It's hard to miss the large white antebellum plantation house on Weeksville Road, just past the Coast Guard base. Driving by the columned, Greek revival structure, it stands out. But it's what's on the inside, as the saying goes, which counts, at least these days.

Thanks to a group of women looking for a way to benefit the Arts of the Albemarle, the 2008 Designer House was born. This event happens from Aug. 3 to Aug. 17, and it features 18 rooms designed by 18 different interior designers. The public is invited to buy tickets, tour the house and get an eye full of one of the area's oldest and most beautiful historic homes, complete with fashionable new digs.

But this event dubbed the 2008 Designer House is more than a tour of 18 rooms finely decked out for your enjoyment. This is, well, a happening. You know, a two-week long party that includes not only tours of the house, but British teas, story telling, faux painting demonstrations, chocolate demonstrations, a harp recital, gardening workshops, a fashion show and so much more that buying a ticket for the entire two weeks is not only possible, but worthwhile.

There are also a number of off-site events, including Hollowell family artifacts on display at Museum of the Albemarle. This exhibit is especially significant since the Hollowell family began the museum collection that would launch MOA in their manor, so many years ago.

The house is 5,000 square feet of history that was transformed into a playground of design and arts for the next two weeks. The downstairs tour will include a grand foyer, gentleman's library, living room, dining room, kitchen, powder room and in-law suite that will serve as a café and boutique.

The café will be run by Montero's Restaurant and its sous chef Brandon Clark and will offer lunch daily, except for Sundays. There will also be a boutique selling arts and crafts from Arts of the Albemarle artisans and artists.

Upstairs you can check out the foyer sitting room, bedrooms and a deceptive master bathroom that elevates the concept of comfort. On the third floor there is a fantasy room and a teen room.

Holly Wright, who is co-chair of the event, says she's been on a number of designer house tours and thought it was high time Elizabeth City had one of its own.

"The owners consented to let us use it for the first designer showcase," says Wright, who is also a designer and created the luxurious feel of the master bedroom and bath.

The ownership of the house and its history is story enough for some people. Christopher Wilson Hollowell built it in 1856 on 750 acres — acreage that now makes up the Coast Guard base.

The Hollowell family lived on the land — it now consists of 10 acres — consistently until 1988. That's when entertainer Wayne Newton purchased it.

Newton, who is originally from the Tidewater region, might have made Bayside Manor his home one day, but financial difficulties for the Las Vegas entertainer required him to sell the property.

The Aylsworth family bought it in 1994 and they consented to have the 18 designers converge on the property for this gala event that will be kicked off Friday night with a black tie affair.

This house is also currently up for sale.

Wright says it's entirely possible to purchase the house fully decked out in all of its designer glory. She says there will be a room-by-room break down of costs for those interested to review.

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door and $25 for the entire two-week event. For a schedule of the events listed in this story or a list of where to buy advance tickets go to www.baysidemanortour.com or call 252-339-2418.