A Few of My Favorite Things
On Saturday, March 18, generous homeowners from St. Simons and Sea Island will welcome guests into their beautiful homes between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. as part of the Episcopal Church Women of Christ Church, Frederica’s 64th Annual Tour of Homes. The Tour is a fabulous way to explore our beautiful island home, gain inspiration for design and decorating in your own home, and maybe even learn some art, history, and culture along the way. The ECW expects more than 1,000 patrons from near and far to attend the tour and more than 400 church and community members to act as volunteers. “It’s a family affair really, one that many generations have been a part both as volunteers and visitors, said Paige Peck, Tour Publicity Chair. Tour proceeds, along with annual cookbook sales, provide charitable gifts to more than 30 local organizations that help women and children in the community. In the past two decades the total of that gift has exceeded $1 million, with $70,000 donated for the past two years.
This year, in the spirit of raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, in addition to the general descriptions of the homes featured on the tour, EIL asked homeowners to tell us their favorite features, rooms, or details within the home. We discovered that sometimes it’s an item of furniture or a treasured collector’s piece and sometimes it’s simply the view they enjoy. There’s no doubt that every one of these homes is a lovely showcase and beautiful representation of the island lifestyle.
Tour Stop #1 in Epworth is a renovated 70s ranch-style home that overlooks a tranquil lake. It has been transformed into an open and airy living space that is comfortable for gathering friends and family. In the kitchen, raised knotty white pine ceilings, porcelain tiles on the island and oak counter tops all serve to visually enlarge the space. Glass window inserts were repurposed and used in new corner cabinets. A traditional brick fireplace has found new life in a European stucco style and is enhanced by surrounding treasures from a Charleston garden and religious art and relics that complement the original Spanish design. A special treasure can be found in the granddaughter’s room where the soft tones of the room showcase a portrait that the grandmother painted of this special girl. The expansive covered back porch overlooking the lake is a perfect setting for winding down in the evening or quiet reflection over morning coffee. The homeowner directs us to two rare and unique pieces as their favorite things. A Mobe Nun’s Clock that strikes on the hour and five minutes after to signal not only the time but the end of the nun’s hourly prayer time as well. A painting by Emmet Fritz of the oldest house in St. Augustine is also prized by them. It is one of Fritz’ largest works.
Tour Stop #3 is a mid-twentieth century re-do that hides behind lush landscape in a cozy corner off the beaten path. Light, airy, and serene, the interior of this comfortable two bedroom setting appears much larger thanks to the expansive use of glass which serves to bring the outdoors inside. The owners have incorporated many original features of this early 60’s design in the facelift for today’s style of living. By enclosing the original brick patio and making a unique use of several of the original louvered doors, they show appreciation for the past while these features giving new life. Little touches shine throughout this house: an iconic sculpture piece has been repurposed for a fireplace, and the architect’s signature touch can be found in the kitchen (he includes it in every house he designs). It’s a 1940s life-sized wooden statue of Christ that the homeowners point out as one of their favorite things in the home. The backyard garden shaded by grand oaks is a welcoming spot for a tall glass of tea on a warm day. This truly is an island oasis given new life and energy.
The homeowners of Tour Stop #4 say their favorite thing is the one-of-a-kind day bed from Indonesia when they can lounge outside and take in the absolutely gorgeous panoramic view. As soon as you walk in the grand front door, you can’t miss what is surely one of the best views on the island, and perhaps on the entire East Coast! Perched high above Gould’s Inlet with its tidal swings, this seaside beauty epitomizes easy beach living and a relaxed seashore theme carries through from the entrance to the back loggia. Outside living and dining are easy and comfortable in this open space overlooking the inlet and the expansive pool below. The master suite has easy access to the outdoor fireplace and a commanding view of the ever-changing ocean. Two bedrooms open onto a large balcony to take advantage of the views and the gentle breezes. The children’s bedrooms are a celebration of color. A notable accent piece is a long “cloister” style bench in the upstairs hallway.
“Stately” is perhaps the best way to describe the renovated 40s home at Tour Stop #5. Savannah gray brick and walls densely covered in tabby add to authenticity and a soft palette of gray and sand throughout combine for a coastal, beachy feel without the traditional seashore motif. Artwork provides punches of color throughout. Expansive downstairs living areas make good use of traffic flow, while two staircases access upstairs bedrooms. The bright, roomy kitchen is a popular gathering place. Recent remodeling incorporates a former back porch with original brick flooring which now allows it to extend the full length of the home for an expanded feel of outdoor living. The iron work on the massive glass doors that surround this porch is stunning. Unique chandeliers on the porch (as well as others in the bedrooms and master bath) add another special touch. It is entertaining outside on this new enclosed back porch that the homeowners say is now their favorite thing! Outside, the meticulously landscaped grounds surrounding the pool invite you to stop and enjoy the beauty of this setting. A two bedroom guesthouse provides a welcoming spot for any lucky guest of this updated beachside retreat.
Tour Stop #6 at the north end of Sea Island has a commanding view of the Hampton River looking toward Little St. Simons Island across the waterway. Soft gray, white and glass galore combine with soft-hued oak floors throughout this 7 bedroom beauty to visually enlarge the space. With an emphasis on the river view, the wall of glass brings nature inside. An outdoor kitchen and dining area sits just outside on the back porch. The homeowners say the view they have overlooking the infinity pool and the Atlantic Ocean is their favorite feature of this house without a doubt! A wine cellar and “man-cave” accented with a pecky-cypress ceiling and beautiful wide plank pine floors can be found just past the spacious kitchen. The master bedroom ceiling is highlighted by a shiplap accent. Additional hallmarks of the home chosen by the homeowner are glass doorknobs, unique lighting pieces and chandeliers. Additional rooms include children’s bedrooms, a bunk room for young guests, game/tv room with cork floors and a guest suite, an in-law suite with its own separate entrance, and the “must-see” tower office with its incredible view highlighted with live-oak flooring, a cypress ceiling and a very unusual oak counter top.
Tour Stop #7 is a recently updated classic 50s cottage for a family of five. Original brick floors and white paneled walls remain to keep the “cottage-feel” while a new limestone fireplace, ceiling beams and light fixtures have been added. Masterful attention to detail and craftsmanship ensure a beach style yet glamorous feel. Furnishings are comfortable, subtle yet durable. Soft blues, grays, and greens, inspired by the sea, are easy on the eye and encourage a relaxed pace. The large covered porch off the master suite is an idea spot for lazy day reading or rainy day napping. Additional guest suites with ample kitchenette and a media/ game room add extra fun and versatility for this growing family. Everyone’s favorite piece of furniture in the house is the cheerful, custom ping pong table with acrylic “net” that also serves as a dining table when the games are over. Functional and fun!
Vibrant color is what you’ll remember about the recently remodeled River Club beauty that mixes Palm Beach style with modern accents at Tour Stop #8. “Preppy with an edge” is the way this design look that combines bright blue, multiple shades of green and vivid reds has been described. A two story foyer painted a rich bright blue pops against leopard-print carpeting and a white Chippendale railing on the staircase. Abstract paintings and modern art accompany the blue and white theme carried throughout the downstairs. Pops of orange offer an additional accent over the fireplace. Even the sitting area with neutral walls surprises with a rich blue ceiling. Upstairs the bedrooms feature smaller spaces but with no lack of happy colors. An added splash of pink calls to mind Lilly Pulitzer’s well-known color schemes. In contrast, the setting on the back porch overlooking the peaceful lagoon is pure tranquility. A curvy outdoor sectional invites a quiet moment in this vibrant coastal retreat which was featured in Atlanta Magazine’s Summer 2016 Home issue. It’s the family room that the homeowners designate as their favorite spot. They love spending time there, and say with the wet bar, heart pine floors, fireplace, and view of the marsh, it’s perfect for entertaining.
In addition to these private homes, there are historical interest tour stops at St. Ignatius, Musgrove Retreat and Conference Center, and Christ Church, with its well-known cemetery, and the nearby Wesley Memorial Garden. To purchase tickets or for more information about the tour, visit christchurchtourofhomes.org or contact 912.638.8683.
