Wine tasting makes house look better
Laughter and the sound of corks popping from wine bottles punctuated the annual wine tasting at the Körner's Folly in historic downtown Kernersville.
The wine tasting is one of the main events held to raise money for the historic house, which cost $113,000 to operate last year.
Körner's Folly, billed as the "strangest house in the world," was completed in 1880 and consists of 22 rooms on three floors and seven levels.
Joseph Körner, the original owner, was an interior designer, decorator and painter. He achieved fortune and fame by painting Bull Durham bulls on buildings and advertisements throughout the United States.
His home in Kernersville became an outlet for his creative passion. The top floor became America's first in-home theater, used today for occasional Kernersville Little Theatre productions.
Maintaining the Folly is a big task that began when the house was rescued from neglect and vandalism in 1970 by a group of citizens committed to its preservation.
"We only bring in a third to one-half of our operating costs through ticket sales at the door. The rest is raised through fundraising and contributions," said Folly Director Connie Martin.
Tours are offered Thursday through Sunday or by appointment. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $4 for children over 6.
Last year profits from the wine tasting brought in $8,000 for the Folly.
Martin said yesterday afternoon that she hoped the number of people attending this year's festival topped the more than the 500 people who attended last year. Hurricane Hanna's rainfall made organizers nervous until the forecast began showing sunny skies for late Saturday.
"Our presales really picked up once the forecast cleared. Ticket sales were brisk for the last two days. Thank heavens the forecasters got it right this time," said Martin, who had been prepared to move the wine tasting inside the Folly if rain threatened.
Various area wineries and wine distributors took part in the event. Robert Wurz, the owner of Stonefield Cellars in Stokesdale, brought his wine selections for the second year.
"We're supporters of the Folly and the Kernersville Little Theatre," Wurz said. "The Folly reminds me of the house where I grew up in California. It was built in 1864 by a gentleman who got a land grant from Spain. I guess I just have a soft spot for big, old, quirky houses."
People mingled as they sipped wine from commemorative etched wine glasses that came with the $25 ticket fee. They nibbled on delicacies such as pepper-crusted tuna crostini with white bean puree. Attendees dined outdoors on tables set up in front of a stage. Musicians performed for the crowd, many of whom had not visited the Folly before.
"So many people don't even know we're here," Martin said. "We're a hidden treasure, and people are missing an opportunity to see a fabulous house and get to learn about an interesting family."
The next major event at Körner's Folly will be the annual holiday tours. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, the Folly will be filled with Christmas decorations. Each of the 22 rooms is adopted by various designers and volunteers who re-create a Victorian Christmas in every room. Martin expects a good turnout for the tours.
"Once people come, they come back and bring their family and friends. You can never take it all in in one trip," she said.