Home tour with Dollars for Scholars set for Saturday

Saturday will mark the 33rd time this Newton-based organization will invite people into some of the most unique homes in town.

Newton Dollars for Scholars will host its annual Tour of Homes on the first weekend in December. The tour is the group’s largest scholarship fundraiser and will feature five homes throughout town this year.

The homes on display include the home of Amy Graham at 1534 S. 16th Ave. W., the home of Brett and Chantelle Lundberg at 1512 W. Ninth St. S., the home of Jeff and Amanda Price at 6 Larchwood Court, the home of James and Brooke Soppe at 1013 W. 36th St. N. and the home of Mark and Cindy Pollastrini at 710 E. 12th St. S.

Vicki Wade, vice president of Dollars for Scholars, said visitors can look forward to Christmas themes on display at each house.

“The houses will be decorated for the holidays. As you can imagine, some individuals go all out and every room is decorated,” Wade said. “Others might have subtle touches, but we leave that up to the owners. It is our holiday tour so chances are everyone will have some element of Christmas.”

The tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets will be sold at the door of each of the five homes. Tickets are also available in advance at the Newton Chamber of Commerce office and Advantage Credit Union. The tour is open to the general public and tickets are $10 each.

Wade said at Dollar for Scholars’ last award event, the organization was able to distribute around $150,000 in scholarships to seniors for college.

“That’s all beyond what the tour raises,” Wade said. “From the tour, we tend to raise around $350 to $450.”

Here’s this year’s line up:

Home of Amy Graham, 1534 S. 16th Ave W.

This 1980 ranch-style home has custom built features, including two fireplaces and hardwood floors throughout. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home was built with careful consideration by the previous owners, Scott and Nancy Bosma. Amy and her family have lived in the home for just over a year and truly appreciate the opportunity to make the house a home.

The open-concept living area on the main floor features many windows that offer a view of the beautifully landscaped yard complete with two koi ponds and a babbling brook and waterfall. Look for a white, gold and silver rustic Christmas theme throughout the main level and fresh evergreen and berries from the yard. The finished lower level is decorated with brightly colored Christmas cheer to welcome family and friends for the holiday season.

Home of Brett andChantelle Lundberg, 1512 W. Ninth St. S.

This 2002 open-concept ranch in Bradford Estates has seen an entire makeover since the Lundbergs purchased the home in 2013. Some of the main floor updates include new flooring, paint and lighting throughout, new kitchen cabinets, countertops and backsplash and the opening of the dining room into the living area. The basement remodel included the addition of a kitchenette and reconfiguration of the family room. The home is a neighborhood hub for entertaining family and friends of the couple’s three children, Dylann, 15; Derek, 14; and Chase, 8. The kids’ rooms feature unique interests and personalities. As you walk through the kitchen, look for the school bus cookie jar, a gift from the Newton Community School District to Brett’s grandpa, Lyle Blum, when he retired. A special thank you to Pat Wallace, Chantelle’s mom, for her hours of farmhouse theme and holiday decorating help.

Home of Jeff and Amanda Price, 6 Larchwood Court

This unique, mid-century modern home was built in 1959 and housed only four owners, including Nancy and E.K. Shaw, who famously published the Newton Daily News. The Prices and their two children purchased the house in July of 2017 and continue to work on small updates around the property. Amanda enjoys decorating the home and carrying out the theme of “Mid-Mod” design. Oftentimes she can be found searching local estate sales and shops to find authentic vintage furniture and accessories to fill the home.

As visitors will see, the home shows her love for a “Vintage Christmas.” Most of the interior is original to the home. This includes the travertine floors on the first floor and the two brick fireplaces, as well as the wood paneling throughout and original kitchen cabinets. The master bathroom has original tile and cabinetry. There are floor to ceiling windows in the formal living room and the master bedroom. These are perfect for watching the wildlife and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The home has four bedrooms and two-and-a half bathrooms. There is a large family/game room in the basement where the family entertains. There are many unique features about this home that make it fun to explore.

Home of James and Brooke Soppe, 1013 W. 36th St. N.

In 2013, the Soppes were looking online for homes around the Des Moines area in preparation for a move from California. When Brooke saw the gorgeous wrap-around porch of this 2007 farmhouse, she was hooked. Jim was persuaded by the 30 acres and barn.

Today, the property is home to their four children and serves as a working farm with cows, sheep, chickens and even a llama. There are six bedrooms and three and a half baths, which leaves plenty of room when family visits from out of town. The Soppe family has enclosed the back porch and added a built-in breakfast nook seating area. They love to host backyard parties where volleyball is often played and S’Mores are enjoyed.

Home of Mark and Cindy Pollastrini, 710 E. 12th St. S.

Built in 1910, this home was originally a farmstead on the outskirts of town. As the city expanded, an owner was reluctant to part with his land. Consequently, this old house has retained a unique setting. In spite of numerous renovations by various owners, the home continues to offer the feel of a turn of the century Iowa farmhouse. Each room suits the bustle of a growing family very well.

The Pollastrinis fondly recall playing homerun derby, ghost in the graveyard and long sessions in the pine tree playhouse; picking strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, cherries and apples without having to leave home; a wobbly banister post at the bottom of the stairs that would never break. While on a visit, go ahead and give it a gentle tug; mysterious noises throughout the night and an occasional visit from a bat in the attic; and birthday parties, holiday feasts and the magic of Christmas.

Contact Orrin Shawl at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or at oshawl@newtondailynews.com