If you're in or near Ottawa on Sunday, September 16th you should buy a ticket and come on the Glebe House Tour. What a way to spend a Sunday afternoon; strolling around a beautiful historic neighbourhood, exploring the interiors of five private homes. There's even a complimentary Tea Service afterwards at the local community centre.

We're in final stages of planning and things are coming together nicely. In fact, the ticket (also a booklet to guide you as you tour) is ready for the printer! 

Throughout May and June a few of us (members of a committee of 11) visited each home to get to know the homeowners and gather information. I captured each home in pixels, while Stephanie summed them up in words.

Here's a glimpse of what's in store:

One of the owners of this home is a self-described garage sale fanatic with a knack for spotting hidden treasures and giving them new life. Vibrant colours throughout this home are inspired partly by time spent living in Mexico. Note the charming three-season porches on both the left and right sides of the house — perfect for relaxing and watching the world go by.

The owners of this home fell instantly in love with the soaring ceilings and peaceful setting of this hidden jewel overlooking Brown's Inlet. Natural light plays off Venetian plaster walls to create a gorgeous backdrop for a stunning collection of art and furniture. The kitchen features a beautiful backsplash and heated slate floors. The luxurious master retreat opens onto a terrace overlooking the inlet.  

From the heated driveway to the master ensuite, the renovations to this gracious home focused on making it comfortable and maintenance-free for an active, retired life. The entire home is lovely - with an impressive collection of art and furniture, some pieces which were custom-made to go with cherished family heirlooms. A real show-stopper is the three-season room and deck off the second floor — a cottage getaway with the comforts of home.  

This lovely home features an addition that flows seamlessly from the original part of the house. Rather than stored away out of sight, family photos, mementos and heirlooms are beautifully curated and on display throughout the home, as is an amazing art collection. Be sure to allow time to enjoy the gorgeous multi-level garden.

In renovating this grand old home, the homeowners respected the original footprint but gutted and rebuilt the interior with a contemporary take on traditional style. The result is gorgeous. White oak floors add to the home's bright, airy feeling, while the chevron pattern adds visual interest. In the kitchen, doors that appear to form part of a seamless wall of cabinets actually lead to an office and to the basement.