Gates & Gables Holiday House Tour

This year, Gates and Gables, the Andover Historical Society's biannual tour of houses, will treat visitors to an inside look at nine Andover homes displaying a colorful diversity of architectural, collecting, and decorating styles. The exciting range of architectural styles and periods add to the charm of this year's tour Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tickets for the Gates and Gables House Tour are $30 in advance for Society members, $35 in advance for non-members, and $40 the day of the tour.  Tickets can be purchased on line at www.andoverhistorical.org/housetour, or by calling the Andover Historical Society at 978.465.2236. 

House tour homes span a wide range of American architectural styles and time periods, from the 1800s to the 20th centuries.  From quaint vernacular houses, to stately 19th century homes full of surprises, there will be something for everyone on the 2011 Gates & Gables Holiday House Tour. 

One of the premier houses on 2011 house tour has undergone numerous renovations during its 154-year life.   Originally built for Jacob Farnum Carlton, an Andover native and New York-based hotelier, also intended the home to serve as his country retreat. Home for over 90 years to three generations of Carlton’s, it was sold in 1946 to Francis Perry, one of original architects chosen to restore Colonial Williamsburg. Perry made major renovations to the Carlton structure using 19th century features.  Interior walls were repositioned, a new Bulfinch-like staircase was added, and the original dining room was converted to a library.  Outside, a fence and extensive gardens were added.  All of the renovations remained true to the look and charm that Jacob Farnum Carlton envisioned.

Also among the houses will be the Historical Society’s own house, the 1820 Amos Blanchard House. This traditional Federal style home will be decorated for Christmas and will include the Society’s annual display of history-inspired Christmas trees. Featuring more than twenty trees, the inspiration objects include a Victorian corset, antique washbasins, and even vintage toilet paper. Decorating teams from the Andover Fire Department, Memorial Hall Library and the Historical Society community will display their artistic and holiday-minded talents during this year’s exhibit at the Amos Blanchard House

 These are just two of the houses on the 2011 Gates and Gables House Tour.  House tour tickets are $30 (members) or $35 (non-members) in advance and $40 the day of the tour.  Tickets are now available and can be purchased at the Andover Historical Society and on line through the Historical Society’s website, www.andoverhistorical.org.