BARNESVILLE — The Belmont County Historical Society of Barnesville is planning its annual Tour of Homes slated from 1-5 p.m. Aug. 27.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum, 532 N. Chestnut St., Barnesville.

For information, call 740-425-2926. No children younger than 12 years old are permitted on the tours.

Those graciously opening up their houses and businesses for the Barnesville Home Tour include:

Mr. and Mrs. T.J. Jefferis of 61830 Bailey Road;

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Graham of 60280 Sandy Ridge Road;

Harrison House Apartments, Mr. & Mrs. Jim Grear of 501 E. Main St.;

Sally McKenzie of 128 E. Walnut St.;

McKenzie Management of 302 N. Chestnut St.;

Campbell-Plumly-Milburn Funeral Home of 319 N. Chestnut St.; and

Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum, 532 N. Chestnut St.

Following is information about each home on the tour:

THE MCKENZIE HOME

After residing in California for many years, Sally McKenzie returned to her home town and purchased the former Georgian Pillars Bed and Breakfast in 2016. Her brother, Thom Bennett, also returned and is sharing the house with her. Built in 1900, the Georgian Revival house was the original home of R. Ross Watt.

Sally has totally transformed the house, making it her own. The front sandstone sidewalk was replaced with stamped concrete and painted black. The white front fence was replaced by black iron. The front porch is one of two carved iconic porches. The porch pillars have been restored. The front door and surrounding windows feature original leaded glass.

Inside, all wallpaper throughout the house, has been stripped and the walls have been painted a light gold color which accents the newly refinished quarter sawn oak woodwork.

All carpet in the 7,250 square foot house is new. The carpet on the front and back stairs are of coordinating patterns. All windows are covered with wood shutters.

Upon entering the formal parlor with fireplace, tin ceiling, and victrola is on the right, and the TV parlor is on the left. This parlor is connected to the library featuring a new tiger oak fireplace, stained glass windows, and built-in glass cabinets. The cabinets showcase collections of Cambridge glass and Thom’s barber bottles. The hall features new crystal lights, Calendar Girl prints, Cambridge candlesticks, and the first of several Giuseppe Armani Victorian figurines. Behind an ornately carved door is a cold air return system. The dining room features ionic pillars, stained glass windows and a tiger oak fireplace. The space between the hall and kitchen displays antique razors and shaving mugs from Thom’s barber collection. There is also a half bath off the area. The kitchen has been completely gutted and refurbished with all new cabinets, counter tops, appliances, and tin ceiling. The lighted glass cabinets near the ceiling showcase china plates. The butler’s pantry has sliding door cabinets, sink, and a wine rack. Off the kitchen is a two-tiered patio leading to the gazebo.

The second floor hallway features a stained glass bay window and another Giuseppe Armani figurine. Four bedrooms and a sitting room, now serving as Sally’s office, open off the hallway. Thom’s bedroom features a barber stand and tiger oak bed. Sally’s bedroom features yet another Giuseppe Armani figurine and Cambridge and Lotus glass.

The third floor consisted of old attic rafters and was never finished. Now however, the entire third floor has been transformed into a beautiful suite. The huge sitting room is complete with a wall mounted TV, wet bar with wine rack, and gas fireplace with a mantel designed by Sally. The woodwork has been refurbished with egg and dart trim. Double glass doors lead to the bedroom which is connected to the totally new bath.

BELMONT COUNTY VICTORIAN MANSION MUSEUM

The Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum located at 532 N. Chestnut St. in Barnesville was built by John and Sarah Bradfield. The Richardsonian Romanesque style building was completed in 1893 and remained in the Bradfield family until 1966 when the Belmont County Historical Society acquired the property and established a museum. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion has 26 rooms and 11 fireplaces. It is decorated as would befit a prominent family of the Victorian era.

As you enter the Walton Avenue carriage entrance, you will see walls covered with original wallpaper and lincrusta wainscoting, as well as oak carved fretwork with a winged griffin thought to prevent misfortune. To your right is the dining room with parquet oak floor and anaglypta wainscoting. At your left are twin parlors with moldings, mantels, and doors finished in butternut.

Passing through the fretwork you come into the main hall, finished in quarter sawn oak which is also used in the rest of the house. Note, the inglenook or “courting corner” fireplace. The powder room off the hall features a ruby marble sink with 22k gold decorations.

Off the landing is the growlery, where the men gathered to discuss business and smoke cigars.

The second floor consists of five bedrooms, two dressing rooms, and two baths. The master bath has 22k gold trim tile and the servants bath has one of the earliest toilets. Running water was supplied by two 540 gallon tanks on the third floor. On the third floor is the ballroom, music room, butler’s sitting room and the billiard room which is now displaying historical documents and other items of interest.

Descending the servant’s stairs to the first floor and turning left to the kitchen you will see the original soapstone sink and original copper sink in the adjoining butler’s pantry. The Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum is open for tours May 1-Oct. 1, Wednesday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

HARRISON HOUSE APARTMENTS

The Harrison house was built in 1873 by George L. Harrison. The Harrison family owned the Harrison Shirt Factory. The Grears rent out the bedrooms. The 3,000 square foot house has 10 rooms and four fireplaces.

Entering from the rear you will see a totally remodeled kitchen. Off the back are a remodeled bath and master bedroom. Twin Victorian parlors are off the front hall. Stained glass windows and pocket doors are featured in the hall and parlors. Carved oak newel post and spindles are featured in the front stairway. A crystal chandelier adorns the front hall.

On the second floor are four guest bedrooms, one with a fireplace, and two baths. Also, on the second floor is a fully equipped kitchen for use by guests. All guest rooms are equipped with televisions and air conditioning. In the hall you will see a collection of framed post cards. A rear patio is also available for guests to enjoy.

THE JEFFERIS HOME

The Jefferis Home is located at 61830 Bailey Road, Barnesville. The home of T. J. and Tammy Jefferis sits right in the middle of their 108 acre cow and goat farm. The 5,500-square-foot home was completed in 2010 and is completely handicap accessible. All floors are either carpeted or tiled. The exterior is constructed with face stone.

Entering the front door, you will see Tammy’s office. Taking a left will lead you toward two bedrooms and a bath. With an open floor plan, the living room is separated from the kitchen and dining area by a two-way stone fireplace. The living room features a collection of antique copper creations and hob nob Fenton glass. The furnishings are a mixture of new and antique pieces. All woodwork, cabinets, and antique furniture are quarter sawn oak. Off the living room is the master suite featuring a two-way fireplace, separate tub and shower, and doors opening to the patio.

Off the dining area is a large laundry room featuring cabinets and a built in ironing board. A pantry off the laundry accommodates Tammy’s canning supplies. Also, off the laundry is a bath and gym. The gym is equipped with exercise equipment, sauna and spa.

Exiting through the dining room doors will take you to the large patio and pavilion. Both areas are finished with stone pavers. The pavilion has a fireplace, TV and built-in grill. The paving and landscaping was done by the Jefferis’ son, Jeff. The large rocks around the house that are now part of the landscaping were dug up from underneath the house site. The property also includes a barn and large garage where T. J. has his office as owner of T.J. Jefferis General Contracting.

MCKENZIE MANAGEMENT

Built in 1874 by Thaddeus A. Gratigny, this Italianate home now houses Sally McKenzie’s Dental Management business.

The front door features leaded glass. Refinished oak woodwork is featured throughout the house. The curved stairway is adorned with a carved wood design. New carpets and blinds have been installed throughout the house. Downstairs rooms and two of the three bedrooms have been turned into offices and a conference room. The third bedroom is used as a guest room for Sally’s visiting business associates. The upstairs hall contains a closet with multiple shelves which provides a perfect storage place for Sally’s business literature.

THE GRAHAM SCHOOLHOUSE HOME

The Grahams purchased the building in 1979 and it originally served as a one-room school house. The schoolhouse was built in 1901. The school is listed as Chestnut Hill No. 10, Warren Township, in Belmont County records.

Entering the back door of the lower new addition, you walk into “Larry’s” room, which is a home theater and bar. An actual white screen surrounded by red velvet curtains is there to project classic movies. A disco light and popcorn machine complete the picture. The room also contained Larry’s army memorabilia and objects from the Graham’s world travels. Upstairs on the new addition is the family room.

The original part of the house starts in the kitchen. The 1933 coal stove has been converted to a modern stove. The two-story living room is filled with art work and items collected from around the world. The original brick walls are exposed. The bricks were fired on site and the clay is from Leatherwood and Salesville. You will also see the original wainscoting, stage and slate chalk board. The master bedroom is off the living room. The second-story loft contains two other bedrooms. The railing on the loft is from a Boston hotel. The stained glass in the entry hall and living room was made by the Grahams. The original front door shows initials carved by students. The front stone step is depressed evidencing many years of students coming and going.

CAMPBELL-PLUMLY-MILBURN FUNERAL HOME

The Campbell-Plumly-Milburn Funeral Home building was originally constructed as a residence in 1820 by Keleon Hagar. The building continued to serve as a residence until Dr. W.C. Stephens acquired the property and turned it into a hospital known as the Community Hospital. After the hospital was discontinued, the property was sold to H.L. Campbell and sons, John and William, who operated their undertaking business in the house. The house has served continuously from 1941, as a funeral home. Present owners, Mel and Pam Milburn, acquired the house and business in 1988.

Reputedly the oldest brick building in Barnesville, the original structure was modified in 1999 to include the large north viewing room and additional space in the back. The public areas feature Victorian style furniture and wallpaper.

The front door features original stained glass surrounds. To the right of the entry are large double parlors. One parlor features the original built-in corner cabinets with new stained glass doors created by Denny Wees. In the other parlor you will find a desk and microscope owned by Dr. Dempsey O. Sheppard, author of The Story of Barnesville. The stained glass between the main viewing room and center hall was created by Denny Wees to match the original glass surrounding the front door. The carved mantle in the front left parlor is thought to have been added in the 1860s. The beautiful curved stairway leads to the second floor offices. One office features a stained glass window created by Joani Tornwall.