Spend the afternoon touring some of Nacogdoches' most elegant private residences at the annual Tour of Homes presented by Friends of Historic Nacogdoches, Inc.
The tour will take place from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10 during the height of the Christmas season offering attendees a rare glimpse inside five beautifully decorated historic homes.
The Charles and Lois Marie Bright house, built in 1902, was designed by German architect Diedrich Rulfs. The three story Victorian house stands frozen in-time reflecting the lives of its long time occupants. Originally called the Lindsey House, it has been painstakingly restored and maintained by the Brights. Lois Marie was an expert antique collector who went to great lengths to find perfect pieces for this historic treasure. During Nacogdoches' celebration of 300 years, current owners Clem and Wanda Russell offer a one-time opportunity to tour the home, located at 706 Virginia Avenue.
Located at 600 Park Street in the heart of the historic district, the 1920's Victorian cottage was completely renovated on the interior and finished with French transitional decor. It boasts a "gourmet" kitchen that provides a view of the courtyard and pool. Furnishings are an eclectic mix of modern and French. Floors in the main living areas are original heart pine. Copper lanterns from Bevolo New Orleans were added for old world appeal. The house was restored by Gary Stripling and the interior was designed by Vicki Ross.
In 1942, Lacy Hunt built the Colonial Revival home located at 804 Logansport with select wood from Nacogdoches' saw mill. Last year, Charles and Lynn Watson purchased the home and before moving in, the Watson's asked local interior designer Tonia Watson to renovate the home with improvements and livability while maintaining the home's character and charm. Recently featured in the book, "The Azaleas of Nacogdoches," guests will enjoy soaking in the ambiance of the lovely front porch and back terrace. 
The Perkins-Reavley-Carroll house was built in 1900 and designed by noted architect Diedrich Rulfs. It is a two and a half story Victorian style home located at 516 N. Mound Street. The interior of the house is largely inact with beautiful original woodwork, stair railings, doors, and some light fixtures. It has an intriguing past with more than one owner admitting to encounters with a female apparition. Also unique to the property is a Caddo Indian mound on the corner of the front yard.
The last house on the tour is located at 216 N. Mound Street in the Washington Square Historic District. The architecture of this charming bungalow was said to be from Shreveport. The home was built by Henry Rulfs and overseen by Diedrich Rulfs. The home is filled with high ceilings with beautiful wood beams, 10-foot pocket French doors and numerous other built-ins. The home was built for Henry Mast and updated by new owners Joe and Trudy Pettigrew. The kitchen has been completely remodeled in a manner that retains the original character of the home.
Four of the five homes are located within walking distance; parking is available at Thomas J. Rusk School at 411 Mound Street. Due to limited parking, a bus will be available at the Thomas J. Rusk School beginning at 12:45 p.m. to shuttle ticket holders to the Bright home every 15 minutes. For those driving, parking for the Bright House will be at Nettie Marshall School at 422 W. Cox Street. Parking is not available on Virginia Avenue.
Tickets for the annual Tour of Homes are $25 and may be purchased at the Charles Bright Visitor Center,  200 E. Main Street, as well as at each home the day of the tour.
The Tour of Homes is sponsored by the Nacogdoches County Board of Realtors and proceeds benefit Friends of Historic Nacogdoches' various projects in the community.
The Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau has partnered with Holiday Inn Express & Suites to offer a special room rate during the month of December for those that book their hotel stay through the Holiday Packages page found on the CVB's website, www.VisitNacogdoches.org. 
For more information, please call the Nacogdoches CVB at (888) 564-7351 or visit www.NineFlagsFestival.com.