The 2008 Episcopal Day School 31st Annual Candlelight Tour of Homes will be held Sunday, Dec. 7, from 1 to 6 p.m.

The event features five homes from the Southern Pines and Pinehurst area decorated for the holidays.

Local entertainers will showcase their talents at several of the residences. This event serves as a major fundraiser for the Episcopal Day School.

The home of Jeff and Laura Harmon, located on Pinehurst No. 7, is one of this year's featured residences. The Craftsman-style exterior, with a large front porch and warm, red accents, give the first indication of form and function expertly joined in this 2005 construction.

Combining their love of golf and appreciation of natural beauty, the Pinehurst area was a perfect choice as a retirement location. The home was originally conceived on pieces of graph paper that the Harmons used to design their home. Having moved and traveled extensively in the past for business, the Harmons wished to build a home that would meet their living and entertaining needs.

Large, open living spaces and a functional floor plan are combined with tasteful interior dcor.

With the help of interior designer Vicki Auman, the Harmons have created a very warm and inviting living space. The main floor includes an open living, kitchen and dining area while still maintaining an attention to detail.

Views of the 15th hole of No. 7 are juxtaposed with a flat screen television and a traditional fireplace. The design lends itself equally to formal entertaining and casual gatherings.

Innovative tube skylights add bright outdoor light, and are also used for lighting at night.

The kitchen features beautiful countertops with seating for guests and ample space for food preparation. Just off the kitchen and dining area is a screened porch constructed with engineered wood and complete with rocking chairs and a hot tub.

The space offers outdoor dining and beautiful views. The beautiful porch is a year-round favorite spot for Jeff and Laura. There is also a joint office for the couple that was built and designed based on their unique needs. It offers sunny views and a spacious work space for the couple.

As one goes down to the lower level, several watercolors collected from the Harmons' time in Europe are displayed on the wall. The lower level of the house boasts three guest bedrooms and three full bathrooms creating an oasis for their visitors. At one end of the hall is a "pub" complete with bar, kitchenette, flat screen television, comfortable furniture and a pool table.

The unique ceiling was constructed as a means to camouflage wiring and ductwork, but gives the impression of an old English manor. The entertainment area is warm and elegant. The recessed lighting contains vents for an air purifier should any guests decide to smoke a cigar while playing a game of pool.

Just across the hall, there are two bedrooms with attached bathrooms, constructed identically with their two daughters in mind.

Both rooms have access to a covered porch and seating area. At the far end of the downstairs hall is the guest room with a separate full bathroom. Throughout the lower level are many prints of the couples' favorite golf adventures, accented by the beautiful dcor and location.

Lovely holiday decorations and music will make this home a wonderful destination for the 31st Annual Episcopal Day School Candlelight Tour of Homes.

Tickets for the Candlelight Tour of Homes are available for $20 and may be purchased through any EDS student, the school office, or from Gulley's Garden Center, At Home, Natures Own/195 Restaurant, The Country Bookshop, Cool Sweats and Lady Bedford's Tea Parlour.

Tickets will also be available for sale at each of the homes featured on the day of the tour, including a home in Pinewild Country Club, a home in National Golf Club, a home in Forest Creek Golf Club, and a historic cottage in Old Town Pinehurst.

Ticket holders may also enjoy music, art, and class-made gingerbread displays at the "EDS Gingerbread Land" in the parish hall of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, from 1 to 2:30 p. m. only. Group sales are available with paypal or credit card online at www.episcopalday.org.

For more information call Episcopal Day School at 692-3492?