Benefit for Episcopal Women's local charities: 39th Annual Green Valley Tour of Homes

The 2008 Green Valley Tour of Homes, featuring some of the area’s most beautiful houses is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, March 7.

Sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women of St. Francis-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, proceeds from the 39th annual event go to benefit local charities.

Tickets are $18 and may be purchased at the following locations: St. Francis-in-the-Valley church office and Talents Unlimited Boutique, 600 S. La Canada Drive; The Animal League of Green Valley, 1600 W. Duval Mine Road; Curves and L.A. Jewelry in the Green Valley Mall; Body-Ease Center 380 W. Vista Hermosa Ste. 150; SpaZen in Tubac, Meredith’s Hallmark in Continental Shopping Plaza; The Answer in Gifts in Green Valley Mall; American Family Cutters in the Continental mall and Bashas’ Plaza, Book Shop in the Green Valley Mall, Second Look Books, 20 N. La Canada; Experiences Salon and Spa, 90 W. Calle de las Tiendas; LaVonne’s Hair Design and Day Spa, 80 W. Calle de las Tiendas, and Green Valley Chiropractic Center, 300 W. Vista Hermosa. Ste. 100.

For additional information contact the church office at 625-1370.

The tour begins at St. Francis-in-the-Valley parish hall, 600 S. La Canada Drive, where tour visitors can enjoy complimentary refreshments throughout the day.

The parish hall will also feature several attractions not to be missed.

The gourmet table will be filled with delectable homemade desserts available for purchase.

The raffle table will offer a number of exciting prizes, including a two-night stay at the Amado Territory Bed and Breakfast, tickets to the sold- out spring training game between the Chicago Cubs and White Sox, home accessories, original artwork, and more. The Talents Unlimited Boutique will be open and filled with unique home accents, jewelry, and gifts.

This year the Tour of Homes is “going green.” In an effort to save fuel and reduce congestion, shuttles will be available to escort tour participants to each of the six homes throughout the Green Valley area.

Tour participants can enjoy complimentary refreshments while they wait for their door to door shuttle service to begin. Those who use the shuttle service will receive an additional raffle ticket.

The Green Valley Fire Corps will be providing traffic safety and assistance at each of the home sites.

The six homes featured on this year’s tour are unique in style and d/cor, reflecting the remarkable talents and experiences of each of the featured homeowners.

The first three homes give visitors a glimpse of the immense artistic talents of the homeowners, an opportunity to travel the world, and a taste of gracious Green Valley living.

The first stop on this year’s tour is decorated with charming pieces both old and new.

Books play an important role throughout the house of these avid readers. Bibliophile visitors will notice that a once familiar library fixture is now used as a charming accent in the home. Touches that tell the family’s story are abundant in this house. Family photos and memorabilia line the hallway and beautiful quilts created by family members are displayed in the bedrooms.

If there is a single word that captures the essence of the tour’s second home it must be “quilts.” While there are many wonderful details in this home, it is the collection of quilts, created by the woman of the house, that are not to be missed. Quilts are on display throughout the home and visitors will have the opportunity to see the sunny studio where these quilts are created.

Visitors to the third home on the tour will enjoy a trip around the world.

After living for 20 years throughout South America the homeowners have settled here in Green Valley and placed their exquisite collection of artifacts and original artwork on display.

While much of the artwork and decorative accents that fill the house are the work of artisans and crafts people from around the world, the beautiful stained-glass work is the product of the homeowner, who is herself an artist.

The homeowners have created wonderful spaces that highlight their interests, history, and adventures, and they invite visitors along on their continuing journey. On the day of the tour, the homeowners will be present to answer brief questions.

The final three homes belong to Green Valley residents who have truly made their homes their own.

The fourth home has been remodeled to embrace the natural elements. By raising the roof, the homeowners have created a spectacular soaring open space that floods the room with light and provides a mountain view.

Water is also used both in and around this home creating a sense of tranquility that is reinforced by the use of color, natural light, and modern architectural lines.

The owners of the fifth home have designed their residence and built it themselves.

This lovely home sits atop a nearly three-acre lot surrounded by spectacular mountains views.

One arrives at the house via a sweeping circular driveway enhanced at the entrance to the home by a wooden doorway beautifully carved with a Southwestern motif. Once inside, the visitor is greeted by Ramona, an Indian princess sculpture housed in a wooden niche.

The final home on the tour has been renovated from the ground up. The result is an exceptional home that highlights an exquisite collection of original artwork in a beautifully designed setting.

The homeowner is an avid outdoorsman with an interest in conservation and one cannot help but share in his wonder at the natural world while viewing his collection of oil and watercolor paintings on display throughout the home.

New technology plays an important role in this remodel and is featured in many rooms of the home.

One of the most easily evidenced examples of this blend of form and function can be seen in the gourmet kitchen. This inviting kitchen showcases the newest in stainless steel appliances encased in Brazilian cherry wood cabinets.

Enjoy a day filled with beautiful homes, delicious food, fun shopping opportunities, and the chance to win wonderful prizes, all while supporting local charities that assist those in our community who are in need.

rford@gvnews.com | 547-9740