Waterfront vistas, rolling hayfields, and dramatic bluff views are just some of the highlights of the seventh annual Lopez Island Home Tour scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18.
Homeowners, builders, and local and nationally known architects have designed the seven houses included on the tour. All the houses are unique, and all reflect the families who have made them homes.
The Miño residence is one of the seven homes on the tour. Oswaldo and Barbara purchased their Center Road property 12 years ago, beginning construction seven years later. Oswaldo, a retired architect, designed the 1,100 square foot residence together with Barbara, an artist and retired art teacher. The construction of the home was completed by Oswaldo while the couple lived on the property, with a minimum amount of outside help. Six friends gathered to raise the first ceiling beam; the metal roof, concrete floors and custom cabinets were done by friends, as well.
The Black farm has a warm and welcoming history, as well. Inez and David Black stumbled, by chance, upon their 40-acre farm as they drove around the island on David’s evenings off as Program Director at Camp Nor’wester. The year was 1968. While sitting on a huge rock behind the deserted farmhouse, they were attracted by the sweeping views of the fields, the Cascade Mountains and the Gulf Islands. The evolution of additions, tear downs, and rebuilds reads like a genealogy chart. Inez completed the last remodel after David’s death in 2007.
The tour runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is self-guided. Box lunches will be available at the Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon for $5.
The Home Tour is the major annual fundraiser for Lopez Center for Community and the Arts.
“Proceeds from ticket sales help us to keep event and use fees affordable for the community,” said John Whetten, chair of the Home Tour.
Tickets for the Home Tour are $30, and are now available at the Lopez Community Center, Islehaven Books, Paper Scissors on the Rock, at the Lopez Farmer’s Market on Saturdays at the Community Center Booth, and www.lopezcenter.com
For more information, contact John Whetten at 468-3402 or Jim Smith at 468-3243.
