Home Tour Number Five - Westenberg House

Feature

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Both Sharon and Jim Westenberg are Christmas fanatics.

Beginning in November, Jim takes over the outside decorating while Sharon becomes immersed in decorating the interior of their ranch-style home.

Set back from County Rd. 17 (Tara road from Burgoyne) with a wide expanse of front lawn and a winding drive lined with birch trees, the home was built in November, 1976, so this year's Christmas Tour is also the family home's 33rd anniversary.

With over 2,300 square feet on the main level and the same on the lower level, decorating could be a challenge, but it is one that Sharon Westenberg meets and exceeds and is, in fact, one that is well under way.

Each of the rooms is colour-themed, with the formal living room being the 'blue' room, the sun room off the kitchen is the 'gold & white' room, the family room is the 'red' room, the main bath is the 'purple' room and the downstairs family room is in a 'rustic' country-style that includes a raffia draped tree.

The three large and four small trees throughout the home contain thousands of lights and Sharon's unique style that includes ribbon of every hue and carefully selected ornaments.

Everywhere you look in the home, there is an element of Christmas. Garlands wrap around the foyer banister and are draped over the large windows, miniature toy soldiers stand guard at the fireplace, gold and white 'santa's' adorn the walls, bowls are filled with glittering balls and even light fixtures are decorated with greenery and poinsettias.

While Sharon is busy inside with the help of friends, husband Jim takes over the outside with lighting that sets off the birch trees each of which the family has planted over the years. Also, outside are two large unique black urns at each side of the walkway that Sharon will also ensure are filled with holiday boughs from their own property.

While Christmas for some ends immediately after the big day, for the Westenbergs it doesn't end until the end of January. "We enjoy it so much," laughs Sharon, "that we have the house decorated for three months instead of three weeks."
 

Tree in the Blue Room

"We are looking forward to being on the Christmas Home Tour this year," adds Sharon. "We want to share our home and what we feel is a special time of year."

There is much to see during the day but, also, when dusk falls and the lights are on, this is a must see!

Tickets for the tour are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the Tour and are available at the following local merchants:
Mills Home Hardware-Tara
Joannie's Fashions-Paisley
Nicholson Design-Owen Sound
Denomy's TV and Appliance-Chesley
Cathy's Flowers 'n' Treasures-Port Elgin
Bayberry's of High St-Southampton
Becker Shoes-Port Elgin
Square Deal Neil's TV & Appliance Centre-Southampton

The proceeds from the tour will go toward the Regional Integrated-Accessible Playground to built at Jubilee Park in Southampton, the "Let's Play Campaign" and the Tara Curling Club.

The Tour is this Friday and Saturday (20th & 21st) ... Friday 6 - 9 and all day Saturday.

Home & Garden Home Tour House Number Four - George House

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Tuesday, November 17, 2009