STE. GENEVIEVE — The Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Genevieve will present a unique opportunity for ticket holders to tour nine private homes throughout the historic district during its Living in Ste. Genevieve House Tour on Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 10 am to 3 pm.
Guests will begin their self guided tour at the Foundation-maintained Jacques Guibourd-Valle House at 1 North Fourth Street.
Admission to tour the house and view the unique Norman Truss construction in the attic is included with ticket purchase.
From there, guests will make their way to the private homes, including several Queen Ann style homes, a Georgian Irish style manor, one of the few remaining poteaux-en-terre (posts in earth) vertical log homes in the US, and a recently restored 1930s home complete with a “Rose du Barry” color scheme in the bathroom and vintage operational kitchen.
Since these are older homes, many are not fully accessible and most homes will offer a tour of only the main floor, but some may offer an extended tour of additional floors or will have photographs of these areas available.
“Foundation board members have been discussing different ideas for opportunities to show off some of the history of our town beyond just the properties we maintain,” said Foundation Board member and tour organizer Susie Johnson. “Several board members had taken tours in bigger cities and got behind the idea of organizing a house tour. We thought a day that visitors and locals alike could take a peek inside private homes not usually available to tour would have some appeal. The homes are really all quite different and show that a historic home, with some modern touches, can be quite liveable. I suggest you plan to start your self guided tour by noon so you have enough time to view all of the homes on the tour.”
Advance tickets may be purchased at the Foundation’s website, www.historicstegen.org. A limited number of tickets will be available the day of the tour.
Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for students and Foundation members.