Resident opens her doors for tour

Patti Milne is opening the doors to her home and welcoming Mississauga residents in.
Her home in Mineola West is one of six South Mississauga homes being featured on the Harvest House Tour next Saturday from 10-4 p.m.
Hosted by St. Stephen's-on-the-Hill United Church, the tour, now in its seventh year, showcases elegantly designed and decorated homes for public viewing. Ticket proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity Mississauga and the church's programs.
Tour committee chair Carolyn Collett said this year's tour features a new set of homes.
"The event provides tour guests with a special look into neighbourhoods in an area that they wouldn't normally have a chance to visit," said Collett, who is also a sales person with Royal LePage in Mississauga. "Some are old, some are new, some are large and some are small. But you'll see some wonderful homes."
Homes like Milne’s, she adds, have unique aspects that a person can adapt to their own homes.
Milne describes her home as upscale country. In a private tour with The News, she explains how she had moved only few houses to her present place in 1988 because of the stunning backyard.
"The previous owner could play nine holes of golf and he actually had a putting green in the backyard," said Milne, who has created a backyard oasis with a large patio, pool and beautiful garden. "This house is the only one with a view of the whole length of the forest. Luckily, we had the benefit of never having anyone build behind us."
She said some of her favourite moments are spent watching the rays of sun come through the trees.
The home also displays a colourful stained-glass insert that acts as a privacy screen for the spacious front porch and a fish scale exterior, keeping the original design from the 1940s. Inside, the home is adorned with glass windows, a Cape Cod feeling, and the homeowner's touch of beautiful artwork and decor.
Collett says they hope to sell at least 1,000 tickets.
"Since the inception, we've generated over $60,000 in support of local charities," she said.
Tickets cost $25 and will give you access to six homes and complimentary refreshments at St. Stephen's-on-the-Hill United Church at 998 Indian Rd. from 11-2 p.m.
Volunteers from the church and Habitat for Humanity Mississauga will help guide guests through the homes. To purchase tickets, call 905-278-9245 or 905-828-0987.

jle@mississauga.net