The Lockeland Springs Christmas Tour shows some of the best architecture and design that this historic East Nashville neighborhood has to offer, all done up in lights and colors for the holidays.
With original structures built in the first decades of the 20th century—and varying degrees of renovation—as well as urban infill designed to blend into this historic setting, the tour homes will surprise you with their variety of design and décor.
Consider the “Modern Victorian” of Aaron and Lesley Ochoa, rebuilt from the studs up with high-tech, “smart home” features; note the variety of woods in the custom cabinetry at Diane and Steve Neighbors’ home; and check out the greatest great room, added in back of Charles and Sandra Nelson’s Queen Anne-style home--which just might be haunted, by the way. Treat your eyes to Kathryn Russ’s whimsical collection of Pez candy dispensers, or a sculpture of Union Station made by the late Thom McKnight, in addition to multiple collections of artwork by East Nashville artists.
Ticket-holders will collect their tour books from one of the day-of-tour ticket sites, and take the tour at leisure—so there’s definitely time to stop for a meal or some shopping. A candlelight tour will be held on Saturday, December 8 from 5-9 p.m., and a daytime tour will be held Sunday the 9 from 1-5 p.m. A mini-tour of homes is held on Friday December 7, from 6:30-8p.m. followed by a Christmas party with hors d'oeuvres catered by Bacon & Caviar at the elegant Victorian home of Ronnie Shue (1407 Stratton). Income from the tour and the preview party supports the neighborhood association’s activities, including the Night Out Against crime, alley clean-ups, and monthly newsletter.
Advance tour tickets are only $10, and the party tickets are $30 (which includes a full tour during the scheduled tour hours in addition to the advance mini-tour) and can be purchased online (www.lockelandsprings.org) and at Sweet 16th and Alegria, both located on 16th Street at Ordway. Tickets will be available during the tour for $12 at Bongo Java Roasting Co. (107 South 11th Street) and Plowhaus (213 South 17th Street). Preview party tickets can be purchased at the door as well.