by Laura Lucas and John Phillips

On Dec. 5, five Chestnut Hill homeowners will open their doors for the 2015 Holiday House Tour. This week is a “double header” featuring our fourth and fifth homes. We’ll jump right in and share some information about these homes and their owners.

Fourth Home Clue

Our fourth featured home was commissioned by developer Henry Houston in 1890 and represents a significant transition in American architecture. While the roofline and large veranda are common to the Victorian styles of the time, the double-sash windows and symmetrical facade mark it as one of the early “Colonial Revival” homes in Chestnut Hill. The style suits our homeowner who has recently relocated back to the area and appreciates her home’s historic charm.

HHT: What is your holiday decorating style?

Homeowner: Fun, whimsical and chic.

HHT: Is there a special decoration that HHT visitors might expect to see?

Homeowner: Two things: The ornaments my two daughters made in preschool and a cool candy Lucite Xmas tree in my kitchen created by Marnie Cullen.

HHT: What’s your fondest Christmas or holiday memory from your childhood?

Homeowner: My father was the rector of St. Martins when I was a child, so my favorite memory is of the midnight service at the church and then waking up the next day to Christmas presents.

HHT: What’s one decorating tip that you would share?

Homeowner: To have fun and only decorate with things you truly love and that have meaning to you.

HHT: What’s your favorite holiday song?

Homeowner: Silent Night because I think it is beautiful.

HHT: Complete this sentence: I love the holidays because …

Homeowner: I love any chance to celebrate and take a moment to be grateful with those I care for.

HHT: My favorite Christmas or holiday dessert is…

Homeowner: My mother's homemade Buche de Noel.

HHT: Our research on your home revealed a wonderful evolution story, do you mind if we share?

Homeowner: Sure!

By 1880, Henry Houston accumulated more than 5,000 acres of land in the Wissahickon Valley, arranged for a spur of the Pennsylvania Railroad terminating at St Martins Station, then built many large homes in what is now West Chestnut Hill.

With the 1876 Centennial, Americans began looking to their past to create a new national identity. Drawn from English neoclassical styles, Colonial Revival elements were gradually introduced into domestic architecture. From row-homes to stately mansions, the scalability, use of space and potential for decorative customization made Colonial Revival the dominant American architectural style to this day.

While the exterior of the house remains original, the interior has been modernized over time. The current owner did extensive work to return the home to its original configuration.

Fifth Home Clue

Our fifth featured home was considered innovative when it was built in the 1920s. It was designed to focus around the terrace and rear garden rather than the more traditional central entrance hall. All of the public rooms open to this area, which becomes a great room without a roof. The result is a light-filled, flowing and spacious floor plan that was perfect for the increasingly informal entertainment style of the 1920s. This suits our homeowner who makes every occasion one to celebrate whether it’s in or outdoors.

HHT: What is your holiday decorating style?

Homeowner: Love the traditional red/green done in an over the top manner. More is best!

HHT: Is there a special decoration that HHT visitors might expect to see?

Homeowner: My tree is decorated with individual ornaments chosen by my husband over 31 years, and each one carries a special memory.

HHT: What’s your fondest Christmas or holiday memory from your childhood?

Homeowner: Going to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, coming home to sumptuous breakfast, and opening presents, save one, which was kept for Christmas Day.

HHT: Do you have a favorite tradition?

Homeowner: A large traditional Christmas Dinner with friends, family and lots of champagne!

HHT: What’s one decorating tip that you would share?

Homeowner: If you like it, just do it! It’s your choice to express yourself and there is no right or wrong.

HHT: What’s your favorite holiday song?

Homeowner: I have two: "Sleigh Ride” because it evokes the delight and merriment of the season and "Adeste Fidelis" because it brings the spirituality of the season.

HHT: Do you have a pet? And how do you celebrate make the holidays special for your pet?

Homeowner: Every day is Christmas for my dog but on the actual day he shares in most items on the Christmas menu -- and he gets two wrapped presents.

HHT: Complete this sentence: I love the holidays because…

Homeowner: They carry a magical aura that overcomes much of the world in a sense of unity, at least for a little while.

HHT: My favorite Christmas or holiday dessert is …

Homeowner: Plum Pudding with homemade brandy butter.

HHT: Our research on your home revealed a wonderful evolution story, do you mind if we share?

Homeowner: Sure!

In the building boom of the 1920s, architects drew on a wide variety of influences to design a new generation of modern luxury homes. Compared with other houses of the day, the facade of this home presents as a fortified Norman Manor-house. This design was specifically chosen to provide privacy from the street, a technique inspired by 16th and 17th Century French townhouses.

The architecture drew on a number of English, French, and Italian influences to experiment with the integration of interior and exterior spaces. Though common today, these concepts were very progressive in their time and both the home and the garden were featured in contemporary architectural journals.

To get your ticket for this year’s Chestnut Hill Christmas-Holiday Tour or Preview Party, visit chestnuthill.org. Now that the CHCA is a 501(c)(3) entity, a portion of ticket purchases are tax deductible. Tickets are $45 online and for CHCA members; $50 for non-members, and $195 for Preview Party the night before. All tickets include access to Woodmere Museum, a welcome reception with drinks and goodies, and trolley service. Registration takes place at Woodmere and Hill Company. Many area businesses and restaurants offer special discounts to tour attendees that make it a fun day on the Hill. Preview Party tickets include a Holiday House Tour ticket, one CHCA household membership and a fabulous night of jazz music at a sixth house that is only open Friday night. Use #chestnuthillpa or CHCA’s Facebook page on the day of the tour to share your adventure.