Again this year I’ve gone on a sneak preview of the St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild Decorators’ Show House and Gardens at 4140 N. Illinios St. It was built by the former head of the Diamond Chain Company in 1925 (check out the hand carved trim over the front door with the date). It’s a classic Butler-Tarkington home with Tudor styling sitting high on a hill overlooking a front yard full of tall majestic trees. All the proceeds benefit Eskenazi Health (this year nursing). The Guild of Women have volunteered their time and talents to this project, which over the years has raised $13 million for the hospital. This is the 57th year and I’ve been going every year for the past 22 years. There are a lot of Home Tours out there but none as wonderful as this one. Each area, nook, cranny, and room is decorated by a professional decorating team (23 areas). Many of these designers have been doing the home tour for decades. You will see the most current trends as the designers blend their talents together to create a home that is not only stunning but liveable. I always come away with new ideas for my own home. Each room has a price list of items used and you can contact individual designers for purchase. Another nice thing about this tour is they give you the paint colors used in every room.
The living room has a grand piano original to the home. The library is a unique room with large curved windows facing the wooded lot in the front and the French style desk was once owned by Booth Tarkington. The kitchen has been totally redone, but looks timeless, keeping the original Tudor feel of the house. It now opens into a stunning great room (which was the 2 car garage) with Kittles furnishings. Adjacent to the kitchen is a Butler’s pantry, maintaining the look with the latest in amenities. (See if you can find the dragon!) The dining room with the huge vintage table and chairs was a side porch — it’s now enclosed with windows that are a perfect match. The home is full of original artwork. The upstairs guest room over the library has the same incredible view and check out the clever drapery treatment. The Jack and Jill bathroom has the coolest butterfly and dragonfly wallpaper. The master bedroom has another stunning view through french doors over a little balcony. The walls have built-ins that are original and amazing. The third floor has a Mickey Mouse bedroom which my grown-up daughter would love. Look up and see the unique light fixtures in the hallway upstairs. Also find out why they call it the third floor “Beam me Up” bath. There is a playhouse in the backyard you have to see — a woodland mural covers the walls and ceiling and a little fox greets you.
The home tour runs April 28 through May 13 (closed Mondays). Daily tours are open to the public from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tues. through Sun. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.showhouseindy.org for $20. At the door, guests 65 and older can purchase tickets for $18 and children 3 to 12 for $5. Start a tradition and take your mother or daughter or both and enjoy a wonderful afternoon. Be sure to check out the desserts in the tent out back — I never pass that by.
