By Katie Scarvey
kscarvey@salisburypost.com
This Symphony Guild’s sixth annual Christmas Homes Tour, set for Dec. 5-6, is aptly dubbed “Christmas in the City.”
The focus this year is on loft living, and tour-goers can see six lofts and a top-floor apartment at The Plaza.
Several homes on the tour are second-story residences, with the owner’s business occupying the ground floor. The home of Cheryl and Ted Goins ó above Pottery 101 ó is featured, as is the home of Toby Hagmaier, located over her Southern Spirit Gallery at 102 S. Main St.
Anne and Jim Steele are opening their home, part of the Firehouse Lofts.
Upstairs from The Salty Caper and other businesses at 127 S. Lee St., the Steeles’ apartment has 1,600 square feet. Four large windows in the main living area offer a view of the entertainment district on Fisher Street.
It was important to the Steeles that their condo be all on one floor, and their second-floor loft fits the bill.
Coming from Statesville, the Steeles are enjoying access to increased cultural opportunities in Salisbury. They appreciate the Salisbury Symphony and the many local theater offerings, whether at Catawba College, the Meroney or Lee Street theatres.
“We take the theater very seriously,” Jim says.
Living in the heart of Salisbury suits them.
“We love living downtown,” says Jim, a retired engineer. “We like the bustle.”
Except for Sunday, he says, “there’s always something going on.”
“You can walk everywhere” whether it’s the post office, Tastebuds, restaurants or the bank,” says Anne, a former math professor.
The Steeles are originally from West Virginia, where they met in the fourth grade. They lived in Pittsburgh for many years and have traveled extensively around the world, including trips to China, India, England, Turkey, Egypt and Nepal.
Tour-goers will get to see many items they’ve collected on their travels.
Also on display will be Anne’s nine-room dollhouse.
Since she was a child, Anne says, she had wanted a dollhouse. For her 50th birthday, her children granted her wish, giving her a kit.
The dollhouse is full of beautiful miniatures the Steeles have collected, as well as tiny rugs that Anne needlepointed.
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Tour-goers can also get a peek into the restored Kress building at the home of Linda and Jimmy Thompson. The Thompsons’ loft includes the original dumbwaiter that carried candy to the store below.
Also on tour is Cece Goin’s home on E. Council Street in the Cheerwine Building, which was restored in 1998 as downtown lofts.
Also on tour will be Loft 130, at 130 N. Lee St., owned by Heather and Gray Stout. Available for rent, it’s a luxurious alternative to spending the night in a hotel.
Also open this year is the Plaza apartment of Charles and Marna Steinman, at 100 W. Innes St. Guests can experience the Steinmans’ exceptional seventh-floor view of Salisbury.
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The Christmas Homes Tour is Saturday, Dec. 5 from 3-7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 from 2-6 p.m.
Tickets are available on the day of the tour at the hospitality suite at The Plaza, where refreshments and restrooms are available.
Strolling musicians will add to the festive atmosphere.
Advance tickets are available at The Visitors Bureau, Caniche, A Step in Time, Salisbury Emporium, Attractions on Main, Pleasant Papers, Serendipity, Green Goat Gallery, Crescent Pharmacy, China Grove Drug Co.
Adult tickets are $15; advance adult tickets are $12 and student tickets are $10.
Call the Visitors Bureau at 704-638-3100 to reserve tickets.