cherished landmark

Since 1790, the Kittle House has been a mainstay of the Chappaqua community serving as a cherished landmark and symbol of Chappaqua’s enduring allure.

The historic Kittle House is now in the hands of The Krase family who have taken hold of its stewardship with the promise to retain the charm of this renowned venue that is meaningful for so many, and to make it a community meeting place.

In January 2024 Christie and Scott Krase, 24-year Chappaqua residents who’ve celebrated many happy occasions at the Kittle House, were having dinner when they learned that the storied establishment was for sale. Christie and Scott exchanged a glance. Instantly they knew that they wanted to be the next caretakers of the Kittle House legacy, and that week Scott met with John Crabtree, the longtime owner and they came to a deal in September 2024.

The crucial condition for the Krase family was that the senior staff, whose average tenure is 25 plus years, stay on. “The staff was a big reason we decided to buy it. It came with people that meant something to the community,” says Christie. “The entire senior staff has been welcoming, supportive, excited and collaborative. We now have a new family.”

Along with respecting the senior staff and venerable Kittle House traditions, the Krase family will be bringing in their son Jackson, a 2015 Horace Greeley High School graduate. “I thought it could be a really cool family adventure,” said Christie who had worked in hotels previously. “It was very instinctive. It seemed like a great legacy project.” Christie and Scott also have three daughters: Arin (HGHS ‘17), Piper (HGHS ‘19) and Tatum (HGHS ‘22).

“It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to be a part of the community in a way such as this,” says Jackson. “This place is special to a lot of people for a lot of different reasons and being part of that is something we were really excited about.” He credits his A+ Greeley experience for giving him that great sense of community and the town. Even though he was only there for two years having spent his first two high school years in London at the Southbank International School, he formed lasting relationships.

Jackson, who will be starting out as the assistant manager has had an interesting career path. He studied Political Science and Foreign Policy at the University of Richmond, then worked in Israel at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism and the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. On a wine tour in South Africa he had an “aha” moment. Realizing that he needed a change, he found a job in a vineyard in Cape May, New Jersey. Now Jackson will be learning all the aspects of the business. “I’m new in this industry. I’m green. I am a sponge. I will be doing a series of six-month rotations in different parts of the business. Once completed I’ll have a better understanding.” Jackson has organized the extensive wine cellar and will be working in the front of the house, the back of the house, the kitchen and events.

The Krase family has exciting plans for the future. “The Kittle House 2.0 is going to be a central community gathering place with many new weekly events,” says Jackson. They will continue Women’s Wednesday Wine Night and wine pairings and have something for men and other surprise events. There will be many opportunities to partner with community groups. They hope people will continue to see it as “the” place to have their holiday parties, birthday celebrations and other special occasions.

As part of their vision, from the Tap Room to the guest rooms to the restaurant and the event space, every single area on the property, landscaping included, with be touched and refreshed and updated. Sitting in the Tap Room discussing the renovations, Christie says, “Everyone wants to be in the Tap Room, so we’re expanding it. That’s what the community has asked for.” They have gotten opinions from neighbors in Lawrence Farms East and other community members. The entire event space downstairs is being completely renovated and will be brand new by the spring of 2026.

The Krase family was also very thoughtful about whom they hired to do the work. “It was important to us to use local professionals and tradespeople who have interacted with and understand the history and value of the Kittle House to the local community,” says Christie. “From our architect Ken Anderson, a long-time Chappaqua resident, construction contractors, Lasberg Construction Associates – Lee Lasberg grew up in Chappaqua and is a HGHS ’76 grad–and designer Janine Rosenblum, a long-time Chappaqua resident.”

“The Town has been phenomenal working with us. They have been so supportive: the planning board, building department, fire department, and environmental planning, “ says Christie. “I think they understand the history of the building and what it means to the community

Scott adds “They have been great partners in helping us getting a very complicated project to the launching pad.”

With the renovations for the guest rooms, Christie sees it not only for out-of-town visitors to the area, but also as a place for the community. If people have guests coming in for the holidays and don’t have enough room in their home or if they need to move out of their home when it is being renovated, they can stay at the inn.

And fans of the restaurant can count on a great new menu with all the Kittle House classics and updated with new offerings and specials. “Outside will be a go-to spot in the nice weather,” says Scott. “There’s going to be a pergola for outdoor dining.”

The Krase family sees the Kittle House as both an embodiment of this quaint colonial town and a breath of fresh air. They are thrilled to build on its historic legacy and rich tradition, innovating and elevating where they can while maintaining its character.

Scott also saw this as a great business opportunity. “How many times do you get to buy something that is iconic? How many times do you get to buy something that is a brand that is so good that they win the best awards in the country for wine and food? And add in the reputation and all the good stories.”

Christie reflects on their endeavor. “Change is difficult. Most people don’t like change. We will get some things wrong, but for the majority of what we think we’re changing, it retains the essence of what the Kittle House is, just freshening it to better serve the community and the neighborhood.”

Jackson is looking forward to his new experience at The Kittle House Inn, a place where like so many people he has experienced many memorable family occasions. He will enjoy two very special ones at The Kittle House Inn when he weds his fiancé Rebecca Pallant (HGHS ‘15) on June 6, 2026, and his sister Arin is married on October 10, 2026. “I love this town. I don’t want to be anywhere else. It’s a privilege to be able to work here.”

For more about The Kittle House Inn, go to thekittlehouseinn.com