After a four-year hiatus, the Vankleek Hill Christmas Home Tour is back. Inspiring attendees for over 20 years, this tour is highly anticipated and the entire community is on board.
I recently moved to Vankleek Hill and had heard about this amazing, festive tour. Luckily, I am able to participate as a homeowner opening my home and also as a designer decorating two homes.
People from all over Ottawa and beyond mark the date on their calendar (this year it’s Saturday, Nov. 2), grab their friends and make a day of it. Vankleek Hill will give everyone a warm welcome to kick off the festive season, showcasing six beautiful homes.
It indeed does take a village to host this tour and everyone helps out to ensure its success:
- 85+ volunteers help out
- local businesses sponsor various aspects of the tour
- churches open their doors for lunch and bake sales
- the shops downtown welcome visitors
- seven not-for-profit local organizations will share in the proceeds of the tour.
Louise Sproule has been at the helm of this annual event for over 20 years and she loves how it brings everyone together. I was joking with her that she knows every home in Vankleek Hill!
As a bonus to showcasing these beautifully decorated homes, each one will have a local vendor stationed outside. Visit the website to learn more about these vendors and what they will be offering.
Here is the Vankleek Hill Christmas Home Tour lineup for this year:
Home #1
This is my home and I am so excited to open my doors for the tour. It’s the first time it’s been on the tour.
Shortly before I bought it, my home underwent a complete interior makeover. The original staircase remains but an updated open interior, new kitchen and bathrooms show how a century home can be updated while still respecting the home’s history.
It’s a great home for entertaining or being in your Zen space.
Surprise! The vendor that will be stationed outside my home is Curated Finds Inspired For You — the creative collective I founded with two friends a year ago in Smiths Falls. It brings together found treasures we’ve uncovered and a space for women artisans, offering fabulous home decor, workshops and more.
Home #2
This three-bedroom home is our “country” home for the 2024 edition of the tour. The vaulted ceiling living room is the highlight of the home, but we can’t wait to see what the rest of this home looks like when it is done up for Christmas.
We will have something in store for you as you leave in the outdoor kitchen area. I’ll also be decorating this home with the homeowners.
Home #3
New owners have made their mark inside this home. They have opened up the centre of the home, changed how they use the interior rooms, modified the primary bedroom and, of course, the interior designer who lives here has added countless elements to this home, all the while respecting its heritage roots.
Home #4
This home has been lovingly restored by its current owners, who — like me — are relative newcomers to Vankleek Hill. A special treat: one of the homeowners, who is a musician, will play the piano and offer some vocal renditions during the afternoon.
Home #5
This stone home making its debut on the tour is a delight. Its new owners are putting their own touches on the inside and out. If you’ve been to Vankleek Hill before, you may have walked past this historical gem on your way to the tulip fields, which are located right behind this unique home.
Home #6
This home has undergone a transformation in recent years and is now home to a busy family. We love the great room at its rear and the home features windows from the Vankleek Hill convent chapel, salvaged prior to demolition.
Sneak peek
Here’s a sneak peek at the festive feel I will be going for in my home. I wanted to try a little something different this Christmas using lighter shades, lots of twinkle lights, nature and a bit of bling. It’s the perfect combination to help celebrate Christmas 2024.
My inspiration was to keep as much of my everyday decor as I could and easily incorporate Christmas into my rooms.
Here are some examples:
Dining room table: The candleholders are a staple on my table all year. I added some greenery, twinkle lights, pinecones, driftwood and some baubles to the centre of the table. The brown rectangular dishes are my everyday dishes, paired with some Christmas china.
Coffee table in living room: The tray with birds is the basis of this vignette with greenery, metal silver spike half orbs, a white tree, a glass tree and a pair of reindeer adding interest.
Stairs: These mini trees accented with clear lights are the perfect addition to the staircase.
Upper hall: I love this large artwork and the smoke grey glass vases on either side of it. I wanted to have a bit of fun so I found two metal stick reindeer and placed them standing in some greenery with lights. It’s almost like the reindeer have walked out from the artwork.
Master bedroom: I saw this fabulous branch tree at a client’s home after they moved in and they were gracious enough to loan it to me for the tour. It is the perfect festive addition to my bedroom — understated, natural and it ties into my look. I will be sad to see it go back to them.
Ladder & wreath: My ladder and throw are a big part of the decor in my bedroom all year long. I added this unique wreath and mini lights and I really love the look. I think I will keep this up all year long.
Festive cushion: I knew I didn’t want to change out my duvet cover and shams for Christmas. I thought about it and decided to look for a Christmas cushion that ties everything together. I think I found the perfect one!
There are 850 tickets available and they go fast! Tickets are $30 each. Get yours today.
The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. For more information, visit the tour website.
I hope to see you there. Make the scenic drive to Vankleek Hill. I promise you it will be worth it!
