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The beaut i ful brick home of Linda and the late Steve Balas will be showcased in this year’s Community Garden Guild Christmas Homes Tour. Situated at 616 Melody Lane in Eagle Lake, this residence was originally built for John and Doris Clipson in 1968, following the Prairie Ranch architectural style. The Balas family had previously constructed a home in the same neighborhood, and in 1980, the Clipson and Balas families swapped homes to better suit their respective needs.
The Balas home features a spacious, open floor plan, making it ideal for hosting gatherings and celebrations. Linda describes the house as “easy to entertain in,” noting its generous size and seamless flow between rooms. The large back porch, overlooking the pool, has been enclosed and air-conditioned, further expanding the entertainment space.
Linda’s decorating style is best described as eclectic, with vibrant colors and rich textures in every room. The dining room is particularly striking, with décor that heavily incorporates animal prints. The Christmas tree in this space displays zebra print and is adorned with ornaments crafted from a chandelier that once belonged to Linda’s parents.
The home features several themed Christmas trees. In the den, the tree is set up at Thanksgiving and decorated in fall colors, with a prominent stuffed pheasant that Linda herself hunted. As Christmas approaches, the tree is embellished with addit ional ornaments and decorations collected over the years. A third tree is showcased on the enclosed patio and exempl ifies coastal chic style, with blues and aquas reflecting the nearby swimming pool. This tree is especial ly meaningful, as it holds memory ornaments from Linda’s chi ldren and grandchildren.
Throughout the house, visitors will find an array of nutcrackers of various sizes, collected over the years, along with festive Christmas pillows and nativity scenes. Every corner is adorned with colorful and beautiful touches of the holiday season.
The Balas home will be decorated from top to bottom, both inside and out, for the Christmas Homes Tour. The spacious patio will host the Tea Room, where guests can enjoy delicious Christmas treats as part of the event. Also, an array of homemade goods and goodies will be available for purchase. What a perfect way to start, or finish, your Christmas list!
The Community Garden Guild invites you to explore this unique and welcoming home as part of its Christmas Homes Tour on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Tickets are priced at $20 and are available from any Garden Guild member or at each home on the tour. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at the Tea Room or any home on tour.
