Holiday Homes Tour Draws Hundreds to Evans Farm

Under warming skies, hundreds of women spent mid-morning Thursday touring beautifully decorated homes in Evans Farm, meeting friends, "oohing" and "ahhing" over artwork and contributing to McLean charities.

They were part of a 45-year-old McLean tradition -- joining the Holiday Homes Tour sponsored annually by the Woman's Club of McLean*. The club generally welcomes 500 to 600 guests and raises about $25,000 that it donates to McLean charities.

"It's a great way to get decorating ideas and kickoff the Christmas season," and help the community, said club president Virginia Sandahl, who greeted guests in a bright red jacket.

The guests were drawn to the four open homes with million-dollar price tags, the decorating ideas and memories of Evans Farm Inn.

"I love going through pretty homes," said McLean native Bonnie Kiessling.

She and Virginia Sandahl were McLean High School classmates. The visit also brought back memories of the beloved Evans Farm Inn. She worked as a "relish girl" at the inn, complete with the requisite colonial outfit, she recalled.

Tami Niblett, of Haymarket, an interior designer: "It allows me to get into homes that I would never get to see. They are very gracious to open their homes."

Annette Pigott, McLean native who now lives in Arlington: "It's a lot of fun to see how the homes are decorated and to see the other McLean."

Courtney Whitney, McLean: "I like to see what the neighbors are doing. People put in a lot of effort and I've made nice friends." She is a regular guest at the tour.

Jane Plank, Georgetown: "We wanted to see Christmas. Get in the mood for Christmas and be with our friends."

Pat Mawry of Arlington touring with her mother Kay Davis: "I remember Evans Farm Inn. It was a wonderful place to bring out-of-town visitors. It had a feel of elegance."

Joan Currie said she and her husband, Phil, decided to open their home because "We think the Woman's Club of McLean does so many wonderful things. When we heard they were doing this in Evans Farms we were happy to be a part of it."

Mrs. Claus was dressed in bright red, and gave her address as The North Pole. She greeted guests in the Currie's front hall saying "I'm here to brighten your day."

*The Woman's Club of McLean was organized in 1958 as a service club for women of all ages, Sandahl said. The club grew with McLean. They currently have about 100 members, she said.