vacation, in a 4 bedroom villa, inclusive of all nightly rates, taxes, and fees
      • A wide selection of travel dates, with one year to make your reservation and two years to complete your trip
      • Expert pre-trip planning, an on-site concierge, and daily housekeeping
      • A complimentary 1-year Inspirato Travel Membership, providing access to hundreds of luxury vacation options at members-only rates
  • Sinsteden on Style 
    • Noted interior designer, Max Sinsteden, co-founder of “Olasky and Sinsteden” has worked in the design field from the age of 15. His many years of experience have taken him from London to Mumbai, Guernsey Island to Essex, approaching each project with a subtle mixture of the grand tradition of design and a welcome dash of exuberance. Max’s eye for the perfect detailed touch has helped him nurture a carefully cultivated network of artisans. Join Max in Manhattan for luncheon for four, and a visit to a selection of interior design artisans, and come away with a new appreciation for the pleasures to be gained from a well-designed environment.
  • Hollister/Incandela – two masterpieces 
    • A private tour for six people at the Hollister House Garden in Washington, CT led by the garden’s creator and designer, George Schoellkopf. This celebrated 25 acre garden is an American interpretation of the classic English style, exhibiting George’s personal philosophy of abundance and generosity, creating an environment that synthesizes the formal with the natural, and offers a succession of layers of space and color with delightful informal vistas. Proceed from the Garden to luncheon and a tour of artist/photographer Gerald Incandela’s Torrington studio, a work of art in itself. Tour dates to be mutually agreed upon, between June-September 2023 or May-June 2024
  • Ice Cream Creativity 
    • In honor of Theodate’s prize-winning herd of dairy cows, Dom’s Creamery is offering you the delicious opportunity to collaborate with them to design and name an ice cream flavor that will be offered for sale at the creamery for a limited time. Let your imagination run wild: Cardamom Coffee? Hazelnut Chocolate Chip? Rhubarb Ginger? Banana Fudge Cake? The team at Dom’s is excited to help you innovate. Once your special recipe has been perfected, a pre-launch tasting party will be held for up to six people, where you can help name the flavor, and receive two pints to take home. Dom’s reserves the right to use their experience and expertise to formulate the ideal flavor balance from possible combinations suggested. To be scheduled at the convenience of all parties.
  • Hill-Stead’s Golden Eggs & Aileen’s Irish Soda Bread  
    • Only at Hill-Stead – the golden eggs are back! For the discerning chef, only the freshest eggs will do, and here they are. On offer, one dozen eggs a week for twelve weeks in a row, freshly laid by the hens from Hill-Stead’s farmhouse, together with the surprise of a sweet treat or two, for those who enjoy breakfast for dinner, a signed copy of Ina Garten cookbook, Go To Dinners, will be included. And… to go with your eggs, a taste of Ireland… via an Avon kitchen. Authentic Irish bread made by an authentic Irish lady.
  • Turn your thoughts to Spring 
    • The perennial favorite of the Hill-Stead Gala auction is back – 500 “Dutch Master” daffodils will be planted in a place of your choosing, in the Greater Hartford area, by Master Gardener Nina Hayes and friends. Planting to occur in Fall 2023, before the ground freezes, and then just count the days until you are greeted by a host of golden daffodils next Spring!
  • The Magic of Absinthe
    • Only at Hill-Stead. Enjoy your very own “l’heure verte” for 6 in the Glass Room at Hill-Stead with a curated introduction to the rituals, lore and preparation of absinthe. Dare to explore what some consider the most controversial and misunderstood drink in history with absinthe enthusiast Ertan Sener. Taste a variety of traditional and artisanal elixirs, featuring the “holy trinity” of wormwood, anise, and fennel, and learn the classic rituals and preparations. You will also take home bottles of absinthe, a fine glass and metal absinthe fountain with six spouts, dose reservoir glasses, Eiffel Tower-design spoons, and special sugar cubes, so that you can beautifully recreate 1888 Parisian café life at home. Refer to your copies of Absinthe Cocktails, The Little Green Book: An Essential Companion, and The Absinthe Frappe to experiment with this enchanting spirit in modern cocktails.
  • Whiskey on the Roof at Sunset
    • Only at Hill-Stead: enjoy the finest views in the property, enhanced by a dram of whiskey, a contemplative cigar and a nibble of cheese. Up to 4 people are invited onto the rooftop over the West portico, to watch the sunset and enjoy a quiet cigar.
  • Ocean House 
    • Retrace the footsteps of the Pope family when you enjoy an overnight stay for 2 at the elegant Ocean House hotel at Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Renowned for its uncompromising service, beachfront location and world-class amenities, the Ocean House will let you relive the golden age of hospitality.
  • Western Connecticut getaway – Winvian
    • The secret is out – one of the best places in the world to relax and unwind is Western Connecticut, according to “Condé Nast Traveler” – more specifically, at the delightful and whimsical Winvian Farm in Morris, CT. Choose from a selection of themed cottages for your mid-week overnight stay for two, including a fabulous full breakfast and many complimentary on-site activities.
  • Lady Elsie Vanderbilt invites you… 
    • The Vanderbilt Hotel in Newport, RI, invites you for an overnight stay together with a skeleton key to a unique “hidden bar” absinthe experience in Lady Elsie Vanderbilt’s secret entertaining closet. Relax in the Parlour as the mansion butler helps you make your selection from the Vanderbilt’s favorite absinthe bottles, paired with a curated menu of tasty snacks.
  • Hartford Baking Class with Scott Kluger
    • At this fun activity Scott will demonstrate bread baking techniques for up to 6 people, light continental breakfast included at your home or the HBC Commissary in Bloomfield. Date to be mutually agreed, expires 12/31/2023.
  • The mind and heart of Champagne 
    • Join Jacob Studenroth from The Wise Old Dog for a private Champagne tasting for 8, exploring both fine boutique wines and some delicious new flavors of the world’s favorite libation. This private tasting event can be held either in West Hartford or in the newly opened Morris (Litchfield County) tasting room.
  • LA Experience: Matū Dinner and Private Tour of the Getty
    • Matū’s mission is to reconnect people with the joy and benefit of eating great beef: taste, health, sustainability and humane treatment. They achieve this at their Beverly Hills steak restaurant, exclusively serving 100% grass-fed Wagyu from First Light Farms in New Zealand. Experience the epitome of beef with the signature Matū Dinner for 4 accompanied by a bottle of the Matū Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Your group will also be treated to a private tour of the Getty, to enjoy art, architecture, and gardens at the world’s largest cultural and philanthropic organization.

Fete Gastronomique 

  • Max Downtown 
    • Dinner for 6 at Max Downtown! The menu will be selected by Executive Chef Chris Sheehan to complement these four fantastic wines:
      • Pierre-Yves Colin Morey St Aubin En Remilly Cuvee Nicholas et Mathis 2016
      • Pierre-Yves Colin Morey Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Abbaye de Morgeot 2018
      • Moone Tsai Cabernet Sauvignon Cor Leonis 2015
      • Hourglass Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 2012
    • Modifications can be made to accommodate your needs and preferences. This exclusive experience will not include cocktails, tax and gratuity. Not valid Saturday evenings or holidays and must be enjoyed before August 20, 2023.
  • Le Bernardin 
    • The New York Times recently reaffirmed its Four Star review, for its “exquisitely handled seafood and pure pleasure”. This is your opportunity to celebrate the pinnacle of French technique with a dinner for two with wine pairings at the incomparable Le Bernardin, New York.
  • La Fête du Champagne
    • Delight, surprise, and educate your palate while spending a convivial evening with Director Anna Swinbourne at the gracious, art-filled home of hosts Duff Ashmead and Eric Ort. Enjoy a feast of courses, beyond the classic combinations, and learn a sommelier’s secret: Champagne’s high acidity and effervescence pair perfectly with a variety of unexpected foods. Whether your glass is filled with a Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Noir, Brut Nature, Rosé, or Prestige Cuvée, experience the opulence and complexity that has made Champagne the crown jewel of French vinification. To be scheduled 4 weeks in advance at mutual convenience, not later than 5/1/2024. Menu will be adapted to appeal to the food preferences of the winning bidder.
  • Ciao, Bella Italia! 
    • Let Peppercorn’s Grill escort you on your very own Culinary Grand Tour of Italy, with a personalized dinner for six. The five course meal, created by Chef Dino Cialfi, will include stops in Venice, Rome, Florence and Naples. Chef Cialfi will design the menu to accommodate food preferences of the winning bidder. To be arranged at mutual convenience of all parties with four weeks advance notice; not available on weekends or during the month of December.
  • ¡La Fiesta Cubana! 
    • On offer is a classic Cuban dinner for 8 accompanied by Spanish wines and Rums meant for sipping, prepared and hosted by Marcie Sener. In Cuban culture, food is at the center of many celebrations and everyday life – be transported for an evening by the delicious and traditional tastes of the island, and the warm hospitality of your hostess. Date to be arranged by mutual agreement, and before November 2025.
  • Pond House
    • Pond House chef Louis Lista will lead the group of 8 to prepare dinner to be enjoyed at the Pond House. Wine included.
  • Present Company – Accepted! 
    • The buzz is growing about Present Company, the Tarriffville restaurant founded by Chef/Owner Jeff Lizotte in August 2016. A Simsbury native, Chef Jeff trained at a foodie’s dream list of restaurants, including La Tupina bistro in Bordeaux, La Bastide St. Antoine in Grasse, Le Bernadin in New York, and ON20 in Hartford. Present Company offers local, seasonal American fare with a French accent – fine dining in a casual and inviting environment, perfect for relaxing and enjoying this culinary treat of the Chef’s tasting menu for two, with wine pairings.
  • Tamworth Pig Roast 
    • From Hill-Stead’s agricultural partner, Clatter Ridge Farm and their herd of free-range heritage Tamworth pigs comes a do-it-yourself pig roast. Clatter Ridge Farm pigs live outside year round, with access to shade and shelter, spending their days foraging, wallowing and sleeping. The Tamworth breed, athletic and efficient foragers of acorns and other forest delicacies are known for producing exceptionally flavorful, lean and fine-grained meat, and are considered the finest pork available. This package offers all you will need to cook and enjoy a succulent pork shoulder roast for 10 people.

A Votre Sante 

  • A Big Bottle of Bollinger Bubbles 
    • Bollinger only produces its vintage Grande Année in exceptional years, and Decanter magazine proclaimed the 1996 expression “a sublime vintage…with prodigious ripeness and yet surprisingly crisp acidity”. While there may be “still decades of ageing possible here – should you have the patience to wait”, you may want to gather your best friends to enjoy this magnum of quintessential Bollinger delight.
  • The Peak of Pinot Noir 
    • Your search for a balanced case of highly rated, ready-to-enjoy California Pinot Noirs is over. Most of these wines are only available directly from the wineries’ mailing lists, and the case includes 4 different selections from the famed 2007 vintage, with ideal growing and ripening conditions – the warm, early season resulted in rich complex wines. Savor these six different wines with Wine Advocate ratings of 90+ points and remember, there may be more to life than Pinot Noir, but not much more.
    • The case includes 2 bottles of each of the following wines:
      • Roar Gary’s Vineyard, 2007 (WA 96 pts)
      • Paul Hobbs Lindsay Estate Cuvee Agustina 2007 (WA 95pts)
      • Aston Estate 2010 (WA 92 pts)
      • Pauliato Gold Coast 2007 (WA 92 pts)
      • Martinelli “Sea Ridge Meadow” 2007
      • Jonata “La Poesia” 2006
  • Ready for a Zinfandel Lift-Off?
    • A rare opportunity to enjoy a full vertical of Zinfandel (covering the 2012 through 2016 vintages) sourced from Talty Winery, a small production winery in Dry Creek Valley, Healdsburg CA. Talty offers a single-vineyard designation, and these Estate Zinfandels come from a six acre, 58 year old head-pruned and dry-farmed vineyard, offering intensified and concentrated flavors of dried black fruit, cedar, lightly toasted oak and earth tone aromas.
  • Vins Des Femmes-Female French Winemakers 
    • A mixed case donated by Shiverick Imports, chosen by consummate expert Deidre Magnello of DM Wine Selections. “Break a ceiling and enjoy the glass,” might well be the motto of Marie-Pierre Manciat, Anne-Marie Gaudin, and Françoise and Lauriane André – women who are continuing their upward rise in the still male-dominated industry in France and producing wines of exceptional purity, elegance, and finesse. Your cellar and your palate will give the happiest of thanks for this introduction. 
    • The case includes:
      • 4 Bottles of Macon “Les Morizottes”
      • 4 Bottles of Gigondas
      • 4 Bottles of Pernand-Vergelesses Blanc Premier Cru Sous Fretille
  • Gillette Ridge Wine
    • An intriguing proposition – first, a Bourgogne beauty, the Pernand-Vergelesses Chardonnay from Gevrey Chambertin, bright and limpid with a rich palate and good structure. Accompanying this is the Domaine Font du Vent Châteauneuf du Pape, organic wine produced from very old vines showcasing the Gonnet style of soft, elegant tannins, complexity and finesse. 
  • Wine and Cheese Basket
    • A beautiful basket to indulge your taste for wine and cheese. Take home 3 bottles of Soter Pinot Noir, a $50 Dom’s Cheese Shop Certificate, a box of artisanal crackers and a selection of cheese knives.  
  • Blanton’s Bourbon 
    • Sip and Savor the subtle and elegant flavor profile of the renowned Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon whiskey. This iconic Bourbon in its talismanic bottle is aged at the famous Buffalo Trace warehouse H, specifically built from metal to increase the interior temperature & boost the interaction between the charred oak barrel wood and the whiskey.
  • Dirty, Dry or with a Twist? 
    • Enjoy a Martini your way once you stock your bar with Bombay Gin, Grey Goose Vodka and bottles of both Red and White Vermouth, with four contemporary martini glasses and special napkins.

Le Sport 

  • UCONN (Men’s) Basketball Madness
    • Bid for a chance to see the NCAA 2023 Champions! 4 UCONN Men’s Basketball Tickets in 2023-2024 Season, one game to be chosen by winner from a list of options once the schedule is announced in the Fall. Seats are Center Court on the floor at Gampel and Center Court, 6 rows up at XL Center.
  • UCONN (Women’s) Basketball Madness
    • See ESPN’s “Way-Too-Early” #1 pick for the 2024 NCAA Champion! 4 UCONN Women’s Basketball Tickets in 2023-2024 Season, one game to be chosen by winner from a list of options once the schedule is announced in the Fall. Seats are Center Court on the floor at Gampel and Center Court, 6 rows up at XL Center.
  • Golf Experience at Liberty National
    • A stunning view and facilities that are matched only by the Tom Kite and Bob Cupp-designed golf course, the Championship Course at Liberty National Golf Club beckons – polish your clubs and bid on a round of golf for three at Liberty National. Roundtrip boat ride on the club’s private boat from Lower Manhattan to the clubhouse and lunch after the round are included.
      This truly is a course for the all-rounder; as Tom Kite puts it, you will be “rewarded for length, accuracy, iron shots, chipping and bunker shots. And, of course, putting will always be there.” Just wait until you line up your shot with Lady Liberty in the background; this is a unique opportunity to test your skills on a dramatic and parkland-links style course with pure greens. Fore!
  • A Commanding weekend in DC 
    • Dinner, a night at the Conrad, and a show – but what a dinner, and what a show! On offer are 4 tickets on the 30 yard line, on the sunny side of the stadium at FedEx field for the Washington Commanders vs. the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Your Washington weekend also includes two deluxe king rooms at the Conrad Washington, D.C., a contemporary oasis in the heart of the District for the night of October, 28, 2023, and a 3-course dinner at your choice of Chef Geoff’s restaurants – Geoff finished top of his class at the Culinary Institute of America, and you will be sure to appreciate his abiding culinary philosophy: “Great food, libation, merriment” – with this Washington D.C. get-away for four, there are only winners, whether on the gridiron, at your luxury hotel, or in the dining room.   
  • Red Sox Tickets
    • Monday Night Baseball! Sit behind Home Plate with your 2 tickets to the Red Sox vs. Colorado Rockies at Fenway Park Monday, June 12, 2023, 7:00PM.
  • The Beautiful Game 
    • Gather up your friends and head out to cheer on Hartford Athletic, Connecticut’s only professional soccer team, with this package of 4 seats, a parking pass, and  a $150 gift certificate for food and/or souvenirs to a home game in the 2023 season (date to be mutually agreed on). Come on the Green & Blue!
  • Travelers
    • Four (4) grounds passes for one day for the Travelers Championship Golf Tournament, with the dates to be selected by the buyer (6/19/2023 – 6/25/2023).
  • Bone & Joint institute 
    • Get ready for the PGA Tour and swing a club like Fred Couples, Jack Nicklaus or Michelle Wie. At Hartford Hospital’s Bone & Joint Institute, you will tune up your Golf Swing with a screening on the Titleist Performance Institute Golf Movement Screen and 3 Strength and Conditioning Sessions.
  • Polo
    • A day fit for a King! Enjoy a table for 10 at the polo match of your choice in the 2023 season at Farmington Polo Club. Your table will include a bottle of Veuve Cliquot and the buffet for 10 guests. 

Les Artes Vivant 

  • Pick your Sunrise 
    • David Brown, an Old Saybrook artist, paints en plein air and, similar to Claude Monet, frequently returns to the same subject, so as to capture the differing nuances of season, light and weather. One favored subject is the Connecticut River, and David is offering you the chance to commemorate a special day – perhaps a birthday, wedding or other anniversary – on which he will paint the sun rising over the river for you. Having painted at least 500 sunrises, David still finds something new and interesting each time. Every day brings a new dawn, let David capture a special dawn for your collection.
  • Smile! 
    • Iris Photography would like to help you capture a special family moment during a weekday family photo session in Greater Hartford and one 8×10 print. Valid through June 30, 2024.
  • Ain’t Too Proud 
    • Two Orchestra seats to Ain’t Too Proud, Saturday, June 3, 2023 8:00PM at The Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford.
  • Music under the stars
    • Pack your picnic and prepare for a musical celebration of summer under the stars in Simsbury. This package offers a reserved table for 8 at one concert of the 2023 Summer Talcott Mountain Music Festival, including a meet and greet with the conductor following the performance, subject to conductor availability. Offerings this year range from a salute to The Eagles, the Music of Earth, Wind and Fire, or the popular “Celebrate America”, with fireworks to follow. Voucher expires 29 July 2023, but make your booking as soon as possible.
  • Be your own Brand 
    • Make a statement and wear your own brand – inspired by Theodate’s personal cipher “JIL”, cinder + salt will custom print 12 t-shirts in your choice of colors and sizes, with your own unique design up to 14”x12” as a single-color screenprint. Not sure of your artistic abilities? For an additional fee, cinder + salt’s talented designers will help you create your design, and let you become your very own brand ambassador.
  • An Icon in Lego 
    • The classic Parisian landmark, the Eiffel Tower, is offered as a Lego Icon set, capturing the height and standout architecture of the original (nearly 5 feet vs. 1,083 feet, if you are counting) When the Popes first visited Paris on their Grand Tour in 1888, the Eiffel tower was only partially complete, the full construction took 2 years, 2 months and 5 days. Now you can try and beat that record when you start work on your own 10,001 piece masterpiece!
  • Serving up Hand-crafted American style 
    • Share your love of fine Bourbon with this unique Buffalo Trace Bourbon platter, made from a vintage Bourbon barrel that once stored actual Buffalo Trace Maker’s Mark bourbon. Reclaimed, repurposed, food safe and sporting wrought-iron handles hand-forged in Brooklyn, this platter will serve as both a practical platter, and a conversation starter.
  • Pretty Planters
    • Freshen up your patio or front porch with this pair of outdoor planters, attractively arranged with annuals ready for the summer season.
  • A Chef’s best friend… 
    • Is a sharp knife. Bob Kramer is an American Master bladesmith who has devoted his life to the single-minded pursuit of crafting the perfect kitchen knife. Working in partnership with Zwilling, the “Kramer” Damascus collection stainless steel blades are made to Bob’s exacting standards, maximizing curves, balance and utility. The knives are hand-finished with a traditional 3-step process by skilled Japanese artisans. Accompanying the knife is the Bob Kramer-designed sharpening collection, offering sharpening and polishing options to fit every skill level, and to maintain your special knives for years to come. The Riddle family employed two French chefs at Hill-Stead, both named Louis, and you can be sure that their knives were their most treasured tools in their batterie de cuisine.
  • Cozy up with a good book and a Shetland (sheep‘s wool blanket!) 
    • There is much joy to be had from a good book and a cozy blanket, and this package offers you the best of both. This is your chance to curl up with a blanket made from the wool of the heritage Shetland sheep who graze the pastures of Hill-Stead! Clatter Ridge Farm has partnered with Bedfellow Blankets of Shelburne Falls, MA to produce a custom-designed throw woven on antique industrial looms. One sheep grows three pounds of wool in a year which, after cleaning, carding, combing and spinning, will create 1.5 pounds of wool, and a single, very special throw. Included for your reading enjoyment are nine signed books by local authors, including six from River Bend Bookshop (Glastonbury and West Hartford), and special books from both Clatter Ridge Farm and Peggy Hart, the weaver of this luxurious throw.
  • Tory Burch Night of Shopping 
    • Gather up your closest gal pals and head to Tory Burch at Westfarms Mall for a special shopping experience, including beverages, light snacks and a few special goodies. A $200 gift card is included to get your shopping bag started.
  • Mackage Coat
    • You will stand out from the crowd whether at après-ski in Aspen or St. Moritz or strolling the trails at Hill-Stead. The Trish BX Powder Touch down coat for women in size Medium features a signature blue fox collar and windproof shell. Water-resistant yet breathable, its fitted silhouette and distinctive asymmetrical zip closure offers avant-garde styling. 
  • Tanglewood Beckons 
    • Prepare for a musical after in Berkshire Hills, listening to the stars of the Boston Symphony Orchestra serenade you on the afternoon of July 16th, with 4 lawn tickets to listen to the stirring music of Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, and the overture to Beethoven’s Leonore (later revised as his only opera, Fidelio). You will be ready for a proper Tanglewood picnic with a $100 gift card from Guido’s fresh marketplace, a favorite of Ina Garten.
  • Onyx Necklace & Earrings 
    • A beautiful 14K Yellow Gold and Genuine, Solid Black Onyx necklace (with a Total Length of 23 inches) and Genuine, Solid Black Onyx earrings. 

Signature, s’il vous plait 

  • Pizza movie night
    • Come to Hill-Stead for Family Fun! A Movie, Naples Pizza and Avery Soda are on offer on October 22, 2023 in the Makeshift Theater. Pizza and Soda at 6:00PM and the Movie will start at 6:45PM. The movie will be Matilda: The Musical. Sign Up is per person, so make sure to fill in everyone in the family’s name!
  • O’Brien Nurserymen Granby 
    • Only 8 spots available for this exclusive opportunity to tour O’Brien Nurserymen, New England’s premier hosta nursery on July 19, 2023 at 5:30 pm, when every plant is at its loveliest. John O’Brien, plantsman extraordinaire, will welcome you to his 7-acre nursery for an exclusive tour and shopping experience. The extensive display gardens in Granby feature over 1,600 hosta varieties, as well as other shade-loving varieties and a wide range of unusual Conifers, Dwarf Ginkgos, and over 100 varieties of Japanese Maples. Guests will receive a 20% discount on purchases made during the event. Rain date July 20, 2023.