home and garden THE CHRS HOUSE & GARDEN TOUR
RETURNS! article and photos by Elizabeth Nelson
T
he Capitol Hill Restorations Society’s Mother’s Day House and Garden Tour has been a community tradition for 65 years, and after two years of outdoor or virtual-only observances, it will be back, in an updated version of its original format, on May 7 and 8! An exciting prospect – but it’s coming quickly. Here’s what you need to know.
528 6th St SE. This house dates back to the Civil War.
In a break with tradition, there will be some activities offered prior to the customary event start times (4 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday). Will-call at Hill Center will be open from 2:30 to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tour-goers are invited to enjoy the new art exhibit on view in the Hill Center. Many of the artists will be available to discuss their work. Guided tours of the historic build-
ing will be offered at 3 p.m. both days.
Tour Stops Five private residences will be open, plus the rectory at St. Peter’s Church. St. Peter’s Church, Christ Church and Hill Center will offer tours and rest facilities. A few highlights: • You will visit two homes in the Churchill Condos, a very clever re-purposing of a former church. The units are “stacked,” one right above the other, each with its own distinctive and lightfilled character. Both apartments feature built-ins crafted by master cabinet-maker, Peter Hackett. • At the Lenox Condominium, you’ll see anAn unusual corner porch is just one of the highlights at 504 6th Street SE . other conversion, in this case, from a school into a delightful, homey living space. The quirky floor plan, enormous windows, and eclectic furnishings make it truly memorable. • An Eighth Street home, a 19th century gem, is brand-new to the current owners; at press time, they are still unpacking. The house is beautifully redone and features a collection of art and fascinating space program memorabilia. Not to be missed: a 17th Century prison door, sporting an early example of graffiti – a passion of the home owners. Living room on Sixth Street SE.
May 2022 ★ 59
