Lambda Chi chapter of ESA International hopes area residents will be ready to share the Christmas spirit in four Anderson, Mo., homes from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. All four sites are within blocks of one another, giving ticket holders plenty of time to enjoy the Chapter's Christmas Tea, held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall of the Anderson United Methodist Church.
Door prizes will also be given away after the tea to those who sign and leave their ticket for the drawing. Tickets can be purchased from any ESA chapter member or at the door of each home on the tour. The $8 ticket fee will once again go entirely to fund the ESA scholarships given to young women graduating from McDonald County High School in 2018.
The homeowners in Anderson opening their doors are Kelsey Hughes, 403 Missouri; Dylan and Kya Thomas, 414 ½ E. Apple Street; BJ and Diana Goodwin, 100 N. Spring Street; and Alice Snodgrass, 611 Sunrise Hill. Here's a sneak peek into two of those homes.
Kya Buckner Thomas laughingly says, "You should call it a tour of three and a half homes!" The home, at 414 ½ E. Apple Street, she shares with her husband Dylan some might refer to as a tiny house, but the two-story 24x12-foot home lives large. The main floor holds a living and dining area, full kitchen and bathroom. Upstairs is the bedroom and ample closet space. Dylan says they were looking for a "more efficient lifestyle" in their decision to build the tiny home. The location is one familiar to Kya. It is built on the site of the former pool house behind the home of her parents, Kenny and Jean Buckner. The pool is still there, and the deck has been expanded to serve the pool and serve as an outdoor living space for the house. Kya and Dylan moved into the home in July after spending more than a year of their weekends and holidays, with the assistance of Kya's father, to build the home. What adjustments do you make to living in a tiny home? Dylan replied that they downsized belongings, mostly from his college apartments. But, on the upside, Kya says it only takes about 20 minutes to clean. Both enjoy the outdoor living space afforded by the deck and porch. They hope everyone will enjoy the rustic style decorating they have planned to complement the galvanized metal and wooden exterior of the house.
A life change also led to the construction of a new home for BJ Goodwin. The home at 100 N. Spring Street is also the location of his business, Ozark Funeral Home. After going through a divorce in March 2010, Goodwin moved into a small existing apartment inside the Anderson funeral home. Sharing that small space with two growing sons led to the decision to build larger, more private living quarters on the grounds.
"I needed more space not only for myself and my boys but additional garage space for our fleet of funeral vehicles," explained BJ.
He contracted with Dan Stone Construction and work began in the spring of 2013. The result is the structure rising two stories above the Town Hole Park and United States Post Office below and which blends so well with the original funeral home building. It is hard to remember it not being part of the original landscape. The downstairs garage is large enough to house six cars and is heated, making it easier for the staff to wash and maintain the fleet. The upstairs living quarters, now shared with wife Diane, consists of three bedrooms, two full baths, laundry room, large kitchen and four balconies.
"Most mornings I can be seen having my morning coffee overlooking Town Hole and Indian Creek off my master bedroom balcony, BJ says."
The short commute to work is no doubt the envy of many other business owners.
Parking will be no problem, as ESA members and the Goodwin's will usher visitors to the front entrance to share the holiday décor inside.
Watch for a future sneak peek on the two remaining homes in a future edition.
General News on 11/23/2017