It’s Housewalk Weekend in Elgin, and this is our neighbors’ beautiful house that was on the tour this year. I was privileged to be one of the “House Captains.”
The owners worked their butts off to get the house perfect for the tour – and that’s what it was! The floors shined, the carpets were clean, every surface sparkled or glowed. Lit candles and fragrance filled the downstairs, along with two seasonal floral arrangements. The interior showed what hard work and diligence could create – a beautiful, livable space that was inviting and comfortable.
Chris and Rebecca (the owners) took over a wreck of a house 4 years ago. The grand staircase had lost it railing and newel posts. They rescued woodwork from a condemned house and Chris re-fitted it to work – and what a labor that was! The donor staircase was built in the opposite direction of the recipient space.
They repainted, tore out walls, switched rooms around for one of the bathrooms, added an upstairs laundry room and completely revamped the kitchen.
But, the truly spectacular feat was the exterior. With seven different custom designed paint colors, it is stunning. As are most of the houses on this year’s tour.
They are the true stars – all of them at least 100 years old, and loaded with history. Next year, come to Elgin, IL on the Saturday after Labor Day, and take the tour! Who knows! You might end up speaking the language of architecture afterwards – or even better – buying one of these gems yourself!
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