Columbiana house tour will light the way to holidays

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Susan Bissell of Columbiana stands in the enchanting kitchen of her three-story Victorian home, which she and her husband have transformed into a quaint, warm bed and breakfast. The house is one of several that will be on display for the Norman Rockwell Christmas-themed house tour sponsored by the Columbiana Women’s Club on Nov. 19 and 20.

COLUMBIANA

The Columbiana Women’s Club will sponsor its fourth annual house tour Nov. 19 and 20.

Six venues are ready to display holiday decorations in accordance with the Firestone Lights Show that same weekend, sponsored by the Columbiana Chamber of Commerce.

A traditional, or “Norman Rockwell,” Christmas is the theme.

The event comprises a walking tour plus one country home, and it takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Women’s Club, 121 N. Main St. A Christmas boutique on the second floor of the home will offer decorative items, new and used, for sale.

Tickets cost $16 for the brunch and the tour and may be bought in advance from the Next-To-New Shop and from Vivian’s. On the days of the tour, tickets will also be available at each of the houses, as well as the CWC.

Built in 1949, the Corey House, on Vine Street, includes three stories filled with an adventure for the collector’s eye. Among the many treasures featured in the charming Williamsburg decor will be carved wooden antique carousel animals, Stobart nautical prints, Boehm birds and a Cybis carousel collection.

On Main Street, the Bissell House is the realization of a dream for the husband and wife team who have renovated the Beaux art home into a bed and breakfast.

Skilled craftsmanship in the remodeling carpentry, as well as a creative designer’s eye for the furnishings, have transformed this three-story Victorian home into an enchanting and warm residence for the owners and their guests. Three suites on the second floor, a third-floor apartment and charming kitchen, dining, sitting and living rooms on the first floor will be decked out in holiday finery for the tour. All of the work has been done by the Bissells.

Located in the Retreat off Kelly Park Road is the country home of Jim and Donna Brown, a custom-designed lake-front residence.

Its octagonal turret rooms on the corners make it resemble a castle. Other features of note include the central two-story fireplaces, a spacious living room and a lake-level family room. Featured in the tour will be Donna Brown’s museum-quality golf collection, a Red Skelton gallery of original clown paintings, and many woodcraft items designed and made by Jim Brown.

Also on Main Street and next to Columbiana Women’s Club sits the charming Barley Twists Antique shop.

The shop will be decked out in festive items created by owners Barbara and Alfie Farrand. Those, and the many items of china, vintage tablecloths and art, make this shop, tearoom and garden a special treat for holiday shoppers.

The Columbiana Historical Society will open its log cabin and museum on the square for the display of Christmas decorations old and new. Members will conduct visitors through the two buildings with information about the historic furnishings.