Norma and Ron Colunga Home, 605 S. Austin
(Seguin) — Our 29th Holiday Home Tour presented by the Seguin Conservation Society is honored to have the home of Norma and Ron Colunga for your viewing pleasure. This house, well-known as a Nolte House was built in 1905 by Edward Nolte as a wedding present for his son, Walter Nolte. It was built in a Queen Anne Victorian style; however, the upper story of the house was later removed giving the home more of a colonial bungalow appearance.
The Colungas’ have poured heart and soul into the renovation of their home. They became the fourth owners in 2006. Though the upper story was removed decades before, the beautiful interior of the home remained. High ceilings and fine wood floors and moldings run throughout. The formal living room still has a curved window from the original turret and a graceful mantel displaying the original ornate tile work.
When the upper story of the house was removed, the grand staircase was taken out of the reception area giving more space for today’s formal dining room. The original dining room has been converted into a family room. A master bedroom and bath were added to the downstairs. The original oak and mesquite parquet flooring remain.
A side porch entryway has become “her” office. A back porch was enclosed to add space to the kitchen and the porte cochere was widened to accommodate today’s wider
vehicles. As the house became smaller, the carriage house and caretaker’s quarters were enlarged. Cornices and shelving were taken during remodeling of the house and added to these buildings. The Rose cottage was added in the 1980’s for the granddaughters to enjoy.
Step through the quaint picket fence to visit another of our wonderful historic homes and appreciate the preservation and care given to this 117-year-old estate.
You will find the house dressed in its Christmas finery and ready for the holidays. There are several Christmas trees in various rooms each with a different theme, nativities and angels adorning mantels and a festive feel in the air.
Get your tickets for this weekend’s tour at Gift & Gourmet, Keepers Interiors, the Chamber Office or on-line at thetexas.org. The tour is set for Saturday, Dec. 3 from 2 to 6 pm. Tickets are $20 pre-sale or $25 on the day of the tour.