LaBella Bourbon Barn
In a departure from the Home Tour’s traditional menu of eight homes, this year we’re thrilled to offer visitors the opportunity to see something totally unique: a Bourbon Barn with a super-cool speakeasy on the lower level! This imaginative retreat was created for bourbon tasting, conversation, family game nights (Escape Room, anyone?), and pure, unadulterated fun.
Located in The Retreat subdivision and accessed via novel pebble-and-stone paths from the LaBella’s home (which was on the Home Tour in 2018), the Bourbon Barn’s 1600 sq ft main level focuses on bourbon and is the playground of Jeannie LaBella, a recognized expert in the bourbon arena who is an Executive Bourbon Steward, whiskey instructor, and Branch Ambassador for Bourbon Women’s VA/DC/MD Region. Features include a soaring, 30 ft tall vaulted natural wood ceiling with herringbone design and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up to the stone patio and lake view. A massive fireplace and seating area anchor one end of the room, and at the other a gorgeous bar with mirrored walls and custom shelving and cabinetry is the standout. In the middle, a massive Tasting Table invites guests to gather, and a separate area for chess and board games is a family favorite.
Downstairs, the “Steel-n-Time Lounge” — a playful take on “stealin’ time” — recreates the atmosphere of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Apothecary-style cabinets cleverly conceal modern appliances, while vintage electrical switches, Prohibition photographs, vintage movie-theatre seats and a black metal fireplace surrounded by eclectic seating complete the setting. Whimsical surprises appear throughout, including a Doctor Who-inspired police public call box, an escape room-style lockbox built into the floor, hand-shaped coathooks along the stairs, and an antique dentist’s chair. Together, these distinctive details make the Bourbon Barn an unforgettable blend of history, hospitality, mystery, and bourbon culture that simply has to be experienced to be appreciated.
Lakeside, the Entertainment Dock features a full kitchen area with granite countertops and abundant seating with convenient phone charging stations. With no boats (they’re housed on the home’s second dock), it’s a great location for swimming, and since it’s completely covered, it’s also great for watching rainstorms.
Helping Hands of Franklin County
Helping Hands of Franklin County’s mission is to provide financial assistance to help the emergency needs of the citizens of Franklin County. Typical emergency needs include electric bill termination or overdue notices, rent or mortgage issues, heating fuel, prescription medication and other emergency needs. In addition to emergency financial assistance they provide budget counseling to their clients and referrals to other appropriate agencies. Their volunteers provide this assistance with care and dignity to each of their clients.