wandering heights
5 historic Heights homes deck their halls for annual holiday tour
One of Inner Loop Houston’s best-loved holiday traditions returns this weekend with the 2018 Holiday Home Tour. Presented by the Houston Heights Association, it’s a chance to see five pristinely preserved and beautifully decked out homes in all their holiday finery on November 30 and December 1.
Lovers of stunning décor and gawkers alike will appreciate the miles of garland, glittering glass ornaments, twinkly lights, and sheer personality each of the home’s owners has put into crafting their holiday look.
From the oldest home built in 1903 to the newest built in 2005, each home has a unique take on the holiday spirit and incorporates the historic nature of the neighborhood. This year’s theme “When all through the House” is sure to bring back the nostalgia of holidays past.
The event has become an annual opportunity not only to showcase the historic architecture of the Heights, but showcase the holiday spirit of the home owners. Christmas trees, winter florals, candles, and looks of the season abound.
The featured homes are:
921 Heights Blvd.
One of three Victorian homes on Heights Boulevard, this early 1900s home owned by Linda and Neal Cannon has undergone a total remodel since it was purchased in 2007. Fun fact: A ghost named Emily reportedly lives in the house.
919 Oxford St.
While this Queen Anne Victorian Cottage owned by Sharon and Britt Dearman underwent significant renovations, the placement and size of the front and back wooden porches, windows, and doors all match the original home. The Dearmans categorize their style as “eclectic transitional” and chose a mix of old and new and neutrals and brights when styling their home.
747 Beverly St.
Despite being the newest home on the tour, this home owned by Marie Louise Crozat and David Honeycutt and built in 2005 has historical themes running throughout. A lifelong interest in preservation inspired the addition of two early 1900s stained glass art panels originally from a Byzantine Catholic church and front door obtained by Adkins Architectural Antiques in Houston.
505 E. 23rd St.
When this home owned by Ken Yancey and Roberto Araujo was built in 1997, it was the first new construction north of 20th Street. The Farmhouse Craftsman-style home features an extensive collection of original Texas art and family heirlooms from the 1800s.
419 W. 23rd St.
Originally built in 1925, owns Terri and Wes Fiandt made updates to this home after purchasing it in 2013 while keeping the original bungalow look. The owners most enjoy the many porches, vintage lights, 12-foot ceilings and stained glass in the living room and master bath.
The holiday tour is self-guided, and guests may drive themselves from house to house. Parking for shuttle service is available near the fire station.
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Tour hours are Friday, November 30 from 6 pm-9 pm and Saturday, December 1 from 3 pm-9 pm. Advance tickets may be purchased online or at Buchanan’s Native Plants or Jubilee for $20. Same-day tickets are $25 and are available at Buchanan’s, Jubilee, and the Heights Fire Station on 12th Street.
Both ticket options include entrance to all five homes and luxury shuttle service from the fire station.
