CANDLELIGHT HOUSE TOUR HIGHLIGHTS THE CHARM OF THE HOLIDAYS
The 2008 Candlelight House Tour will showcase eight historic homes in Frederick. Presented by Celebrate Frederick Inc., the event is held Saturday, December 6th from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 7th from Noon to 4 p.m. Between each finely decorated home will be luminaries to light your way and carolers to fill the air with holiday sounds.
Light refreshments will be served at the heated Hospitality Tent, sponsored by Renewal by Andersen, located on West College Terrace at Freedom Drive, and complimentary horse drawn carriage rides will be available. The 2008 holiday ornaments, posters, and postcards will be available for purchase during the tour.
Following is a short description of the eight homes featured on this year’s tour:
267 Dill Avenue - This American Foursquare-style home, built in 1911, was acclaimed by The Daily News to be one of the most modern homes within that particular part of the City. The praise and distinction was justified as the home was built “of brick with hardwood floors and recently papered throughout…” Today, the home continues to charm visitors with unique features and fascinating architecture. One distinctive feature of the home is the French paneled glass pocket doors, providing access to the formal parlor and dining room. Also of note is the fireplace in the parlor, framed with local Frederick limestone that has been ‘color washed’; and the hand-forged chandelier that hangs in the elegant dining room. A true example of creative renovation, the homeowners have transformed the former attic in to a private, master suite. Recessed lights and cozy window seats create a true oasis for the couple. Note: The staircase to the master suite is free-flowing, and does not have a handrail. If you, or a companion, do not feel that you can safely climb these stairs, please skip this part of tour. As you enjoy a complete tour of this home, take time to appreciate the charming holiday touches added to this space by designer Jutta Terrell of Etiquette Tabletop Designs.
318 West College Terrace - Distinctive elegance and peaceful surroundings led the current homeowners to this lovely 1940s, Cape Cod home. Original elements abound within the home, mingling with a number of updates to create a space that is both inviting and functional. A working fireplace and built-in bookshelves greet visitors in the living room, both original to the property. Also native to the home is a charming breakfast nook overlooking the back yard, which has been newly landscaped to feature specimen trees and shrubs. The second floor features a full bath with original, basket weave ceramic tile. Visitors will also find the master bedroom and guest bedroom on the second floor. The two spaces are mirror images of one another, featuring clever storage spaces on either side of the dormer windows and warm, honey oak hardwood floors. A delightful tour awaits you in this remarkable home, accented with decorative touches courtesy of Marianne Koss a designer with the Green-Walled Garden Club.
310 West College Terrace - This charming, Cape Cod home was built in 1948 by the Standard Homes Company of Washington, D.C. A substantial, four-bedroom, home, the property still maintains a cozy, cottage feel with trademark low ceilings and a traditional keeping room. The current owners have called this Cape Cod ‘Home’ for 22 years. During that time, several substantial renovations have been made, including enlarging the kitchen and adding a sunroom. The spacious kitchen boasts a cooking fireplace with a metal arm and anvil created by a local blacksmith. From the sunroom at the rear of the home, visitors can view a large pine tree that was the family’s first Christmas tree in their new home over twenty years ago. While viewing the space, take special note of the 1838 Tall Case Clock, and the original artwork of Eugene B. Smith and Virginia Jacobs McLaughlin in the living room and dining room, respectively. Replete with charm and elegance, this home has been decorated in holiday splendor by the talented designer Bonnie Kratovil of Dream House, Charles Town, WV.
331 Lindbergh Avenue - This lovely, 1920s home showcases the blending of historical charm and modern convenience. Purchased less than two years ago by the current owners, the home has undergone major structural and mechanical renovations since. A large addition complements interior updates, all constructed with the original spirit of the home in mind. Upon entry, visitors are treated to a stunning foyer showcasing the original entrance way, vestibule and staircase. Tucked inconspicuously in this space is an elevator that has been faux painted by artist Andy Lofstrand. The artist’s rendering of a marble and mahogany paneled façade serves to blend this modern convenience into the charm of the home. Visitors should also note the original, antique brass electrical fixtures situated throughout the home. The decorative talents of Lisa Henry; Michele Patton; and Beth Gaudreau; designers at Home Essentials of Frederick, will add holiday elegance to the first floor and garden tour of this stately home.
329 Lindbergh Avenue - This sprawling, Dutch Colonial home was built circa 1930. Visitors will be awed by the lovely architectural features of the home, including three brick patios and a charming side porch highlighted by a brick wall and columns. A 1989 addition to the home increased the family’s living space, adding a first floor family room and a second floor master bedroom and bath. Inside, the property boasts two fireplaces, one gas and one wood-burning. Original features are situated along side modern amenities within the home, including glass front kitchen cabinets and a stunning chandelier in the dining room. Also original are the ceiling medallions found in the dining room, living room and foyer. Enjoy a memorable, first floor tour of this space, decked in holiday décor created by Adrienne Summers of Adrienne’s Flower Delights.
605 Lindbergh Court - Built just over twenty years ago, this Georgian style brick home exudes traditional grace and charm. Handsome, hardwood floors run throughout the space, softened by oriental rugs and a hand-woven, Aubusson wool rug. Visitors should note the homeowner’s extensive collection of family heirlooms. Of particular interest is the 19th century, walnut banquet table and chairs, the marble-top sideboard with burled wood insets and the working, Starr player piano. Alongside the traditional features found in the home are additions made by the current owners, the most recent being the gourmet kitchen. Custom-built cabinets with inset doors highlight the space. A special treat for the couple’s grandchildren is the candy drawer, cleverly designed to always appear full! Other highlights in this space include the hand-fired, crackled glazed tiles lining a custom-arched niche, the wet bar and the mirrored pantry doors. A lovely tour a waits in this charming home, decked in holiday fashion by Suzy Noble of Seasons by Suzy.
608 Lindbergh Court - This expansive home boasts eleven rooms decorated with artifacts from the homeowners’ travels to Asia, original pieces of art and stunning oriental rugs. Built in 1985 by Frederick builder M.S. Milliner Construction, the home features two ‘sunken’ rooms – the formal living room and family room. Visitors will be stunned by the lovely brick fireplace in the kitchen, situated among warm cherry cabinetry. Hand-painted wallpaper showcases the dining and living rooms. Renovations to the second floor of the home have included the expansion of a master bedroom suite. Two bedrooms and the original master bathroom were combined to create a roomy suite that includes abundant closet space and a mater bathroom with a double shower tiled in porcelain blocks. The creative talents of Stephanie Ransom of Ec’clectibles will add holiday charm to the tour of the first floor and master bedroom suite.
613 West Second Street - Built in 1940, this breathtaking Southern Colonial is situated across from Culler Lake. A first floor tour of the home will reveal a lovely space that combines elegance with comfort, and family-friendly charm. Visitors should take special note of the kitchen, renovated by previous owners. Accented by custom cabinetry in golden oak and granite countertops, the room is a center of activity for this family of five. Another charming addition to this home is the stunning front porch. Added circa 1994, the porch adds a much-used outdoor living space for the homeowners and their three children. While touring this space, take note of the antique corner cupboard in the dining room. This piece was given to the homeowners by their grandparents. Holiday cheer and family fun abound in this home, festively decorated by Michelle Blank of Flowers by Jim.
Tour tickets cost $20, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are a limited number of tickets. For ticket locations or more information please call The City of Frederick Office of Special Events at 301-200-2841, or visit our website www.CelebrateFrederick.com. Partial proceeds benefit a Downtown Frederick Beautification project.
The house tour would not be possible without the hard work of the volunteers of the Holidays in Historic Frederick Committee, and the following community-minded businesses: Spires Sponsors – AT&T, Bechtel Group Foundation, Linton at Ballenger by Drees Homes, Sandy Spring Bank, Spectrum Federal Credit Union, and Weis Markets; Carillon Sponsors – Citi, Comcast, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, The Frederick News-Post, and Roy Rogers- A Plamondon Company; Bandshell Sponsors – BB&T and Jean Peterson Design/The JaBITCo Group; Program Sponsor – Renewal by Andersen.
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