SIX HISTORIC HOMES FEATURED IN THIS YEAR’S
CANDLELIGHT HOUSE TOUR

The Candlelight House Tour is one of Frederick’s most popular Christmas events, and this year’s tour is nearly here. Don’t miss a chance to sneak a peek into six of Frederick’s prestigious historic private homes, which have been decorated for the holidays by area designers and decorators. The tour will be held Saturday, Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 5 from noon until 4 p.m.

Following are the locations and brief descriptions of this year’s homes:

111 Council Street
Originally built in 1936 at the site of the Frederick Academy Building, this home is located in the children’s section of the former C. Burr Artz Library. In 1983, the present homeowners purchased the original property making extensive renovations from office space to a private residence. Adding to the rich historic features are the homeowners’ own personal treasured pieces of history. As you stroll along the terraced walkway and enter through the doors of this transformed home, memories may flood your mind of the child that, in anticipation, skipped his or her way to the front door of the children’s library many years ago. The decorative holiday style of the Garden Club of Frederick will stir your sense of days gone by.

100 East 2nd Street
Two different stops are included at this address. In 1828, Frederick builder and architect John Tehan built this unique Federal Style home. Tehan also designed and constructed St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Enoch Lowe, former Governor of Maryland from 1851 to 1854, resided at this home until 1861. Governor Lowe added a law office to the east of the main building that was recently converted into a delightful living space.

The artistry of this magnificent natural brick building was restored and converted to condominiums in the year 2000. A private garden, featuring a vintage magnolia tree, graces the back exterior of the property.

First Floor
Antique windows with unusual mullions grace this condominium with its eleven-foot ceiling and matching hand-carved Italian marble fireplaces. A floor-to-ceiling French pier mirror and 1820 table add to the ambience of this home. The dining room’s rich historic features include a 1700s cupboard and red finish Philadelphia acorn mirror. Enjoy a complete first floor tour of this spectacular home decorated with holiday charm by The Grapevine and Flowers by Jim.

Second Floor
The second floor of this condominium embraces the history of the original property. As you walk through the original front door and up the stairwell, you can sense the treasures that are about to unfold. The original fireplace is adorned with a pair of Delft vases from Holland. Turkish rugs protect much of the flooring, while an antique wooden coffer from England that dates back to 1685 rests in the living room. A proud display of furnishings can be enjoyed in this home, which will be festively decorated for the holidays.

102 East 2nd Street
As you approach the entrance to this one-story home, you are welcomed through a unique antique iron gate surrounded by an array of flowers and greenery. The living room, which served as Governor Lowe’s office, has been transformed into a space of warmth and comfort. A skylight in the kitchen adds to the brightness of this area featuring a folk art “Farm Set” which dates to the early 1900’s. Already filled with charm and grace, Artful Gatherings will add a holiday touch to this home.

123 East Patrick Street
This large, Federal Style home was built circa 1852 by the Quinn Family who established downtown Frederick’s first hardware store. Still in its “original” condition, without electricity and running water, when purchased, homeowner Eugene Perreault has transformed the home into a modern masterpiece that reflects the past.

The front parlor, surrounded by French Empire furnishings, invites you to explore the Neo-Classic/Empire style décor of this home. The original dining room has been turned into a library, while the interior columns, crown molding and marble entryway have been added to display elements of the Victorian period. Art work from the 17th to 19th Century grace this charming home. Enjoy a first and second floor tour of this home and garden decorated in holiday fashion by the homeowners.

11 West 2nd Street
Rich in beauty and style, this restored three-story white brick townhouse was built in 1752 by the German settler, Joseph Specht. The home was then sold to the Myer family who resided there for 100 years. The present owners purchased the home in 2003, making extensive renovations while maintaining its historic charm and beauty.

The original exterior construction boasts porches with mahogany flooring, while the interior of this elegant home features fir, heart-of-pine and oak flooring. Refurbished chandeliers and fireplaces throughout this home showcase a spectacular array of treasured history. As you make your way through the walled garden, which features a Ginkgo tree planted by a bride in the early 1800s, you will enjoy a taste of holiday magic created by The Green-Walled Garden Club.
Tickets cost $15, with partial proceeds going to downtown beautification projects. Tickets can be purchased at Artful Gatherings - 122 East Patrick Street, Flights of Fancy - 20 East Street, The Grapevine - 117 East Patrick Street, Hammond’s Christmas Shop - Frederick Towne Mall, and the Tourism Council’s Visitor Center - 19 East Church Street.
These events would not be possible without the hard work of the volunteers of the Holiday Committee, and the following community-minded businesses: Gold Sponsors - BB&T, Bechtel Foundation, COMSTAR Federal Credit Union, Drees Homes, Farmers & Mechanics Bank and Sandy Spring Bank; Silver Sponsors - Bank One, CitiMortgage and The Frederick News Post; Bronze Sponsors - Cellular One, Chessie Federal Credit Union and the Frederick Arts Council.
For more information on the Candlelight House Tour, or any of the city-sanctioned holiday events, call The City of Frederick Office of Special Events information line at 301-600-CITY, 301-228-2844, or visit www.HolidaysinFrederick.com.