(Today’s Article is part one of two by guest writer Heather Ryerson)
If you are new to Knoxville or a Knoxville native, Historic Old North Knoxville’s Victorian Holiday Home Tour is a lovely way to see the city and meet its gracious homeowners and home restorers. In its 36th year, the home tour included Rose Mortuary, St. James Episcopal Church and 9 homes in the neighborhood. After taking a hiatus due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, it was back and as beautiful as ever.
Held on Dec 3rd and 4th, the event offered a candlelight tour and an afternoon tour. We chose the candlelight tour. After a rainy, dreary day in Knoxville, walking the Old North streets at night amidst the twinkling holiday lights was the perfect way to end the evening and begin the holiday season! Thank you to the Victorian Home Tour for the following historical information on the homes we visited.
The Guilford House, Circa 1915 is a Craftsman style home that has maintained its historic character amidst some modern renovations. The original hardwood flooring, plaster walls and ceilings were striking. The beautifully restored mantel and built-ins were accented with elegant Christmas decorations that drew the eye. There were also numerous paintings and art displayed throughout the home and even an impressive Lego Hogwarts Castle that guests were invited to view.
The Roberts House, Circa 1917 and formerly the Carmichael House, also a Craftsman style home, welcomed us with a toy soldier at the doorway and an intriguing nutcracker collection. The sitting room houses a century old piano that is still in playable condition and though we missed the pianist, previous guests in the evening were treated to carols adding to the elegance of the evening and holiday ambiance. The homeowner finished off the former attic space to make a stunning guest space with cherry wood flooring and high beams.
Paulist Fathers House was next up and was built in 1895 in a Queen Anne style with Neoclassical design features. The bay window displayed the Christmas tree beautifully. Inside, the Paulist Fathers have created space for 2 bedrooms and baths as well as a small chapel and accommodations for visiting priests and guests. It was a welcoming and fitting home for the tour and guests.
Inside the Moffat House, another Queen Anne Cottage, we noticed the original floor to ceiling pocket doors, gorgeous combination gas and electric chandeliers and lovely stained-glass accents throughout. This home received a Knoxville Heritage award in 1988 and has a balance of use of the original features as well as modern updates to enjoy.
The McGowan House on E. Scott was originally built around 1892, but in the early 1900’s was severely damaged by a fire. When the home was restored, the roof that was completely destroyed was rebuilt with a typical Four-Square roof of four facets instead of the multi-faceted roof line of cross gables it had before the fire. The four original bay windows and other details were able to be preserved. We enjoyed the homeowners’ use of greenery and pops of color around the home with the dark wood staircases, trim and doorways.
Look for more featured homes tomorrow.