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Homes Featured on the 2007 Tour of Homes

Tour Stop #1 - Cottage 519 - Sea Island

     An old world ambiance- Sea Island style- greets those upon entry into the brick-walled courtyard of this European-inspired home. Just inside, a richly detailed tapestry featuring Neptune, God of the Sea- a wink to the nearby Atlantic Ocean- beckons guests along the winding stone staircase up to the second floor living area.
      Local interior designer, Nancy Stoddard, welcomed the task of arranging the family’s vast collection of antiques, art and beloved belongings throughout this comfortable home.
       The foyer leads to the bar, creatively tucked into a corner, and into its spacious kitchen which is wrapped in pecky cypress. Bright shots of color come from the numerous pieces of handmade pottery from travels to the Isle of Capri. Nearby, the grand salon is a restful palette of sea blues and corals. The work of several local artists can be seen in this room. Note the exceptional period French Trumeau mirror atop a 19^th century English sideboard with barley-twisted legs.
      "Old world meets modern Sea Island" continues in the elegant library where the walls are finished in a rich sea-green with a whimsical seahorse adorning the fireplace mantelpiece. Local artist Lisa Moody created this and other decorative touches in this home. The exquisite blue Venetian chandeliers here, and in the nearby powder room, cast a soft ethereal light. Of special import are the game table chairs, original to the first Cloister Hotel, as well as a map of the southeastern coast of the United States, dated 1640, by a Dutch artist.
      And finally, a special treat awaits as guests exit- a beautifully landscaped garden of lush tropical foliage tucked just behind the residence and enclosed by an old brick wall from post-Civil War buildings- the perfect final touch.

Tour Stop #2 - Cottage 367 - Sea Island

      "Lucky on the Marsh" is an appropriate name for this tropical paradise that evokes a feeling of barefoot elegance. The renovation of this island sanctuary was cleverly designed by local architect Ed Cheshire and built with care by Frank Serafini.
     The expansive kitchen, designed by Jessica Bunn, provides the perfect backdrop for Sea Island-style entertaining featuring the gourmet culinary talents of the homeowner. Of note is the island’s ingenious "carousel" designed to keep the cook’s supplies close at hand. The majestic beauty of the tidal creek and lush westerly marshes beyond can be seen from the kitchen, living area and most of the bedrooms. Evening brings the opportunity to toast the day with a view of the vivid Golden Isles sunset and enjoy conversation in the card gallery overlooking the sophisticated simplicity of the living room.
     The art throughout this home reflects a love for the island as well as an international flair from the collection of African giraffes to touches of Tuscany. The grand entry foyer and staircase are adorned with richly detailed murals of coastal scenes hand painted by Atlanta artist Sally Strong. Artist Angie Henigman painted the Cloister scene in the foyer and the portrait in the master bedroom, and local artist Zack Zachary created the portrait over the living room fireplace mantel and the marsh scene nearby. The unique coffee table was crafted from an Indonesian bed. Handmade ironwork throughout the home was created by Floridian Larry Jackson.

Tour Stop #3 - Cottage 542 - Sea Island

     This grand home was designed in collaboration with Harrison Design Associates, Lisa Torbett Interiors and Island Design & Architectural Center (IDAC). The IDAC Design Team organized a "charette"—a unique building design methodology in which the architect, interior designers and builder assemble to create a fully-integrated home design. From charette to architectural drawings and scale model completion, the process for this home was accomplished in one month.
     The outcome is a home in the vein of early 20^th century residences in Palm Beach, Florida designed by Addison Mizner that feature characteristic Spanish-style elements. The home is specifically designed to accommodate the owner’s casual lifestyle and business entertaining.
     Throughout the home, there is a balance of order and ornament typically found in Spanish-style architecture. In a nod to classical design, deep molding has been used to cleverly disguise heating and cooling systems. The use of custom-designed media cabinets conceal lighting and home entertainment systems. Hidden cove lighting creates instant ambiance. All illustrating how modern-day function can live harmoniously with old-world craftsmanship.
     Custom features are found throughout the home. The mahogany windows and doors, the cast limestone mantel, media cabinets, stone tiles, mosaics and kitchen cabinetry were all designed specifically for the home. By using the charette, the home was built utilizing local talent and design-related materials and furnishings from IDAC.
     Uncompromising quality is found in every detail of this home—from the vaulted ceilings to the handmade terra cotta tiles. Design and craftsmanship combine to re-create the spirit of another century.

Tour Stop #4 - Cottage 273 - Sea Island

     As guests approach the charming eyebrow awning of this home entry, thoughts of a Cotswold cottage instantly come to mind. Interior designer Mary Bryan Peyer transformed this quaint beach cottage into a well-dressed island retreat that reflects the owner’s pizzazz and panache. Original heart pine floors preserve the home timelessness. The living room is filled with shine and shimmer created by the hand-made silver screen beneath elegantly rustic ceiling beams. This luminescence continues in the powder room with pearl-overlay Venetian plaster walls.
     In the master suite, unique Asian antiques enhance the eclectic architectural features of the cottage. The copper soaking tub in the master bath is the ultimate luxurious escape after a day of family fun on the sandy Sea island beaches. The pecky cypress study features a writing desk crafted from a single slab of teak. The unique desk chair is made from corrugated cardboard.
     Guests will not want to miss what awaits in the garden amid the old cypress, palm and magnolia trees….an exquisite Worthy-designed swimming pool rimmed with aquamarine opalescent glass tiles. You will want to linger longer in this stylishly relaxing home.

Tour Stop #5 - 194 Hampton Point Drive

      European elegance exudes from this magnificent home. Guests enter through a handsome French antique leaded glass door. Once in the foyer, glance up to see the handsome African water buffalo trophy standing guard. This family residence is clearly the home of an avid sportsman and collector. Gentlemen, particularly, will appreciate this home.
      The breathtaking view from the formal living room is a reminder of the magnificent natural beauty of the Golden Isles with the Hampton River, the Intracoastal Waterway and Little St. Simons Island beckoning in the distance. This incredible setting is further enhanced by unique accents like the striking hand made papier mache’ chess set.
      Antique architectural features and collections are found throughout this home. Old Indonesian doors lead to the inviting family retreat with an extensive collection of meticulously preserved fishing tackle. This family’s exotic flair is again reflected in the original Patsy Roberts photographs of African wildlife.
      The expansive kitchen, with glazed cabinetry hand made by a local craftsman and antique lighting, unites this family’s sense of elegance and love for adventure. The first glimpse of the talents of Floor Décor’s tile design skills can be found in the cobbled limestone on the kitchen walls. In the sanctuary of the master bath with its expansive river view, unique split-face limestone lines the walls to create a feeling of warmth and tranquility.
      Upstairs, whimsy and sophistication combine in the boys’ bedroom suite with creative nautical touches like the platform beds suspended from the ceiling and collections that hint of ventures on sand and sea. Be sure to take a peek at the coastal scenes depicted by local artist, Dora Lynn, in the owner’s elevator.
      The 19^th century Massachusetts chest in the gallery is a family heirloom. This stop on the tour will provide guests with a most memorable experience.

Tour Stop #6 - 115 Jacobs Road - Shaw’s Bounty

      This sprawling example of French Normandy design has been transformed from top to bottom into a large elegant estate with intimate scale. The century-old front door bearing a family crest hints of the many imported architectural antiques that have been artfully integrated into this home by Bliven Construction. The beamed living room is filled with family photos, heirlooms and fascinating collections. Scrumptious fabrics are featured on the furnishings and window treatments throughout the home. The living room shutters once hung as closet doors in a French chateau ages ago.
      The warm, inviting kitchen beckons family and friends to this classic gathering place. In the family room, a stunning and boldly-detailed armoire holds center stage. The rare fresco hanging on the family room wall is yet another fabulous find from a French chateau that was specially selected for this home.
      Each room strikes a perfect balance between historical substance and modern chic. Upstairs, each elegantly decorated bedroom bears even more beautiful European antiques. Glorious examples of French antique lighting can be seen in the master bedroom, dining room and family room.
      Visiting family and friends are given royal treatment in the spacious, well-appointed guest house. Outside, the whimsical playhouse is a special treat space that delights a child’s imagination. Guests will also enjoy strolling throughout the serene garden surrounding this home. Meandering stone pathways are shaded by ancient live oaks. Listen closely and you will hear the musical patter of water from the beautiful fountains.
      This home is a masterpiece of Old World design and presentation by Margaret Garner of Beau Maison.

Tour Stop #7 - 173 Merion - Island Club at Retreat

    This majestic brick Georgian colonial is situated on a tranquil lagoon. Countless surprises throughout this home highlight the homeowner’s unerring sense of style and originality. The grand foyer is flanked by the modern art of Israeli sculptor Ruth Block and a mobile of hanging glass found by this couple at an exhibit at Lanoue Fine Art Gallery in Boston. The library contains many examples of biblical artifacts mixed with the gentleman’s collection of golf memorabilia. The master bath boasts a grand mirror above a fine example of the shell artistry of Annette Friedrich.
      Beyond the teak-floored formal living room with its peaceful shades of aqua and chocolate, the highlight of the powder room is a sleek infinity basin. John Folsom’s mixed media "Illinois" greets guests to the first floor gallery. Here, the work of Ruth Block appears again with a commissioned bronze sculpture of the family.
      The sophistication of the first floor living space veils the spirited feel of the children’s’ rooms upstairs. The "princess suite" is themed after Madonna’s children’s book "Lotsa de Casha" with murals of the book’s characters created by a local artist. A claw-footed tub with its monogrammed linen curtain beckons after a full day of playing tea party and dress-up. Both boys’ rooms reflect their interest in "cowboys" from South Dakota and Dallas. The art of collecting begins early with an extensive collection of toy cars.
      The home’s beautiful garden was designed by local landscape architect, Jeff Homans of Land Design Associates, and transitions to the elegantly simple heated lap pool by Worthy Pools. This outdoor haven is reminiscent of the "secret garden".

Tour Stop #9 - Musgrove Plantation

Rarely open to the public, Musgrove plantation is a twentieth century retreat built over several years beginning in 1937 by the historically noted architectural firm of Abreu and Robeson, and is still owned by the family of the original owner. It consists of more than eleven hundred and fifty acres of high ground and protected marsh along beautiful Village Creek, on the east side of St. Simons Island.
The plantation consists of many cabins used as residences by members of the family and their guests. You also will see the Grove House, the primary gathering place for meals and relaxation. Typical of all Musgrove buildings, the Grove House is finely crafted with giant cypress ceiling beams and a wall of windows looking out over the river beyond. As you leave, you will walk through extensive, beautifully landscaped gardens.