herndon homes tour

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Herndon Holiday Homes Tour Dec. 7

The untold ins and outs of the community-based and supported event..

It’s a Town of Herndon community effort to present the annual Herndon Holiday Homes Tour. Photo by Mercia Hobson .

By Keven LaBlanc

Monday, November 25, 2019

The community-focused Herndon Holiday Homes Tour is Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. In addition to the five beautifully decorated private homes featured this year, the event committee added a bonus stop and expanded offerings at ArtSpace Herndon.

Rachel Eisenfeld is the owner of the Elden Street Tea shop located at 714 Pine Street. She agreed to open her historic shop as a "bonus home" and is providing a special treat on the day of the tour to anyone showing their Tour Ticket. The shop offers 65+ hand-curated teas, snacks and an array of arts and crafts for sale to the public.

Arts Herndon is providing space for local civic organizations to display information about their social and charitable missions at its gallery and performing arts venue located at 750 Center Street. Local artisans and craftspeople will also be there on tour day, selling their handcrafted items, perfect for gifting. While there, tour patrons can enjoy refreshments from the Green Lizard Cycling & Coffee Shop and Great Harvest Bakery. Organizers hope by involving community merchants, artists, artisans and nonprofit organizations; they distinguish and set the Herndon Holiday Homes Tour apart from others in the area.

In keeping with the theme of community, members from local civic organizations will be on hand as volunteer docents in the featured homes to share information. Herndon Florist, located on Lynn Street, committed to donating a holiday arrangement or wreath to every homeowner on the tour. And, other local entrepreneurs donated support to produce the enhanced brochures and help fund the after-reception party for homeowners and docents. All that community giving translates to increased proceeds from the event for organizers to contribute back to the docenting civic organizations in support of their charitable missions. Finally, in commemoration of the event for homeowners on tour nationally acclaimed local artist Pat Macintyre of Reston will donate a large framed ink sketch of each home as a special thank you gift to homeowners.

One of the organizers' primary challenges in this volunteer-fueled event is soliciting homes. While committee members love the homes decorated for the holidays, they also strive to find a mix of periods, architecture styles, sizes and unusual interiors to appeal to the area’s diverse community. Each year, finding homeowners willing to open their homes is difficult. This year, as a special incentive, the committee is offering free tickets to homeowners who would like to consider featuring their homes on tour soon. Many owners of previously featured homes commented on how much more integrated they became in the community after meeting neighbors and local leaders through the event.

For tour information, visit http:/2019holidayhomestourherndon.eventbrite.com/. Tickets are available at Herndon Florist, 716 Lynn Street (cash or check only); Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Avenue (cash, check, or credit) through Dec. 7 and Online until Dec. 6, 11:59 p.m. (pick up ticket day of tour at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street).

More like this story

• Herndon: So Much Fun Packed Into One Day
• Time-Honored Herndon Homes Tour This Weekend
• Community Pride Lights Up Herndon Holiday Homes Tour
• Homes Tour Showcases Decorations, Herndon History
• Herndon’s Gardens on Display

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Contents of this site are © Copyright 2024 Ellington. All rights reserved.

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Home for the holidays: Explore 10 historic houses decorated for the season

Revel in the pretty lights, Christmas trees and decor found at these historic, NoVA properties during their public holiday events.

By Michele Kettner November 4, 2019

Northern Virginia is home to dozens of historic homes and parks. With the holiday season right around the corner, these 17th- and 18th-century properties are joining the celebrations with special, festive tours. Make sure to add these 10 holiday home and garden tours to your bucket list this season.

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Mount Vernon by Candlelight Nov. 29-30, Dec. 6-7, 13-14 & 22, times vary Take a candlelight tour of Mount Vernon as George and Martha Washington guide you through their home. Along the way, visit other Mount Vernon residents as they share their stories of Christmases past. After the tour, visitors can participate in 18th-century dancing, visit Aladdin the Christmas camel and taste some delicious cider and cookies. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; $18-$26

Holiday Open House Nov. 30-Dec. 22, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Kick off the holiday season with a tour of Sky Meadows’ historic houses. For the holidays, the historic area is full of costumed interpreters telling stories of the past and a delicious aroma of baked goods rolls over the fields from the log cabin.  // Sky Meadows State Park: 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane; free

Holiday Open House Dec. 1, 4:30-7 p.m. Travel back to the 18th century with a candlelight tour of the Mary Washington House. Enjoy the simple Christmas decor of the time while sipping on hot cider and sampling Washington’s own gingerbread recipe. // Mary Washington House: 1300 Charles St., Fredericksburg; free

Candlelight Open House at the RST Dec. 6, 5:30-8 p.m. Get a look inside the Rising Sun Tavern this holiday season at the annual tour. Learn about tavern life, while enjoying 18th century tunes and seasonal treats, including Glasgow Punch. This tour will be at timed intervals. // Rising Sun Tavern: 1304 Caroline St., Fredericksburg; free

Herndon Holiday Homes Tour Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Get in the holiday spirit with this timeless tradition in Herndon. Each year, select residents of the town decorate their houses for the holidays and open their homes to the community. Homes on the tour are selected based on historic, architectural or community interest. // Throughout the Town of Herndon; $15-$20

Gardeners’ Holiday Open House Dec. 8, noon-4 p.m. Skip the usual house tour this year and take a tour of Green Springs Garden. Walk around the seasonal displays dispersed in the garden as live music echoes throughout the park. Make sure to bring the kids for a special holiday puppet show. // Green Springs Garden: 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria; $5

A Victorian Christmas Dec. 14 & 15, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Enjoy a traditional Victorian era Christmas at the 18th century Lee-Fendall Home. Visitors will be astonished by the traditional decor as they savor holiday treats and create holiday crafts. Bring your children along as Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance. // Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden: 614 Oronoco St., Alexandria; $8-$12

Yuletide by Candlelight Dec. 14, 5-9 p.m. Celebrate the holidays with a tour of the historic sites throughout Alexandria. Enjoy the seasonal views while learning about the city’s holiday traditions and participating in festive activities. Tickets include admission to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Carlyle House Historic Park, Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden and the Alexandria Black History Museum. // Gadsby’s Tavern Museum: 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria; $8-$30

49th Annual Holiday Candlelight Tour Dec. 14 & 15, times vary Stroll downtown Fredericksburg for a beautiful candlelit tour of Caroline Street. Each home on the tour is professionally decorated by designers and artists for the holidays. Take your tour in the evening and receive an exclusive invitation to a festive cocktail party at Brock’s Riverside Grill. // 1300-1500 blocks of Caroline Street, Fredericksburg; $15-$60

Holiday Open House at Liberia Dec. 15, 1-4 p.m. Take a tour of the historic Liberia Plantation House. See how the wealthy used to live in the 19th century as the former Civil War headquarters and newly renovated home will be decked out in holiday decorations. // Liberia Plantation House: 8601 Portner Ave., Manassas; free

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Christkindlmarkt is the German name for the traditional Christmas or winter market, literally translated as “Christ child market.” These markets feature a delightful blend of holiday food, drinks, gifts, and decorations. Various regions of Germany became well-known for their hand-crafted Christmas decorations, wood-working, artwork, and textiles. Today, millions of people enjoy Germany’s Christmas markets each year.

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Community Corner

Remembering herndon's history: holiday homes tours throughout the years, learn about the history of the annual event, and read about the very first tour that took place..

Jennifer van der Kleut , Patch Staff

The first homes tour in Herndon was conducted in 1979, as one of many events that were held in celebration of the town’s centennial celebration. 

The homes that were showcased on the tour were 808 and 825 Elden Street, 1020 and 1000 Monroe Street, 953 and 951 Locust Street, 431 Van Buren Street, and 744 Dranesville Road. That celebration also included a parade, an arts and crafts show, a ball, and a display of historic artifacts.

In 1985, some of the residents who were involved in the 1979 event decided to organize another tour. Lois Schroff and Patsy Rust put an ad in the Herndon Observer newspaper to solicit volunteers who were interested in working on the tour. The committee members, in addition to Lois and Patsy, were Carol Bruce, Elizabeth Doe, Betty Hatfield, Kelly Markson, Janet Moore, and Marcia Teschner.

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The tour, which was held in 1986, was called Victoriana, and—according to the program—the goal was to highlight Herndon’s historic homes and buildings. 

Local artist Pat Macintyre provided the program logo and the sketches of the homes. During the tour, light refreshments were served at the Herndon Old Town Gallery, which was located on the upper floor of the Nachman Building, across Lynn Street from the Depot.

The members of the Herndon Home Interest Garden Club provided a flower arrangement for each home. Several Herndon restaurants offered discounts to tour participants that day, and the Green Funeral Home was open to allow tour goers to view the collection of historic photographs of the town that were on display there. Those photographs, now known as the Berkley Green Collection, are now housed in the Herndon Depot Museum. 

The Herndon Community Singers, now the Towne Square Singers, provided caroling in the tour homes.

The proceeds of the tour were donated to the Herndon Historical Society’s Historic Registry program, which recognizes structures within the town that have been designated as historic.

The 1986 tour was planned as a one-time event, but several of the committee members decided to make it an annual event. Sponsored by the Herndon Historical Society, it was renamed the Herndon Homes Tour, and it took place on the first Sunday of December each year. 

Pat Macintyre continued to provide the sketches of the homes that appeared in the tour booklet, and proceeds continued to be used to support the Historic Registry program.

Throughout the years, the number of houses on the tour ranged from five to eight, and the number of downtown businesses that offered discounts on their merchandise on the day of the tour increased. 

In 1990, various local florists began decorating the tour homes, and this turned into somewhat of a friendly competition among them for several years. In 1995, the Herndon Masonic Lodge became the new location for refreshments during the tour.

In 2006, after 20 years, the homes tour came to a temporary halt. In 2008 the Town’s Cultivating Community Initiative—a group of resident volunteers and Town staff members who work to promote programs that encourage neighborhood beautification and build community spirit—revived it. Other Town committee-sponsored programs include Yard of the Month, the Good Neighbor Award, Dress Up Herndon for the Holidays, and the annual garden tour. 

The original members of this new committee were Suzanne Baggett, Mary Burger, Anne Curtis, Diane D’Amico, Linda Figg, Barbara Glakas, Connie Hutchinson, Sharon Nachman, and Patsy Rust.

The tour was renamed the Holiday Homes Tour of Herndon, with proceeds going to support the Herndon Visitor’s Center. Houses showcased on the tour included historic as well as newer homes.

Various community groups were enlisted, and each sponsored a home and provided the docents. Since 2008, participants have included the Herndon Woman’s Club, The Herndon Fortnightly Club, the Herndon Rotary Club, the Herndon Optimist Club, the Herndon Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Friends of Laura Ratcliffe. 

The Herndon Downtown Alliance (now the Herndon Chamber of Commerce), the Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts (ArtSpace Herndon), and the Adams Green Funeral Home also have assisted by providing snacks and/or space to house the tour’s rest stop and post-tour reception.

After the Herndon Visitor’s Center closed its doors, the committee began to donate the net proceeds of the tour back to the participating community groups. 

The tour continues to be a much-anticipated annual event in which many individuals and organizations participate. Herndon resident Tony DeBenedittis created a new tour logo, and Pat Macintyre continues to provide sketches of the tour homes. Herndon Florist has sponsored tickets, Meadows Farms has donated poinsettias for the homes, and Sign-A-Rama created the signs that advertise the tour.

The tour is now part of the Town’s annual Hometown Holidays program , a series of events that take place during the first week of December to kick off the holiday season. Other events include the lighting of the Chanukah menorah on the Town Square, the Towne Square Singer’s holiday concert, a Winter Open House and Santa’s Workshop at the library, the annual tree lighting and sing-along, the Holiday Arts and Craft show, the Holiday Model Train Show, a Story Book Brunch with Santa at the Community Center, and holiday ballet and theatre performances.

After 27 years, the Holiday Homes Tour has become a much-anticipated annual, community-building event that showcases the beauty, history, and good will of our town.

This year’s tour will take place next Saturday, Dec. 7 , from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Advance tickets ($15) are available at Herndon Florist, ArtSpace, and the Herndon Community Center. Tickets also will be available on the day of the tour, and will cost $20.

Remembering Herndon’s History is written by members of the Herndon Historical Society. Barbara Glakas is a member. The Society operates a small museum that focuses on local history. It is housed in the Depot and is open every Sunday from noon until 3:00. Visit the Society’s website at www.herndonhistoricalsociety.org for more information.

Note: The Historical Society is seeking volunteers to help keep the museum open each Sunday. If you have an interest in local history and would like to help, contact Carol Bruce at 703-437-7289 or [email protected] .

About this column: Remembering Herndon’s History is a regular Herndon Patch feature offering stories, anecdotes, and information about the Town and its past. A complete list of Remembering Herndon’s History columns is available on the Historical Society website.

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Herndon Holiday Homes Tour Dec. 7

The untold ins and outs of the community-based and supported event..

It’s a Town of Herndon community effort to present the annual Herndon Holiday Homes Tour. Photo by Mercia Hobson .

By Keven LaBlanc

Monday, November 25, 2019

The community-focused Herndon Holiday Homes Tour is Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. In addition to the five beautifully decorated private homes featured this year, the event committee added a bonus stop and expanded offerings at ArtSpace Herndon.

Rachel Eisenfeld is the owner of the Elden Street Tea shop located at 714 Pine Street. She agreed to open her historic shop as a "bonus home" and is providing a special treat on the day of the tour to anyone showing their Tour Ticket. The shop offers 65+ hand-curated teas, snacks and an array of arts and crafts for sale to the public.

Arts Herndon is providing space for local civic organizations to display information about their social and charitable missions at its gallery and performing arts venue located at 750 Center Street. Local artisans and craftspeople will also be there on tour day, selling their handcrafted items, perfect for gifting. While there, tour patrons can enjoy refreshments from the Green Lizard Cycling & Coffee Shop and Great Harvest Bakery. Organizers hope by involving community merchants, artists, artisans and nonprofit organizations; they distinguish and set the Herndon Holiday Homes Tour apart from others in the area.

In keeping with the theme of community, members from local civic organizations will be on hand as volunteer docents in the featured homes to share information. Herndon Florist, located on Lynn Street, committed to donating a holiday arrangement or wreath to every homeowner on the tour. And, other local entrepreneurs donated support to produce the enhanced brochures and help fund the after-reception party for homeowners and docents. All that community giving translates to increased proceeds from the event for organizers to contribute back to the docenting civic organizations in support of their charitable missions. Finally, in commemoration of the event for homeowners on tour nationally acclaimed local artist Pat Macintyre of Reston will donate a large framed ink sketch of each home as a special thank you gift to homeowners.

One of the organizers' primary challenges in this volunteer-fueled event is soliciting homes. While committee members love the homes decorated for the holidays, they also strive to find a mix of periods, architecture styles, sizes and unusual interiors to appeal to the area’s diverse community. Each year, finding homeowners willing to open their homes is difficult. This year, as a special incentive, the committee is offering free tickets to homeowners who would like to consider featuring their homes on tour soon. Many owners of previously featured homes commented on how much more integrated they became in the community after meeting neighbors and local leaders through the event.

For tour information, visit http:/2019holidayhomestourherndon.eventbrite.com/. Tickets are available at Herndon Florist, 716 Lynn Street (cash or check only); Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Avenue (cash, check, or credit) through Dec. 7 and Online until Dec. 6, 11:59 p.m. (pick up ticket day of tour at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street).

More like this story

• Herndon: So Much Fun Packed Into One Day
• Time-Honored Herndon Homes Tour This Weekend
• Community Pride Lights Up Herndon Holiday Homes Tour
• Homes Tour Showcases Decorations, Herndon History
• Herndon’s Gardens on Display

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519 Hollingsworth Ter,  Herndon, VA 20170

Dustin M Fox

Pearson Smith Realty, LLC.

Last updated:

September 7, 2024, 12:08 AM

VAFX2196864

About This Home

***Three Catered Open Houses THIS Weekend! Join us on Friday, Sept 6, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Saturday, Sept 7, from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, and Sunday, Sept 8, from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM ***to explore this exquisite, sun-drenched brick-front end-unit townhome located in the vibrant heart of downtown Herndon. Once a model home for Winchester Homes, this 24-foot wide beauty sits on one of the largest lots in Fontaine at Presidents Park, offering unmatched luxury and convenience. Step inside to find elegant high-end hardwood floors, rich crown molding, and stately columns that frame the open and inviting main level. High ceilings and recessed lighting enhance the expansive feel of this sophisticated space. The gourmet island kitchen is a chef’s dream, featuring an abundance of cabinetry, premium granite countertops, and a gas cooking system that vents directly outside, making meal preparation a breeze. The walk-out lower level is a versatile gem, complete with a full bathroom and closet, easily transforming into a cozy 4th bedroom or private guest suite. Upstairs, the spacious primary bedroom is a true sanctuary, boasting an elegant tray ceiling, a large walk-in closet, and a spa-like en suite bathroom with dual sinks, a luxurious shower, and a Jacuzzi tub for ultimate relaxation. Practicality meets luxury in the two-car garage, equipped with ample storage space, three large tool cabinets, and new lighting for optimal organization. Recent updates include a brand-new roof, two new AC units and furnaces, a new water heater, and more, providing you with peace of mind and comfort for years to come. The outdoor charm continues with a freshly repaired and painted fence, a new porch light, and a quaint front yard fountain, creating a serene and welcoming ambiance. The beautifully landscaped community, maintained by the HOA, features Cherry Trees and Magnolias that offer stunning seasonal displays. With plenty of guest parking, entertaining is a delight. And as an added bonus, this home comes with a seller-paid home warranty, ensuring your investment is protected. Living here means enjoying the vibrant lifestyle that the Town of Herndon offers—community events, unique shops, and a variety of dining options just moments from your doorstep. Whether hosting friends, savoring quiet moments, or exploring your new neighborhood, this home offers a lifestyle of luxury and ease. Don’t miss the chance to make this beautifully maintained, luxurious townhome your own. Your dream home awaits—come see it for yourself this weekend!

Built in 2009

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$333 per Sq. Ft.

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2,400 Sq. Ft.

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