Highland County Historical Society to host Tour of Homes Sept. 24

The 2023 Highland County Historical Society Tour of Homes will be held Sunday, Sept. 24 from noon until 6 p.m. This year’s tour includes eight homes and two historic buildings.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children and may be purchased in advance at the Highland House Museum (Fridays & Saturdays from 1-4 p.m.) and at Warren Furniture and Classic Real Estate in Hillsboro. Tickets will also be available at the Highland House Museum the day of the event.

The buildings on this year’s tour may be visited in any order.

This year’s tour includes the following:

• The home of Kurtis and Rebecca Rhude Martin in Hillsboro, which was built in 1841 and best known for being Gable House Antiques for over 50 years. Rebecca Martin’s mother, Anne Rhude, operated the antique store and resided there for many years. This fabulous Victorian home is one of Hillsboro’s most iconic properties on Main Street, featuring a beautiful staircase and five fireplaces.

• The “Shipphaus Mercantile Gift Shop,” owned by Jefferson Truitt and Rebecca Sexton. This beautiful two-story Victorian has been home to multiple things over the years, such as a doctor and dentist office and even a church. This home was best known for being home to the Kier family and Lucky Stop Antiques for over 50 years. Today it is also an AirBnB and offers short-term overnight accommodations.

• The home of Tom and Grace Wilson, which was built in 1941 by Tom’s parents, Curtis and Harriet Wilson. The beautiful home and property stand on part of the Scott Estate. The Wilsons donated the corner land where the current public library sits today. This gorgeous home boasts 20” beams, wood paneling from the 1800s, box windows and a beautiful eating porch, surrounded by unusual hydrangea hedges, third-story attic rooms and a charming wooded setting.

• The home of Brad and Jessi Greene, a beautiful turn-of-the-century farmhouse decorated with a Scandinavian flair. This property is also home to the venue known as “The Sanctuary” and the shop known as “Small Town Junk.” Recent renovations make for an outstanding property with a beautiful setting and fabulous country views.

• Rhoades Retreat, a rustic log cabin that features a fabulous setting overlooking a gorgeous countryside and open fields. Don and Nancy Rhoades and their family have been lifelong residents of the community and constructed the cabin in 2015 on their family land. Breathtaking views and solitude for the person who wants a relaxing getaway, the cabin is currently used as a weekend retreat.

• The home of Paul and Randalyn Worley. Also known as “The Oaks,” the home was built by Henry Huggins, a prominent attorney and judge, around 1878 and remained in his family for over a century. It was also home to Leland McBride. This beautiful large brick home features a grand entryway, large porches and staircase and beautiful grounds.

• Stone Creek Farm, currently the home of Jennifer Jenkins. It was built circa 1860 and recognized to locals as the “Halfway Farm,” being a rest stop for travelers in the mid- to late 1800s. The home has recently been restored and still retains double fireplaces, a back staircase and the original stone wall with iron hinges that fronts this historical property. The third story of the property is large and open, with fabulous views of the adjoining lands.

• The home of Skylar and Erin Tumbleson. Built in 1871, this was the original home of Leander and Emma Detwiller, given as a wedding present from her parents. The home features the original staircase and glass transoms that are present today. Recently renovated in 2021 and purchased by the Tumblesons in 2022, this is a beautiful property in a very old, historic neighborhood.

• The First Presbyterian Church, also known as “The Crusade Church” for its recognition in the Temperance Crusade of 1873. It is home to one of Hillsboro’s oldest churches. Striking features of interest are the many artworks and the exquisite stained glass throughout the church, including the bell tower with the original church bell that is still in use today.

• The Highland House Museum, a federal-style two-story brick house built by Christopher Arthur for Peter Leake Ayers, 1842-1845. It was originally a private residence and later an inn. It now houses the museum and the museum shop and is the home of the Highland County Historical Society.

For more information, contact the Highland County Historical Society at (937) 393-3392.