Get Your Tickets Now for the

December 2008 Historic Houston Heights Holiday Home Tour

Recently described by Southern Living as “one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the South’s biggest city,” the Heights will be the scene of the

2008 Historic Houston Heights Holiday Home Tour on
Friday, December 5, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., and
Saturday, December 6, 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

Appropriately themed “Enchantment,” the tour will feature six spectacular homes, including three historic residences -- a 1908 Texas farmhouse, 1920 brick Craftsman bungalow, and 1912 American Foursquare -- and three newer homes reflecting traditional Heights architecture.  The homes will be delightfully decorated for the holidays.  Docents will be stationed at each home to point out the rich history, architectural features, furnishings, and decorations. 

A special “holiday bundle” -- 10 tickets for $150 -- can be purchased online only during the month of October, so shop early!   

Individual advance tickets are $17 and can also be purchased online; they will be available soon at various Heights locations.  Tickets purchased online can be picked up at the will-call booth at the Fire Station during the tour.  Tickets purchased on the days of the tour will cost $20, or $5 for each home, and will be available at the Heights Fire Station at 107 W. 12^th and Yale Streets, and at each home.

Three buses will operate during the tour.  Patrons may board the buses at stops located at each home and at the Fire Station.   

Thanks to the generosity of Reliant Energy, tour ticket holders can have complimentary holiday-themed photos taken of them at the Fire Station. 

HOMES ON TOUR: 

The Williamson Home at 1433 Columbia Street, built in 1908 and enlarged in 1928, is a Texas farmhouse nestled behind a charming cottage garden. The house has a large country kitchen with a 1930s Chambers range and an island created from an antique buffet.  Traditional holiday decorations include an extensive collection of “Twelve Days of Christmas” items. 

The Ouellette Home at 1132 Heights Boulevard is a 1920 brick Craftsman bungalow and garage apartment located on the middle lot of three lots connected with lush landscaping.  The original kitchen and baths add to the home’s charm.

The Stilwell House at 1026 Allston Street, built in 1912 as an American Foursquare in the Arts and Crafts mold, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is named after one of the Heights’ original residents.  The current owners renovated the home’s interior and exterior, using reclaimed hardwoods, natural materials, and antique accessories found locally, including reclaimed/restored light fixtures. 

Miz Magnolia at 408 E. 7^th Street, a Southern Classic residence sited among mature magnolia and oak trees, boasts many custom features, such as several fireplaces, a wine room, wooden bar top, cedar courtyard doors, and a deep porch extending across the front and one side of the house.  Ten rooms will be open for viewing during the tour.

The Counts Home at 719 Oxford is a Queen Anne-style residence with many custom improvements, including stained glass and a wood-burning fireplace.  Highlights include a turret, front and back porches, and extensive landscaping.  In celebration of the holiday season, the owners will display teddy bear- and Dalmatian-themed Christmas trees, Lionel trains and a snow village.   

The Worthington Home at 1135 Heights Boulevard is a newly constructed, 10,000-square-foot replica of an 1897 Queen Anne Victorian in Virginia. The residence features an extensive front porch, antique fireplace, custom stained glass windows, and two copper-capped turrets.  The owner’s collections of more than 200 dolls -- dating from the 15^th century to 21^st century -- and blown glass ornaments will be on display.