Approaching the home of Sheryl and Jack McLaughlin, one would probably notice the wraparound porch, punctuated with ornate woodwork and complementing colors. One of the home's newest additions, it gives a striking first impression.
The McLaughlin House, at 611 W. Robinson St. near the Governor's Mansion, is a mixture of old and new. From the original home built in 1864 to the new porch and refurbished carriage house done within the last several years, the home is awash with contrasts.
"We like it here," Sheryl McLaughlin said. "It's a quiet neighborhood. It's just a nice environment."
The annual Carson City Historical Society's "Through the Garden Gate" Victorian Home and Garden Tour on June 4 offers the public a chance to see all the home's features, both old and new.
The home has not been on the tour for several years because the couple was traveling abroad. The McLaughlins said they are excited to be able to open their home again this year.
"When we did it the last time, we had so much fun talking to and meeting people on the tour," Sheryl McLaughlin said.
The Carson City Historical Society and Carson City Redevelopment puts on the Victorian Home and Garden tour to provide funding for the society and maintain the Roberts House Museum, where the society is located.
"We try to include the gardens and the houses," said Dorothy Dolan, tour organizer. "A lot of the homes have little gardens, but are very nice houses."
The self-guided tour includes 10 homes, including the Bliss Mansion, the Chartz House and the Krebs-Peterson Home, where the film "The Shootist" with John Wayne was filmed.
Along the way, participants can enjoy refreshments, take in entertainment by harpist Mary Law or keyboardist Richard Sowers, and even converse with Abe Lincoln.
Visitors can also chat with experts from the Greenhouse Garden Center, who are offering help to people wanting a trophy garden or just looking to maintain the one they have.
As for the McLaughlins, they look forward to welcoming guests to their house and the neighborhood they love.
"We enjoy this neighborhood, and we like our neighbors. The governor is very nice, and his wife is wonderful," Sheryl McLaughlin said.
• Contact reporter Jarid Shipley at jshipley@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
If you go
What: "Through the Garden Gate" Victorian Home and Garden Tour
When: 1-6 p.m. June 4
Where: Self-guided tour of 10 homes begins at Roberts House Museum, 1207 N. Carson St.
Cost: Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors over 65 and students with ID and can be purchased that museum