Tickets now available for Friends of the Library Holiday Home Tour

Holiday season revelers: Time to make your plan for one of the area’s most popular events — the Friends of the Rochester Hills Public Library 2023 Holiday Home Tour.

This year, the showcase of five area homes done up in high style for the holidays for all to see, will be Sunday, Dec. 10 from noon-5 p.m. Maps on tickets direct patrons to the homes, all located in the general Rochester/Rochester Hills/Oakland Twp. Area.

And those tickets have added value this year---event sponsors and downtown merchants Tallulah Belle Clothing & Accessories, Modern Art Jewelers and LeConte Men’s Clothiers are providing discounts to ticket holders. Just show your ticket and shop. Arterra Realty is proving certain free services to ticket holders. Contact the sponsor for details.

Other sponsors making the event possible are Chief Financial Credit Union, Haig & Associates, and First Rate Realty LLC

One more thing to take special note of: The tour’s popular Gift Boutique will be hosted at a very familiar sixth stop, the Van Hoosen Museum located at 1005 Van Hoosen Rd, (off Tienken Rd. between Rochester Rd. and Dequindre Rd., in Rochester Hills).

Items for sale include toffee, warm scarves, honey products, plenty of holiday decorations and many more unique items for filling out holiday gift lists.

And wait --- there’s still more: Cider and donut refreshments will be available at the boutique for each person with a HHT ticket and visitors can also see the popular model train exhibit.

On the home tour, people will drive to see a wide-array of décor styles and several one-of-a-kind displays put together by the five site hosts who open their homes to let others peek at what usually only close friends and family see. It’s all to help raise funds for the Friends, the Rochester Hills Public Library’s volunteer arm. (Details of the homes interiors follow.)

Friends President Ron Meegan said: “We are very grateful to the homeowners and sponsors who have offered to keep this wonderful event alive for another year. Many local businesses and individuals have donated money to the Holiday Home Tour to help underwrite the cost of the event. The tour presents some truly singular design options and ideas and shouldn’t be missed by anyone who enjoys this time of the year.”

IMPORTANT TICKETING DETAILS

The Home Tour stops will be open from noon to 5 p.m. Docents will be at each location to guide visitors through and answer questions. HHT helpers will direct visitors to parking. Tickets are $35 per person and will go on sale Nov. 13. Tickets, which include a map to the tour homes and the boutique, can be purchased at:

• The Friends Store inside the Rochester Hills Public Library lobby, 500 Olde Town, Rochester. Credit cards accepted.
• Wild Birds Unlimited, 3032 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills, Michigan 48309. (Cash only.)
• Werner’s Hallmark, Country Creek Commons, 4866 N. Adams Rd, Oakland Township, MI 48306. (Cash only.)
• Lytle Pharmacy, 340 S Main St, Rochester. (Cash only.)

Online, click on https://rhpl.org after Nov. 13 and then scroll down to the Friends link and click the special events tab. Payment online is via Pay Pal or credit card.

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DESCRIPTIONS OF THE HOLIDAY HOME TOUR HOMES:

HOUSE A

Welcome to Christmas at the Clocktower House, a truly magical destination! Here’s just a few of the eye-catching attractions:

· Explore every corner of this 6,000 square foot home, including the private bedrooms and the lower level entertainment space.

· A breathtaking collection of Christmas trees, each with its own unique theme. Marvel at the "family tree," a cherished tradition traditionally dressed on Thanksgiving, adorned with personal and historical family ornaments.

· Holliday merriment everywhere! The foyer welcomes you with festive cheer. As you ascend the main staircase, you'll discover delightful decorations adorning every step. Every nook and cranny of our home tells a story of Christmas joy.

HOUSE B

This 1952 home is the owner’s third appearance in the Holiday Home Tour but the first at this residence. Built by the original owner who was a master woodworker, it’s chock full of eye-catching Christmas attractions. The owner’s choice for what you shouldn’t miss? Look for six uniquely decorated trees including a vintage aluminum tree complete with the color wheel light and rotating base. Searching for inspiration for your own home? Our host says: “We like to decorate in a manner that anyone can do in their own home. It will be a great place for ideas!”

HOUSE C

This is a Sears Craftsman Kit House circa 1921! The owner says “it was love at first sight” when it came to a buying decision and adds the home has been the source of wonderful memories---they’ve been doing the Yuletide up “for years and years.” On our tour, expect to see several decorated trees with some ornaments that are more than 80 years old, a special antique clock above the main fireplace, a cherished Sleeping Angel ornament and over 70 Snow Babies! It’s all put together family style by the owner, her kids and grandchildren.

HOUSES D AND E

This is a rare two for one stop: How’s this for neighborly? This homeowner was recruited for the tour by her neighbor who is also on this year’s tour. “She thought it would be wonderful if people could tour homes right next to each other. “ Centerpiece is a 7-½ foot tree on the first floor with a smaller basement tree featuring ornaments made by her kids when they were younger. The host also features ornaments gifted by a great aunt every Christmas. The owner’s reason for decorating to the max? “It makes me happy…it has brought me happiness over the years.”

Chapter 2?! This is the homeowner who recruited her neighbor. Home highlights: Three full floors worth of viewing ---two sets of stairs will make navigation easy---with three eye-catching trees. There is one with ornaments featuring everyone in the family circle (a favorite of the grandkids!), a themed tree and one whimsical tree that’s out of the ordinary.