Annual Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour showcases architecture, decorations Dec. 5 & 6

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The country's most extensive collection of Victorian mansions and picturesque homes will be on display at the 39th Annual Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour.

Homeowners are inviting the public to get a unique glimpse of how they've put a modern touch on their homes dating back to the late 1800s. It's what the neighborhood likes to call "appropriate voyeurism." This year's event will be on December 5 and 6, 2015, from noon to 6:00 pm both days, and includes homes on Ormsby Avenue, First Street, Saint James Court and Fourth Street.

Along with the private residences, the tour begins at the Woman's Club of Louisville and also stops at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum on Saint James Court. The Old Louisville Neighborhood Council also includes Christmas carolers, food vendors and shuttle buses for easier travel between the residences on the tour.

Dr. David and Elizabeth Paige are opening their home on West Ormsby for the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour. The three-story brick home was built in 1894 and owned by prominent and professional Louisvillians in the early 1900s. As with many of the houses in Old Louisville, it was converted into a 4-plex in the 1950s.

In 2010, architect Mark Wright bought this house and converted it back into a single family home. After taking it down to the studs, he rebuilt the home as a modern living space with the charm of yesteryear. The interior incorporates the original staircase, stained glass windows, customized wooden light fixtures, and sheetrock used as a design element throughout the house. The first floor features tray ceilings and a raised dining room; granite, stone and tile inlay designs are found on each floor. Dr. and Mrs. Paige purchased the house in 2011 and have added their own special touches, including a beautiful stained glass front door, pieces of art throughout the house from the St. James Court Art Show, and many lovely objects d'art from their trips to India.

Holiday Home Tour tickets are $25 in advance if purchased before 5 p.m. on Friday, December 4th. Ticket prices increase to $30.00 the day of the tour and can be purchased at the Woman's Club of Old Louisville on South Fourth Street. Tickets can also be purchased at any time at www.oldlouisville.org.

The Holiday Home Tour is a primary fundraiser for the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council. Proceeds directly and supports its mission of promoting and improving the Old Louisville neighborhood.

About Old Louisville Neighborhood Council

The Old Louisville Neighborhood Council is a federation of 21 neighborhood associations that represent 12,000 people. They serve as the official voice of Old Louisville. And they work to preserve and protect one of the nation's oldest historic preservation districts of Victorian mansions. Old Louisville is an exceptional heritage tourism destination, where visitors can walk these beautiful neighborhoods of 19th century town homes anytime and tour the mansions in May and December. They are also home to many artistic and cultural events throughout the year, including: SpringFest, the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, the St. James Court Art Show, the Garvin Gate Blues Festival, the Victorian Tales of Terror Halloween event and the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour. Visit www.oldlouisville.org for more information.