For Immediate Release:September 14, 2006
Media Contacts:
For Loudoun Arts Council:
Gale Waldron/Roxann Henze
Gale Waldron: gwaldron@anent.com
roxann.henze@verizon.net
703-725-8167
For Rust Manor House:
Laura Longley: lauralongley@mac.com
COUNTDOWN TO DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE
Rust Manor House Opens Doors Sept. 27
LEESBURG, Va. - The Designer Showhouse will open its doors to the public on September 27 at 10 a.m. and visitors to the historic Rust Manor House in Leesburg will marvel at the makeover of this unique property. Fifteen design-filled rooms, four restored garden areas, a garden sanctuary and run-in shed are currently being finalized, with designers adding their finishing touches as the opening day approaches.
A major fundraising effort for the Loudoun Arts Council, The Designer Showhouse is being hosted in partnership with the Audubon Naturalist Society, which has owned the 68-acre property since 2000.
Not only has the Showhouse been an opportunity for these two community organizations to come together, it has been a large community effort involving many companies and organizations from the area. In addition to fifteen interior design firms, Lauten Construction (Purcellville, Va.) has provided extensive carpentry services throughout the house, Tibbs Paving Inc. (Manassas, Va.) has repaired and paved the lengthy driveway, the Leesburg Downtown Business Association has organized a gift boutique, and several landscape firms and garden groups have revitalized several garden areas. These major improvements will help transform the Rust Manor House into a valuable regional events and meeting facility when the Showhouse closes October 15.
Showhouse tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door, at the Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association (1-866-669-1861) or online at www.loudounarts.org. Parking will be available in nearby lots and in the Leesburg Town garage, with shuttle buses available to transport visitors to and from the Showhouse. Detailed directions and parking information are contained at www.loudounarts.org.
The Showhouse will be open to the public on the following dates and times:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 5 p.m.
There are several important restrictions:
Children under 8 are not permitted inside the Showhouse
Cameras, backpacks and strollers are not permitted
Spike heels are not permitted
Cell phones should be turned off inside the Showhouse
Photography is by appointment only
This year's Designer Showhouse sponsors include Times Community Newspapers, Bank of America, Vollmer Associates LLP and Washington Woman Magazine.
###Photo attached: The Loudoun Arts Council's Designer Showhouse opens September 27 at the historic Rust Manor House in Leesburg. The house and its 68 acres with six distinct habitats are the property of the Audubon Naturalist Society.
