Historic Charm With a Modern Twist
Nestled in the heart of Weston, the 1932 American Foursquare-style home at 1116 Washington St. is set to welcome visitors this year as part of the beloved Candlelight Homes Tour. Owned by Karen Wilson and her family since 2021, the residence showcases the craftsmanship of an earlier era while embracing thoughtful modern updates.
Wilson, a librarian with a fondness for historic spaces, said she and her family fell in love with the home’s original unpainted woodwork, built-ins and architectural details — including a distinctive, slightly off-center picture window on the front of the house.
“The woodwork in the entryway, living room and dining room is just stunning,” Wilson said. “It’s a good example of the Craftsman style integrated with the American Foursquare design that was common in the Midwest during that period.”
Soon after purchasing the house, the Wilsons embarked on a six-month renovation to restore the home’s original character while updating essential systems.
“We replaced the old knob-and-tube wiring and outdated pipes and opened up the kitchen to make it more functional for our family, but we kept as much original as possible,” she said.
Upstairs, the family converted a small bedroom into an additional modern bathroom, balancing practicality with preservation.
The home’s south-facing limestone porch remains a favorite feature, designed with purposeful overhangs to provide cool shade in the summer and welcome sun during colder months — a testament to early 20th century architectural intent often missing in new construction.
Located on about 1.25 acres, the property offers a blend of rural tranquility and in-town convenience.
“Being able to walk across the street to school and local activities has been a huge benefit,” Wilson said, noting that the walkability and community feel helped draw the military family to Weston after living at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
Inside, the Wilsons’ decor reflects midcentury influences, favoring functionality and clean lines. Unique touches include repurposed vintage library card catalogs converted into a wine storage system and a television that doubles as a rotating art display featuring impressionist works such as Van Gogh reproductions — blending technology and aesthetics.
While the home carries a rich personal history, Wilson is eager to uncover more about its origins. The previous longtime owners, the Farnan family, held the property from about 1980, and she hopes to trace earlier chapters through local museum archives and community contacts before the tour.
“The Candlelight Homes Tour has always been something I enjoyed attending, so it’s truly an honor to open our doors this year,” she said.
Visitors can expect a warm welcome and a chance to experience a thoughtfully preserved piece of Weston’s architectural heritage.
Experience it yourself:
🕯️ Weston Historic Holiday Homes Tour
📅 December 6–7, 2025
🎟️ Tickets available at westonmo.com