The Women’s Club of Exeter Township’s 18th Annual Holiday House Tour will be held Sunday, Dec. 6, from 12 to 5 p.m.
This year’s featured house owned by Darla and William Timberlake.
Nominated by neighbors – the Timberlake’s house at 21 Hayden Circle, Reading, will be taking part in the 18th tour.
While Darla has some experience with house tours, this is the first year her house will be featured.
“It’s nice to know what you do for yourself is enjoyed by others,” says Darla, adding that she has friends taking the house tour this year and she’s excited to show them what she did.
This year she created color schemes for each of the rooms throughout the first floor. The front is heavy with gold and crystals, while the back is bold with reds and a country take. The front and back yards will also be decked out, with a cozy seating area included.
“[Christmas] is a special time for the family,” said Darla, explaining how many of William’s family members have passed away before their son was born. The hope is that these individuals will be remembered and kept alive with the traditions, ornaments, and decorations which have been passed down.
She was thrilled to inherit the heirlooms. While their not quite Christmas-related – Darla says her favorite of the collection is his great-grandmother’s dinnerware, which goes back five generations and contains initials of past family members on the pieces themselves.
In regards to the holiday decorating, Darla admits she takes the lead while her husband and son help with the “grunt work.”
Built in 2004, the couple has been working on the house for the past 11 years.
Darla says she’s been taking ideas from magazines, pulling photos and articles, eventually executing the ones she is excited about. “Sometimes the world is so chaotic – decorating and organizing is my outlet.”
She is also inspired by other houses in the years past. “Every year there’s something very unique – It’s neat to see how everybody views Christmas.”
Altogether, there will be six houses will be shown during the tour. New this year – tour participants will gain admission to the homes with a wristband. Organizers hope this will help alleviate congestion at entrances.
Also, everyone is asked to be cautious while driving, parking and walking. The use of cameras, phones, spike heels and strollers is discouraged. Food and drinks are prohibited inside the homes.
This 18th tour will includes the home of Jill and Adrian Koerner built in 1790 on Old Friedensburg Road, the home of Cheryl and Eric Larson at 1002 Owls Next Drive, the original part of the Mordecai-Lincoln Homestead on Dennis Drive, Julie and Rick Angstadt’s Christmas fantasy home on Sunrise Road, Ridgewood Winery in Birdsboro and the Daniel Boone Homestead.
Tickets to the 18th Annual Holiday House Tour are $12. They are on sale now at Boscov’s East, The Exeter Library And Effie’s Charcoal Chef Restaurant.
