Barbara O'Malley thinks her husband, Patrick, can do about anything.

Patrick says that's just because you can't see all of his mistakes.

Visitors on this year's Holiday Homes Tour in Weston, Mo., Nov. 20 through 22 will no doubt agree with Barbara - especially once they see the O'Malley home, where Mr. O'Malley has not only restored and preserved much of structure but made many of the Pennsylvania-German-style furnishings himself, along with creating some fascinating photo displays. And he is the same O'Malley who restored and owns Weston's landmark 1842 O'Malley's Pub and the America Bowman restaurant.

"It's been a highly anticipated home on the tour this year," says Mary Jo Heidrick, tour publicity chairman. "Everyone is very excited."

The O'Malleys live in what is called the Bowman home, one of the more than 100 pre-Civil War homes in the Weston historic district. It was built by Joseph Bowman and his wife, America, in 1851. According to historical records, Joseph borrowed $414 to buy the lot and build the home.

When the O'Malleys bought the Bowman home in 1972, it didn't even have a street address, Mr. O'Malley remembers. It was a time when many of the historic homes were in a state of neglect and up for sale. Long-time history buffs, the O'Malleys would have bought more property if they could.

"My grandfather always said he could have bought all of Kansas City for a barrel of whiskey," Mr. O'Malley says. "The trouble was, he didn't have a barrel of whiskey."

After purchasing the Bowman home, the O'Malleys were able to partially restore it in time for a summer homes tour sponsored by the Weston museum in 1976, but after they bought the pub and restaurant, everything had to be put on hold.

"We did one end, but then in the intervening years, when we were down at the restaurant day and night, it fell apart, too. So it all had to be done over," Mrs. O'Malley says.

It has been worth the wait. Sitting high off the street in the hills of Weston, the O'Malleys' home looks impressive and even longer than it is with four front doors. There is a front door for each ground-level room, which was typical of the Pennsylvania-German desire for symmetry, Ms. Heidrick says.

"Our grandson says we have the longest house in town," Mr. O'Malley laughs.

One of the highlights of the home is the kitchen. You can almost see America Bowman standing before the large open hearth with the O'Malleys' large collection of cast-iron pans displayed on the original brick walls. And if you can't use your imagination, look for one of Mr. O'Malley's photos on the wall where he created a ghost-like image of her, using his daughter as the model wearing period clothing and sitting before the fire.

The Pennsylvania-German motif is carried throughout the kitchen. including the pierced tin doors (designed by their daughter, Kathleen) that hide the oven. The heavy wooden dining room table surrounded by Windsor chairs looks like it's from the late 1800s, but it's one of the pieces built by Mr. O'Malley - and varnished five times by Mrs. O'Malley. A group of unusual antique tavern puzzles hangs from the ceiling. Tavern puzzles were originally forged by blacksmiths to amuse their friends at county taverns and inns. Now, their 7-year-old grandson likes to give demonstrations with them. There's also a sign listing the seven rules of wisdom, but you will learn what those are only if you can read German.

There are six residences featured on the holiday tour: four antebellum homes and two downtown lofts. To get into the feeling of the way it was "when Weston was queen of the river" (the theme for the tour), many of the homeowners and guests will be dressed in period costumes. Tours start at 5 p.m. Nov. 20, with the last tours on Nov. 22. (See box on B1 for more details.)

Lifestyles reporter Sylvia Anderson may be reached at sylviaanderson@npgco.com

Weston's 28th Annual Candlelight Homes Tour

Nov. 20: Tour of homes, hors d'oeuvres and drinks at The Avalon Cafe (608 Main), 5 to 8 p .m., $25 per person.

Nov. 21: Tour hours 2 to 8 p.m. $10, children under 12, $4

Nov. 22: Tour hours 2 to 7 p.m. $10, children under 12, $4

To purchase tickets, call (816) 640-2909 or stop by the Chamber of Commerce at 526 Main St. in Weston. For more information on the homes, visit westonmo.com.