Some Atlanta area homeowners will be extra neighborly this fall, when they open their doors to the public for community home tours. The October events, which typically raise money for charitable and community organizations, feature century-old residences, industrial lofts, a new home staged by designers and even treehouses in some of Atlanta’s most popular neighborhoods.
“It shares the strength of a community. It’s also a great way to get ideas for your own home. It’s like the real-life version of Houzz.com,” said Chip Wallace, a Candler Park homeowner and agent with Keller Knapp Realty, referring to the home design and decorating website.
Here’s a look at the architecture styles and design trends on display for five of metro Atlanta’s fall tours.
Historic Brookhaven Candlelight Tour of Homes and Gardens
When: 5:30-8:30 p.m., Oct. 1 (an additional event, a tour luncheon, is scheduled for Oct. 7)
What you'll see: The tour offers an intimate look into older homes in sought-after Brookhaven, located just inside the Perimeter. One property is an English Regency-style home designed by Atlanta architecture firm Frazier and Bodin and built by Charles H. Black in 1928. Barbara Williams, the third owner of the home, received the original blueprints and drawings for the gardens when she moved in during 1983. Limestone on the exterior continues into the home and out to the garden, where it is used for the interior fireplaces and around the pool, which was added in 2001. Williams has worked with designer Colleen Strickland. "The house was pretty pristine in terms of how much of the original house was still totally intact," Williams said. "Part of our role was to keep as much of it as historically accurate as we could while raising our family." Tourgoers also can look for the recurring motif of a Cherokee Rose — the state flower of Georgia — inside and outside. The tour is a time to view homes in one of Atlanta's most beautiful neighborhoods, said Ruth Skogstad with the Skogstad-Sodemann Team at Beacham & Co. Realtors, and a member of the tour planning committee.
Cost: $50-$70
Info: armhc.org/BrookhavenTour
Roswell Woman’s Club Home of Distinction
When: Oct. 2-11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; noon-5 p.m., Sundays
What you'll see: A new 6,700-square-foot, seven-bedroom, nine-bath home inspired by Old World architecture and materials, including General Shale brick from North Georgia Brick and James Hardie shake siding and cornices. ETB Homes has created ceilings meant to wow. The custom builder has used reclaimed beams in the family room and master bedroom, and a barrel vault ceiling made of shiplap in the master bath, said Emily Brown, ETB Homes' design coordinator. Exposed brick walls are an eye-catching element in the finished terrace level, which will have a bar, pool table, fireplace and exercise room. Outside, there's a covered terrace and grill patio with a fireplace, a Pebble Tec saltwater pool with a spa and fire pit. ETB worked with partners Ferguson, a bath, kitchen and lighting gallery, and Floor & Decor, which provided the hardwood floors. Local designers involved in the staging include BCH Design, No Vacancy Home Staging Services, Kings Home Furnishings & Design Center and Designs By Paisley.
Cost: $20
Info: homeofdistinction.com/15Atlanta/index.php
Candler Park Fall Fest Tour of Homes
When: Noon-6 p.m., Oct. 4
What you'll see: For the fall fest's 15th anniversary, you'll find an eclectic mix of homes and outdoor spaces, including treehouses and gardens. Being on the tour is one way to celebrate the 100th birthday of Wallace's American Foursquare-style home. Wallace was fascinated with the oversized overhangs and curved wraparound front porch of the five-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home, built in 1915. The 4,600-square-foot home was renovated and expanded in 2013 with a new kitchen/butler's pantry, family room and mudroom by Black Dawg Construction, working with Bonnie Henry of Design BH Architecture. The original hardwood floors, fireplace mantles and office pocket doors were preserved. "People were considering tearing the home down," Wallace said. "Instead, we were able to save a 100-year-old home. It's humbling. We feel like we're stewards of this home." New design elements include stained glass windows from Scott Antique Market and primitive American antiques, including a church pew, from Wallace's grandparents."
Cost: $20 advance, $25 day of the tour
Info: fallfest.candlerpark.org/tour-of-homes
Castleberry Hill Loft Tour
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Oct. 10
What you'll see: Eight lofts, many in early 20th century warehouses, featured in the historic downtown arts district located near Centennial Olympic Park and the CNN Center in downtown Atlanta. Castleberry Hill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and became Atlanta's eighth Landmark District in 2006.
Cost: $20
Info: 806-438-9609, castleberryhill.org
Fall in the 4th Ward Tour of Homes
When: Noon-5 p.m., Sept. 13
What you'll see: The 4th annual tour showcases diverse spaces and classic and contemporary architecture in Old Fourth Ward, from Ponce City Market to Krog Street and Edgewood. Nine single-family homes, lofts and apartments are featured on this year's tour.
Cost: $25
Info: fallinthe4thward.com
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