Delta Theta Tau sets 32nd annual Holiday Home Tour for Nov. 23

The 32nd annual Holiday Home Tour, presented by Theta Chapter, Delta Theta Tau Sorority, is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 23.

Tickets for the 1-5 p.m. home tour are $8 and are available at Myers' Market, Eitel's Florist, Almost Home and from any Delt member.

Tickets and cheese balls will also be available next Saturday in the Delt booth at the Ridpath Bazaar.

Featured on this year's tour are the homes of:

-- Mike and Holly Martellaro, 5609 N. U.S. 231, Bainbridge.

-- Dr. Keith and Jamey Landry, 52 Locust Trail (Oak Ridge Estates), Greencastle.

-- Joanne McFarland, 496 Glenview Drive, Greencastle.

-- Jeffrey and Laura Lee Young Bollman, 2727 S. CR 500 East, Greencastle.

In addition, tour guests may explore the current exhibits at the Putnam County Museum and enjoy refreshments.

Mike and Holly Martellaro and their two young boys moved in July 2013 to the 1906 farm home known for many years as the "Lane Place" which was the site of the 1956 Farm Progress Show.

Renovations in the last decade have added some rooms and some modern updates to this 6,000-square-foot, two-story home.

A warm summer evening on the large wrap-around porch is a relaxing way to end a busy day. From the new deck in back one can imagine a simpler time while admiring the log cabin that Mike reconstructed after dismantling and moving it from another Putnam County location. The team of Gail Smith (Mike's mother) and Sara Bridges, the original owners of Almost Home, have been decorating in the style of the Holiday Boutique days of past (1982-1992) for a country Christmas in a beautiful setting.

The Landry family has plenty of room both inside and out to enjoy its country-like setting close to town. There is a special place for everyone in the 5,000-square-foot home, whether it's the large upstairs playroom for the kids, or the cozy family room with wooden furniture made by Keith, or the outdoor living space.

From the elegance of Brazilian Teak hardwood floors inside a two-story wall of windows opens the home to the spacious back deck where there's plenty of room for grilling, entertaining, or just relaxing between swims. The four-bedroom, 3.5-bath home is kept comfortable by an efficient geothermal system.

The family's personal touches are everywhere as everyone pitched in to make the shutters (designed by Keith who also built the swing set/playhouse in the backyard). Emphasis on family is also obvious in the holiday decorations.

In her 1,740-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath condo, Joanne McFarland has surrounded herself with her favorite soothing color -- eggplant. The deep color and crystal decorating accents are evident year-round and are not replaced for the holiday season with the "traditional" reds and greens.

But the open kitchen, dining and living area, will showcase her collection of Thomas Kinkade lighted churches as well as two holiday trees. The spacious master suite includes a double-sink vanity, linen closet, and 14x6 walk-in closet. A cozy sunroom is the perfect place for a leisurely breakfast while enjoying the sights and sounds of nature or to just relax with a good book.

The Country Estate Lodge of Jeffrey and Laura Lee Young Bollman is a Cape Cod-style home built in the late 1940s. Nestled among lots of trees the home has an antique western décor.

Aromatic fresh flowers, arranged botanicals, plants, orchids, artwork and photography create an inviting atmosphere for entertaining guests with music, food, fruits and beverages galore.

Friends and family heirlooms, which are cherished treasures, represent years of celebrations as each generation has passed them down to fancy our seasonal taste buds, a natural anecdote of fine living.

Tour guests are also invited to the Putnam County Museum, 1105 N. Jackson St., to relax, chat with friends and enjoy cookies, punch and coffee. With its permanent collection of more than 2,000 local artifacts, as well as special exhibits, the museum continues to bridge generations and connect communities while preserving our varied past.

Visitors can take a stroll through our past while enjoying the current special exhibits -- Who Shot Putnam County, a history of photographers and cameras from 1850s-1930s, and Antique Quilts from the collection of Helen Houck. If they haven't sold out by then, Delt cheeseballs will be available at the museum for $6 each.

Proceeds from the Holiday Home Tour are used exclusively to support the Delta Theta Tau Scholarship Fund and philanthropy donations to Putnam County programs.

Again this year several Greencastle merchants and restaurants are offering discounts to Home Tour participants. Check the back of your ticket for details and dates of availability and a chance to support local businesses by presenting your Home Tour ticket and enclosed coupon at time of purchase.

The Delts offer a special thanks to Feld's Carpet, Dean Foods and Putnam County Hospital for their continued support and donations to the Home Tour.

Members of Delta Theta Tau look forward to greeting everyone at these homes and wish you all the most joyous holiday season, members said.