2009-11-19

Nine homes slated on Fredericksburg Holiday Home Tour

Contributed

Visitors can enjoy the history and holiday decor of nine never-before-viewed homes during this year’s Holiday Home Tour in Fredericksburg, part of the Gillespie County Historical Society’s Preservation Weekend, from noon to 6 pm, Saturday, Dec. 12.
Homes on the popular tour include:

• Sample House - This rock home features history inside and out as the owners stayed true to the period during its restoration. Visitors can also view the many antiques and restored old vehicles.

• Estes House - Built in the 1800s, this dwelling was brought in piece by piece from another state, and placed on 100 acres with six other cabins – now B&Bs.

• Johnson House - The large stones of this 2,000 square-foot house were quarried at Doebbler’s Quarry. Once a stagecoach stop, the stables have been converted into guest rooms, and the second floor was once a dance hall.

• Tina and David Sawtelle House - The Sawtelles expanded this home to accommodate their family, adding creative spaces and interesting details such as unique door hinges, pull knobs, exquisite tile and mantles.

• Carr House - The unexpected architectural details in this vintage limestone house include an addition that encompasses an old cistern, which divides the living and dining areas. The home also boasts a large kitchen, spa, lap pool and unique touches such as a suspended racing bike and collection of cut glass.

• Gasmire House - This old limestone house offers interesting views inside and out. Completely modernized, the 13,000 square-foot home features a grand piano, music studio, home theater, pool, hot tub and fire pit. In addition, the barn has been converted into a luxurious guesthouse, which will be included in the tour.

• Hill House - This large home off Luckenbach Road was in the Weinheimer family originally and started off as a log cabin which is still visible. In later years, a two-story limestone house was built alongside with a dogtrot connection.

• Julie and Tim Sawtelle House - The kitchen features a large island and soapstone countertops. One of the children’s bedrooms is lit only with skylights. The decor reflects the owner’s original artwork.

• Scharold House - Built high on the side of a hill, three stories tall with over 3,000 square feet, this Stone Ridge home can be seen from many parts of town. The floor plan is based on a southern layout where there are no hallways – all the antique-filled rooms connect. The wraparound terrace offers varying vistas of Fredericksburg.

This year marks the return of the Candlelight Tour, which will take place from 5:30 pm until 8:30 pm, also on Saturday, Dec. 12. The Candlelight Tour opens all buildings on the grounds of the Pioneer Museum, plus three historic homes, including:

• Krieger-Geyer Home - Built for the original German colonists, this building is an example of the fachwerk-type construction, which uses upright and crosswise timbers with the space in between filled with rock, twigs, grapevine, grass and mortar.

• Tatsch Home - Johann Peter Tatsch was a cabinetmaker who built this home with several interesting features. The most distinctive is the 13-foot wide fireplace, said to be large enough to roast an entire ox. The walls are two-feet thick, and some beams still have bark on them.

• Schandua House - This small limestone structure is the only remaining pioneer home in Fredericksburg with no electricity or plumbing. The front room, called “Die Stube,” was used as a bedroom and living area.

During this tour, carolers will sing at the Pioneer Museum while volunteers serve hot cider and traditional German cookies.

Tickets for the Home Tour are $25 per person, or $43 for the Tour by Trolley. Trolley seating is limited to 27 and requires reservations by Friday, Dec. 4. The Candlelight Tour is $15 per person.

This year the public can purchase tour tickets online at www.pioneermuseum.net.

Tickets are still available for the Tannenbaum Ball on Friday, Dec 11. The ball will be held at the Pioneer Pavilion in Lady Bird Park and the theme is “Partridge in a Pear Tree.” The event includes a formal seated dinner, live music by the Bill Smallwood Band, live and silent auction. Tickets to the ball are $100 and can be purchased before Dec 4.

Patrons can order tickets online at www.pioneermuseum.net, by calling 830-997-2835, by mail at GCHS, 312 West San Antonio Street, Fredericksburg 78624, by email at info@pioneermuseum.net or at the following businesses, Pioneer Museum, Vereins Kirche, Historical Society office, Gastehaus Schmidt, Journey Lane Scrapbooking and at Crenwelge Motors in Kerrville.

Proceeds from Preservation Weekend support the programs of the Gillespie County Historical Society.