This impressive Tudor Revival home was built in 1928 for William Palmer and his wife, Gertrude. He was the secretary and assistant treasurer of Seiberling Rubber Co. The couple lived here from 1929 to 1939. In 1939, Dr. Harley Haynes Jr. and his wife occupied the house, until the current owners acquired the property 10 years ago and painstakingly restored and updated the entire house. These homeowners have hosted Sugar Plum tours in several previously owned houses, including the very first Patron Party.
Architectural elements like the brick exterior, stucco half-timbering, Juliet balcony, and shallow pointed arch at the entrance are all indicative of the Tudor Revival style. The front door mimics the shallow Tudor arch of the stone entrance, and a large wreath decked in copper and silver ornaments beckons you inside.
The banister in the entrance hall is draped with a rose gold, silver and white garland. Long teardrop-shaped rose gold ornaments give an ornate effect. The house has 14 Christmas trees, each in a color scheme matching the décor of the room in which it resides. In the living room, take note of the unusual barrel ceiling. The carved stone fireplace and original steel casement windows recall the house's elegance when it was first built. The white line sofa and chairs create a calm counterpoint to the five elaborate trees and mantel bunting covered in teal, blue, green and silver ornamentation.
Across the hall, the dining room features a copper, green, orange and fruit theme on the tree and tabletop. A garland dripping with crystals surrounds a large gold-framed mirror that reflects the scene. The table is set with white china on gold chargers, gold utensils, copper cups and pink depression glass wine goblets. The centerpiece features fruit and vegetables surrounding a Katherine’s Collection rabbit that is dressed for the holidays in a red tailcoat and lace jabot. In the corner, a cabinet with open shelves holds glassware collected over the years.
The kitchen is an explosion of vivid primary colors with a circus theme. Three twirling hot-air balloons float from a heavily adorned garland that swags the windows before draping down to the marble countertop. In one corner, a Katherine’s Collection clown steps out on stilts, while her court jesters peek out from the window garland and the brightly decorated trees. The built-in corner cupboards and a birdcage light fixture add architectural intrigue to the kitchen, which was enlarged to include a center island when the owners renovated the space.
Next, we move on to the cozy den, with its wormy chestnut paneling and wall of windows. The color scheme here includes rich purples, pinks and peacock blues. In this enchanted woodland setting, beautiful fairies from Katherine’s Collection relax on the windowsill among butterflies, birds and mushrooms. The tree here completes the scene.
Upstairs in the main bedroom, a bountiful red garland covers the fireplace mantel. Hanging to the floor on both sides, the garland creates a dramatic focal point. The print above the fireplace is from the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. It portrays three workers, in almost balletic poses, refinishing wooden floors. The owners said the print was the one piece that really spoke to them. Red throw pillows decorate the bed. In formal wingback chairs, lighthearted pillows introduce Parker, the beloved resident corgi. Across the room sits Crown Prince Froggie and his beloved princess, both dressed in their most regal attire.
The bathroom is decorated in a rich chocolate brown and boasts original basketweave tile flooring. The tree here evokes an underwater theme. It features two large mermaids nestled among the turquoise lights, sea horses, starfish and jellyfish. In the dressing room, deep bronze-brown walls provide the backdrop for a slender, stylish tree adorned with fairy lights and ornaments in various metallic hues.
The office has a “White Christmas” feeling. Three white trees, covered with silver ornaments and white lights, cast a warm glow throughout the room. In the windowsill, four white bottlebrush trees add to the effect. In the guest room, a tree dressed in gold creates a calming atmosphere. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, open-mouthed elves are shouting “Merry Christmas!”
As we conclude our tour, let’s say a heartfelt “thank you” to the homeowners for once again inviting us into their beautifully decorated holiday home.