Lucky guests on this year’s 26th annual Christmas Home Fantasy tour were able to take pleasure in the warm spirit of Christmas, and gather some decorating ideas as they visited four beautifully decorated homes on display in the Merced area last weekend.
The event is hosted by New Beginnings For Merced County Animals, a non-profit rescue group that saves local animals that are surrendered by owners or are being housed at Animal Services. The animals are transported by van and plane to no-kill rescues in California and other states in the western region. In 2017 alone, the group rescued more than 5,000 animals.
At the home of Sandi and Bill Heil, visitors enjoyed an amazing 25 different Christmas trees, including one in the shower!
There was also the mansion overlooking the Merced River and owned by Sandee and Gary Koehler. Their French/Tuscany country style home featured a Grinch tree, a Santa tree and a wilderness tree complete with deer, pheasants, foxes and wolves.
In the Le Grand area, the tour included the country home of Derek and Leslie Schleth. A longtime advocate for animals, Leslie’s favorite room is the one she calls the “Doggie Room,” containing memorabilia of many animals she has owned, fostered or cared for. Unfortunately, the Times was unable to visit the Schleth home, but guests reported it was simply amazing.
At the home of Bart Ramirez and Tara Morgan-Ramirez, strong family ties were evident in the living room which is adorned with ornaments given yearly to each of their three children — ones that they will keep when they marry or create their own homes.