Tour of Homes celebrates 30 Years with a country twist

WASHINGTON — The Tour of Homes has 30 years of holiday cheer to celebrate this year.

For this anniversary, the committee decided to do a special edition that features homes located in the country.

This year’s tour has both old and new farmhouses, sponsored by the Washington Chamber of Commerce and will be held Dec. 4 and 5.

The tour offers visitors the opportunity to see a 19th century home, a new home built in 2019, a home built in 2014 on a family farm and a home built in 2012 that has salvaged woodwork for a vintage feel.

Scott and Cassie Goodwin’s home at 2266 Hwy 1 & 22 is the fourth home they have built, finished in 2019.

It features beautiful acreage with an amazing view. Scott has shown his creativity and keen eye on this house. Windows, lighting and walk-in pantry are the favorites.

Located at 2511 190th St., a 19th Century home built in 1891 by Civil War Capt. James B. Gallagher, Bob and Diane Gallagher are the fifth generation of Gallaghers to live here.

The home retains most of the original woodwork, including a beautiful oak staircase.

In 2019, an en suite was added to provide a downstairs bedroom and bathroom.

Christmas Cookies sponsored by Paneless Window Cleaning will be handed out at this home.

The home of Craig and Tina Montz at 2351 190th St. was built in 2012, and this new home features woodwork salvaged from St. James Rectory, including the staircase.

The five-acre homestead includes a wood-peg barn that was re-sided in 2014, and it was partially converted to have pigs in 2018.

Though the home is new, the inside has a vintage feel.

Mike and Katie Norman live at 1850 170th St. in Wellman.

Their 2300-square-foot home was built on the family farm in 2014.

The home features an open floor concept with four bedrooms, finished basement and farm laundry room.

This family loves decorating for the holidays with multiple trees throughout the home. Reminiscing over Christmas tree ornaments is their favorite holiday pastime.

For the anniversary celebration, homes are not the only feature on this country tour. There are also two business stops that you will want to cruise to.

Wooden Wheel Vineyards located at 1179 IA-92 in Keota was established as a farm in 1854 and a vineyard in 2011.

Join owners Mike and Connie Vincent as they tell the rich stories of pioneer life with many wines dedicated to their ancestors.

Wooden Wheel will be doing wine tastings for tour-goers and don’t forget to get a Peppermint Polaroid to take home that is sponsored by Community 1st Credit Union.

Repurpose It is a shop located at 107 W Second St. in Washington is also on the stop.

They feature holiday and everyday home décor, furniture, candles and giftables.

There will be a Christmas craft, appetizers and drinks at this stop.

Tour hours are from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and are available at the Chamber of Commerce office and participating retailers.