By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
The beloved New Bern Heritage Homes Tour, taking place on April 8-9, 2022 is back and better than ever! The tour, which in years past has been a more traditional house tour, has undergone a rejuvenation!
As New Bern Historical Society’s Executive Director, Mickey Miller explains, “This is not your mother’s homes tour. You can expect a diverse lineup of unique houses in the downtown historic district, ranging from 19th century traditional dwellings to creative adaptive reuse structures and exciting new infill homes. These aren’t museum properties; they’re livable family homes with rich stories and architecture that illustrates New Bern’s amazing history.”
The houses on the tour this year are traditional and modern, both large and small scale, with some in the process of renovation.
For example, one of the homes on the tour is located at 316-A Liberty Street behind City Laundry in a transitional five-points residential location. This property, which was originally built in 1950, is a creative contemporary adaptation of a historic business.
Another unique property is located at 315-A Pollock Street and is a classy art-filled condo atop a downtown business, owned by Dr. Jim Congleton.
One home on the tour is brand spanking new! This is a unique opportunity to see a gorgeous riverfront property owned by Margaret and Charles Hix, located at 600 Edgerton Drive. If you’ve always wanted a luxury garage, make sure to stop by and see this dream-come-true creation.
The Hartsfield House is a hurricane survivor story. Built in 1912, this magnificent home sustained a significant amount of flood damage during Florence, but its owners, Leigh and Billy Bell, were able to lift this house and build a large extension on the back side with a new kitchen. Now, the house has its former glory as well as a terrific modern amenity!
In addition to remarkable homes, the tour features working artists in mediums such as stained glass, jewelry, pottery, and Plein Air painters. The cover art for the tour was created by the talented Janet Francoeur. Local musicians including the Bonafides, the Silver Lining Singers, and the Down East Dulcimers will fill the air with uplifting music. The floral arrangements in each of the homes have been created with tremendous care and artistry by florists and garden clubs.
Food trucks will include Betty’s Kitchen and Gigi’s Snack Shack at Brewery 99, and Jasmine Tasty Thai and The Firehouse Kitchen at Freshwater Brewery, with a specialty champagne drink for tour-goers at Savi’s Wine Shop.
“This homes tour is dynamic, representing livable houses with real people who have been generous to open their houses to the public. Many downtown homeowners feel that they are sharing the beauty and history as a kind of public trust, in which they are the stewards,” says Cathy O’Brien, who is the Chair of the Homes Tour Committee. “The docents are also very well educated in the history of the homes and keep the pace moving so that the event is well-choreographed. Overall, the event has transformed into a more sophisticated experience with something for everyone.”
New Bern Historical Society is grateful to their premiere sponsor, the Neuse River Region Association of Realtors, media sponsors ABC Channel 12 News and Fox of Eastern Carolina, and the many individuals and businesses that are generously supporting the event.