Don’t miss out on the chance to tour some incredible beautiful homes in Natchitoches’ Historic District during the Natchitoches Historic Foundation’s Christmas Tour of Homes Dec. 14-16. From viewing a Christmas collection of over 300 Santa decorations, to walking through a historic home that’s opened its doors to the NHF Tour for the very first time. Each home is decorated from top to bottom with its owners’ unique styles, making for a truly unique experience in the City of Lights.

 

Thursday, Dec. 14 from 5-8 pm

“Christmas on the Cane”

Ducournau Townhouse (circa 1860s) – 752 Front St.

This is one of two commercial structures that includes a carriage drive from the front into a rear courtyard, a feature primarily associated with the French Quarter architecture in New Orleans. Damaged by fire, the building was renovated in the mid-20th century. (Owners are Mr. and Mrs. Rick Nowlin)

Gahagan House – 855 Washington St.

Once owned by the late Russell Gahagan, a local attorney, this home showcases

pure architectural elements, much as it did 40 years ago. Visitors will be welcomed warmly into this newest addition to the homes on tour. (Owners are Dr. and Mrs. Bill Dickens)

Prudhomme Roquier House – (circa 1790) -446 rue Jefferson

This Save America’s Treasures property is the only known two and one-half story bousillage structure on the North American continent. Owned and operated by the Service League of Natchitoches, it’s available for rentals and is a perfect venue for parties and weddings.

Cunningham Law Office (circa 1860s) – 550 Second St.

The NHF restored this mid-19th century law office, housing five generations of Cunningham lawyers for over 150 years. It houses part of the Mildred Hart Bailey collection of Clementine Hunter paintings. Docents will welcome guests with stories and information about the property. A large collection of Snow Village is on display to amaze the young and young at heart. The Mildred Hart Bailey Garden adjoins the property, making the site perfect for rental all during the year.

 

Friday, Dec. 15 from 5-8 pm

“Houses Along Poete”

Scott Corner House – (circa 1900) – 104 rue Poete

In classic Creole style with West Indies influence, this three story raised plantation house has a double gallery, lower level brick columns, and hipped roof. The decor includes nearly 300 pieces of pottery imported from Poland, and Clementine Hunter art and relics. Approximately 30 trees decorated for the season adorn the period décor on the first and second floors of the Scott Corner House. (Owners are Dr. and Mrs. Dan Seymour)

Jefferson House – 229 Jefferson Street

This colonial style home was built in 1967 by Jules Barre. (Owners are Mr. and Mrs. Paul Salter)

Cunningham Cottage – 305 rue Poete

The Tudor revival (Norman) cottage is decorated with over 100 nutcrackers. (Owners are Mr. and Mrs. James Akin)

 

Saturday, Dec. 16 from 1-4 pm

“A Steel Magnolia Christmas”

 

Steel Magnolias House (circa 1830) – 320 rue Jefferson

Built prior to 1841, by Italian architect Trizzini and builder Soldini, this home was said to have been used as a Civil War hospital and a more recent claim to fame was the on-site filming of the movie “Steel Magnolias.” (Owners are Mr. and Mrs. An Dyess)

Lemee House (circa 1830) – 301 rue Jefferson

Decorated with period Christmas greens and historical memorabilia belonging to members and friends of the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches. Guests will sip hot cider and listen to carolers as they hear about Christmas in the early 19th century. The Lemee House was the film home to Quiser Boudreaux in “Steel Magnolias.”

Trinity Episcopal Church (circa 1850s) – 533 Second St.

Serving as a house of God and place of worship for over two centuries, this church is beautifully adorned for the Christmas season with natural materials, historically significant pieces of art and communion vessels. Docents will share the traditions of the parish and communicants, while sharing the beautiful story of Christmas. The Sunday church service in “Steel Magnolias” was filmed at Trinity.

 

Lagniappe for Saturday Tours from 1-4 pm

Cunningham Law Office (circa 1860s) – 550 Second St.

Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum- Visitors with a Saturday Tour wristband will have complimentary access to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.

 

For additional information contact the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at 780 Front Street, Suite 100 or call at (318) 352-8072 or (800) 259-1714