Two historic homes, a church celebrating its centennial and the magnificent Joslyn Castle will be on display during the 2015 Holiday Historic Home Tour and Boutique on December 4 and 5 from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m.
The music room in the Barton Millard home.
Guests are invited to enjoy the Barton Millard home at 3650 Burt St., the John A. Swanson house at 418 North 38th St., St. Barnabas Church at 129 N. 40th St. and the Joslyn Castle at 3902 Davenport St.
The Millard House, built in 1911 and designed by architect John McDonald, is an amalgam of Colonial Revival and Arts and Crafts styles. Millard earned his fortune in the real estate and insurance business. His maternal grandfather was early Omaha pioneer and millionaire, Guy C. Barton; his fraternal grandfather was former United States senator Joseph Millard. The home’s current owners are Creighton professors Tom and Mary Kuhlman.
The Swanson residence living room.
George Prinz designed the Tudor Revival Swanson residence in 1921 as a wedding gift from Swanson to his only daughter. The 8,000 square foot home features eight bedrooms, 14-foot ceilings and more than 70 windows. Steven and Deidre Evans reside there now. As part of the Gold Coast Historic District, both homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Architect and church member Charles Nye designed St. Barnabas Church, which was completed in 1915. The Anglican church was influenced by the English Vernacular Revival style, though its interior has a medieval look and feel.
Called Lynhurst by the Joslyns, the fortress-like home that the community later came to name Joslyn Castle was designed by John McDonald in the Scottish Baronial style. The 35-room home, completed in 1903, had its own gymnasium, conservatory, music room and bowling alley. The Castle and its carriage house were built of Kansas silverdale limestone.
Inside the Castle, a gift boutique will provide tour attendees with an opportunity to do some holiday shopping. A wide variety of vendors offering unique gift items will be part of the boutique this year. Vendors include Voilá, The Afternoon, HUSH la boutique, TOGS, Chef, as well as out-of-state vendors.
During the tour, a complimentary shuttle courtesy of Creighton University will transport tour attendees between the four sites. Parking will be available at the Joslyn Castle and at St. Cecilia’s Cathedral throughout the tour. Parking may also be available on the street near each tour location.
Tickets are $20 for the tour and to shop in the boutique. Tickets may be purchased at each of the tour sites on December 4 or 5, or in advance via the Joslyn Castle website.
A Holiday Patron Party with special preferential shopping at the Boutique will be held on December 3, 2015, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Joslyn Castle. Tickets for the Patron Party are $75 and include admission to the tour on December 4 and 5.