(pssst: in case you’re not familiar with the lingo, a Homearama is essentially a creative way to showcase brand spankin’ new homes.)
I guess now would be a good time to tell you that I was one of those weird kids that actually liked going on house showings with my parents – while they would get depressed over the model homes they couldn’t afford, I always left elated and rejuvenated, inspired by the different architecture and design of each individual home.
Yeah, yeah, I’m a nerd. So sue me.
All of this talk of the Richmond Homearama led me to ask the proverbial question: Are there any events like this near me?
Turns out, there are! Although they do not include new homes for the most part – rather, they tend to feature historical/amazing private residences that are open to the public for a limited time. Which, honestly, is the way I’d prefer it since I’m such a sucker for older homes with abundant built-in (and designed!) character.
Here’s a shortlist of some upcoming housewalks and tours that I found in the ‘burbs of Chicago:
*all costs listed below are per-person
Hinsdale Cooks! Kitchen Walk, Hinsdale, Ill.
May 9, 2014
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Cost: $35 in advance; $40 at the door
http://kitchen-walk.com/
Although this walk doesn’t include an entire house tour, I love food and drooling over kitchens that I have yet to be able to afford (hey, a gal can dream, right?!). Hinsdale is known for its bevy of wealthy residents, so I’m sure these kitchens rival whatever set-up Gordon Ramsey has in his mansion.
Mother’s Day House Walk, Evanston, Ill.
May 11, 2014
Noon - 5 p.m.
Cost: $40 in advance, $45 at the door
http://evanstonhistorycenter.org/events-programs/special-events
So, apparently the date is set for this year, but that's about all I know. I'll check the website again in a week or so to see if there are any updates and have an email out to them asking for more information (nothing back yet...). I'm hopeful that some more info comes out soon because this is one I'd really like to go to - when we lived on the north side of Chicago, we would venture into Evanston every so often and I was always awestruck by how gorgeous (and huge!!) the houses were. Plus its close proximity to Lake Michigan...yep, total nerdgasm.
***UPDATE: The website has updated information, and the pricing listed above is correct (same as last year).
Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Society Annual Housewalk, Glen Ellyn, Ill.
May 16, 2014
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost: $30 in advance; $35 at the door
http://www.glenellyninfantwelfare.org/
I’ve just recently discovered the charm of Glen Ellyn when I brought Brian to a bread baking class that I scheduled for his birthday. With a kitschy downtown area nestled along the Union Pacific train line and beautiful architecture, I’ve been itching for an excuse to return. Well, folks, here’s my chance – and at $30/person, it certainly doesn't break the bank.
All Wright Housewalk, Oak Park, Ill.
May 17, 2014
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
http://www.flwright.org/tours/allwright2014
Cost: $125 non-member; $100 member
This is an annual housewalk showcasing the Frank Lloyd Wright-built and inspired homes in Oak Park and River Forest. I’ve heard about this one for years (hello, I grew up a stone’s throw away from Oak Park) and I’ve always wanted to go, but once I saw the price tag I was a little put off. Maybe if I mysteriously get rich in a year or so I’ll reconsider.
Wilmette Spring Housewalk, Wilmette, Ill.
May 18, 2014
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: $40 for members; $50 for non-members; $25 for students
http://www.wilmettehistory.org/programs.html
Yet another ritzy area like Hinsdale, but this housewalk doesn’t stop with the kitchens. It features “four grand homes more than 100 years old.” I can only imagine how gorgeous these homes would be – or, I suppose I could pony up the $50 and see for myself.
Any other housewalks I missed in the Chicago area? Let's unite, fellow house tour nerds!
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