Take a drive down a country lane, and you’ll find a Christmas wonderland awaiting in New Franklin. As you stroll up the drive, you’ll see many holiday favorites before reaching the greenery-festooned entrance gate to this 1959 ranch home. Santa is there to welcome you, and Mr. Snowman blows snow your way as you enter the wreath-adorned side door into the mudroom.
Ho, Ho, Ho... How did Santa get inside so fast?! A twinkling gingerbread tree lights up the mudroom foyer, where Santa rests a moment before taking off his boots. Gingerbread people show the way toward more merriment inside.
The main kitchen island beckons with a MacKenzie-Childs tree and the signature Don Drumm Santa and reindeer below the pot rack, which is swagged with festive greens and ornaments tucked between the pots.
A beautiful white, silver and gold tree shimmers in the front room next to a stack of presents ready for someone to open. Owls and other woodland creatures hide among the branches, and a glistening golden hummingbird shines near the top. Make a quick turn and another white tree will catch your eye: in the corner stands a snowman tree with a hat and scarf that were handmade by the homeowner.
The wraparound, sandstone brick hearth is a sight to behold. The hand-hewn mantel made from backyard pines has stockings hung with care and pine boughs decorated with silver and gold. Santa and his forest friends look at home nestled among the branches.
The front foyer is where all the sneaky elves can be found. See if you can discover which are naughty and which are nice. Santa had better check his list twice!
Surprises await down the hall. A skinny tree continues the woodland theme with soft green and red ornaments nestled among the reindeer, while a dragonfly alights atop the sparkling branches. Christmas linens and pillows create a cozy atmosphere, while a white tree of holly leaves with a floral-bedecked deer rests on the dresser.
A grandson’s room transforms into the North Pole, complete with reindeer, snowmen and Santas galore! A traditional red and green tree sparkles with many special ornaments specifically chosen to remind everyone of childhood favorites. You can’t help but smile as you find animals, toy soldiers, treasures and more among the greenery.
A glance in the bathroom reveals a glistening green tree before you come upon a special resident of Whoville! The Grinch awaits in the laundry room, along with the special tree he’s fixing up for Cindy Lou Who.
Back through the kitchen we go to gaze upon the pots, the pans, the snowflakes and the greenery. Don’t forget to take a closer look at the Christmas artwork by Don Drumm and MacKenzie-Childs!
The dining room shines with an icy delight: a stunning white tree covered in multicolored lights, snowflakes, ice skates and icicles, oh my! A table set for Christmas dinner lies under a lantern-like chandelier. Small, lit trees in the centerpiece bring thoughts of a feast to mind.
A collection of holiday trees is accompanied by the sounds of Christmas, leading into a winter woodland bedroom where moose and fish celebrate the season. The rustic pine bed is swagged with boughs and ornaments. The bathroom glows with another tree and a sleigh among the Christmas linens.
The highlight of the family room is the family tree. Many collected memories and ornaments cover every branch, including some made by a grandmother. A moving deer and a life-size Santa complete this winter wonderland scene.
A special tree made by the owner is a masterpiece of seasonal delight. It houses an entire Christmas village on many levels, complete with lit houses, shimmering and sparkling trees, and skaters having fun on their pond! And, of course, Santa is near the top ready to take off on his worldwide journey to bring joy to you and me.
Out in the garden of delights, deer graze peacefully by the pool and wreaths hang merrily on the greenhouse and the barn. Make sure to tell Santa your Christmas wishes on the way home from this New Franklin wonderland.