Herndon Historical Society president Charlie Waddell paid tribute to original homeowner Holden Harrison, as he greeted visitors to the house on Station St. dressing as an old-fashioned train conductor in honor of Harrison who was instrumental in preserving the Town’s train Depot from demolition. Current owners Melissa and Scott Tilton have included a lot of memorabilia of both the Town and the Harrison family in their décor. Photo by Andrea Worker.
Herndon — If you weren’t able to attend the 2016 Holiday Homes Tour of Herndon, you missed a real treat. It’s a tradition that dates back to 1979. It has come and gone a few times during those years, but since 2008 the Tour has been lovingly tended by the the Town of Herndon Cultivating Community Initiative. This year, together with the participation of Herndon civic organizations Order of the Eastern Star, the Herndon Historical Society, the Herndon Woman’s Club, the Herndon Fortnightly Club and the Rotary Club of Herndon – who all provided the army of volunteers who shepherded the crowds through five holiday-dressed Herndon homes – the Tour benefits those worthy organizations, but more importantly, “it embodies the flavor of Herndon, and highlights our amazing sense of community,” said event co-chair Susan Anselene. As the Tour was getting underway at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Anselene was on welcome duty at ArtSpace Herndon on Center St., which was the designated Tour “Rest Stop” offering refreshments, cookies, and “necessary facilities” for Tour goers.
THE HOMES on this year’s tour itinerary, so generously opened to the public by their owners, offered an eclectic mix of residences, from historic to the recently built, with interior design styles ranging from giving more than a passing nod to the history of Herndon, to an elegantly simple craftsman atmosphere. Even the renovations and refurbishments varied widely, from enviously accomplished “DIY” projects to professional works customized to reflect the homeowners’ needs and personal taste. Tying all five properties together were the wonderful decorations that provided an uplifting start to the Holiday Season.
House “D” on the route is the establishment that pays homage to historical Herndon. Scott and Melissa Tilton consider themselves to be “stewards” of the house on Station St. that was originally built by Holden and Louise Harrison. The Harrisons moved to their newly built home in semi-rural Herndon in 1955, leaving behind one of the largest dairy farms in Fairfax County, started by Holden’s grandparents in the 1870s, near Floris. Dressed as a train conductor, Herndon Historical Society president Charlie Waddell, took the first shift as house greeter. “Holden Harrison was instrumental in saving our wonderful train Depot in the Town center,” explained Waddell. “I’m just getting in the spirit of things.” Harrison also served on the Town Council. He was a Volunteer Fire Department Officer, the town Cemetery Association officer, a Herndon Mason, Chamber of Commerce Director and Director of the Herndon Bank. This Herndon Citizen of the Year for 1969 certainly embodied community spirit and is deserving of all the mentions and memorabilia that the Tiltons have artfully preserved and displayed in their home.
Tour Stop “A” on Elden Street calls to mind more of a blend of European and American classics. Owners Kelly and Sean Berg spent a decade overseas and they have decorated to remind themselves of the memories they made during their adventures, while adding touches that make them – and their house – feel right at home on main street America. Visitors to the Berg House were obviously enchanted at the incorporation of swans and greyhounds in a variety of places and iterations. Both Bergs love greyhounds and Kelly belonged to a swan rescue group when she lived in England. Their Christmas decorations, mostly collected at Christmas Markets in Germany and France made more than one visitor sigh “Can’t we stay here? At least for the Holidays?”
Vicki Herman’s home on Wood Street has offered its owner some challenges as a vintage Cape Cod-style property, built in 1948, but Herman has obviously risen to the challenge. This was the house where impressive DIY skills were on serious display. A lot of the renovation work, including cabinetry, and floor refinishing are the results of Herman’s own hands. The home surprises with a number of cozy “reading spots” or places to just relax and enjoy like the three season room Herman converted from the old screened-in porch. Practicalities are also observed in the property. The downstairs sitting room with attached bath can easily become a mainfloor bedroom – a much sought-after rarity in most area houses.
Monroe St. is the location of Dax and Heather Kepshire’s Tour Stop “C” home, representing the truly new on the tour itinerary, for these newly minted Herndon residents. The personal touches of Heather’s reclaimed wood projects really stand out in this property, painted and presented in a minimalist craftsman style. This will be the family’s first Christmas in the house, but it already projects the warmth of a well lived in abode.
Stop “E” may have been last on the list, but it offered its visitors no less charm and interest than any of the other homes on the Tour. It becomes quickly obvious that persons of artistic talent reside within these walls.
OWNERS Laura Cuttle and Michelle Sparling purchased the house in July of 2010, and went for a soothing coastal style – several years before “Coastal” became the hot trend. Weathered antique cabinets, repurposed fencing as walls and lots of other reclaimed wood are featured throughout the property.
“I love doing the Home Tour,” said tour goer Carrie Arnold of Herndon, “for two reasons. The decorations really get me in the Holiday mood – and I always get great ideas for my own house! My poor husband. He’s waiting in fear at home. “
Hope you didn’t miss this treat. In any case, mark your calendars now for the next Holiday Homes Tour of Herndon, scheduled for Dec. 2, 2017.