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The community of Belle Vernon is holding its first annual ‘Homes for the Holidays’ home tour. The event will take place on Sunday, December 6, 2015 from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

Six homeowners will invite guests into their homes to raise money for the Belle Vernon Reality Tour, a drug prevention program held monthly at the Belle Vernon High School in cooperation with Mon Valley Hospital.

The first home on the tour is owned by Mark and Kim Ciccarelli. Built in 1940 by Dr. John Wood Gordon, the home maintains several of its wonderfully original features. The two-story Dutch colonial reflects a primitive décor with original wide-planked, hardwood floors, floor to ceiling pine paneling, built-in bookshelves, and two gas fireplaces.

The second home has been recently purchased by Jason and Kelly Macko. This home was custom built in 1962, and even though the homeowners intend on updating the house, at this point it stands “frozen in time.” Imported Italian marble flooring in the foyer greet guests, and the home boasts of many custom pieces, but the Oscars go to the hand-painted murals of the front and back of the home that covet the walls of the “party room.”

Sheltered from the stormy seas of the Massachusetts coast is our third home. Purchased by Matt and Darlene Terchick in 1974, this quaint New England Cape Cod was built in 1940 and was named the “Better Homes & Gardens” house of the year! A carefully choreographed Colonial décor extends from the sunlit-breakfast nook to the conversation-inviting living room. Hardwood floors flow throughout, reflecting the amber glow of the gas log fireplace.

Mike and Cathy Milinovich own the fourth home, built in 1896, which was part of the Belle Vernon area that used to be called “Victorian Row.” Bedecked with the intricately carved staircases, crown molding, and rosette corner blocks, the home also retains the original 1896 ornately carved front door! Renovations include a wrap-around porch with custom-made gingerbread, and an extended living room that is in keeping with the period of the house.

The fifth house is a Mon Valley favorite owned by Melanie Patterson. Known as the Good Ol’ Days House, this 1928 American foursquare vacation rental home has been featured in various magazines, as well as on the Internet, throughout the state. The extraordinary décor highlights memorabilia from the 1950s to the 1980s! Visitors and guests enter a nostalgic “time machine” from the moment they open the front door. Each of the rooms is elaborately decorated from hours of deliberation in choosing the right items that evoke fond memories for all ages.

Finally, our sixth home is owned by Greg and Valerie Homanics. Upon purchasing this house, the family realized that this 1840 farmhouse needed a total renovation! Moving effortlessly from room to room, custom pieces from local artists and cherished family members are displayed throughout. Both the hand-built koi pond with the stone from the land and the restoration of the original barn depict a showcase of the elite craftsmanship and design of Greg and Valerie. Completing this pastoral scene on five rolling acres is a menagerie of sheep, cows, chickens, and honeybees.

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