SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY ON CARLETON PLACE HOME TOUR
The Christmas in Carleton Place Home Tour again sets the quintessential winter holiday scene in this picturesque town.
In its sixth year, eight homes will be open to tour on Dec. 2 and 3, along with two bonus locations at Sinders Bridal Salon, inside a Victorian brick home and at the Waterside retirement community.
From heritage to modern, all properties will be fragrant and sparkling with lights, both inside and out.
“The entire house will be decorated top to bottom by the homeowners,” said Jane Tunks, the tour organizer. “And the homeowners are there describing their home to you, showing you their Christmas decor.”
The proceeds of the tour ($38,000 over the past five years) will go to the Carleton Place and District Memorial Hospital Foundation, to help purchase medical equipment, which is why Jamie Rae-Gomes and her husband, Manny wanted to support the tour.
“Unfortunately we’ve had to use the hospital a lot this year, and you just get an appreciation for what it is that they do. So anything for the hospital at this point for us is a priority.”
The couple will be decorating their four-bedroom, Victorian brick home at 337 Moffatt Street. The high ceilings of the home allow them to showcase many themed Christmas trees. They will have a mix of natural and artificial trees, including one as high as 12 feet.
“The trees are the focus for us, we really like theming the trees different colours,” said Rae-Gomes. “But we try to keep it as natural as possible, so we use a lot of burlap and a lot of natural elements inside the house. And I really like white, silver and gold, so that’s sort of my theme this year.”
Every home offers hot apple cider and cookies, and some have musical entertainment.
Unique to this home tour is the evening portion, where visitors can take in the decorations and lights at night too.
“You have a choice to have an evening tour, or a great day tour,” said Tunks. “And some people actually make a weekend of it and they come out Saturday evening and come again and do it on Sunday.”
HOMES ON THE TOUR: 1258 7TH LINE RD., BECKWITH
The “Auld Manse” dates back to the 1834-1839 period and welcomes visitors to one of the earliest 19th century Beckwith brown limestone homes in the township. This Georgian cottage style home was built by the Scottish congregation of the Church of the Cross Keys for its first minister. The early character of the Manse has been lovingly restored and decorated with holiday touches. Inside, visitors will see a ceiling with 24-foot original wood pegged log beams, four stone arched fireplaces and interior oak shutters with folding panels covering the five main windows.
238 LYNDHURST ST.
These homeowners purchased and began renovating their custom side-split home only two years ago. Attracted by its Prairie school and mid-century design elements, plus its location opposite the Mississippi River, they embraced an opportunity to breathe new life into this unique home. Built in 1964, by local builders Scissons and Sneden, as a six-bedroom home, one bedroom has now been reconfigured as a dressing room for the master bedroom, which also includes a new ensuite. Two other bedrooms were converted into home offices. Upon entering this beautiful home, you are welcomed by a stunning Christmas tree in the front foyer landing, setting a festive tone for what lies ahead.
92 MUNRO ST.
Built around 1894, this home features wide-plank pine flooring, a wood stove and stained glass, hearkening back to when the home was owned by the Leach family. Facing northwest, the kitchen basks in the morning sunlight, allowing the garden and the rest of the home to be warmed by the afternoon sun. Since moving to Carleton Place in 2016, these homeowners have gently uncovered this special jewel, while adding a mix of antiques as well as textiles from world travels. Christmas comes alive in this lovely abode with colour schemes of blue, silver and touches of gold, beckoning visitors to warm their hands by the wood stove and celebrate this wondrous season.
136 MUNRO ST.
These fun loving homeowners recently downsized from a twoacre country property to a more manageable lot. They moved into their brand new, open concept bungalow complete with finished basement, in 2014. The lady of the house is quite the avid Santa collector and will be the first to admit to perhaps having an addiction of some sort! The homeowners’ Christmas decorating theme gravitates toward traditional, showcasing lovingly handmade ornaments from children and grandchildren, alongside vintage ornaments from their parents. Lovers of travel, a Christmas souvenir is a must to bring home. These homeowners are extremely thrilled to share their proclaimed Santa home with you for such a wonderful cause.
73 BECKWITH ST.
Built in 1910, this lovely Victorian brick home is a shabby chic and Christmas lovers dream. Its brick fireplace adorned with ornate cover, was originally heated with coal. The fireplace room as it’s lovingly referred to, is the favourite room in the winter months. Extensive renovations have occurred since these homeowners took possession five years ago. The upstairs bathroom was renovated with the addition of a claw foot tub and the sink was purchased from an old farmhouse in Perth. The servants staircase was recently reopened near the kitchen, which was completely reborn with the addition of new cupboards, countertop and finally a dishwasher. Christmas trees are adorned throughout, and the lady of the house works her gifted talent everywhere.
337 MOFFATT ST.
This Victorian brick home was originally sold for $100 back in 1868 and still maintains most of its original glory with a few modern updates. The current homeowners have lived in this beautiful home for the past 20 years.