Phoenix Area Historic Homes Invites Visitors

Ever wonder what it was like on the inside of some of those old Phoenix area historic homes?  Well, now’s your chance as they open their doors and invite visitors inside for home tours.

I continue to be drawn to the stately beauty, the unique charm and the overflowing character of historic homes.  Perhaps it stemmed from my childhood:  As a kid growing up in a Chicago suburb, my brother and I would play in the hidden catwalk of our early 20^th century brick French Normandy with its mansard roof.  Or, maybe it began with the 1920’s English Tudor where my grandparents lived while in Dayton.  We’d play for hours in the glass green house in the rear grounds where my grandmother tended her geraniums. 

Whenever I hear of an opportunity to explore historic homes, I jump at the chance.  Looks like it’s going to be a busy spring from me.  This season, a number of historic neighborhoods are inviting visitors in to take a tour.  If you’re curious like me to see the inside of some of these homes, you’ll want to mark your calendars for these Home Tours:

March 6 and 10 – Coronado Historic Home & Garden Tour (and wine tasting). 10 am to 4 pm.  Call 602-565-6544 for more information.

March 13 – Tucson Home Tour presented by Sam Hughes Neighborhood.  12Noon to 5 pm.  Call 520-323-7891 for more information.

March 20 – "Homes through Time" hosted by Cave Creek Museum featuring historic to contemporary homes.  10 am to 4 pm.  Call 480-488-2764 for more information.

March 27 – Encanto-Palmcroft Preservation Association hosts its biennial home tour.  10 am to 4 pm. Call 602-345-1448 for more information.

Those stately homes of my childhood had character and were anything but ordinary.  Talk about attention to detail - carved doors, beveled glass in the windows, a built-in bench in the morning room off the kitchen, circular staircases that would go on for ever – rare to see that kind of quality in the newer built homes of today.  I had a balcony off my bedroom in one house where my brother and I were busted for building a ladder to escape from the requisite afternoon naps!  I’m convinced it was from those days as a kid that sparked my interest in architecture, design and real estate.

As these Phoenix area historic homes open their doors and welcome visitors, I’ll walk their halls straining to hear the stories I hope those walls would tell. 

©2011 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC. Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com.

Historic Home Tour Kicks off the Holidays

FQ Story Luminaria Tour Set

Its official – the acclaimed holiday tour in downtown Phoenix’s FQ Story district is set – This highly regarded event has become a family tradition for many as a kick off to the holiday season.  Always something to look forward to – this year’s event takes place Saturday, December 4 from 6 pm to 9 pm.  If you haven’t been, you’re in for a treat.  This is a holiday event you don’t want to miss.

For the past 26 years, Phoenicians look forward to the festive event with luminarias lining the walks of this quaint historic district. Residents open their doors to their restored classics and welcome visitors, young and old into their homes. 

Ten homes along Culver Street - each a restored gem in its own right - will be open this year and promise to treat visitors with architectural beauty, historic integrity, Dickens-like carolers and plenty of holiday magic.

The tour resumes the following day, as well.  On Sunday, December 5 from 11 am to 5 pm, vendors set up booths with crafts, gift items, food, beverages and bakery items. 

With a non-perishable food item, tickets are $15 per person.   The event begins at 9th Avenue and Culver Street.  Tickets are available on-site.

For complete details, including a map and photos of homes being featured, visit FQ Story online.

©2010 Tom Weiskopf, PLLC.  Tom Weiskopf, PLLC is an AZ licensed real estate agent with John Hall & Associates serving the Phoenix area. For more information, Tom can be reached at (602) 953-4000 or via e-mail at phxareahomes@gmail.com.