In the heart of the Houston Heights, the cottage home of Eric and Scotty Martinez has become a beloved festive landmark. Known for their spectacular holiday displays, the couple has transformed their modest abode along the Nicholson Trail into a vibrant celebration of seasonal cheer. This year, their efforts will be showcased as part of the exclusive Houston Heights Association Holiday Home Tour on December 5-6, 2023.
From Subdued to Spectacular
When Scotty, who has owned the cottage since 2013, first began decorating, the emphasis was mostly on Halloween and Christmas, with a more subdued approach. “It was mostly decorated at just Halloween and Christmas and far more subdued,” he noted. After meeting Eric, a creative force who works for a decor and events company, the decorations expanded significantly. “The decorating, both inside and out, continued to grow and build and become more detailed and expansive,” Scotty explained.
Visitors frequently stop to admire the elaborate decorations, often asking, “Where in the world do you store all of this?” The couple has managed to make the most of their space despite the cottage being built in 1936 and only recently remodeled in 2023. The interior was expanded, but the exterior space was reduced, which led them to creatively utilize their frontage along the trail.
A Family Legacy of Creativity
Eric’s artistic talent is deeply ingrained in his family. He describes himself as a “serial hobbyist,” dabbling in various forms of art, including stained glass and jewelry making. His aunt, Norma Martinez, a fellow Heights resident, is recognized for her own impressive holiday decorations and is credited with starting Lights in the Heights, a popular annual holiday event in the area.
Initially, Eric and Scotty planned to decorate for every major holiday, including Thanksgiving, Mardi Gras, and Independence Day. However, due to the labor-intensive nature of their displays, they decided to scale back. “The time and labor that went into each staging became too much,” Scotty said, leading them to eliminate Thanksgiving from their decorating schedule.
Each occasion requires nearly 40 hours of work for outdoor decorating and an additional 20 hours for interior displays. “We always do inside decorations, but there is far more inside at Christmastime, our favorite holiday,” Scotty shared, highlighting their tradition of placing a Christmas tree in every room, including the bathroom. “There is always festive ribbon and garland everywhere; it’s unbelievably beautiful.”
The couple is well-known in the community for their displays, which they often set up well in advance to maximize enjoyment. “We like to leave them up as long as we can; obviously, each installation is a labor of love,” Scotty explained. Their commitment to spreading holiday cheer has made them a fixture in the neighborhood.
Recognized for Their Dedication
Excitement has surrounded their inclusion in this year’s holiday home tour, a prestigious event featuring only five homes. Scotty credited Emmanuel Nunez, director of A Tale of Two Bridges and a member of the Houston Heights Association, for the opportunity. “The ‘Heights Holiday House’ has been such a joy. Being able to see these beautiful decorations holiday after holiday and year after year is pretty special,” Nunez remarked.
His connection to the couple made him realize their cottage would make a delightful addition to the tour. “I was excited to push the boundaries a little bit,” he said. “That’s why I thought of Eric and Scotty’s house for this.”
The HHA Holiday Home Tour, titled “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” will commence at the Historic Houston Heights Fire Station located at 107 W. 12th Street. For those wishing to experience the holiday spirit embodied by the Martinezes and other participants, tickets and further information are available on the Houston Heights Association’s website.
As the holiday season approaches, the Martinez cottage stands as a testament to creativity, community spirit, and the joy of bringing people together through festive celebration.
