AKRON – Stan Hywet’s annual holiday home tour runs Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, from 3-7 p.m.
Both the homes and their decorations are part of the show. A variety of architecture styles dcorated in style-specific Holiday themes will be featured. Preparing for the holidays is almost a full-time job for these homeowners. Furniture must be placed in storage to accommodate the trees in each room.
The tour will include six different styles plus a special bonus tour of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.
Turn of century. One stop features an Italianate Colonial built in 1909 by the founder of Akron Brick Works for his daughter. After serving as a private residence, the home was converted to a boarding house for alcoholic men.
The original home was recently restored and the building was again transformed into a single family home. The current owner is a holiday and interior decorator.
The tour also takes visitors to a Queen Ann Victorian built in 1890 for a local artist and photographer. More than 300 Christopher Radko and antique ornaments adorn a tree in the first floor tower room.
Spanish influence. “A Christmas at El Castillo” (A Christmas at the Castle) is the theme of a 1928 Good and Wagner home with Spanish influence. The highlight of this house tour is the fresh-cut evergreen, which stands more than 15 feet high and is decorated with traditional bells and lights.
Contemporary split-level. The tour also features a contemporary split-level that carries the theme, “A Bully Christmas,” in honor of the homeowner’s large bulldog collection.
Farm Victorian. Another stop features a traditional Victorian built in 1896 that was once part of a 25-acre farm. The house embraces its true Victorian style from the colorfully painted exterior to the furnishings that have been restored and upholstered.
Tour Stan Hywet. A special bonus tour of Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens trimmed in decorations reminiscent of the World War I years (1917-1918) is also included on the holiday home tour.
General admission to the tour is $20 for adults (tour is for ages 8 and older only) and $16 for Stan Hywet members.
A patron package includes transportation, entertainment, refreshments and shopping prior to the tour.
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is located at 714 N. Portage Path in Akron, Ohio.
For more information call 330-836-5533.
