Explore Tiffin’s Historic Homes This Holiday Season
Step into the holiday spirit with the 2024 Tiffin Historic Trust Holiday House Tour, a delightful journey through nine prominent homes and buildings in Tiffin. This Sunday, December 8, from 1 to 5 PM, enjoy the cheerful Christmas décor, magnificent architecture, and a touch of seasonal magic.
This year’s tour includes live music at the historic Grammes-Brown House, located at 172 Jefferson Street, enhancing the festive ambiance. Several homeowners will also be offering holiday refreshments, making the experience even more memorable.
Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased in advance from November 26 through December 7 at Great Lakes Ace Hardware, located at 1550 West Market Street, or at Simply Susan’s, located at 70 South Washington Street. They will also be selling tickets this Friday and Saturday at the Kris Kringle Markt. On the day of the event, December 8, tickets will only be available at the Grammes-Brown House, 172 Jefferson Street.
Celebrate the season while exploring Tiffin’s unique architectural gems. This annual event is a wonderful way to experience the city’s rich history, vibrant community, and holiday charm. Plan your visit, gather your friends and family, and enjoy this festive celebration of Tiffin’s heritage!
Celebrate the Holidays at Bowe House Inn – A Historic Christmas Retreat in Tiffin, Ohio
Step into the holiday spirit at the Bowe House Inn, a beautifully restored historic home located in Tiffin’s charming Fort Ball district. Decked out in festive decor, this elegant 1847 brick home offers a cozy and magical setting for the Tiffin Historic Trust’s Holiday House Tour. With its rich history and modern comforts, the Bowe House Inn is the perfect place to unwind, celebrate, and make holiday memories with family and friends.
Experience the magic of the season at the Tiffin Historic Trust’s Holiday House Tour at 47 Clay Street! This exquisitely restored Georgian-style home, dating back to the 1860s, is filled with holiday cheer. Featuring 4 charming bedrooms and 4.5 baths, each with its own private bath, this home exudes comfort and elegance. Wander through the butler’s pantry, ascend one of the two grand staircases, and take in the beauty of the backyard, sparkling with festive lights, an inviting in-ground pool, and a carriage house. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a Christmas stroll through this historic treasure, where holiday magic and timelessness meet!
Tiffin Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts Center – 156 Jefferson Street
Formerly the Second United Church, now The TFAA Center, this building was constructed in 1888; it stands as an exemplary piece of Gothic Revival architecture. Established in 1850 by Swiss and Bavarian immigrants, the church initially held services in a frame Lutheran structure before erecting its first brick church in 1858. The original plain brick building featured separate entrances for men and women, a choir balcony, and a hand-pumped organ.
In 1888, the present Gothic Revival church emerged, showcasing a gable slate roof, brick and stone buttresses, and gothic-arched stained glass windows with tracery. The three-story tower, adorned with label lintels and round stone arches, adds to the architectural allure. A recessed main door behind a gothic stone arch and fluted Corinthian columns leads to the sanctuary, marked by stained glass windows with stone gothic arches. The building’s charm extends to details like corbelling along the gable and a cornerstone inscribed in both English and German, underscoring its historical and architectural significance.
In 1988 Rosina Brown, granddaughter of confectioner Peter Grammes and the home’s builder, donated the 1884 family residence to the Tiffin Historic Trust, with the mandate that the Trust maintain and preserve the historic and architectural significance of the building. The home now serves as the lovingly restored headquarters of Tiffin’s historic preservation organization. Tour the main floor and admire the ornate wallpapers, beautiful woodwork, and numerous collectibles typical of Victorian interiors, and when outside, notice the slate-sided mansard roof representative of Second Empire style architecture.
Celebrate the season with the Tiffin Historic Trust’s Holiday House Tour at Curtis Manor, located at 53 Clay Street! This beautifully restored residence, built in 1875, blends historic charm with modern comforts, showcasing gleaming hardwood floors, polished woodwork, and elegant pocket doors. Begin your tour in the inviting front sunroom, perfect for a warm cup of coffee. The spacious living room is bathed in natural light, featuring a cozy fireplace and stunning hardwood floors. The updated kitchen is a chef’s dream with parquet floors, Corian countertops, a Jenn-Aire range top, inset and under-cabinet lighting, and a built-in china cabinet. The main level also includes a family room, a dining/parlor room, 2 full baths, and a charming summer kitchen. Upstairs, the master suite boasts a French door leading to a private porch, a spa-like bath with a walk-in closet, and three additional bedrooms.
Join us for a festive visit to The Williamses Home at 57 Darby Road during the Tiffin Historic Trust’s Holiday House Tour! While not a historic home, this charming 1620 square foot residence is beautifully decorated for the holidays, radiating seasonal cheer throughout. Featuring 3 cozy bedrooms and 2 full baths, the home is thoughtfully designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Williamses’ home is the perfect place to enjoy the spirit of the season, with twinkling lights, holiday accents, and a cozy ambiance that will make you feel right at home. Don’t miss this delightful stop on the tour and experience the joy and warmth of Christmas in a lovingly decorated space!
Step into a cozy, festive retreat at The Blair House, located at 8 Adams Street, as part of the Tiffin Historic Trust’s Holiday House Tour! Nestled in Tiffin’s charming Frost Village, this newly remodeled airbnb offers a perfect blend of historic charm and updated luxury. This Second-Empire-style home, built in 1882, is a true gem in one of Tiffin’s most historic neighborhoods. With soaring ceilings, a modern kitchenette, and classy touches throughout, this property is designed for both relaxation and style. This apartment-style historic home features two inviting junior suites on the first floor, both available for viewing. Guests are also invited to enjoy the shared solarium sunroom, a lovely space adorned with holiday decorations to embrace the festive spirit of the season.
Step into the warmth and charm of The Moomey’s Residence at 347 Circular Street during the Tiffin Historic Trust’s Holiday House Tour! This delightful two-story brick home is brimming with character and modern updates, offering the perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort. Inside, you’ll discover 3-4 spacious bedrooms, a beautifully updated full bathroom, and a stylish new kitchen featuring granite countertops, a tile backsplash, and sleek stainless steel appliances. The original hardwood floors throughout the space add timeless appeal. The property also includes a detached in-law suite, offering flexible space for guests or the potential for a retreat. Come explore this inviting space and see how it could be your next dream home, beautifully adorned for the holiday season!
Rezin Shawhan Built Home – 50 Clay Street
Step back in time with a visit to this charming 1850s historic home, a combination of timeless charm and contemporary upgrades. The home boasts beautiful hardwood floors throughout, highlighted by a spacious, sunny living room featuring a decorative fireplace. The open stairway leads to the second floor, where you’ll find two bedrooms and a full bathroom. On the main floor, you’ll find two more bedrooms, one with built-in cabinets, and a half bath conveniently located under the stairs. The home is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a handicap-accessible bathroom on the main floor and back stairs to the second floor. Outside, celebrate the season on the back deck, perfect for enjoying a snowy evening.
