Christ Church Frederica 2024 Tour of Homes - Focus on Frederica

A harbinger of spring, the annual Christ Church Frederica Tour of Homes returns on Saturday, March 16. Now in its 71st year, this eagerly awaited island tradition draws visitors from near and far to visit carefully selected private homes and the historic grounds of Christ Church. In 2024, the Tour will feature six special homes and their grounds in the exclusive gated St. Simons Island enclave of Frederica Township.

Frederica, a premier private club and gated community north of Christ Church on St. Simons Island, may be one of the best kept secrets of the Golden Isles. The 3,000-acre property encompasses 400 acres of man-made freshwater lake stocked with trophy bass. Walkways under a canopy of oaks draped in Spanish moss surrounded by centuries-old maritime forest, harken back to another era. Preservation of the natural landscape in both the club and amenity areas of Frederica and in the improvement of privately-owned home sites is paramount. A set of Standards and Design guidelines govern the growth of the community and are designed to preserve and enhance the natural environment, native forest, and wildlife.  These guidelines also assist in achieving a continuity that embraces residential architecture, varied in style, yet consistent in design quality and craftsmanship. The homes here are not only beautifully designed, but offer unique marsh, lake, and river views, making them ideal as stops on the Tour.

You have the opportunity to enjoy even more of the amenities offered at Frederica on Tour day by purchasing a VIP ticket that includes a luncheon in the idyllic setting of the Frederica Boathouse. The limited seating Luncheon will include a gourmet boxed lunch prepared by the Frederica Culinary Team and a presentation by local historian, Wheeler Bryan, who will detail the history of the Frederica area from colonial times through development of today's exclusive Frederica Community. Two lunch seatings, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., are available and the cost of the VIP ticket that includes the luncheon and access to all Tour sites is $200 per person. Both seatings have limited availability; so you are encouraged to purchase tickets as early as possible.

Once again this year, Christ Church docents will present historical narratives dating back to 1736 in various locations in and around the church and cemetery from 10:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and will serve refreshments in Parish Hall. Highlights include how Anglican worship began on St. Simons Island when General James Oglethorpe arrived with two newly ordained Church of England priests, brothers Charles and John Wesley and the formation of our Parish in 1808 as a Protestant Episcopal Church on the heels of the Revolutionary War with the first church structure built in 1820. Hear how Anson G.P. Dodge arrived on the island as a 19-year-old in 1879 to observe his family’s lumber mill and was so moved by the little parish that he entered Seminary in New York in order to return to St. Simons Island to minister and build a new church with his own funds, replacing the 1820 structure. These and other stories will add to the enchanting Tour experience. You’re also invited to end your day's discoveries with a spiritual walk of the Christ Church Labyrinth located a short distance across the road from Christ Church.

Here are some important things to know for Tour day. The Tour of Homes is a rain-or-shine event, so please dress accordingly. No high-heeled shoes permitted, as they may damage wood floors. Home Tour Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Morning buses begin boarding at Christ Church at 9:00 a.m. Midday buses begin boarding at 11:00 am. Parish Hall hospitality with light refreshments, music, and bathroom access will be available from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. All parking will be at Christ Church and Wesley Church (just around the corner). There will be no on-site vehicle access to any of the homes in Frederica Township and parking of personal vehicles in Frederica is strictly prohibited. Sea Island has graciously donated buses which will provide all transportation from Christ Church to Frederica Township. Shuttle buses will provide transportation between the featured homes at Frederica. There is no wheelchair or stroller access. No photography or video inside the homes will be allowed. No food, beverage, smoking, large bags or backpacks are permitted inside the homes.

Standard Tour tickets are $75 per person. VIP Tour/Luncheon tickets are $200 per person. You are encouraged to purchase tickets early as last year's Tour of Homes sold out and there may not be tickets available on Tour day. All tickets sales are final and non-refundable. Tickets are transferrable. Everyone attending the Annual Tour of Homes MUST have a ticket (computer printed or mobile ticket) showing bar code with them to present before boarding a bus. As always, the Annual Tour of Homes benefits organizations and initiatives for women and children in need in our community through grants provided by Christ Church ECW. Any additional donations and support you can provide are prayerfully requested and greatly appreciated. Benefactor options are offered on the online ticket purchase site. All tickets can be purchased online at eventbee.com/v/christchurchtourofhomes2024#/tickets.