Friday, August 29, 2014

58th Annual Potomac Country House Tour & Festival Set for October 3-5

Norton Manor

From our friends at the Potomac Country House Tour & Festival...

4 Magnificent Homes, 25+ Boutiques, A Bounty of Charities

The 58th Potomac Country House Tour & Festival (PCHT&F) located at Saint Francis Episcopal Church, 10033 River Road, Potomac, MD just announced the selection of four exceptional homes including Norton Manor for its annual House Tour, which runs from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5. Tickets for the House Tour can be purchased in advance online for $30 or at the door for $40.

To kickoff the House Tour weekend, the PCHT&F begins with an Open to All Preview Party on Friday evening, October 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. showcasing 25+ Boutiques offering the latest in gifts, accessories, home décor, jewelry and art. A Silent Auction and Raffle begins Friday night as well.

The Church Festivities continue on Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, October 5 from 12 noon-5 p.m. with a midday luncheon both days, children-friendly activities, and the vast array of boutiques. All proceeds from PCHT&F are distributed among St. Francis’ outreach partners helping fund programs addressing homelessness, hunger, children and women’s issues, and elderly care.

DATES & TIMES TO REMEMBER:
Potomac Country House Tour & Festival (PCHT&F) October 3-5

Friday, October 3 - Preview Party 6:30-8:30 p.m. with the First Look at 25+ Boutiques, Silent Auction items & Raffle; Saint Francis Episcopal Church, 10033 River Road, Potomac, MD.

Saturday, October 4 - Church Activities 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. including Boutiques, Silent Auction & Raffle, Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Children-Friendly Activities; admission free, Saint Francis Episcopal Church, 10033 River Road, Potomac, MD.

Saturday, October 4 - House Tour 1-4 p.m.; $30 advance ticket sold online, $40 day-of ticket sold at the Church and at each home - map to houses provided in the program booklet that serves as your ticket. Tickets are good for both days of the tour. Three homes open on Saturday as well as Wreath Love at the Carriage House.

Sunday, October 5 - Church Activities 12 noon to 5 p.m. including Boutiques, Silent Auction & Raffle (which close at 4 p.m.), Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Children-Friendly Activities; admission free, Saint Francis Episcopal Church, 10033 River Road, Potomac, MD.

Sunday, October 5 - House Tour 1-4 p.m.; $30 advance ticket sold online, $40 day-of ticket sold at the Church and at each home - map to houses provided in the program booklet that serves as your ticket. Four homes open on Sunday as well as Wreath Love at the Carriage House.

The four homes featured on the House Tour are: Norton Manor, a Re-Imagined Williamsburg Colonial, The Rowe House, and a Potomac Contemporary. Norton Manor, home of Frank Islam and Debbie Driesman who host philanthropic events at their 47,000-square-foot estate nestled on 10 manicured acres, includes a 2,000-square-foot koi pond and is modeled after the White House, Capitol and Palace of Versailles. The creativity of architect and developer Tracy Vargo and his wife, Mary, are evident in their Re-imagined Williamsburg Colonial, renovated by Rill Architects and boasting a cedar-shingled silo, a laser-cut compass in the entryway floor, and three distinctive loft spaces accessed by individual spiral staircases. The Rowe House, a charming McAuley Park Center Hall Colonial, is designed with antique collections, custom-made cabinets, chemical-free paints and green materials, and a bright Sewing Room reflecting the homeowner’s love of handiwork. Deborah Kalkstein, owner of Contemporaria, brings her love of metals, modern art, striking clean lines, and whitewashed wood beams into her Potomac Contemporary showcasing her iconic “industrial chic” touch.

Boutique-style vendors, selling gifts and accessories, include: The Alpaca Girl, Andrea’s Beau, Posh Prep, Archeologico, Bird Dog Bay, Bridget Rose Fine Stationery, Ibhana, Iris Grundler Pottery, JT Interiors at Potomac House, Jacqueline Handley Designs, Jeff L Designs, John Troha Photography, Kathy Lynn Flower Photography, Lori Albert Designs, PopDream Gourmet Treats, Sans Skin Care, Studio of Yolanda Prinsloo, Surrey Two, Whyte House Monograms, Wreath Love at the Carriage House, and Zara Jewelry by Sarah Lindsey Holmes.

About the Potomac Country House Tour & Festival (PCHT&F)
Beginning in 1956, the Potomac Country House Tour & Festival (PCHT&F) started as a fledging church mission, but has evolved into a much-anticipated Church activity and charitable event raising thousands of dollars annually. All proceeds from the 58th PCHT&F are distributed to local, national and international charities to help fund programs addressing homelessness, hunger, issues affecting women and children, elderly care, and evangelical endeavors. St. Francis Outreach Partners include: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), The Children’s Inn, Community Ministries of Rockville, The Dwelling Place, Education for Girls Project (Tanzania), The Fishing School, Five Talents International, For Love of Children, Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, Interfaith Works, The Ivymount School, Loaves and Fishes, Manna Food Center, Montgomery Coalition for the Homeless, Montgomery Hospice and Casey House, National Center for Children and Families, Rebuilding Together Montgomery County, Salvation Army-Women’s Auxiliary, Seabury Resources for Aging, The Shepherd’s Table, The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK), So Others Might Eat (SOME), Special Love for Children with Cancer Summer Camp, Stepping Stones Shelter, Transitional Housing Corporation, and World Gospel Mission-Tenwek Hospital, Kenya.