Christmas at America's Landmark Houses - Tapa dura

Here is Christmas decorating, history, architecture, and interior design wrapped in one sparkling package. Three-hundred and sixty-three gorgeous, inspiring images provide leisurely looks at historic house interiors magically decorated for Christmas. Begin with the Foreword by Christopher Radko, famed re-creator of vintage Christmas ornaments. Tour historic holiday homes from Filoli to Colonial Williamsburg, and look inside San Antonio's most beautiful house--the Spanish Governor's Palace. Marvel that a typical ranch-style house was home to two future US presidents, a first lady, and two governors. Visit the honeymoon home of Bill and Hillary Clinton. Enjoy the modest dwelling of Canadian WW I flying ace Billy Bishop, and tour the "castle" of Model A creator Edsel Ford. Some houses' Christmas decorations are period correct; others are joyfully au courant.

Architect David Strahan is author of two books on architecture. He has completed hundreds of architectural projects in his hometown and is principal partner of Strahan + McMillan Architecture and Interior Design, San Antonio, Texas.