Village Laguna will host the Charm House Tour Sunday

Barbara Diamond

Five North Laguna homes will be open to the public Sunday for the

31st annual Charm House Tour.

“It is one of my favorite days of the year because we have the

opportunity to look at Laguna through the eyes of people who come

here,” said Mayor Toni Iseman. “And the people who open these

beautiful and unique homes are so generous to let outsiders get a

glimpse of the real Laguna.”

Iseman will be among the knowledgeable city officials and

community leaders who will serve as tour guides on the chartered

trams that will leave continuously from in front of the Festival of

Arts on Laguna 650 Laguna Canyon Road, starting at noon.

The last tram leaves at 3:30 p.m. The homes will close at 5:30

p.m.

Those who prefer to tour on their own should allow between two and

three hours. Bussed or not, tour participants should wear comfortable

shoes.

The tour will include one pre-World War I cottage, a recently

restored 1920s cottage complex, a 1941 Monterey-style home and one in

the contemporary style.

“Contemporary Splendor” is making its second appearance on the

tour, worth another visit to see the new decor and art work, not to

mention the views of the Pacific Ocean and coastline and Heisler

Park.

The owners have used color, fabric and art to give the home a

Mediterranean theme.

Art works include scenes of Italy, France, Greece and Mexico,

painted by local artists Allayne Stevens, Tom Swimm, Anne England and

Christine Kenney

Architect Chris Abel designed a complete remodel in 1991 of the

home, originally built in 1924.

“eXTOKIVA” was built in 1915, one of the first homes in the area

-- a sort of model home built of shiplap redwood and intended to

pique the interest of potential buyers in the builder’s style.

The home is recognized as a Historical Residence by the city.

Custom cherry wood furniture and rich fabrics were chosen by the

British owner to create a formal town home. Outside the British

influence can be seen in the garden beyond the back sun porch.

“Vintage Garden Guest Cottages” were recently restored. The two

1920 cottages and seven guest cottages are set in the midst of lush

greenery and shaded by tall elm trees. Roses and lavender are in full

bloom in the English-style garden.

A fountain with an ornately carved cherub, which appeared in the

movie “Hello Dolly,” is a garden feature

The guest cottages, which are decorated in cottage style and have

kitchens, can be rented.

“Casa del Jardin” was built in 1941 in the area known as

McKnight’s Addition. It was extensively remodeled in 1991.

Visitors will enter the property through an iron gate and follow a

brick path that meanders under a bougainvillea-covered arbor to the

home.

“Eclectic 50s Millennium Modern was rebuilt into a contemporary

home from a modest blue stucco home with a juniper-covered sloping

front yard.

Tour tickets are $30 in advance and $35 on tour day.

Proceeds will benefit Village Laguna programs, including a high

school scholarship and the election of city council and school board

candidates who share the group’s philosophy on protecting the

“village character.” The nonprofit organization was founded on a

successful campaign to limit building heights in Laguna Beach.

For ticket information, call 497-7522.