Enhancing the Legacy: 

Celebrate Our Southern Heritage

The 2009 Cassina Christmas Tour of Homes showcases five island homes, all located on land with ties to the Plantation era.  An added bonus this year will be the inclusion of Wesley United Methodist Church.  In addition to these venues, the Cassina Cabins will be open for viewing on the day of the Tour and the “Best Bake Sale in the Southeast” will be held in one of two Cassina Cabins.  

(The specific location of each Tour Home will be displayed on a map contained on your Tour Ticket.)

 Stop 1 – Cassina Cabins – Gascoigne Bluff

These two authentic cabins, built in the early 1800’s, were used as slave quarters on the Hamilton Plantation. Each housed two families and had a fireplace. After the Civil War, the cabins fell into disuse. In 1932, Glynn County granted the cabins to the Cassina Garden Club. The crumbling buildings were then renovated and the grounds landscaped. In 1950, the County deeded the property to Cassina with the provision that it be used for garden club activities. On the National Register of Historic Places since 1988, these cabins serve as the Club’s meeting place.

On Tour Day, visitors are invited to come to the cabins to view the Christmas decorations and for refreshments during tour hours.  The cabins are also the site of our famous BAKE SALE. 

Stop 2 –  Hamilton Landing

This Mediterranean style home sits in what used to be Hamilton Plantation and whose manor house was named “Rose Cottage.”  Its open style with areas demarked by tall columns immediately invites its guests inside to enjoy the hospitality offered combining music, dining, and sitting.  A stunning Persian rug suggests a color palette used throughout the living area.  A French trumeau circa 1800 mirror, a cornice from a French chateau located over the French doors to the porch, and an architectural piece from the Rheims gothic cathedral over the master suite entrance define the pleasing French slant to the décor.  

A large open porch boasts a Black Forest Victorian breakfront, an antique chair and a country French bonnetierre.   The kitchen with its “Chili Pepper” walls, travertine marble floors, and granite countertops includes a charming French pastry table that provides a useful “touch”.  To the right of the living area are two guest bedrooms:  One with blue and white accents and the other with a pretty floral fabric treatment.  A pair of antique doors cleverly covers the electric panels.  To the left of the living area is a sumptuous master suite, complete with a magnificent antique Persian rug and beautiful fabrics.  The master bath showcases a lovely French boudoir chest, and antique commode flanks the European style tub.  A closet to die for is hidden behind the tub wall..  Throughout, the lovely Christmas greenery with accompanying sounds of Christmas make this a charming “get in the spirit” stop.

Stop 3 - Sea Palms

A relatively new home for Sea Palms, built in the nouvelle traditional style, overlooks a lush golf course landscape where golfers as well as wildlife offer picturesque scenes of interest.  It is nestled in what was formerly “Rosemont,” the plantation and home of Mary Gould daughter of James Gould of St. Simons’ lighthouse fame.  Before it was given to Mary, “Rosemont” was part of Black Banks Plantation.   Upon entering the home, the visitor is greeted with a gallery of original art collected or produced by the host who is a retired professor of art. 

A study is dedicated to Elsie Wilde, a 20^th Century American portraitist, whose works form an impressive collection in the room.  The master bedroom features some lovely French Directoire furniture and a beautifully renovated bath complete with a marble bust of Madame Recamier, the Madame Pompadour of the mid-19^th Century.  In the living room are a Napoleon III escritoire, an antique Russian samovar and eclectic representations of furnishings and objects d’art.   The garden room adds depth to the living area and has a “Recamier” reclining settee for interest.  The dining room and kitchen complete the downstairs.  Upstairs, there are two additional bedrooms, a lounge area and an art studio.  An early 1831 gentleman’s portrait is at the top of the stairs.  Antique Japanese woodcuts are seen in the bedrooms as well as an antique hibachi.  Other art created and collected by the owner is spotted throughout the upstairs.  This is a true “original” experience.

Stop 4 - Lawrence Road
 

This owner designed and built home, built on the former Hampton Plantation, captures the hospitality and relaxed living for which St. Simons is known  The beautiful, leaded glass front door was discovered by our hostess in her grandfather’s warehouse where it had been stored for many years. The side panels were created by Pane In The Glass.  The home is filled with beautiful paintings and watercolors, many created by the owner.  Lovely wall murals can be spotted by the front door as well as in the keeping room which were also done by her. 

A study to the right of the entry clearly defines the interests of the man of the house with its wild ducks and historical subjects’ collections.  Lalique vases and Lladro figurines as well as a curio cabinet with Limoges rabbit themed boxes are some favored collectibles.  A handsome shell mirror is the focal point over the mantel.  A French Empire reclining settee belonged to a friend of Napoleon’s Empress Josephine.  The master bedroom has interesting ceiling detail and breathtaking views of the marsh outdoors.  An alcove outside the cozy kitchen features pottery collected from trips, and the keeping room has an antique washstand.  Additional rooms include two bedrooms, a studio for painting, a breakfast nook and an inviting screen porch which overlook the garden, interspersed with sculpture and viewing sites. This is a spot to linger and savor nature, history, and comfortable living – a complete combination!

Stop 5 - The Commons at Frederica

This charming low-country style tabby cottage is located in what was an original land grant to Christ Church by General James Oglethorpe. Its furnishings are family heirlooms passed down through seven generations. These date from early Colonial settlements in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland and could easily have graced the homes of the St. Simons’ planters. Each piece has its provenance documented in writing and carefully recorded inside each item by the forebears who owned them. There are portraits of these ancestors throughout the downstairs. One of the treats in store is a grandfather clock, dating from 1775, a wedding gift to Samuel Canby and his bride. A wonderful collection of American and English samplers is found throughout the house along with antique English Staffordshire, Chinese Canton blue and white porcelain, and Chinese Rose Medallion porcelain.

Some miniature doll house pieces, made by the owner’s grandfather can be spotted in the keeping room book shelves. The master bedroom features a handsome mahogany bureau desk and bedroom furniture handed down from the owner’s great grandmother. The living room proudly displays a walnut secretary made in Philadelphia in the late 1700’s. Alken hunting prints with reverse painting on the glass line the wall alongside the stairway. Upstairs in the left bedroom is a maple Baltimore bed. Across the hall is a walnut bed made in Reading, Pennsylvania. Some Henry Mercer tiles made in Doylestown, Pennsylvania adorn the screen porch dividers. This home is truly an experience of stepping back into time.  

Stop 6 - West Point

This lovely home is a charming interpretation of a Louisiana low- country style home, and its balance and classic features also bespeak Mediterranean as well as Country French styles. With its stone and wood floors and stonework for door surrounds, it makes for a casual and easy lifestyle. It lies in the middle of what was once West Point Plantation, owned by the Hazzard family. A master retreat features a hideaway study as well as a spacious bath and bedroom complete with antique French doors.

Views from the master suite, living room and kitchen overlook a relaxing oasis from the large porch connecting these areas. A dining room and large open living room insure the ambiance for the perfect entertainment spaces. An equally well appointed kitchen and keeping area form a comfortable and cozy haven. The laundry room is a unique haven. Its walls are limestone with more antique French doors – a very special room! Upstairs is a comfortable guest suite as well as two additional children’s room. One of these is a real girly-girl room complete with a bed passed down from grandmother to daughter and now to granddaughter. A “dorm” room for two other children makes for a perfect suite for slumber parties, playing dolls and games. The sumptuous Christmas greenery and decorations only complement the outstanding features of this stop. This home is such a refreshing change from the same–old, same–old and a perfect family retreat. 

Stop 7 -  Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica

Wesley United Methodist Church at Frederica is located directly across from Fort Frederica, and is named for the founders of the Methodist movement, John and Charles Wesley. When Architect, Keith Summerour, designed the Church, he intended a building concept that John Wesley might have brought with him when he arrived at nearby Fort Frederica in 1737. The heart pine floors were reclaimed from a 200-year old textile factory and the ceiling beams are also heart pine.

Boasting nearly 2,500 pipes, the new 41-rank Zimmer pipe organ is the largest organ in the area. Its focal point is the Trompette en Chamade, the copper horizontal pipes under the Rose window in the chancel area. Wesley is also proud to have a new Yamaha seven-foot grand piano.

Beautifully decorated wreaths and the sound of Christmas music welcome you to Wesley. The Church is overflowing with red poinsettias, accompanying five beautifully decorated Christmas trees. In the Narthex, see a Nativity Scene and a 12-ft tree filled with a variety of golden ornaments, angels, and Chrismons. In the breezeway, a tree of silver, white and aqua greets you before you enter the courtyard where you will find a tree loaded with beach shells and Spanish moss. Sit and rest on one of the benches while listening to the water bubbling in the fountain. Be sure to see the wreath decorated with shells and other natural elements as you leave the courtyard. The Marshall Gathering Room houses the Children’s Tree decorated by the children of the Church. Lastly, enjoy some cookies and punch, and see the fifth tree located in Oasis Room where the Contemporary Service is conducted.
 

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