Of all the holiday events planned, expect the Gillespie County Historical Society, Pioneer Museum 57th Annual Holiday Home Tour to be among the most irresistible. Benefiting the Gillespie County Historical Society, Pioneer Museum.
'Tis the season when Fredericksburg captivates you with seven homes. Each bring sophisticated beauty and festive holiday spirit. Garland, wreaths, ornaments, Santa's, Christmas décor, and lights will illuminate each home. Enjoy a stroll through seven homes decked out with Christmas spirit.
This year's tour features six historical homes and a grand ranch home. This is a self-guided tour; all homes will be decorated in their finest for the holidays. A booklet with the tour map and full description of each home is given to each Holiday Home Tour participant.
James and Estela Avery-The history of the James and Estela Avery property dates back to1852 when J. Weber was granted Town Lot 528. This lot changed hands several times before it was purchased by Charles Jung and he began building his house here in 1871. One hundred years later, in 1971, Mr. and Mrs. James Castleberry bought the house and hired architect Albert Keidel to remodel it. In the mid 1990's the Avery's decided to move into Fredericksburg. They bought the Castleberry's home and have since generously opened their beautiful home and patio for many various civic meetings and membership teas.
This two-storied home is constructed of sixteen inch limestone walls. It has a copper roof. The cistern under the kitchen remains intact and water still flows in it. Many guests have called to report the basement is flooding, but an automatic pump ensures the water is drained.
In 2013, they worked with architect John Klein, interior designer David Ross and builder Daniel Jenschke to renovate the home. The kitchen was relocated next to the dining room. A master suite with spacious closets was added on the first floor.
The side patio with its magnificent pecan and oak trees gives a quiet respite to all who visit. Their home is truly a Fredericksburg historic gem.
Dixie Dankworth Cope and Family Home- Wanting a location close to town to raise her family, Dixie Cope bought the 1970's small house in 2013. Knowing more interior space was needed, she designed and hired local builder, Richard Laughlin, to build a large two story addition onto the existing home with its large lot. The entrance to the house now opens onto the Street and is surrounded by a beautiful stone privacy wall.
Dixie likes to refer to the style of her home as "urban-farmhouse" as she has found many unique Texas antiques that mix well with her new pieces. The home has an open floor plan with the large kitchen and its accompanying dining area providing a gathering place. High ceilings and many windows allow an abundance of natural light and openness to the home. A beautiful handmade wrought iron stair railing leads the way to the second floor master bedroom.
The back, outdoor, entertaining area with its large stone fireplace, outdoor kitchen and beautiful swimming pool affords plenty of room for hosting family and friends.
Larry and Debbie Farquhar-Garner Home- Built in 1948 on town lot Fredericksburg Addition Block 4, this home was bought in 1954 by Felix and Annie Kammlah and remained in the Kammlah family for over fifty years. In May 2009, Debbie Farquhar and Larry Garner purchased this lovely bungalow style home the Kammlah family.
The Farquhar-Garners spent their first ownership year doing extensive renovations, working closely with their builder/contractor Dennis Rinenger. They added onto the back of the house to enlarge the master bedroom. They re-purposed the third bedroom and made it into their master bath and walk-in closet, created a cubby for a washer/dryer off the hallway, and provided space for a walk-in pantry in the kitchen. The back porch was screened in and a large island was added in the kitchen. All the original hardwood floors have been exposed. Wood shutters were added to the windows, and the original glass panes remain in all the windows. In the living room, the 1948 fireplace with its accompanying floor tile hearth remains and the old mantel has been stained and beautifully refinished. No original materials were wasted as all doors have been sanded down, re-stained, and re-used. Many of the beautiful vintage light fixtures remain throughout the house.
As you exit the back of the house, you can tour a detached building which houses their home office, bath, upstairs guestroom and garage. In 2012 an outdoor entertainment area was added including a welcoming fireplace and fire pit. Their home is decorated with their collection of Santas and other holiday décor.
Danny and Karen Gotcher Home- Once they discovered the beautiful property on Creel Creek, they knew this was the perfect spot to build their new home. Having built several homes over the years, Karen and Danny wanted this house to reflect their lifestyle: casual, elegant, and family oriented. Construction began in 2008. The house was positioned so stunning views of the creek would be enjoyed from most all of the rooms. The use of seven different native stones, a tile roof, high ceilings, and an open floor plan, gives this house its distinctive style. Their collections of antiques, many of which are family heirlooms, have been displayed beautifully throughout the home. An Art Deco bar from the 1920's is the center of entertainment, along with a chef's kitchen designed to be enjoyed by family and friends. The piano bar welcomes guests into the living area. The house boasts twelve fireplaces, some with hand carved Italian marble mantels. NaNa Walls, disappearing glass doors in the family area, open onto the patio affording an even larger entertaining area. A special highlight of the stone patio is the infinity pool, designed to look as if it flows directly into Creel Creek.
Separate from the house is the media room with a large fireplace, an antique bar with saddle barstools, and plenty of comfortable sofas making this a great place to relax. A guesthouse casita adjoining the front courtyard affords ample space for out of town family and guests.
Bart and Sandy Hollander - This small Victorian cottage was built around 1910. The front porch was a later addition. The Hollanders purchased the house in 2012 and began renovations several months thereafter. Although the house is not within the Fredericksburg Historical District, the city had designated the exterior as being of historical interest, so nothing could be changed on the outside. The city did, however, approve the addition of a fireplace.
As the interior was not deemed to be of historical interest, the Hollanders were free to pursue their vision which required "gutting" the house. They redid the foundation, re-leveled the house, re-wired and re-plumbed, and repaired and replaced floors and ceilings. They recycled and refitted materials to achieve a look of minimal impact on the original. The floor plan was redesigned and reversed by moving the master suite to the east side of the house. A central hall was created giving access to a new screened porch via French doors. A powder room and laundry were constructed from a former bathroom.
The interior wood walls were discovered under existing sheetrock. The original pine floors were hidden beneath wall-to-wall carpeting and linoleum. Most of the interior doors are original. All the old beadboard was removed, strip by strip, and reused in new locations. The pendant light fixtures are vintage.
An old outbuilding in poor condition was removed and a new guesthouse in a similar style was built on the same footprint.
Paul and Mona Knopp Home - The historic home sits on a beautiful corner lot within walking distance to town. Mona's great grandparents, August and Adelina Borchers, built the home in1911. They gave their home to their daughter, Sophia Borchers, in 1973, and she lived here alone until she was 98 years old. Mona and Paul bought the house from Mona's great aunt Sophia in 2010.
This stately, wood frame home also features some locally produced Basse block and accents of limestone. The original hardwood floors remain throughout the house. Oak and magnolia trees planted long ago provide welcome shade in the lovely yard.
With family ties here in Fredericksburg and their passion for restoration and antiques, they began the process of lovingly restoring the old home. With the help of designer Judy Luckenbach and builder Jarret Borchers they reworked the floor plan, keeping the rooms as true to the original floor plan as possible. The addition of both a large family room in the back of the house and two porches allow ample room for entertaining. The pump house has been incorporated into part of the main house and now functions as a small family office. The Knopp's collection of antiques is beautifully displayed throughout the house and consists of both inherited pieces and others originally from Fredericksburg.
John Wallace and Joe Cloud - This home sits on Town Lots 127 and 128 which were originally part of a 10 acre Out-Lot granted to Frdr. Schild, an original German Emigration Company settler.
The youngest son of Peter Kunz, William Kunz, a carpenter and cabinetmaker, built the original home here in 1871. The four room rock structure housed his entire family, including his 10 daughters who all lived in one room upstairs!
Over the years the home has had many owners and seen many changes and additions. In 2006 Wallace and Cloud purchased the home, and after removing additions from the 1950's and 1970's, began extensive renovations and additions to the historic structure. After nearly two years of work, their home is now a seamless blend of old and new to better accommodate their love for entertaining.
The entry room was Kunz's original cabinet workshop. The current bar was formerly the kitchen and retains a built-in cypress cabinet as well as a "Dutch" door crafted by the original owner/cabinetmaker Kunz. The former root cellar is now a wine cellar, and the early cistern is a centerpiece of the vestibule.
On the following Saturday, Dec. 13, is the museum's other major holiday event, the Tannenbaum Ball. Attendees will enjoy a catered seated dinner by August E's, entertainment by The Flying GT's, and a live and silent auction with items. This fundraiser starts with cocktails at 7 p.m. There is an open bar. Tickets are $150 per person if purchased by Dec. 6, and $175 up to the day before the ball. For ticket availability call 830-990-8441.
