The 19th annual Maplewood House Tour sponsored by the Maplewood Rotary Club opens its doors today, October 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. All the houses this year are near the Village and within close walking distance of each other.

"They are amazing houses," said the ebullient Henry Christian Quaritius (call him Christian, please!), co-chair of the event with fellow Weichert realtor Carol Gilligan. The house that everyone is clamoring to see is 112 Maplewood Avenue which was ravaged by fire a few years ago but has been "restored to what it should have been all along." 

The tour has attracted as many as 450 attendees (in 2007). Last year, the economy and the weather combined to lower the total to between 275 and 300. This Sunday, the forecast is for light rain with a chance of global economic recession. So, it may be a chance to see the houses without fighting the crowds.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time for $20 at several Village businesses (Perch Home, No. 165, 3r Living, Maplewood Pet Shop, Mona Lisa Gallery and Weichert Realtors). Tickets are also available at the houses today at $25/each. Maps and addresses for the houses are provided on the tickets.

Proceeds go to benefit various beautification projects for the Village. Among other outcomes, benches have been purchased and installed in front of the Village Post Office, and the checkerboard table and clock were obtained for Ricalton Square.

The tour is self-guided, meaning that attendees can start at any house and visit the homes in any order. You can also spend as much or as little time in each house as you wish (until 4 p.m., that is). Then, we strongly recommend that you go home, no matter how much you want to stay!

Below is a description of the houses as provided by the event organizers:

#1 This distinctive Mediterranean Arts and Crafts home has been tastefully redesigned and skillfully crafted and presented by designer/owner Kevin Huffman and his partner, Allan Duncan.  An inviting ambiance is created through an expert blend of textures and colors using tumbled onyx, cactus granite, soapstone, walnut, a fine selection of wall coverings, rugs and elaborate stained glass windows.

#2  A true Maplewood landmark – this 1912 center hall colonial has been rebuilt to reflect its original grandeur by builder, Brinton Brosius and his designer wife, Ashlee Anthony.  With ten foot ceilings on the first floor, the large center foyer opens to tasteful and elegant rooms which surround the three story open staircase. Two upper floors continue with perfect harmony of light, color and design. 

#3   Tucked in cottage perennial gardens, this colorful detailed 1884 Village Victorian is chock-full of Carol and Mike Gilligan’s treasures and pleasures and collections including many delightful Tom Morrow paintings.  A perfect kitchen addition, warm and cozy rooms, light hearted décor and a fabulous wrap-around porch, make this home sweet home.

#4   Amidst a woods of historic trees and stone paths, this authentic 1909 Gustav Stickley home is lovingly restored.  The recent kitchen was precisely designed to compliment the architectural style of the home. A huge fieldstone fireplace, beamed ceilings, beautifully grained chestnut woods and natural outdoors so visible from the many windows are the setting for the true period décor.

#5   Surrounded by a garden of whimsical metal sculpture, this1922 Dalzell Dutch Colonial with Inglenook fireplace is the home of the artist Howard Stein and his wife, Beth.  A serene screened porch perched in the treetops leads through French doors to lovely rooms filled with a fine art collection featuring accomplished local artists.