Episcopal Day School will host its annual Candlelight Tour of Homes on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1 to 6 p.m.

This is the 32nd year for the tour, which features unique homes around the area, each decorated for the holiday season. Some of the homes will include musical talent, while others spotlight the work of local artists and chefs.

The Candlelight Tour will include five distinctive homes, from historic properties to new and contemporary designs:

n Forest Creek is home to a new and contemporary residence owned by Dr. Lynne Haubelt. This is a spacious and airy home, which offers many features unique to the Sandhills. From architectural design to furnishings, the residence is a blend of the talents of designers, artists and craftsmen from both Haubelt's native Pittsburgh and the Sandhills region. Thoughtful consideration was given to livability, aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency.

n Visitors to the home of Peter and Joanne Mace will feel like welcome guests when they step through the door of this inspiring makeover. The 13,000-square-foot home was originally a barn, and the couple has created a warm and charming family home with care and thoughtfulness throughout.

The Mace home sits atop a hill, offering expansive views from every part of the house. Pineapple porch lights highlight the -welcome nature of the hosts as visitors approach. Guests enter into the large foyer, which was originally a wash stall for the horses that originally inhabited the space.

n The Southern Pines home of Keith and Camie Marion is a welcome spot for guests of all kinds, including four-legged friends. Known as "Hounds Cottage," it is located in Southern Pines, along the 17th fairway of Pine Needles. The Marions are dedicated animal lovers, and their sunny home is filled with reflections of this passion through beautiful artwork and textiles.

n Guests of the candlelight tour will be in for a special treat when they visit Spindle Top, the horse farm belonging to Richard and Donna Verrilli. As part of the tour, the avid equestrians are hosting an outdoor Christmas celebration for -visitors, featuring the Moore County Driving Club, with horses, ponies and carriages, all decked out for the -holidays, along with carol singing led by the EDS Music Club. This home will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. during tour hours.

A gracious white home with two-story columns comes immediately into view upon entering the gate to the farm. The landscape features a large collection of mature trees, including evergreen and hardwoods.

n The Southern Pines home of John and Alice Wilson has had many visitors through the years. The house was originally a guest suite belonging to a beautiful and grand hotel, the Highland Pines Inn, which welcomed visitors until it was tragically destroyed by fire in 1957. Though the hotel no longer exists, the Highland Pines Cottage still stands.

The hotel and home were designed by Aymar Embury II, a renowned New York architect who also designed Mid Pines Inn and other homes in the area. Embury's preference of designing buildings which were perfectly symmetrical is immediately apparent upon viewing the house.

The front entry is centered, dating from the time the residence was divided into two independent living spaces. Each area had a separate portico entry into the house. A kitchen and den were later added to the property.

Tickets for the Episcopal Day School's Candlelight Tour of Homes are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at The Country Bookshop, Cool Sweats, Nature's Own/195, Gulley's Garden Center, One Eleven Main, Lady Bedford's Tea Parlour, Elegant Nails and at the EDS school office.

For more information about Episcopal Day School or the Candlelight Tour of Homes, call (910) 692-3492.