CONTRIBUTED

The holiday season will get a head start with a festive homes and garden tour in Whispering Pines, from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7. An optional brunch at the CCWP clubhouse is being offered starting at 11 a.m.

One garden and five homes have been selected for the "Christmas in the Pines" tour: the homes of Pat Linss, Joyce and Kermit Jones, the Crawfords, the Stefankos, the Ellis' and the Navarros' garden.

The Linss home is contemporary with a slight Asian flair. Her Christmas memories center around her mother, who "loved Christmas and buying gifts, decorating, cooking and having the family together."

Joyce and Kermit Jones have lived in their home for six years. They did extensive remodeling to their traditional house, which now features eclectic pieces lending humor to the atmosphere. Jungle animals are featured in several paintings and other decorative objects. Some of the architectural features include crown moldings and chair rails, French windows and double door entry with quoin arches. There is a large screened deck from which they enjoy the frequently changing views of Pine Lake.

One of their cherished Christmas memories is the adoption of a six-week-old cocker spaniel, Millie, who made their first Christmas in Whispering Pines "warm and cuddly." The Joneses have both outdoor and indoor decorations to delight, including Kermit the Frog Santas and a Scottish golfing Santa.

The Crawfords' dramatic home on the edge of Thagard Lake has 12 rooms on two levels. The spacious home has 17 exits, five heat pumps, four water heaters and 7,200 sq. ft. of heated and cooled area. There is also a workshop and a three-car garage. From the screened porch they are able to enjoy the lake, and above the porch is a tiled deck leading from one of the bedrooms. Corinthian columns flank the nine-foot high entry doors. There will be special parking instructions for this home.

Tickets for the tour are $10 and for the tour and brunch, $16, available at Whispering Pines Realty, CCWP grill room, The Country Bookshop or by contacting Joan Bruno at 949-4172. The tour may be started at any of the participating homes.

Proceeds from the homes tour will be used for philanthropic projects sponsored by Whispers, the women's organization of Whispering Pines.