Gavin Ramos and Nathan Forker’s Old Louisville home has been around for more than a century.
“It was built back in 1897,” Ramos told The Courier Journal, adding that it was originally constructed as a rental home. “It stayed like that for multiple years. The first actual owner … that lived in the house (was here) from 1946 to 1971.”
The property passed hands several times until Ramos and Forker acquired it in March 2013. Now, 10 years later, they are opening their doors to historic home enthusiasts and Christmas lovers alike, at the 2023 Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour.
Christmas cheer from the inside out
Ramos says that he and Forker are big on styling their home for the holiday season, and after several years of doing so, they’ve nailed down their process. First on the list is setting up the six Christmas trees spread throughout the Victorian home; next, they decorate the arches and the rest of the interior; and finally, they take their Christmas cheer outside — with exterior decorations that are difficult to miss.
The front door — which already offers a sense of grandeur, with its gated entry — features a wreath with a red bow up top, plus more holiday greenery on both sides of the gate, which is decked out with red and green baubles of various sizes. At night, multicolored lights shine bright. Strewn along the fence and leading up to the front door, they guide the eyes of passersby toward a window, which offers a peek into the house and some of the decorations that lie within.
More to see than meets the eye
Visitors will no doubt be impressed by Ramos’ and Forker’s ever-growing collection of Christmas decorations. In addition to the six fully decorated trees — two of which are nine feet tall — their holiday embellishments include everything from poinsettia and reindeer figurines to festive dinnerware and a life-sized Santa set behind the bar.
But Ramos says in addition to the decor and accessories that are put on display once a year, he wants tourgoers to take note of some of the home’s historical architectural elements. The house has been fully restored, he explains, but it still boasts the original wood flooring, coffered ceilings in the kitchen and dining area, and original wooden pocket doors in both the parlor and dining room.
There are also one-of-a-kind metal and crystal chandeliers hanging in the entryway, parlor, dining room, and butler area. Each one is a handmade creation built by Ramos.
Favorite places and pieces
Though the home is filled with what seems like countless ornaments, two are particularly special to Ramos. The first is one that he and Forker brought home when they got married in 2014; the other is part of a German Christmas tradition that Ramos has held onto from days past.
“When I was in the military years (ago), I was in Berlin, and I got the chance to attend a Christmas party where the bird’s nest was the focal point of the party,” he said, explaining that the guest who found the hidden nest received a special Christmas surprise. “I just happened to find it in the (Christmas) tree and thought it was pretty cool, so I brought that tradition back.”
During the holiday season and beyond, Ramos says the parlor is his favorite space in the house.
“It’s just very warm, with the wood floors and all the (original) woodwork,” he explained, adding that it is the perfect place to sit and listen to his collection of antique clocks. “And it’s got a big picture window, so you can sit there and have coffee, and watch people walk around in Old Louisville.”
Know a house that would make a great Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza at [email protected] or Lifestyle Editor Kathryn Gregory at [email protected].
nuts & bolts
Owners: Gavin Ramos and Nathan Forker
Home: This is a 4-bed, 2-and-a-half-bath, 3,025-square-foot, Victorian home in Old Louisville that was built in 1897.
Distinctive elements: Fully restored Victorian home with original stained wood flooring and elements; updated kitchen with granite countertops and island; coffered ceilings in kitchen and dining area; full bar in the dining area; original pocket heavy wood pocket doors in the parlor and dining area; butler pantry that separates entry area from dining and kitchen area; unique, hand-built chandeliers in entry, parlor, dining, and butler rooms; various antique clocks and artwork throughout.
Applause! Applause! Glass Concept for stain/leaded glass repair; Architectural Salvage & Antiques for Victorian hardware and other elements; Eugenio Cerrosi for unique artwork and paintings; Vickie Everroad, David Rosa, and the Forker and Ramos family members for continual support, inspiration and manpower throughout the years.
WHAT: The Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour will highlight the rich and diverse history of historic Old Louisville during the holidays. The self-guided walking tour will feature 10 participating residences and historic buildings that have been decked out for the holidays.
WHEN: Dec. 2-3, noon to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Ticket headquarters are at the Old Louisville Visitors Center in Central Park, 1340 S. Fourth St.
TICKETS: Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on the day of the event and may be purchased online at oldlouisville.org/holiday-home-tour or in person at the Historic Old Louisville Visitors Center at 1340 S. 4th St. Admission for children ages 17 and younger are free. All patrons must start at Will Call to receive their admission ticket and brochure, which includes a list of participating locations. Tickets and brochures will be available at the Visitors Center in Central Park on Saturday or Sunday starting at 11:45 a.m.
PARKING: There is ample street parking, as well as parking at the Filson Historical Society lots on Third Street and other marked lots. There will also be free van shuttles circulating through the tour path.
MORE INFORMATION: For more information about the Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour, visit oldlouisville.org/holiday-home-tour or call 502-635-5244.