TRANSFORMED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Christmas Tour features homes both rustic and renovated
Prepare to join in a weekend celebrating beautiful architecture, historic buildings, restoration, lovely home décor and seasonal decorating as the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Perth & District celebrates its 13th Heritage Perth Christmas House Tour on the weekend of Dec. 1 and 2. This year’s event, featuring eight local homes, runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. The 2018 house tour promises to reach the high standards set by previous tours. In 2017, the tour attracted close to 900 visitors, some from hundreds of kilometres away. It even brings in American visitors who make an annual trip to Eastern Ontario to enjoy this event and other local attractions. Recognized as one of the “Prettiest Towns in Canada,” Perth and the surrounding area has much to offer in its places of historical interest, wonderful local-flavour restaurants, unique local crafts, recreation and excellent accommodation — whether it be at a trendy B&B or a five-star hotel. The town will be turned out in full glory, offering many added attractions to round out the season and Christmas celebrations. This year’s tour will again offer unique and celebrated homes, all transformed for holidays with inspiring seasonal décor presented by talented local designers and florists. Not only is the House Tour great fun, it also provides an opportunity for our CFUW organization to invest in the local community. Proceeds from the event are used to support local women in their pursuit of advanced education and contributes to literacy and other educational initiatives in local schools and libraries. Since the tours began, nearly $225,000 has been distributed throughout the Lanark County area. House tour tickets are priced at $30 again this year and are available at various locations throughout the area. More details and ticket locations can be found on the CFUW website and Facebook page. New this year is the ability to buy tickets online through Tickets Please at www.ticketsplease.ca
EIGHT HOMES TO SEE ON THIS YEAR’S TOUR 936 CONCESSION 8A, LANARK
A rustic exterior leads inside to soaring cathedral ceilings of B.C. fir and cedar timbers, expansive reception rooms that flow, and a uniquely constructed spiral staircase — features that make this home an experience not to be missed. Drink in the beauty of the long vistas over this valley in the Lanark Highlands through the wall of windows overlooking some of the vast 325 acres of this country idyll. Enjoy the beautiful tree-lined road to this piece of paradise.
194 FOSTER DR., LANARK
Even though you won’t find the old cook stove now, you will most certainly find many fascinating elements in this artisan homestead. It was well known after it was built in the mid1800s as the community’s “party house.” This home retains its welcoming charm and warmth after many generations of family life. The huge timbers which form its construction form a link to the past and inspire a respect for tradition. The owners’ collections of woodworking and art are a nod to past and present.
131 MILL ST., LANARK CLYDE HALL B&B
A virtual phoenix arisen from the ashes, this exquisite home has a storied past filled with political intrigue and drama. It seems like a stretch of the imagination to connect such an elegant building to a roughand-tumble lumber baron of the mid-1800s. Now superbly restored, Clyde Hall offers a calm and serene oasis for guests from far and wide. The striking stone exterior has a commanding presence; the interior, traditional with a modern elegance, has been painstakingly recreated to the exact specifications of the original home.
205 MCILQUHAM BLAIR, LANARK
Built in the mid-1800s, this quintessential stone farmhouse, a 200-year old legacy farm rich in Scottish heritage, now gives shelter to its sixth generation. The light-filled family home showcases many original features; one of special note is a stone sink at a kitchen window where the first grandmother washed dishes. One can imagine the spacious summer kitchen hosting the card parties for men that were part of the home’s early history — complete with spittoons and baked beans!
3152 DRUMMOND CONCESSION 5A DRUMMOND-NORTH ELMSLEY
The provenance of this impressive squared-log home with its hand-crafted dovetailed joints is distinctly local. All the white pine used in its construction was harvested from the family’s property in the Lanark Highlands. A stone fireplace adds a warmth to the open kitchen with its unique breakfast bar. Large windows lead the eye to a beautiful pond in the back yard — the scene of lively community hockey games every winter.
107 PETER ST., PERTH
The beautifully rendered sign which graces the front exterior near the elegant portico gives an air of sophistication to this Perth home and beckons “Come inside!” The interior esthetic is fit for the pages of French Country Living. The cranberry glass collection adds sparkle to the pieces of furniture lovingly refinished by the homeowner. A collection of hand-painted historical memorabilia adds an element of surprise, executed perfectly with a true flair for the eclectic.
67 HARVEY ST., PERTH
The first house built in the immediate neighbourhood circa 1956, this mid-century home impresses with its spacious and airy interior, enhanced by the light flooding in through the sympathetically designed solarium. A view of the Tay River is the backdrop for the beautiful gardens on the outside, and inside, outstanding collections of Canadian artworks and German porcelain figurines. Antique lovers can try to guess the original use of the two antique chairs in the large reception room.
57 ARTHUR ST., PERTH
In contrast to the quintessential stone or red-brick homes of the area, this one will have participants “green” with envy. A Harrowsmith magazine article sings the praises of this unique house, called the Sobe Home, which stands as a fine example of sustainable urbanism and a tribute to eco-conscious homeowners. Locally designed and built, The Sobe has curb appeal and energy savings. The interior is a delight in clean lines and a modern, organic feel.