She said most people Sunday were interested in the history of her home, which was the oldest on the tour. Hamilton said she learned there was an old servants' quarters on the third floor of the home.
Hamilton's friend, Monika Wertman, also of Hagerstown, said her favorite was 901 Oak Hill Ave. The home, built in 1907, was recently renovated.
"They're all neat in their own way," she said.
Wertman and her friends said they were able to pick up some holiday decorating tips from looking at homes on the tour.
Lisa Growden of Greencastle, Pa., and her mother, Nelda Baker of State Line, Pa., said they also got ideas for decorating on the tour.
Growden said the pair enjoyed spending time together and "looking in other people's houses."
They most enjoyed the home at 18823 Briarwood Drive and said it reflected their own style.
"It was simple, tasteful," Baker said. "We like that country look."
Shelby Patterson, who owns the home, said it was her first time opening her home to the tour. She described her style as "primitive decor" and "cozy."
Patterson said she has lived in the home for five years.
Lisa Idol of Hagerstown visited nearly all of the homes on the tour by late afternoon, and said she hadn't picked a favorite.
"They're all very lovely and unique in their own way," she said.
Other homes on the tour were:
· 13539 Cherry Tree Circle - The hosts own a garden center and two florist shops, and the home is filled with personal and meaningful displays of the holiday traditions they enjoy.
· 840 Dewey Ave. - The English Tudor home was built in 1911 and once covered six city lots. The family Christmas tree is placed in the center of the home's foyer and reached beyond the 9-foot ceiling.
· 980 Northern Ave. - The two-story stone home was built about 1930. The holiday decor has a Victorian style that includes a large Christmas tree decorated with antique ornaments.
· 13608 Rock Maple Court - The home was built in 2001. It is decorated with antiques, shaker-style furnishings and quilts, giving it a "farmhouse" atmosphere.
· 901 Oak Hill Ave. - The home is a colonial revival foursquare built in 1907 and in the historic Oak Hill Preservation District. There are more than 20 themed holiday trees and 10,000 lights in 11 fully decorated rooms.
