Annual Valentine Tour of Homes Opens Doors Feb 15-16

Valentine’s weekend typically means romantic dinners and flowers for most, but it also signals the beloved annual Valentine Tour of Homes hosted by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA). The tour showcases stunning interiors, architecturally acclaimed homes and picturesque settings on Saturday, Feb.15 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m and Sunday, Feb. 16 from 12 – 4 p.m.

This year promises to be one of the best tours to date with six diverse homes - including stories of history, tradition, rebirth, modernism, and new urbanism.

"Each year, we aim to include a diverse mix of homes that offer architectural, historic or artistic significance," said Jennifer Steele, executive director of the CAA. "This year, our tour has been expanded to two days and will include even more homes with styles ranging from classical to Florida cracker to modern."
 

“Washaway” - A Grayton Tradition - 10 Hotz Avenyue in Grayton Beach
Located in the heart of Grayton Beach, you won't want to miss this grand home with a history. It's a local treasure that has inspired many homes found along Scenic 30A today. Built in the late 1800s by Capt. Gray (Grayton's namesake), it later became the headquarters for a Coast Guard cavalry unit during WWII, that rode the beaches on horseback on the lookout for Nazi submarines. The home survived a major hurricane in 1926 but was almost washed away. It stood strong during Hurricane Eloise in 1975 and Opal in 1995. It is truly a Grayton treasure with sweeping views of the town and Gulf from the what may be the largest porches in SoWal. MAP IT

Alys Beach Home - 38 Whitby Court in Alys Beach
It is always a treat to get a clise up look at the architecturally stunning town of Alys Beach and this year’s tour goers get the rare chance to tour this exquisite private home in one of the most stunning towns on Scenic 30A. Classified a “compound house”, the main rooms are stand-alone structures joined by a series of French doors opening onto interspersed private courtyards. MAP IT

Brooks Home – 1676 JD Miller Road in Santa Rosa Beach
Visit this bayfront home to discover how a husband and wife team turned a rundown cottage into a family getaway. It's such a fun house with an open floor plan and beautiful views of dolphins at play in the bay. The large dock is set up for lounging, boating, and fishing. The Brooks home was featured in the June, 2013 issue of HGTV Magazine - it's a glimpse of old Florida under the oaks, and a true gem not to miss on this year’s tour. MAP IT

Thyme Street Home - 114 Thyme Street in Seagrove Beach
This four bedroom classic beach home in the heart of old Seagrove Beach is the product of architect/interior designer Tammy Massey, and general contractor Arkon Group. It evokes old Florida with a fresh take on beach living at its finest. A thoroughly modern and comfortable home in one of the most desired neighborhoods in South Walton. MAP IT

Taylor Home - 184 Banfill Street in Grayton Beach
The Taylor home is a stunning modern masterpiece in one of South Walton's most historic locations. The home's deck and private pool are on the edge of the marsh on the shores of Western Lake with sweeping views of the dunes and forests of Grayton Beach State Park. MAP IT

Puckett Home - 243 Western Lake Drive in WaterColor
The majestic Puckett home overlooks Scenic 30A, evoking a southern tradition of days gone by. The wide porches are the perfect spot to sip a Mint Julep while rocking and observing the happenings up and down one of America's most scenic roads. MAP IT

Proceeds from the self-guided annual tour benefit the CAA’s Educational Giving Program, which provides over $20,000 in grants to Walton County teachers and scholarships for students to participate in supplemental and continuing art education. 

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event and valid for the entire weekend with one entry per house.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.CulturalArtsAlliance.com and locally at Smith’s Antiques in Destin, the Bayou Arts Center, Sundog Books in Seaside, Fusion Glass in Grand Boulevard and Hidden Lantern Gallery in Rosemary Beach. 

Additionally, ticket holders will have a chance to win a $75 gift certificate from Visit South Walton’s “Artist of the Year” Mary Hong by stopping by her gallery at 26 Logan Lane in The Shops of Grayton while on the tour.

For more information about the Tour and the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, call 850-622-5970.