The members of the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church will host their annual Christmas Tour of Homes on Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, dec. 3 from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are $15 and the proceeds from the tour will be used to supplement the church’s transportation fund.

The church expresses their sincere appreciation and thanks to the homeowners and business owners who have so graciously opened up their homes and offices to the public to support this occasion.

The tour is pleased to offer four homes in the community, plus the historic and newly renovated Travis House and the “Sealed Bid Auction” in the Family Life Center at the Church. The homes, Travis House and auction may be visited in any order and hostesses will be on hand at each location to assist you.

No cameras, cell phones, children under 12 or smoking is allowed at the event.

The tour consists of the following stops:

1. First United Methodist Church, 175 East Lanier Avenue, Fayetteville

Take time to meet your friends at the First United Methodist Church, visit our Sealed Bid Auction in the Church Family Life Center, and enjoy some delicious refreshments either before you begin the tour or when you return. This year boasts a variety of items from “theme” baskets to autographed sports collectables from college and professional teams. There are gift certificates galore from dining, spa, jewelry, clothing, and specialty stores in the area. Autographed copies of books by Dr. Ferrol Sams and several vacation rental properties add to the excitement of this year’s auction. We encourage you to take advantage of our church parking lot and carpool or call the church and make reservations to ride our bus. For just two dollars you can eliminate the hassle of driving and parking.

The Sealed Bid Auction will be held at the Church during the tour, but Tour of Homes tickets are not necessary for participation in the auction. The winners will be notified Sunday night, December 3rd, and items will be available for pick up on Monday, December 4th, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the FFUMC gym. (If more than one person places the same high bid, the winner will be chosen by random drawing.)

2. Rogers, Hofrichter and Karrh P.C., 225 S. Glynn Street, Fayetteville

Built in 1893 the Travis House has been transformed from eyesore to showpiece. Coupled with the vision of attorneys Mike Hofrichter, Greg Rogers and Eric Maxwell and the expertise of builder Bob Barnard, thankfully another part of Fayetteville’s heritage has been preserved. From the entry, you will be amazed at the meticulous effort that was taken to ensure the historical integrity of the property. From the original hardwood floors, windows, and door-trims to the beautiful, coffered eleven-foot ceilings and five tiled fireplaces, every detail of the renovation was well-planned.

In addition to the authentic décor, lighting and furnishings you will enjoy the stunning black and white photos adorning the walls of the office. These images of notable Fayette sites such as the courthouse, Jordan’s Salvage and Melear’s Barbeque were created by Atlanta artist Tom Key. Beautifully decorated for Christmas, this house will certainly put you in the holiday spirit.

3. Frank and Thelma Hodson, 150 Hill Avenue, Woolsey

Decorating for Christmas is a passion turned profession for Thelma Hodson. No longer decorating other people’s homes for Christmas, this interior designer still uses her talent for her own enjoyment during the holidays. Both retired, Thelma and Frank have downsized in style in the small community of Woolsey. Holiday decorating is made easier for Thelma by keeping a year round red and green color scheme throughout the main floor of the house. Every room has a tree of its own making an already beautiful house a holiday spectacular! Unique things about this house keep its style undefined. There are unusual and beautiful handcrafted cabinets in the Country French style kitchen and in the bathroom. The red guest room has an oversized old stagecoach cupboard, and the upstairs bedroom boldly denies the Christmas color theme with lovely yellow and blue toile. The trip to this home in Woolsey may provide the inspiration you need to get started on your holiday decorating.

4. Dan and Karen Aiken, 290 Inverness Shores Drive, Fayetteville

A tall and freshly cut tree is selected by the Aiken family and hauled home from the North Georgia mountains to welcome you in the foyer of their home. Christmas greetings are enhanced by warm colors of green, gold and burgundy accented walls and fabrics giving this traditional stucco home a French provincial personality. From the entry, much of the main floor can be seen, and many windows and vaulted ceilings beckon you from room to room. First, a sunken living room looks out over the covered deck. A corner nook with a tucked in fireplace creates a cozy ‘keeping’ room.

Beyond this is the breakfast room and a light and airy kitchen, very efficient with a large work island. A unique feature of this house is the separate side porch entrance leading into a mud room with cabinets for each family member. The rest of the house is also lovely with four bedrooms on the second level, a master bedroom on the main, and a full spacious basement. You will enjoy and admire this tastefully decorated home all decked out for Christmas.

5. Mike and Terri Younker , 135 Pebble Beach Drive, Fayetteville

Visitors to Mike and Terri Younker’s lakefront home in Whitewater Creek will be well received this holiday season. As you enter the elegant, traditional home, you might hear Christmas music being played on the baby grand in the music room. A mixture of wrought iron and wood gives this house a nice touch. A harmonious color scheme of browns and black easily blend in with all of Terri’s tasteful furnishings. Pale hardwood floors, deep tray ceilings, and decorative light fixtures are some features to admire. Palladian windows provide for a beautiful view of the infinity pool and waterfall. Truly, the pool and lake together suggest one body of water, and it is a lovely sight to see from the first floor and the basement.

Formal elegance dominates the main floor, but the second level has unexpected colorful and chic bedrooms for the Younker girls. The landing has a special display of Terri’s father’s law library. There is nothing ordinary about the basement, so plan to inspect it along with the rest of this gorgeous home. The Younkers are most gracious hosts, and you’ll surely feel welcome in this delightful home.

6. Brenda and Dick McMahon, 135 Ashley Forest Drive, Fayetteville

A festival of trees awaits you at Brenda and Dick McMahon’s house. Growing in number every year by leaps and boughs, this year Brenda claims she will have 36 to 38 theme trees in assorted shapes and sizes! However unusual, any unoccupied space means there is room for one more tree. The McMahon’s home is full of warmth and energy. Decorative wall murals as well as a potpourri of paintings and artsy treasures are displayed throughout the house. The main living area has a sophisticated black and taupe background with jewel toned colors in the fabrics. Like the trees, all of the rooms seem to have a different theme.

Expect to see a Victorian bedroom with a display of antique dolls, a black and white bedroom with toile accents, a purple/lavender bedroom, and, finally, a respite for Dick, a golfer/fisherman themed sitting room. Brenda’s talent spills into the garden where a white picket fence surrounds ornamental plantings and whimsical outdoor art. Have fun exploring this home and finding your favorite ‘most unusual’ tree.