A Holiday Home Tour to Inspire
“Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart.”
Over the last seventeen months, we've been working with dear clients, Matthew and Stephanie Belk, who live in the historic district of Monroe, NC. We're excited to share their remodeling project has been finished in time for a holiday home tour to benefit the Union Symphony. They're gracious supporters of the community!
Though it may seem to be a bit early to be putting on the elf hats, the dates are fast approaching and I’m excited to see things coming together. I think I may be covered in glitter, as I’m typing!
Some quick ticket information:
Advance tickets, ($25 each), are available through several local businesses:
The Silver Lining Boutique - 704-283-2125 -109 - N Hayne St, Monroe, NC 28112
The Shoppes @ Nottingham - 704-238-9399 - W Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110
You may also purchase tickets the day of the tour, ($30 each), at Gail Marshall’s Home - 903 W. Franklin Street, Monroe, NC 28112.
Homes on the tour will be:
Matthew & Stephanie Belk - 400 Lancaster Avenue
Counts Childers - 302 East Houston Street
Margaret Desio - 305 South Washington Street
Libby Helms - 502 South Hayne Street
Gail Marshall - 903 West Franklin Street
A glimpse at the glitter and glow from our client’s tree in their living room. I love the area rug we created in soft neutrals and a hint of blue, which you’ll see throughout their home.
About Monroe:
If you're not familiar with Monroe—it's a city, located southeast of Charlotte, offering the charm of a small town while undergoing a metamorphosis of sorts. At one time, the grand, older homes were starting to show their age which had folks wondering what the future might hold; along with some empty storefronts. Now, businesses, shops, and restaurants are filling the downtown area —and they're thriving. In fact, you may have seen Monroe in several movies. A most recent close-up will be featured in a Hallmark Christmas movie, debuting December 7th!
An artist's rendering of the Dowd Center Theater, upon completion in early 2020.
The old Center Theater, built in the 1930's, showed it's first feature film in 1940, and it's undergoing a total update. Plans are in place to open it in early 2020 as the The Dowd Center Theater. It will be a venue designed for music, arts, theater, speakers, and movies. There's a Children's Science Center slated to open early next year, too. Monroe is one of the major hubs for the aerospace industry and happens to also be the national headquarters for Ludwig Drums. Good things to know if you're ever on a quiz show!
The old Union County Courthouse was constructed in 1886, though it had wings added in later years to provide more space. It now houses historic archives.
There was quite a bit of excitement when the Hallmark Channel came to town. A courtyard near the police station was transformed into a Christmas tree lot with snow included! If I understand it correctly, this feature will be called, "A Christmas Love Story", featuring none other than Kristin Chenoweth and Scott Wolf. (Image courtesy of Peddler's Paradise.)
Restoring the historic district:
Thankfully, some longtime residents held fast and are appreciating the results of neighbors remodeling, renovating and updating the historic district. New folks are finding their way as so much of downtown Charlotte has been bulldozed to make way for high-rises and they're being drawn by these lovely dwellings. Sometimes one has to have a little pioneer spirit, much like the early settlers of America's towns and cities, to have a vision for what can be. I'm enjoying the experience of working with several of these clients. Though it's easy to look at a property through a real estate investment lens, it's also about preserving a future legacy and a community.
Though not on the tour, one of the grand dames is the Belk Mansion, built by the co-founder of the Belk Department store chain.
I found some online images of rooms decorated for the holidays. So beautiful!
What a staircase! The craftsmanship it must have required.
Back to the tour and our clients:
The Belks purchased their 1940's brick Federal-style home, about five years ago. (It was originally the parsonage for the First Baptist Church.) They had made some previous updates while raising an active family. Now empty nesters, though they have children and grandchildren as frequent visitors, they wanted to begin with a refresh of the main living and dining areas because they enjoy entertaining.
It's progressed from there and we've completed the kitchen and breakfast/butlery in time for the tour. We've put on our elf hats to bring in the merry, too. Deb Manwarren, of Deb’s Sweet Cakes will have created some culinary surprises in the kitchen, worthy of any Food Network Challenge. Let’s just say there’s a healthy dose of ginger spice included!
With it being so early in the season, we’re using some faux to dress the mantels; however, we’ll also tuck in some fresh magnolia leaves as we get closer to the tour. How lucky we are to have access to a big tree on the property!
Be sure to mark your calendars and pick up a ticket! I hope you'll enjoy a visit and drive by the other lovely homes in the downtown area, too.
To learn more about the Union Symphony and what your ticket purchase will help to fund, click here.
Here's a handy list for nearby food and beverage spots, while you're in town:
Stone Table - named one of The Ten Best Southern Restaurants 2019 by Charlotte Magazine. Open for lunch with dinner served 6-9 and reservations encouraged.
Tamarind - Open lunch & dinner. Thai & Lao fare.
Franklin Court Grille - Scratch made burgers, sandwiches, soups & salads. Open lunch & dinner.
Oasis Sandwich Shop - Established in 1933 and known for their famous hot dogs. Open until 4pm on Fri and 3pm on Sat.
Alice Jules Coffee House - The best coffee and treats served in a Victorian style home. Open until 6pm on Friday and noon on Saturday.
East Frank Superette and Kitchen - A fun and funky place for beverages of all sorts. Kitchen not yet open. 6:30 am to 11pm
Hilton Vineyard - Wine Bar & Shop - noon to 11pm
All my best! ~ Wanda