The Witherall House, at 612 W. Robinson St., built in 1874, blends Victorian and Greek revival-style influences. At just under 2,000 square feet, the house is one of the smallest historic homes on the tour.
While attending a summer party at the Governor's Mansion, Carter and Peggy Twedt noticed that the historic little house down the street was for sale.
Knowing the owners, the pair went to have a look at the property, but had no intention of buying it.
After taking a tour of the Witherall House, the couple began the two-block walk home. By the time they reached their front door, they had decided to buy the house.
The couple moved into the historic house, at 612 W. Robinson St., 20 years ago this Christmas. This year they are opening up their home as part of the Victorian Home Christmas Tour.
"We do the home tour periodically and decided to be a part of it this year," Peggy said. "We've been involved with the historical society since the mid-90s and try to do what we can."
The 2006 tour includes 12 stops and will run from 1-6 p.m. Sunday. The tour is a fundraiser for the proposed Carriage House to be built at the Robert's House Museum.
The Witherall House is one of three locations not on last year's tour, joining Chapel Antiques and the Hyman Olcovich home.
The Witherall House, built in 1874, features a Victorian vernacular with strong Greek revival-style influences. At just under 2,000 square-feet, the house is one of the smallest historic homes on the tour.
The home features raised ceilings in the dining room, a detached garage and a pickleball court in the back yard.
"A lot of times people are surprised because our tastes are very modern, and it's not what they expect in a historic home," Peggy said.
While the couple said their tastes are very similar, they differ when it comes to selecting a favorite room.
"The kitchen is my favorite. It's just a fun room," Carter said.
Peggy said, "I think mine is the dining room, not because of the room itself, but because you can see the mountains. And it's a good place for people to gather."
One of the locations on the tour isn't a home at all. It's the Brewery Arts Center Annex, where historic Nevada characters will come back to life during the tour.
Fred Stanio will portray Hank Monk as Nevada's famous stagecoach driver; Christina Bourne will portray Emma Nevada, Nevada's famous opera singer; Laura Haven will play guitar and sing; Chris Bayer will play early Nevada songs on his banjo; and the Barbershop Quartet will sing some Christmas medleys.
The Victorian Christmas Tour is sponsored by the Carson City Historical Society and Carson City Redevelopment.
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
If you go
What: Victorian Christmas Tour
When: 1-6 p.m. Sunday
Where: 12 locations in the downtown historic district
Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for seniors over 65 and students ages 13-18, $5 for ages 5-12. Tickets may be purchased at the Carson City Visitors Bureau, 1900 S. Carson St.; Greenhouse Garden Center, 22450 S. Curry St. and Roberts House Museum, 1207 N. Carson St., beginning at 10 am on the day of the tour.
Call: Dorothy Dolan at 882-1805 for information.
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