Oakwood by Candlelight

(RALEIGH, NC) 

“Eclectic” is the first word that comes to mind after taking the Historic Oakwood Candlelight Tour over the weekend in Raleigh. A docent at one of the twelve homes on tour this year said that word fits perfectly.  

Oakwood embraces a wide range of ideas, tastes and styles. Our docent went on to say: “We’re all different but we all fit in. We all have a place.”  

It had many years since I did the Oakwood tour. I didn’t know what to expect this year. I think I was anticipating something slightly stuffy or highbrow.   I was completely wrong. 

Oakwood is a hip mix of the old and new and in between.

Art in these homes reflects the varied travels and passions of the people. It can be a blend of Topsail Beach and Brazil. Somehow it all seems to work.  

I loved walking into a house with an old stand-alone fireplace and chimney separating the living and dining rooms. The art here was an amazing array of items collected from around the world. 

I can’t wait to come back next year. Once a home is on tour it is not eligible for another five years. So we will definitely see a lot of new things next year. 

It’s not an easy ticket. The Oakwood Candlelight Tour was sold-out again this year. They sell 4,000 tickets for the two-day event in December.

I love the community spirit here. Neighborhood pride is high. Oakwood residents run the show. Each house on tour has a neighborhood docent in each room on display.  

Photography inside the tour homes is not allowed. I did manage to put together a music-video of our walk through the neighborhood.  

The video includes both homes on tour and others in Oakwood. The music is “Wexford Carol” from my album “A Midnight Clear – Christmas in Mitford.”