Home Tours Showcase More Than Pretty Facades
Home tours abound when the holidays come ringing. Luckily, with so many choices comes the chance to see a wide array of architecture and design styles. There are even a few with a cause.
The New Friends New Life tour — which will feature four homes on Beverly Drive, Windsor Lane, Southwestern Boulevard, and Lakeside Drive — takes place on Nov. 23 and features something more than just good looks: proceeds go to the namesake organization, which helps to empower trafficked girls and sexually-exploited women.
“The lives of women and children are transformed and families are restored because of the community support,” executive director and honorary chair Katie Pedigo said.
Corporate and family sponsors include a few notable names, including Allie Beth Allman, Ashlee and Chris Kleinert, and Gail and Gerald Turner.
Homes for the 15th annual tour were announced at a party on Sept. 18. Highlights include a “floating” staircase and an outdoor mural.
“We are so pleased to provide a glimpse into four beautiful homes for an afternoon all while raising awareness of New Friends New Life and their mission,” event chair Brooke Kilburn said.
Keeping with the charitable yet chic theme is the Dallas Woman’s Forum “One Enchanted Christmas” tour of the Alexander Mansion. The home, built in 1904, will be open for first-floor tours Dec. 4-7, and will also include shopping and treats in the upstairs boutique, bistro, and bake shop.
“This has become a wonderful holiday tradition for Dallas families and visitors,” Dallas Woman’s Forum president Sally Molinari said.
Then from Dec. 11-14 and Dec. 17-20, the mansion will host a “European Tea.”
Proceeds of the tour benefit the preservation of the mansion as well as Woman’s Forum charities: Landauer Child Care Group Center, Alley’s House, and the Birdie Alexander School.
Finally, the American Institute of Architects tour of homes will showcase two Park Cities gems on Arcady Avenue and Colgate Avenue.
The Arcady house is the first home in Highland Park to be slated for LEED platinum certification — its status is still pending.
The stone, stucco, and glass façade is just one element that is both aesthetic and “green.”
As for the Colgate home, the family wanted to go for an open feel that would echo their love of the outdoors.
“It doesn’t look like a typical Highland Park home,” event co-chair Jennifer Workman said.
But whether these homes help give back to the environment or the community, the organizers prove there’s more to a home tour than good looks.
