American Association of University Women Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch 2012 Holiday Home Tour

AAUW’s 8th annual tour showcases six delightfully decorated homes in Danville, Alamo, and Walnut Creek. From holiday trees decked out entirely in Poland Glass ornaments to

rooms devoted to model trains, this year’s tour has something to please everyone.

Adults $30

Seniors 65+ $25

Prices go up $5 after December 1st

Purchasing tickets *

US mail: Send check by Dec. 1st payable to Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek AAUW with a self-addressed stamped business size envelope to:

AAUW Holiday Home Tour

P. O. Box 996 Alamo, CA 94507

East Bay Flower Company: Tickets are available after Nov. 13th from 9-6 Mon. to Fri. and 9-5 Sat. at 206 Sycamore Valley Road West (Danville Livery) (cash or check only).

For further information email:

holidayhometour@aauw-daw.org

Light Refreshments & Holiday Quilt Raffle

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Email: holidayhometour@aauw-daw.org

Proceeds benefit local women scholars in pre-and post-graduate programs and Tech Trek Science Camps for middle-school girls.

Please, no children under 12 or pets.
* Tour and raffle tickets are not tax deductible.

California Cottage Tucked into a tree-filled hillside, this charming 1949 California Cottage evokes the feeling of the holidays. This beautifully updated home is the perfect setting for a wonderful array of Christmas trees, glass ornaments, and a life-size nutcracker. As you enter the living room you'll see a tree trimmed entirely in Poland Glass/Radko ornaments while white lights add to its charm. A second handsomely decorated tree graces the family room and throughout the home, holiday decorations abound. To preserve a large stain glass window depicting a fox, a custom trellis was built outside the bedroom doors to display this treasure. The current homeowner’s goal throughout the remodel was to update and improve the home, to make it better so it would last another 60+ years. Weather permitting; stroll outside to view the tranquil setting and beautiful brick fireplace surrounded by holiday flowers.

Holiday Treasures The holiday music you hear as you enter this home comes from an eighty+ year old Kurtzmann antique grand piano recently converted into a player piano. As you step into the entryway, you'll see a beautiful tree adorned with exquisite hand made German ornaments. A few steps further you come to the aforementioned piano with, appropriately enough, holiday carolers on top. The Nativity set on the living room mantle, a favorite of the owners, was purchased in Mexico in the 1960s. Everywhere you look there are Christmas decorations. This home begs to be explored; see if you can find the Nutcracker room and the Christmas Carol room. . As for the train room, you won't have to look for it - you'll be able to hear it. With all there is to see, don't miss the hand-made needlepoint Christmas stockings lovingly made by the homeowner for family members.

Tudor Splendor Upon entering the brick courtyard, visitors are greeted by a stone fountain and “smiling” geese. This picturesque, Tudor-style home envelops visitors in its old-world style and comfort. Inside, amaryllis, poinsettias, paper whites, orchids and other natural arrangements provide the backdrop for holiday wonder. In the living room, a green and white theme is carried out with a Christmas tree that glitters with snow and features blown glass ornaments. The red-themed kitchen provides old-fashioned holiday cheer with freshly baked cookies displayed in large jars and a tree that honors the beauty of gardens. The family room mantel features a three piece holiday floral arrangement created each year by the East Bay Flower Co. Trees in three of the upstairs bedrooms are decorated with ornaments collected over the years for their now adult children, including various airplanes and a 1950s aluminum tree lit by a color wheel.

Yuletide Memories As you enter this lovely home, traditional holiday garlands cascade down the staircase and a Christmas tree lights up the living room. You'll be drawn further into the home by the old- fashioned chug of working model trains. Trains have been thrilling parents and children alike during the holiday season; and this home has two working model trains that wind through an 8 x 10 fully decorated course: a 1947 Lionel freight train and a 1952 Lionel passenger train. Nearby, a replica of a Napa Valley Wine train runs on a separate set of tracks.

Midcentury Classic One only has to see the triangular shaped entryway to know you’re in for a treat. This classic midcentury-modern glass home was in sad shape after being abandoned for many years. Happily, the current owners have repaired, updated, and expanded the footprint while remaining faithful to the style of midcentury-modern architecture. The concept of indoor-outdoor living, the open floor plan, walls of glass, and the seamless transition from the house to the updated garden and courtyard areas typify this style of house. The interior of the home is warmed by the use of contemporary furniture. Be sure to check out the ceiling in the guest rooms on either side of the entryway. Also not to be missed, are the new master bedroom and bath, which are part of the expanded footprint. Keeping with the minimalist design, holiday decorations are sparingly used.

Victorian Charm This charming Victorian-style home is situated on an inviting rural cul-de-sac. A long covered porch graces the front of the home, providing neighborly seating for a feel from long ago. Entering the front door, Santa greets visitors at the bottom of the staircase while a Nutcracker stands guard. More than 80 Santas and multiple holiday trees provide cheer throughout the home. The living room Christmas tree sparkles in all-white ornaments and decorations. A second large Christmas tree adorns the second floor landing and family room.