Been on the road again! Christ Church Tour of Homes

We are back from our annual trip to Saint Simons for the 

Christ Church Tour of Homes. This tour is always

one of my favorite one! I just wish they 

would let me take interior shots of the 

beautiful homes, so I could share them with you. 
But I guess if it was my home, I wouldn't want people 
clicking away either. 
*I apologize, some of the pictures came from the local paper.

This year was the tour's 60th anniversary! 

The first tour was in 1954. This project sponsored by

the Episcopal Church Women of Christ Church Frederica 

benefits local charities that assist women and children

in need. In 2012 they raised more than $60,000, that 

went to non-profit organizations. 

Along with seven beautiful homes the tour includes Musgrove Plantation,

Christ Church Frederica, Wesley Gardens and St. Ingnatius Church. 

This year the Tour Chairman was Dana Parker (left) and

Avery Brooks was the Tour Co-Chairman.

Tour Stop 1 was the St. Ignatius Church. It was built in 1886 for 

the former slaves on St. Simons Island. 

Tour Stop 2 is located on East Beach. Built five years ago, it features

three stories plus a rooftop patio with a view of the ocean. The contemporary

home is constructed of concrete and steel. This family has a love

of aviation and it shows in their decor. 

Tour Stop 3 is located in Sea Palms on the banks of the Dunbar Creek.

When you enter you see the  beautiful view of the river. Every 

room, that is used frequently, takes advantage of the spectacular

location. The home houses collectibles from their travels 

abroad and many family antiques.

Musgrove Plantation: Private retreat of the R.J. Reynolds heirs.

Tour Stop 4 is Musgrove Plantation

Tour stop 5 is Christ Church

Stillwater is Tour Stop 6. It is located out Frederica Road on the

north end of the island. This modern home is designed to 

be a peaceful sanctuary. The front doors are from Indonesia and are 

beautiful carved wood. The living room and kitchen offer you a beautiful view of 

the pool and the lake. This house has a boy's room with sports 

collectibles and its own media room. The girl's bedroom is the 

perfect hangout for teenagers.

(Back of the home)

Tour Stop 7 Black Banks Plantation is steeped in history with the 

first owner being John Perkins in the mid 1700's. The current home

was designed in 1942. It was remodeled in 2004 by the current owner. 

This home houses a carefully selected collection of antiques, paintings 

and porcelains. 

There is an abundant use of chintz and fringe throughout the house. 

It showcases some of the most magnificent window treatments, this

designer has seen. It was a treat to walk around the beautiful five 

acre grounds and see the gardens and marsh views. 

Tour Stop 8 was our first home on Sea Island and I think the one that 

our group like the best! It had just undergone a complete renovation. 

I particularly liked the soothing tones of sea glass that had been

used on the furniture, walls and rugs.  This home had formal and informal

areas that made it the perfect house for entertaining. Everything about it

made you want to "stay awhile!"

Tour Stop 9 is a magnificent oceanfront "cottage." Named Marbello for 

the town on the Spanish Costa del Sol, the home offers spectacular

views of the ocean everywhere you turn. The outdoor spaces 

are ideal for entertaining. This home was used 

last year to film one of the episodes of "Royal Pain."  

Our final stop on our tour was #10. This home was built and furnished 

by the homeowners three years ago for multi-generational living. 

Using rich blues and browns and a mixture of stone and hickory for the floors,

this home is a showcase for an interesting collection of art and furniture. 

This home also includes a pool and a separate guest quarters over 

the detached garage. 

If you have never been to Saint Simons Island, Georgia, I encourage you

to make this a vacation stop. Even better if you can time it around the 

middle of March. Then you can enjoy all the beauty the "Golden Isles"

has to show, plus the magnificent home tour!