2008 Christmas By Candlelight Tour of Homes
November 9, 2008
If the Christmas spirit hasn’t visited your home yet, the Natchitoches Historic Foundation invites you to an event where holiday joy inhabits every dwelling. It is the annual Christmas by Candlelight, a holiday tour of uniquely decorated homes in the Natchitoches, La., area held this year on Dec. 10-20, 2008.
Proceeds from the Tour benefit the preservation of cultural resources in Natchitoches, La. The event, consisting of three separate tours will feature beautifully decorated homes. What makes Christmas by Candlelight so special and unique is that it consists of homes built last year as well as nearly 300 years ago.
Tickets are $15 per package or $25 for a two-tour package. Three-tour packages are $35. Group rates are also available. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Natchitoches Parish Tourist Commission Office, located at 781 Front Street, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71457, or call 1-800-259-1714.
Wednesday (Dec 10, 17) 5:00PM-8:00PM
Samuel Guy House – 309 Pine Street (Dec. 10 only)
Violet Hill – 917 Rue Washington
Built between 1880 and 1890 and owned by the Genoe heirs, Violet Hill, also known to locals as the Lawton/Poleman/Gibson home has served as home to the Natchitoches Ice Company, Ltd., and the Cottage Sanitarium. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was recently renovated and operates as a bed and breakfast.
Two Goose – 416 Rue Williams
Inspired by a house that was featured in the February 1949 issue of House and Garden Magazine, Too Goose was constructed for Alvin and Annette DeBlieux. Due to the length of time to construct this charming house on Cane River, local residents commented that it took so long for the house to be built, that the geese had flown over it twice, thus providing the house’s name. The DeBlieux family resided there until 1971 and the house was rented for a decade. Purchased by the present owners in 1981, the house was lovingly restored.
Friday (Dec 12, 19) 5:00PM-8:00PM
Nakatosh Condos- Rue Front
On the site of the Nakatosh Condominiums stood the LeCompte Creole Townhouse, the largest and most opulent townhouse in Natchitoches. It was built in 1822 by Ambrose LeCompte, who also owned Magnolia Plantation on lower Cane River. The townhouse was demolished in circa 1888 in order to build the Nakatosh Hotel, which thrived until the 1950s. The hotel remained closed for over thirty years until it was recently converted into condominiums, which overlook downtown and Cane River.
Cypress Place – 146 Rue Cypress
Built in 1908, Cypress Place is a two-story, Victorian home that features a raised porch, high ceilings, and Victorian furnishings. The front parlor is original and includes wood walls and a patched wood ceiling. The parlor contains French and English antiques.
Poete Street Condos – 215 Rue Poete
Horse drawn carriages, stringed popcorn and cranberries, wassail, and caroling will take you to the Christmas of the 1930′s. The handcrafted and fully restored work of art that is 215 Rue Poete will enchant you with Christmas cheer and warm tidings.
Saturday (Dec 13, 20) 1:00PM-4:00PM
Green Gables –201 Rue Pine
Built in the 1890’s by Estelle Ducourneaux Ploche as a wedding gift for her niece, Green Gables is a one-story Victorian house that includes turned and sawn woodwork, a wrap-around front gallery, ornate fireplaces and stained glass windows. The décor includes original art and eclectic antiques from the 18th and 19th centuries. This house operates as a bed and breakfast.
Tante Huppe – 424 Rue Jefferson Street
Ms. Julie Prudhomme opened the doors of her home, later named Tante Huppe, to visitors participating in the first tour of homes held in 1955. This historic townhouse was built between 1827 and 1853. The old slave quarters at the rear of the house have an unusual winding staircase associated with European Creole families. The house operates as a bed and breakfast.
Secret Garden –330 Rue Williams
As the last surviving hand crafted Dutch Colonial residence in northwest Louisiana, this 1924 cottage has been restored by local artisans. Over 10,000 sq. ft., it features hidden rooms, secret spaces and beautiful stairways. Family antique furnishings from area plantations and original art found during the seven-year restoration make for a memorable holiday experience. Open to the public for the first time in 84 years, each room contains a Christmas tree and decorations that feature different themes.
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Questions: Is the Candlelight Tour of Homes a walking tour? Is the
schedule of homes for 2009 available yet?