The home of Marcus and Rachel Covar, 116 Woodstone Way, and that of Kenny and Rachel Franklin, 819 Carolina Ave., are two of seven homes on the 22nd annual North Augusta Christmas Tour of Homes, sponsored by Beta Sigma Phi, on Dec. 4 and 5.

Built in 2007 by Rachel's father, Forrest McKie, the Covars' craftsman-style cottage welcomes neighbors and passers-by to Woodstone. The open floor plan was designed especially for the home's long, narrow lot and includes features Rachel and her mother drew from magazines. The three-bedroom home features traditional decor with a modern charm and includes furniture collected by the Covars from their childhood homes, college apartments plus new pieces purchased together all creatively blended together to create a cozy home. Recently married, the Covars and their dog, Emmy, enjoy spending most of their time in their kitchen and its adjoining courtyard.

Carolina Oaks Bed and Breakfast Inn was purchased by the Franklins in 2006. The name reflects the oak trees surrounding the location in the heart of the historic Boeckh Plat of downtown North Augusta. The three guest-room inn hearkens back to a time when personal homes were used for boarding and guest houses for the Hampton Terrace Inn. The Franklins have made an effort to keep the home as true to its original design as is possible. Built in 1905 by George S. Murphy, this Victorian home features a sleeping porch that was enclosed in the 1980s and now serves as the Franklins' bedroom. The fireplaces and original pan light fixtures help make the common areas great for hosting small gatherings. The Franklins feel blessed to have the opportunity to share this special home and celebrate its history. (Carolina Oaks will also host an open house and ribbon cutting this Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.)

In addition to the Covar and Franklin homes, this year's tour features the homes of Michael and Elisa Spray, 3050 Country Club Hills Drive; William and Susan Rowland, 351 Osprey Point; Chris and Anna Peppenger, 308 W. Forest Ave.; Dennis and Joyce Jackson, 24 Crystal Lake Drive; Lynn Brisson, 451 Railroad Ave.; and the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta, 100 Georgia Ave., will be open for refreshments and a rest stop.

A brunch and fashion show will be held on Saturday at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall at 10 a.m. Tickets for the brunch are $10 and must be purchased by Wednesday, Dec. 2.

A candlelight tour will be Friday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Saturday tour hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Advance tickets for the tour are $15 ($18 at the home doors). Tickets will be on sale at Jim Bush Flower Shop, CommuniGraphics, North Augusta Chamber of Commerce and Parks Pharmacy.

For more information, call 279-4844, 279-6036 or 279-5074.