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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.
