Tour historic convent at Batavia House Walk
The 2011 Batavia House Walk is one event that you don’t want to miss. This house walk has something that others haven’t had — the chance to tour a seldom-seen historic property.
The Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary Convent will be one of the featured homes on this year’s tour. The home was built by H.T. Windsor, who came to Batavia in 1912. He was the owner of the Chicago, Harvard and Geneva Lakes Railway.
Known as Ridgelawn, the home was later purchased by Ernest Oswalt, one of the founders of the Campana Corporation.
The convent sits on beautiful grounds that overlook the scenic Fox River. The house has been through a series of renovations with the kitchen remodeled in the 1940s. A chapel was constructed on the roof garden during the 1950s. Behind the house is a large retreat facility that was added in the 1970s.
Although the retreat house is often used by religious groups, this is the first time the convent has been open to the public.
“We’re very excited,” said Sister Marie Mason SSCM, vocation director. “Not only to share the physical space, but to be able to share who we are.”
Another new feature of this year’s house walk is the addition of tablescapes done by the designers at Geneva’s The Little Traveler.
“We are thrilled that Little Traveler has offered to add this exciting new element to the 2011 House Walk,” says Jan Gibson, chairwoman of the event.
The 2011 House Walk is dedicated to Angie Pavelich who served on the selection committee and died earlier this year. The Batavia House Walk is an annual event that benefits Batavia Mainstreet.
The Batavia House Walk takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance at K. Hollis Jewelers, Gibby’s Wine Den, Four Beans Coffee House, Sue’s Family Hair Co, the Batavia MainStreet office, or by calling (630) 761-3528.
What you’ll see on the tour
The theme for the 2011 Housewalk is Your Entrance to Batavia Living. Visit downtownbatavia.com for details.
Room For All
The Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary Convent on Batavia Avenue is open to the public for the first time.
Grand Living
Built in 2004, this contemporary home on Alberosky Way features a chefs kitchen and special features like a media room and floor to ceiling fireplaces.
Roof-Raising Renovation
Originally a small 1870s cottage, this home on North Prairie Street has been completely remodeled by the homeowners with a 2,000 square foot addition.
Vintage Victorian
A Victorian built in 1888 on South Jefferson Street has been restored to maintain the beauty and integrity of the original home.
Purposeful Planning
The newest home on the walk was built in 2008. This contemporary home on Waubonsee Trail features a Craftsman-style kitchen.
Creative Sips
The annual tea is being held this year at Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St.