A chance to peek beyond the door

Furniture and artwork and china and silver. Just as your home speaks volumes about you, the show houses of America — open to the public for tours — share the secrets, sometimes unwittingly, of their owners, designers and hometowns. They may reveal personal quirks or preferences, design or otherwise, that tell a story that goes well beyond bricks and mortar. Visitors to these show homes are legal voyeurs, peeking in on a past that may be fraught with drama or intrigue or genius. Here are seven to peruse, chosen by travel writers across the country. They’ve opened the doors, turned on the lights and listened to the whispers. Join them for a spell. Pages L3 and L4