Tour homes will be open from 12:30 to 5 p.m., followed by a reception in the Clubhouse Terrace Room at 5:30 p.m., where raffle prize winners will be drawn and seasonal refreshments will be served.
Advance tickets for the tour, sponsored by the Lake Monticello Beautification Corps, are $10 and include the reception and a tour map. To purchase tickets, call Jean Murphy, 589-5969, or Beverly Wormuth, 589-6475. Those who live outside the lake may use their tickets for main gate admittance. On tour day Dec. 4, tickets are $12 and will be available at any tour home.
Raffle tickets will be sold at the tour homes. Raffle prizes include a full-size quilt made and donated by the Lake Piecemakers, and many other handmade items, donated gifts, and gift certificates. Raffle tickets are $1 each, or 12 for $10.
All proceeds from the house tour and raffle are used to fund the work of the Beautification Corps as they plant and maintain the many public gardens within Lake Monticello.
Tour Highlights
At the Seehaver home, the decorations begin as you approach the house, which is situated on the large property to take advantage of the water views. A lighted pathway reveals holiday decorations at the entry.
Inside, from the dining room to the master bedroom with adjoining sitting room, Christmas is everywhere. Even the guestroom has been converted to Santa’s workshop.
The living room is open and expansive. Over the living room fireplace hangs an exquisite tapestry, The Adoration of the Magi, purchased in Florence, Italy, by the Seehavers in 2011. The original, by Gentile da Fabrino, hangs in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.
Themed trees abound. The living room tree holds ornaments centered on Jesus’ birth, with angels, stars, and Nativity figures. The sitting room tree focuses on Santa, and the kitchen tree features foods and kitchen utensils. Look carefully throughout the house to see the Seehavers’ collections of 40 nutcrackers and 40 Nativity scenes from more than 20 countries.
The West home is located in the Cherokee section outside the main lake gates. The house is decorated with seasonal greens, candles, and ribbon. The Wests enjoy an open floor plan with a large living room flowing into the kitchen. Here you will find a china cabinet that belonged to Connie’s grandmother that is more than 100 years old.
The Christmas tree is adorned with Hallmark series ornaments dating back to 1980, including 14 rocking horses. Atop the divider note the happy snowmen. More snowmen find a place in the office. Throughout the house you will find Connie’s collection of more than 1000 napkin rings displayed most creatively.
As you enter the LaRosa home, you’ll see many brass and copper pieces collected from Pete’s 20-year Army career that took them to Greece, Turkey, and Germany. The brass lamps are made from weapons shell casings. The display cabinet in the living room features ruby-fleshed glass souvenirs representative of travels and family members.
The holiday décor here is primarily gold in color in celebration of the LaRosas’ 50th wedding anniversary. Be sure to see the quilt displayed in the guest room, made by family and friends in honor of Jan’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary.
The LaRosas describe their home as a work in progress. They have added a sunroom and a hobby/craft room, and built in storage in the living room and kitchen. Up next on their project list is the kitchen.
Notice Santa’s workshop as you leave by the back door.
Enter the Stenger home and you are mesmerized by the extensive lake view afforded by floor to ceiling windows. The living room opens to the kitchen featuring distinctive cherry cabinetwork. Enjoy the holiday decorations throughout the house, but pay particular attention to the house itself. Some may recognize the house from its appearance on the holiday tour years ago, but the first floor has been completely renovated.
Beginning in 2003, the home underwent a major transformation with Pat as the master craftsman. The former owner had converted the upstairs artist’s studio to a master bedroom, but Pat did not stop there, he completely gutted the kitchen and renovated it to its current state.
The dining room, which will be set for a festive dinner in shades of teal blue and silver, was formerly a bedroom. The current guest room features an antique highboy c. 1780 made in Philadelphia that has been in Carolyn’s family for 200 years.
Upstairs, the former artist’s studio has become a large master suite complete with office, walk-in closets, spacious bath, and office. Large windows take in the water view. The master bath and bedroom have recently been re-tiled and redecorated by the Stengers.
Visitors to the lower level will find more family treasures. Set up in the TV room is an early 1950s Lionel O-gauge train given to Pat by his grandfather. And don’t miss the Hoosier kitchen cabinet, complete with flour sifter and roll-out counter for kneading bread. The TV room opens to the lower guest room, featuring more family pieces – antique Empire mirror, chest, and sewing machine. Don’t miss the collection of mounted salt water fish that are in the TV room and guest room. This vantage point gives you a water level view of the lake.
The Williams home is the center for many holiday festivities. Santa will welcome you through the front windows, only one of a collection of Santas to be seen. The home’s décor is nature-inspired, and features several hanging quilts.
You’ll find a Christmas tree in every room. The formal living room tree features ornaments from travels and a collection of blown glass ornaments. The dining room tree has a lighthouse and nautical theme. In the breakfast room, birds and birdhouses adorn the tree. The master bedroom tree has angels, the office tree has shimmering decorations, the girl’s bedroom has pink ribbons and crocheted details, and the blue bedroom has a Williamsburg theme.
Since Carol is the director of the Oakland School, it’s no surprise that her favorite tree is in the den, festooned with nature, school-themed, and handmade ornaments, many from Oakland School students and staff.
Begin your holiday season with the Holiday House Tour Saturday, December 8. And in keeping with the spirit of the holidays, join LMBC for refreshments at the Clubhouse following the tour.
