In the spirit of holiday giving, a crisis at the village food bank has prompted local designer Sonya Kinkade to spearhead a Richmond home tour to help the cause.
“(The) Richmond Food Bank is presently in a crisis with shelves empty along with their bank account,” says Kinkade, a Richmond resident and owner of Sonya Kinkade Design. “With the holidays coming and the Christmas hampers to fill for local families, I decided to start The Village of Richmond Holiday House & Business Tour with all proceeds of tickets sales going to the food bank.”
Kinkade’s company is donating their time and skill to decorate most of the homes and businesses on the tour, which takes place Dec. 2.
Tickets are just $25 and include stops at six homes, three businesses, a church, and other local attractions. Visitors are also invited to bring wrapped toys for children in need, which can be dropped off at an antique cutter that will be at one of the homes. (Gifts for children aged 0-18 should be wrapped and labeled for a boy or girl with the suggested age.)
The homes will all be decorated in different holiday styles, from rustic to vintage to modern or formal. Visiting the homes is a great way to get inspired for your own holiday decorating.
Here’s a peek at the homes on the tour. You can get details here and order tickets here.
Theme: Formal elegance & entertaining
A custom home built in 2004 features more than 5,000 square feet on the main level and is designed with four wings, giving it the appearance of a butterfly from above. The luxury bungalow has plenty of room for living and entertaining. It sits on five acres that includes a large pond great for feeding fish in the summer and skating in the winter.
Theme: Rustic farmhouse Christmas
Located just outside of town, this home was built in 2011 by a young couple who wanted to replicate a heritage stone farmhouse. It harkens to days of old with its antiques, rustic finds, country kitchen, sliding barn doors and wood stove. A beautiful horse stable will also be decorated.
Theme: Vintage Christmas
Organizer and designer Sonya Kinkade opens up her own home for the tour. Built in the 1970s, Kinkade and her contractor husband have added character and charm to their family’s home with custom built-ins, rustic wide plank pine flooring, a stunning dining room and four fireplaces.
Theme: Contemporary / modern Christmas
Designed by award-winning architect Christopher Simmonds, this home is a model home of builder Cedarstone Homes. It boasts 10-foot ceilings as well as Simmonds’ signature use of plenty of glazing to allow the indoor-outdoor connection.
Theme: Colourful Christmas
True to its style, this custom Tudor manor features a traditional design. Built in the 1980s, it’s home to a family of five and includes gorgeous windows throughout, hardwood doors, a large updated kitchen, dramatic staircase, and spacious rooms.
Theme: Classic comforts Christmas
It may appear modest from the outside, but this 1986 home is a favourite of the community for its classically elegant interiors and homeowners’ warm hospitality. It was recently updated in a more open-concept design. Always magical at Christmas, it is the only home on the tour that will be decorated by its owner.
