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Arts & Entertainment

"The Upside of Down" at the Reston Home Tour

Annual event showcases six Reston homes and the historic DeLong Bowman House.

The welcome mat will be out at six private Reston homes this weekend at the 10th annual Reston Home Tour.

The self-guided tour is Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will include stops throughout the neighborhoods of Reston, focusing on homeowners who have discovered “The Upside of Down” by embracing the challenges they faced - downsizing, downturns, downstairs  -  the results are remarkable changes to each home to suit the owners’ lifestyles.

For Reston history buffs, there will be an additional stop. The DeLong Bowman house - former homer of the makers of Virginia Gentleman bourbon and later the residence of Reston founder Robert E. Simon -  will be open for tours, a unique chance to see historic “old” Reston.

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Throughout the day at the Bowman house, the Reston Historic Trust will present a Bowman Historical Perspective . Between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., complimentary tastings of Virginia Gentleman products will be offered by EKKO Title and Bowman Distillery’s master distiller and historian, Joe Dangler.

Do you have an appreciation for architectural details?  The Miller Hanna house in the Lake Anne community is an example of stunning renovation work by a talented architect,  integrating his clients wishes for a new and improved living space, including a curved glass block foyer wall.

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The Whetton-Hunter home is also in the Lake Anne area. The owners wished to downsize, but instead renovated a townhouse with modern touches overlooking Lake Anne.

Do-it-yourselfers will want to check out the details of the King house in the South Lakes area. Kim King was her own general contractor and completed the renovation of her downstairs condo on the lake  - all within five weeks.

You may have peeked into the Brehony condo in Midtown at Reston Town Center already. Their bronze lawn deer grazing in an 18’ window are grab your attention from the street, but the interior of their whole home is sensational. They say they are in love with their new space – tour goers will see why.

Other homes on tour include The Poulos home at Hunters Woods, which features original artwork and a main-level master bedroom, and a  the Bonnes home near South Lakes, where  local artists' works hang in a contemporary space.

“Weather forecast is perfect for touring, and the leaves are cooperating with color," said Carol Nahorniak, Reston Home Tour spokesperson, noting that people come great distances to take part in the tour each year.

All proceeds from the Reston Home Tour ticket sales benefit the

Tickets can be purchased in advance online: $30 at www.restonmuseum.org or at any of these locations (, , , , . 

The tour can be started at the home of your choice, from the map printed on the ticket. You will receive a program at your first stop.  Extensive details about each home are outlined in the program, as well as special offers from Reston Home Tour supporters.

The tour organizers recommend wearing comfortable shoes (some locations may ask you to remove your shoes –plastic bags will be provided). The tour is not recommended for children and children under 10 years of age will not be admitted.

will have a Reston Home Tour tasting event from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with wine tasting and appetizers. The Wine Cabinet will donate 10 percent  of all sales during that period to benefit the Reston Museum and Reston Historic Trust.

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