Special to the Register
Gainesville Daily Register
Gainesville —
Tickets are now on sale for Gainesville’s 2012 Holiday Home Tour, set for 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8.
The event, presented by the Historic South Gainesville organization, spans several blocks. It features inside tours of six residences in downtown south Gainesville, luminaries, live music by Lisa Perry and refreshments at the Morton Museum of Cooke County, 210, S. Dixon St. in Gainesville.
As an added bonus, participating local retailers will provide a one-time shopping discount to tour ticket holders.
Event schedule and related events on Dec. 8:
10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Home tours from 4 to 8 p.m., with holiday carol singers located at several of the homes.
4:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Lisa Perry performs jazzy vocal classics paired with holiday favorites at the Morton Museum of Cooke County. Refreshments will be available.
6 to 9 p.m. — A live Nativity scene is presented at First Presbyterian Church, 401 S. Denton St. in Gainesville.
Featured homes (images available at www.historicsouthgainesvilletexas.com)
• Red Oak Manor: A wide veranda greets the visitor to Red Oak Manor and welcomes one into the large foyer with clear beveled glass that sparkles like diamonds in the light. Lynette and Mark Scruggs named the house for the two oak trees that grace the front yard. Still known by most as the Bomar - Davis house this home represents many years of family memories. Though largely renovated the home still retains the character and integrity of the original structure. Filled with an eclectic mix of antiques, each room captures the elegance and beauty of the holidays. During the holidays, the home includes six uniquely decorated fireplace mantels, frosted fruit, Santas galore and sparkling candles.
• Miss Olivia's Bed and Breakfast: This home is a lovely Italianate Victorian home located in the heart of Gainesville's historic district. A visit to this beautiful residence returns one to a bygone century when cattle roamed and cotton barons displayed their wealth through the building of elaborate homes.
The fanciful color scheme and ornate wooden shingles make this home a "vision of sugarplums" that will dance in your head. St. Nicholas greets you at the front door and invites you to view the many elaborately decorated Christmas trees throughout the residence.
• Bryan residence: The launch of the arts and crafts movement started in the 1880's and this early Craftsman four-square was built in 1904 and boasts many original features. This style celebrates the use of clean-lined forms and natural materials. The exterior wood shingle siding is a key feature and one of the characteristics that defines this architectural style. Unique in design, this house has two main entryways - one leading to the staircase landing and the other opening into the living area. As you tour this property take note of the original wood work including beadboard wainscoting and hardwood floors. One bathroom still retains the original pedestal sink and claw foot bathtub. A beautiful Murano glass chandelier lights your way up the staircase where you will find a Liberty Bell chandelier to light the landing.
• Atomic Ranch: With a forward thinking mind and a futuristic eye, Leo and Margaret Swick built this home over two years, completing it in 1958. The "atomic ranch" design -- consider the era in which it was built -- was a process that spanned two years earlier with attention to every detail of function, beauty, privacy, light, and flow. Seamless wood, walls of glass, and views to the pool area and courtyards define the art of Atomic Ranch. Once inside, you can't help but feel the glamorous age of Palm Springs cocktail parties, Rock Hudson, Doris Day, and cosmic exploration. Having grown up in the neighborhood, Lucy Stark, now Sutton, always dreamed of seeing the "swanky house down the street". Now, some years later, she and husband Steven are inviting all to see the aquatic elf floating in the backyard pool and the many holiday adornments of the mid-century age.
• Wells residence: In the spring of 2006, the Wells family took on the monumental task of cleaning, salvaging, and breathing life back into this cherished home after a devastating fire that engulfed this prominent mansion.
This beauty was built by a wealthy family and exhibits many priceless details such as hand carved woodwork, stained glass, and imported tiles.
The rounded turret with stone detailing, upper balcony, and wide veranda make this house a true show-stopper. Come inside and experience the holiday decor all aglow.
• Sanctuary: Rows of sparkling lights dancing in the beveled glass entry will dazzle you from the curb of James and Barbara Barnett's Queen Anne Victorian home. From toy soldiers greeting you on the front porch to a velvet-clad Father Christmas in the center hallway, you will find every room delightfully filled with decorative surprises. After several years of restorations and renovations, The Barnetts elected to name this wonderful old home “Sanctuary” because that is what it represents to them from the turret's view of the courthouse clock to the sheltered recesses of the gated gardens and fountain. Here is a sneak peek of the lovely interiors just to get you in the holiday spirit.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.historicsouthgainesvilletexas.com.
