My Mother was actually asked to remove me from the tour because I was throwing a tantrum. I was two. My Mother used to always remind me of this event. I would say “Mom. Why didn’t you just take me somewhere that kids actually belong? Like a playground!” Her reply was “I wanted to culture you damnit!” Years later as a trained child we visited The Biltmore House, a truly amazing place that I have always been enthralled and inspired by.
I remember I was twelve years old and I was so proud of my wine glass etched with the Biltmore logo on it. Back home I sipped Welch’s grape juice by the fire as my Mother had her glass of wine for the evening. We would watch the newly popular HGTV. Who would have thought a DO IT YOURSELF network would have been so popular?!?! ;)
My family’s historic home was actually on a Tour of Homes for many years as well. One of the best memories I ever had of the annual Christmas Home Tour was when my Mother and I decided to place floating candles in the outdoor Jacuzzi. Half way through the evening the fiberglass shell caught on fire and flames shot 20 feet in the air…….There was an awkward moment as the only gay guy on the tour exclaimed “Oh MY…. I thought you were having a WEENIE ROAST??!” Needless to say we were banned from floating candles indefinitely.
Each Spring and Christmas I attend the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s decorator show house with my coworker’s from Waterworks. This years Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s show house was the previous home of Arthur Blank, the co-founder of Home Depot. It is Colonial Revivial Style home and was built in 1952. Located in Tuxedo Park, it has had three owners.
We make it a morning event each year. It’s such an experience for us because we rarely leave the showroom as a team during the work day. In most cases parking is not available for the show houses, so you have to park at an offsite parking lot and take a shuttle. The shuttle ride is HALF the fun!
Tuesday, Dustin and I left bright and early. We boarded the shuttle bus amongst a mixed crowd of suburban soccer Mom’s and Buckhead Betty’s. The type of women who drink Monster energy drink and then those who a Starbucks cup does not leave their hand. A real nice crowd, haha.... I always sing "Ahh haa hush that fush everybody move to the back of the bus..."
This year’s challenge for the designers was that in many cases they were unable to alter the facade of the room they designed, this included the flooring, and most rooms had the original wall coverings. In many ways I was so focused on looking for the original portions to the estate I forgot to pay homage to the designed spaces. The home was reminiscent of a home that Luanne from Shag would reside in with a mix of Ferris Bueller’s upscale intercom system.
You are not allowed to take pictures, but that didn’t stop me. My iphone is one of the best resources of my life. With this said, I don't want to spoil the show house for you if you plan on going so I am going to show tid bids of my visit. The showhouse runs through Sunday and I encourage you to go. The monies raised goes towards music education for children.
Keith Summerour's personal journal from his visits abroad
Posing in the formal garden
Potty Time! (love the chandelier in the tent!)
MY FAVORITE ITEM! 
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