Tour of Homes set for Dec. 3

Each year, the Dollars for Scholars Tour of Homes coordinators’ jobs become even tougher. Finding homeowners who want to open their houses for touring visitors isn’t easy.

The event, now in its 31st year, is the sole fundraiser for Newton Dollars for Scholars, which raises money for a variety of scholarships awarded to Newton High School graduates each spring. Hilary Montalvo, who has been the president of the organization for about two years, said the support and generosity of the attendees is critical.

The total for scholarships has now gone beyond $100,000, she said.

“I want to thank all the homeowners and board members for volunteering their time and their homes so that we are able to give Newton’s seniors scholarships year after year,” Montalvo said.

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased in advance at local banks and the Chamber of Commerce, or they can be purchased on the day of the tour at any home on the tour. All proceeds from ticket sales go toward the scholarships.

Here is the lineup for this year’s tour:

Nathan and Emily McConkey

503 W. 12th St. S.

The 1928 Tudor-style home has had several notable occupants. It was built by F.L. Maytag’s brother, Theodore, and Theodore’s wife, Wilhelmina, using a Des Moines architect, Carl V. Johnson, who was well known for his grand Tudor designs.

Sadly, the two lived in the home for only three years before Theodore Maytag passed away, followed by Wilhelmina a year later. The Maytags are responsible for the imported European light fixtures, the wrought-iron staircase banister and the home’s beautiful woodwork, to name just a few features that can be admired today.

Sara Haines, the Newton resident turned TV star and one of the hosts of the program “The View,” was a young child when her family resided in the home during the 1980s and 1990s.

The McConkey family renovated extensively by refinishing original hardwood floors, painting almost every room in the house, and finishing the attic to create a bedroom for their teenage daughter. The basement is also in the process of being renovated.

Look for the original blueprints of the home on display during your visit.

Donn and Debbie Eide

2386 W. 15th St S.

The 1989 Cape Cod style home is located south of Interstate 80. The Eides have undertaken quite a bit of construction since they moved into it 11 years ago.

The Eides added on a garage, then a large family room to the rear of the home, complete with a fireplace and half bath. The interior layout was changed to an open floor plan when the kitchen and main bathroom were remodeled. Look for the remodeled office/play area with a pirate theme off of the master bedroom, featuring murals painted by local artist Sommer Kibbee.

The Eides also finished their basement, adding a pool room, kitchen, a three-quarter bath, sitting room and theater room. They had extensive landscaping done by local contractor Garden Gate, and installed an in-ground pool.

All of the work completed over the years was done by local contractors and companies.

Darin Eide and Meghan Bestell-Eide

2326 W. 15th St. S.

Darin Eide and his wife have lived right next door to his parents in a 1989 traditional brick-style home for about three years. Since moving in, a major remodel of the kitchen was completed by Vander Zwagg Builders, which included new fixtures, countertops, lighting and the addition of a breakfast bar, as well as updated cabinets and a new sink.

New hardwood flooring was installed in three rooms and in hallways. Wallpaper was hung in the half-bath, which was updated with a new vanity. An entrance to the basement was opened up from the dining room and a theater room was created in the basement.

The home was also landscaped by Garden Gate and features an outdoor kitchen and patio addition to the rear of the home. Look for the fun locker-style storage area in the hallway and the wrought-iron railing leading to the basement.

Judy Manusos

2408 N. Sixth Ave E.

This 1987 Colonial Revival home has an open floor plan with a spacious interior, something desired by Manusos to accommodate her large family of seven children and fourteen grandchildren. The popular “open” layout also allows her to comfortably entertain and keep her guests in sight while preparing things in the kitchen.

A large porch on the front of the home is a favorite gathering spot, and the finished basement is snugly furnished and includes a bar as well as ample storage.

Look for the red British phone booth holding a collection of music boxes, the Audrey Hepburn room and Manusos’ extensive collection of Santas and Christmas decorations as some of the unique decorations in this modern home.

Josh and Katie Cantu

1103 N. Fourth Ave. W.

The 1865 Italianate style red brick home may have been built with bricks made practically next door in the local brickyard. It was constructed by Joseph Merritt Woodrow, a local businessman, who also planted the row of larch trees on the south side of North Fourth Avenue West.

The home originally had an iron fence surrounding its perimeter. The fence’s carved stone lintels commanded respect, but the home was known as “quite a fancy place” for more than one reason: according to Woodrow’s family, it was the first home in Newton to have a bathtub.

The home has seen its share of renovations through the years, with an addition to the original floor plan and a wrap-around porch, but original features still shine through. Look for the original built-in china cabinet between the dining room and kitchen and much original trim, such as the arched trim over the curved doorways in the home.

Outdoors, the Cantus have added many landscaping features, including stamped concrete, patios and an herb garden.

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com