The lavish affection of a grandparent is fully revealed at Yuletide, when gifts are exchanged, visits are lengthened, and special sweets are concocted in the kitchen—the heart of the home.
In a small, preservation-minded rural community, Laura and Kent Tabor have created a special haven. Though hardly their first historic home, Laura Ann—as they have christened the dwelling—is a spectacular example of mid-nineteenth-century Southern architecture and style, decorated with period antiques and family treasures. At Christmas, its story shines a little brighter, illuminated by twinkling lights upon the bough.
In the main hall, crimson ribbon and red-and-gold handblown glass ornaments bedeck the Christmas tree in traditional Americana inspired by Norman Rockwell. Beside the towering evergreen, two Steiff teddy bears nestle in an American Empire rocking chair with original upholstery, waiting as if eager to hear “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” read to little ones on Christmas Eve. Antique drums with a patriotic motif call forth visions of childhood delight as grandchildren unwrap their gifts in the morn.
The kitchen is the heart of Laura Ann and a place where family often gathers. Laura’s collection of aged cast iron—which she uses regularly—hangs above the circa 1927 stove. When restoring the architecture of the home, Laura and Kent discovered evidence of this fireplace, which had been hidden by previous renovations. The hard pine table was constructed from beams at least fifty years old that were taken out from beneath the house. Surrounding it are six classic American ladderback chairs.
Text Leslie Bennett Smith
Photography Stephanie Welbourne Steele
Styling Lance Britt and Melissa Sturdivant Smith
Read the full article in our Holiday Bliss 2024 issue.
Additionally, to discover more of this stunning historic interior at Christmastime, see “For Love of Laura Ann” in the November/December 2024 issue, available on newsstands and at victoriamag.com.
