Annual Tour of Homes opens a door on holiday magic

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Whether you’re looking to get ideas for your own Christmas decorating wish list, or simply ready to take a well-deserved break from hanging up the mistletoe yourself, this year’s Share Club Christmas Tour of Homes has plenty of festive secrets just waiting to be discovered.

On Sunday take a walk through the imaginations of four local families who’ll be opening up their fully-decked halls for a good cause. Proceeds from the nonprofit-sponsored tour benefit Cullman’s Good Samaritan Clinic, Hospice of Cullman, and Cullman Caring for Kids. 

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There are four homes on the tour this year — three in the City of Cullman and one more near Smith Lake — and they all hold unique charm, not only thanks to their owners’ Christmas cheer, but also as beautiful and interesting structures that reward a walkthrough at any time of year. 

Here’s sampling of what’s in store on this year’s tour:

The home of Jason & Julee Butts 

7130 County Road 437,

Good Hope, AL 35057

Jason and Julee Butts welcome you to their home filled with whimsical Christmas fantasy. Multiple Christmas trees are located throughout the Butts’ 9,000 square-foot home, which sits on 43 rolling acres. It comes complete with a full wrap around porch, six bedrooms six bathrooms, two half bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, soaring beams, two fireplaces, a spa room, an incredible media room, and much more. The timber frames, constructed by Ryan Walker of Walker Timber Frames, were made using no screws or nails — only wooden pegs. The house itself is a remarkable example of hand-hewn craftsmanship.

Behind the home, and available for parties or weddings, is an area boasting a pool, pool house, and Tiki bar. It’s a definite “do not miss,” and  the Butts family wishes everyone a wonderful Christmas season and New Year’s!

The home of

Brandon Loyd

711 5t Avenue Southwest, Cullman, AL 35055

Originally built in 1937, the home of Brandon Loyd was completely remodeled by the previous owner. The movie room, a garage, the pool, pool house, and outside kitchen are recent additions. The entryway leads into the living room with coffered ceiling and office, connecting with the dining room, which is adjacent to an oversized chef’s kitchen featuring top-of-the-line appliances. The laundry room, accessed through the kitchen, also connects to the master closet, bedroom, and bath which features a ceiling-feed soaker tub. 

Loyd’s home features three fireplaces and several outside areas for entertaining. Both the office and family room soar with vaulted wooden ceilings, which vary in height from 9 to 15 feet. The floors are travertine, wood, and a combination of wood and bluestone. Mr. Loyd would like to personally thank everyone who visits his home during the Christmas season, so be sure to stop by!

The Schlosser-

Dunlap home

811 5th Avenue, Southwest, Cullman, AL 35055

The home of Nell Dunlap, her grandson Trystan, and Oscar, their beloved dog, was built in 1907 by William A. Schlosser — the great grandfather of Nell’s late husband, Bill. Bill moved into the house in 1969 after his grandmother, Mrs. Nettie Rose Schlosser Dunlap, passed away. He and Nell were married in 1985.   

When asked about her favorite room, Mrs. Dunlap answers, “The whole house!”  — and you’ll quickly agree. Most of the floors and walls are original, and the ceilings vary from room to room and are unique and distinct. The wall unit in the wine tasting room was originally the headboard of Bill’s bed when he was a child.  Much of the displayed artwork has been done by the family over the years. 

The fireplace by the pool was original to the home and used for heating and — more importantly — to cook fish. The coffee table in the living room was originally a library table which was modified by Mr. Schlosser.

Outside, Japanese maple trees line the path to the flower gardens and a shaded gazebo perfect for relaxing. An impressive pool is surrounded by several entertaining areas. Oscar the pup even has his own outside playground! The home and gardens stand as a testament of fulfillment, and they define a labor of love.

Mrs. Dunlap’s endless and amazing collection of Christmas treasures and decorations have their own special place in her home. She believes caring people who support special causes can make a big difference — for both the giver and the recipient — and she wishes you a very Merry Christmas!

Mike and Gay Voss

304 8th Street Southeast, Cullman, AL 35055

This 100-year-old Arts and Crafts masterpiece located in the historic district of Cullman encompasses everything you would expect and more.

The hardwood floors, the quarter-sawn wood of Arts and Crafts style interior columns and bookcases, beveled glass doors and a dining room with unique wooden framed ceiling are among the original highlights of the house built in 1919. The small sleeping porch has found new life as a home office. This century, the Vosses added three new bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as updated plumbing and electrical service to satisfy the modern demands of their family. A new verandah on the back of the house ties in with the original bungalow style porch on the front, to provide plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the landscaping.

Through careful attention to detail, the Vosses have created a home that pays homage to the original style and construction. They hope you have a Merry Christmas and enjoy touring their home.

Share Club is a 501 (C) 3 nonprofit organization. To date, the club has given more than $200,000 to charities in Cullman County.

Share Club Tour of Homes is Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1-5 p.m.

Price of ticket is $20. Advance tickets may be purchased from Three Pairs, The Added Touch and Added Touch 2, Vintage West and J Drake Salon or at the door at each home.

Four homes will be on the tour, three in the city of Cullman and one close to Smith Lake.