By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
On Saturday, Sept. 26 – a day that could be called a perfect “chamber of commerce day” with blue skies, soft breezes and perfect temperatures – the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce hosted the 51st annual Lake Arrowhead Home Tour, with the theme “Through the Years.”
The Gothic style windows at The Castle in the Forest. (Photo by Rhea-Frances Tetley)
This tour satisfied the senses with lovely music at most homes, fantastic views of beautiful homes, the smell of the pines and the wind on their faces as the guests sped across the lake and the fantastic wines and cheeses at the Burnt Mill Beach Club.
There were five homes visited followed by a reception at the end of the tour, where guests received special souvenir wine glasses and charcuterie boxes supplied from Alchemy Events. The Soroptimists ran the reception all day long. The homes could be visited in any order; each was reached by either a bus or boat shuttle.
“Shorewood,” the lakefront home reached by a boat shuttle, is located on a peninsula known as Totem Pole Point. This peninsula was the location of a former movie set, where numerous movies were shot in the 30s through 50s, including Spawn of the North, which received a special Academy Award, and River’s End. The décor of the home had movie posters from those movies and others, too, and a hallway of Richard Lowe artwork. Several photos of totem poles adorned the walls of the home.
The 15,600-square foot home has water on three sides with 675 feet of shoreline and fantastic water views from almost every window in the home. It has a formal entry with two curved stairways and wide entry into the massive living room and dining area, facing the water, 10 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, each decorated with excellent interior views as well.
Another large 10,000-square foot home called “The Castle in the Forest” was reminiscent of a European storybook castle. It is located on six acres of forest in Skyforest. Almost every one of the 20 rooms is on a separate floor and has a balcony overlooking a beautiful backyard that looks like a perfect location for a large party. It has a stone facade, large fireplaces, turrets and a slate roof and even a secret closet into Narnia. The gothic style arched windows were a showstopper. The owners were there greeting guests and answering constructions questions as this home went through many construction challenges.
The Shorewood grand formal entry. (Photo by Darian Rundall)
In stark contrast to these large estates was the quaint Hobbit Hollow, a classic 1952, 1,146-square foot wooden cabin on one-third of an acre, with a fabulous view of the lake from its stone patio and from most of the rooms of the house. The interior features milled woods, giving homage to wooden boats of the lake and gives a real homey feeling. It was chosen by many home tourers as their favorite, as they could easily imagine living in such an awe-inspiring home, that could easily foster creativity for writing, art or relaxing while reading. It has true classic charm despite its recent upgrades to enable easy modern living.
Another mid-century beauty was the “1956 Hideaway,” a smaller, three-bedroom, two-bath with a wine cellar and a surprise four-bed loft bedroom – a true living beauty with a level entry and a single-slip boat dock off the backyard. The home has been modernized and yet has a classic claw-footed, soaking bathtub. The modern features in the kitchen still fit into the mid-century vibe. What is amazing is this home is also available for short-term rentals, for others to get to experience the Lake Arrowhead lifestyle.
“Tamara’s Cottage” is a classic 1930s, 1500-square foot home with a rock fireplace that was a classic one-family home for over 40 years. It was being restored by Tamara, maintaining many of the original architectural details, craftsmanship and charm that attracted her to the home; the remodel lasted longer than she did and her husband completed her vision with the help of Jeannine’s Designs. The patio terrace on the hillside overlooks the lakeshore with a 150-foot frontage. It was reached by a shuttle bus after the 1956 Hideaway home, reached from the Cedar Glen area.
Sandra Koos with the engraved platter she received from Chamber President Scott Rindenow. (Photo by Rhea-Frances Tetley)
Music in each of the homes was amazing, provided by professionals from the community and local musicians. J. Munns filled the great room of The Castle with delightful piano jazz music. T.J. Rogers played the piano in the great room of Shorewood on Totem Pole Point with Greg Siples on trumpet overlooking the lake. The Hobbit Hollow house had Rose Espinosa playing her violin in the garden, setting a relaxing mood for the home. Filmore Smiley, Vincente Ruvalcava and Nicolas Despart played jazz saxophones. During the reception at the beach club, Destiny Love delighted the attendees with her wonderful music, accompanied by Adam Hurlbut on guitar.
The after-party wine reception, with wine from Cedar Glen Fine Foods, with the beautiful floral center pieces from Wildflowers at the lake, at the Burnt Mill Beach Club was enjoyed by those on the tour. Afterwards the volunteer dinner provided by RB’s Steakhouse was enjoyed by the hundreds of volunteers who make the Home Tour possible each year by acting as docents in each of the five homes.
At the volunteer dinner, Chamber Chair Scott Rindenow thanked the many volunteers, especially Brian Cohen for his help all year long and for sponsoring the dinner last year; he and his wife were presented with a special blown glass creation. Board member Sandra Koos was presented with a specially engraved wooden serving platter from all her dedicated efforts this last year and previous years.
The Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce offered words of appreciation for all involved in this year’s Home Tour and invited them all back next year for another fantastic home tour.
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