Termites, no kitchen sink, a sloped floor.

John and Lynn Upton have endured plenty of challenges in their 107-year-old home. But after 15 years of remodelings, additions and alterations, the couple finally have the house of their dreams and they want to share it with the world.

On June 25, the Upton house will be one of six featured during the Lapel Community Associaiton Home Tour. The event will take visitors through several styles and eras of architecture and decor.

Built in 1898, the Upton house is the oldest model on the tour. The kitchen, however, is relatively new, having been completed just last fall. The once cramped cucina is a cozy galley for preparing meals, complete with a trendy table and attractive slatted cabinetry.

The improvement came at a hefty price, though.

“I was without a kitchen sink from June to September,” said Lynn.

A termite problem also wrought havoc on the structure. Now new countertops, sink, cabinets and floor.

The Uptons have endured years without laundry, months without a kitchen sink, a sloped floor and infestation from termites.

But hosting a site on the home tour doesn’t mean the Uptons will miss out on seeing the best abodes Lapel has to offer.

“The night before, all of us get together and tour our homes,” Lynn said. “Afterward we gather for refreshments at one of the houses.”

“We have a lot of heirlooms, each room is a little different,” Lynn said. “The front room where we have our telivision has kind of an American theme. We have one room full of quilts. We just had a mural done by Sherri Sylvester in our dining room.”

The words “As for me and my house, we will see the lord,” are painted across the mural. Little wonder Lynn hosts bible study groups on Monday evenings.

Hinkle said visitors can purchase tickets at any of the six homes featured on the tour. Proceeds from the tour benefit the Lapel Community Association and its effort to install new streetlights around town.

“A lot of them know we do this every year and three of them are members of the Lapel Community Association,” Hinkle said. “We just send out letters, there’s no pressure, at all.”