by Jennifer Bean Bower

Deemed “The Strangest House in the World,” Kӧrner’s Folly is an architectural wonder with 22 rooms spanning 3 stories and 7 levels.  Located on South Main Street in Kernersville, the house was the showplace of Jule Gilmer Kӧrner—a talented furniture and interior designer.  Although completed in 1880, Jule Kӧrner continually improved and renovated the house until his death in 1924.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Kӧrner’s Folly is open year-round.  An impressive site to tour in any season, Kӧrner’s Folly is particularly inviting at Christmas.  Tourists who visit the house between November 27, 2015, and January 2, 2016, will embark on a magical journey through twenty-two uniquely decorated rooms.  Traversing corridors and stairways as they go, visitors will experience a childlike sense of discovery as they enter festooned rooms of various size and purpose.  Inside the ballroom—the largest room in the house—guests will be mesmerized by the twelve-foot tall illuminated, and highly ornamented, Christmas tree.

In the attic, visitors will enter Cupid’s Park Theater, which is believed to be the first private little theater in America.  Bedecked in garland and other Victorian Era decorations, the theater will offer a special treat for children.  On December 5 and 12, at 10:00 a.m.; and on December 11 at 6:00 p.m.;  Kӧrner’s Folly will present a puppet show entitled, “The Night Before Christmas at Kӧrner’s Folly,” which is an adaptation of Clement C. Moore’s classic poem, “A Visit From St. Nicholas.”

Prior to the performance, families will be encouraged to participate in the singing of Christmas carols.  Upon conclusion of the show, the “jolly old elf” himself will take center stage where children are welcome to climb on his lap and convey their Christmas wishes.  Parents and caregivers should have a camera on hand, as the event promises to be a memorable affair.

In addition to the daytime Christmas tours and special event puppet shows, Kӧrner’s Folly will also open its doors on the evenings of December 12 and 19.  From 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., the house will be aglow for its Christmas by Candlelight Tours.  Like the daytime tours, guests have access to all twenty-two rooms.  In the evening, however, those rooms will echo with the sounds of live music and caroling.  Volunteers from Kernersville Little Theatre will be dressed in authentic Victorian costumes to welcome visitors.  According to Kӧrner’s Folly staff, “…the candlelight tour transports everyone to Jule Kӧrner’s world of Victorian extravagance.”

No matter what time of day you decide to attend A Victorian Christmas at Kӧrner’s Folly, make sure you do not overlook the gift shop.  Located in “Aunt Dealy’s” cottage (the little white building adjacent to the parking lot), the Kӧrner’s Folly Gift Shop offers a variety of souvenirs, Christmas ornaments, candles, stars, and locally handmade crafts.  The gift shop is open during business hours and by appointment.

Touring Kӧrner’s Folly during the Christmas season has become a tradition for many Triad residents.  The staff and volunteers of Kӧrner’s Folly are well aware of this fact and work hard to adorn the house differently each year.  According to Dale Pennington, Executive Director of the Kӧrner’s Folly Foundation, “no two rooms are ever decorated the same.”

To achieve this feat, a particular theme is decided upon each season, which ensures there is always something new to see.  For Dale and her staff, decking the halls of Kӧrner’s Folly is a gift they enjoy giving to the community.  A Victorian Christmas at Kӧrner’s Folly will delight visitors of all ages and leave a lasting impression in the minds of all who partake of this enchanted holiday experience.  Do not miss it!

A Victorian Christmas at Kӧrner’s Folly is open November 27, 2015 – January 2, 2016 Wednesdays – Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sundays 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (The Folly will close at 2:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)
Kӧrner’s Folly is closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and January 3
Admission: $10 for adults / $6 for children (ages 6-18); ages 5 and under are free

Christmas by Candlelight Tours:  December 12 and 19, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Admission prices are the same as daytime tours.

“The Night Before Christmas at Kӧrner’s Folly”:  December 5 and 12, at 10:00 a.m.; and on December 11 at 6:00 p.m.  Tickets are $5 per person.  Advance purchase is required.
Kӧrner’s Folly is located at 413 South Main Street in Kernersville.  For more information, please visit www.KornersFolly.org or call 336.996.7922.