Houston Heights Holiday Home Tour

The best way to get into the holiday spirit, while also getting a fix of local home design and renovation inspiration, is to attend the 2011 Houston Heights Association Holiday Home Tour. On Friday December 2 and Saturday December 3, you can tour six of Houston’s most unique home spaces, which reflect the rich architectural tradition of the Heights, one of our city’s most charming neighborhoods.

The Houston Heights Association (HHA) is a non-profit organization formed in 1973 for the purpose of encouraging and promoting the enhancement of the Houston Heights Community; since that time, HHA has been the driving force behind the neighborhood’s revitalization. HHA holds annual events, such as the Historic Heights Home & Garden Tour, the Heights Fun Run, and the Holiday Open House as part of a broader effort to enhance the community by fostering a sense of identity and comraderie.

About the Heights Holiday Home Tour

The 2011 “Deck the Heights” event will take place on Friday December 2 between 6 p.m. and 9     p.m., and on Saturday December 3 between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. Free shuttle buses will operate during the tour on both Friday and Saturday; tour- goers may board buses at the fire station at 107 W. 12th St. at Yale, where parking will also be available.

The homes featured on this year’s tour are:

• Gribble/Eaton Home at 116 Allston: A 2008 custom home with lush landscaping, and interior features including an extensive art collection and period antiques.

• Burnett House at 219 W. 11th: This Queen Anne-style home is listed in the National Register of Historic places, and was purchased by George Henry Burnett in March of 1904.  Historic features include original storm shutters, windows, heart-of-pine floors, mahogany doors and antique furnishings in two front rooms.

• Kirksey/Tate Home at 1133 Arlington: A 1920s construction, 2-bedroom cottage that retains its original floor plan. Recent removal of shingle-type siding revealed the original 1920 wood siding, which has since been restored.

• Cummings Home at 301 E. 10th: A majestic 1915 Queen Anne Victorian with original etched-glass front door, side lights, and door bell.

• Proto Home at 901 W. 14th: Built on a lot purchased in 1927 by Claude Barnes, this home fell into disrepair in the ‘80s and ‘90s but has been rehabbed by Bungalow Revival; 900 additional square feet were added, as well as a wrap-around porch with tapered columns.

• Clark Home at 801 Arlington: An 1895 Queen Anne cottage featuring open rooms and restored architectural elements, including a rescued kitchen window and French doors. High-ceilinged rooms include three circa 1800s chandeliers, and the garden was recently replaced after last year’s deep-freeze.

Tickets for the event are $20 in advance, or $25 on tour days. $5-per-home tickets can also be purchased on tour days, at the particular homes. Bundles of 10 tickets priced at $175 can be purchased online, along with tickets to the December 1 Patron Party for $125.

Wishing a very Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, from all of us at Renaissance Windows and Doors.