Home tours are fun, whether to search for decorating ideas or to get a glimpse of how other folks live. Two philanthropic groups are focusing on homes in Danville, Alamo and Diablo this year so it’s a chance to tour homes right in our own back yard.
The Holiday Home Tour sponsored by the Danville-Alamo Branch of the American Association of University Women includes six “exquisitely and professionally” decorated homes, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday-Saturday, Dec. 2-3. Tickets are $20-$25 and proceeds go toward AAUW’s local scholarships and Tech Trek science camp for middle school girls at Mills College.
The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay is also focusing on this area for its second annual Artful Living Home Tour. It is partnering with Diablo Magazine for its holiday-themed tour of five homes for $35-$40 with proceeds going to its community projects, which focus on children at risk. This tour is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., also Friday-Saturday, Dec. 2-3.
“What is truly inspiring about the Artful Living Home Tour is that every year people can visit different cities and experience how homeowners are integrating art and architecture,” said Dinah MacFarlane, co-chairwoman.
The homes on this tour are diverse architectural styles, including a home with craftsman detailing and farmhouse warmth; a New England-style home showcasing classic East Coast sensibilities; a charming French country home with custom touches from a hand-blown sink to a 1920s fireplace mantel and a vineyard view; a “hidden treasure” steeped in tradition; and a custom-built chateau combining Asian and French dÈcor. A bonus sixth home will be revealed during the actual tour.
Junior League is kicking off its home tour the evening before with a party from 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Temple Isaiah, 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette.
Also, Valley Children’s Museum is sponsoring its second annual Holiday Home Tour from noon-3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11, in Ruby Hill, a gated community in east Pleasanton. It costs $35 and will include homes and the winery at Tenuta Vineyards decorated for the holidays with children’s groups performing and a sampling of coffee, teas and treats from restaurants and caterers. For tickets, call 461-6574 or visit www.valleychildrensmuseum.org.
Home tour tickets
AAUW Home Tour
Mail self-addressed, stamped envelope with check to Danville-Alamo AAUW, P.O. Box 996, Alamo 94507. Cost is $20 if postmarked by Nov. 25; it’s $25 after that. Or buy tickets at Design Concepts, 3235 Danville Blvd. For information, call Cheryl 820-6158.
Junior League Home Tour
Purchase $35 tickets online at www.jloeb.org; call 284-3740; or visit Empire Realty Associates, 380 Diablo Road, Danville. Tickets are $40 the day of the tour.
–Dolores Fox Ciardelli
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