The holidays are coming soon, there is a chill in the air, and there is excitement with the members of the Clifton Forge Woman’s Club as they present the twelfth Holiday Home Tour, featuring homes in the entire Alleghany Highlands. This magical event is on Saturday, December 3, 2022, from 10:00 AM until 5:00 P.M. You are invited to tour all five lovely homes to enjoy holiday decorations and warm hospitality.
Tickets are $15.00 and may be purchased from any Woman’s Club member, at businesses in Clifton Forge and Covington and at The Historic Masonic Theatre during business hours. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the tour at each home location. In addition to the beautifully decorated homes on this year’s tour, holiday refreshments will be served throughout the day at the Historic Masonic as guests are encouraged to place their final bids on auction items included in the Holiday Joy Silent Auction. The Holiday Joy Silent Auction runs from November 28 through 5:00 pm on December 3.
Homes featured on the 2022 Holiday Home Tour are:
Diane & Buddy Buchanan, 115 Main Street, Glen Wilton
The home of Buddy & Diane Buchanan located in the quaint village of Glen Wilton was built by Dr. William Walkup in 1867, originally as a Federal styled home. It was renovated in the early 1900’s when Glen Wilton was a booming iron ore community. Dr. Robert Givens, the “company” doctor changed the original appearance of the home by adding attic dormers, a bay window, and a wraparound porch. After being purchased at an auction in 1988, more renovations were completed to modernize the home while retaining the authenticity of many of the original features. Many family heirlooms and collected antiques with interesting stories of acquisition will delight visitors as they enjoy a holiday tour of the Buchanan’s unique home.
Diane & Jim Garcia, Sugar Run Farm, 208 Summit Drive, Covington, Route #18
Step back in time as you enter the driveway of Sugar Run Farm on old Potts Creek Railroad bed, leading you to Four Stone Manor, named for the four stones supporting the original house, prior to total renovation. Enter the charming hallway depicting the true meaning of Christmas, which flows into the old stone flooring as you enter the original Hearth Room of simpler times. The home was built in 1895 and has had additions built on each side of the original four-square structure. Heart pine flooring and walls from the property still remain in the original dwelling as well as the newspapers from the 1900’s used as wall insulation to provide warmth on the second level. Enjoy the stone fireplaces, Christmas trees and examples of Christmas traditions in every room! If you are looking for a peaceful, festive and joyous way to start your holiday season….you are invited to Sugar Run Farm for a Christmas-in-the-Country experience.
Susan & Ron Goings, 1717 Ridgevue Avenue, Clifton Forge, Forest Hills
Bordering the George Washington National Forest and built in 1978, the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath single-story ranch home sits on the northern limits of the Town of Clifton Forge. Dr. Ronald and Susan Goings purchased their home in May 1992. It will be easy to tell that they raised four wonderful children by the collection of Disney decorations, including Christmas plates, globes, cookie jars and over 1,000 comic books. Touches of history of the C&O railroad (for whom Susan’s father worked) are sprinkled throughout the home with lanterns, ornaments and trains. Dr. Goings was a family practice physician in Clifton Forge for 35 years. You will see his collection of medical figurines displayed in the medicine cabinets which once stood in the old C&O Hospital. Throughout the home you will see precious mementos they have collected from travels abroad. The lawn will be decorated with a variety of Christmas reindeer. The Goings look forward to having you spend a little bit of your Christmas holiday in their home.
4. Shannon Hogan, 602 Midland Trail, Covington, Rosedale
The charming Victorian home is located in the historic Rosedale district. The immaculate three-story Victorian home was built in 1899 and is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. Affectionately referred to as “The Victorian”, this historic landmark underwent a complete renovation in 2021 which took one year to complete. “The Victorian” features many modern touches while maintaining the architectural integrity and history of the home. Christmas decorations include three modern trees in the parlor, one traditional tree in the piano room and three vintage trees from the 1960’s in the foyer. This home is a treasure!
Cathy & Chris Leitch, 103 W. Country Club Lane, Covington, Valley Ridge Highlands
The Leitch’s home was built in 1977 and is a four-bedroom, three-bath brick ranch home located in the Valley Ridge Highlands. Cathy and Chris purchased the home in July 2015. They will feature an extensive collection of Snow Babies purchased by Chris for his mother every Christmas for many years. Also on display will be a collection of nativity scenes that include the Willow Tree Nativity as well as a nativity by Fitz and Floyd. The Leitch’s also plan to decorate several Christmas trees, one that features ornaments sold by the Alleghany Historical Society and gifted to Westvaco employees for many holidays. A tree with all handmade ornaments will also be showcased. The Leitches are delighted to share their home with you this Christmas.
The Holiday Joy Silent Auction opens on November 28 and will be open every day from 11:00 to 3:00 on the third floor of The Historic Masonic Theatre. On December 3, the last day to place a bid, the Auction will be open from 10:00 to 5:00—the same hours at the Holiday Home Tour. Woman’s Club members and Town businesses contribute one-of-a-kind, stunning items for the Auction. The Auction, located on the third-floor WestRock Community Room, and is accessible by either stairs or elevator.
In addition to Woman’s Club members, tickets may be purchased at Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center, The Historic Masonic Theatre, Livy’s Closet, Market Field Market, Shear Independence Salon, Cafe Museo, and All Over The Place in Clifton Forge and Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and Elaine Mitchell Salon in Covington or at any tour location on the day of the Tour. All proceeds from the Home Tour and Holiday Joy Silent Auction are donated back to the community to non-profits and charities in the Alleghany Highlands.