NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Karen Wight

From a Peter Max painting to a collection of grandfather clocks, this

year’s Corona del Mar Home Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 will offer

something for everyone.

Event Chairwoman Laura Lee Smith has collected a stunning and original

group of homes that showcase fine art and beautiful design with an

appealing variety of personalities for the event, which benefits Corona

del Mar High School.

I had the good fortune to get a sneak peek at this year’s tour

selections. My guides for the morning included the queen bee Laura Lee;

last year’s chairwoman, Lynn McAlister; next year’s chairwoman, Janice

Newfield; and the flower chairwoman, Cathy Burgner.

So how much fun can five women have on a private mini-tour? A lot. Was

there ever a silent moment for contemplative appreciation? Hardly. Let me

share a few of this year’s highlights.

For the first time, the tour will include a continental breakfast.

Waterworks in Corona del Mar Plaza will host the pre-tour fete from 9 to

10 a.m. The tour stays in Corona del Mar and Balboa Island this year. No

excuses for not getting to each and every jewel on the map.

Balboa Island’s offering is the home of Tina and Bill Wayt. Tina,

nicknamed “Martha Stewardess,” has decorated the entire house, sewing all

of the slipcovers, pillows, bedding and draperies.

Building their home was a family affair. The entire gang pitched in to

hand-distress the exposed beams, and Bill washed each reclaimed French

terra cotta floor tile before it was set.

The Mediterranean-style home hosts treasures from their extensive

travels -- Bill is a pilot, Tina is a stewardess. From Tuscany to the

flea markets, Tina has collected an attractive assemblage for their

island home.

One Ford Road hosts two homes and refreshments at the clubhouse. One

home was designed to recreate a 1940s Manhattan townhouse. Deco, moderne

and contemporary pieces are mixed with antiques to give this Newport

Beach house an uptown feel. The terrace includes a lap pool; cascading

fountains and a soaking tub. Be sure to check out the large stacks of

antique suitcases. Both stacks are actually pieces of furniture in

disguise.

Down the street is a traditional French classic. Every room in this

house is exquisitely furnished with antiques from the 18th and 19th

centuries.

Owners Cyndi and Peter Tuma have a collection of grandfather clocks

that keeps their home chiming. One of their five antique clocks is a rare

nun’s clock: The hour is chimed for the nuns to begin prayer and chimes

again two minutes later to signal the end of their meditations.

The Tumas’ backyard is a mix of formal and fantasy and includes a

wishing well, a square pond with lily pads and a variety of fruit trees.

Tea Cup Classic 2001 champion Debbie Albright and her husband have

extended their hospitality to this year’s tour. Love of family and sports

were the inspiration for this family home. Instead of the typical formal

living room and dining room arrangement, the Albrights chose to

incorporate a billiard room and golf memorabilia room.

In the golf room, look for the driver heads on the drapery rods and

take note of the classic argyle-patterned upholstery. The home also has a

large yard with an outdoor cooking center, oversized spa and a charming

fountain depicting a boy bathing his dog.

A Cape Cod-style house in Shorecliffs belies the dramatic setting

inside. The home is filled with interesting wall coverings, artwork and

furniture. The piece de resistance of this home is the media room with

faux elephant-hide wall coverings, cashmere pillows, suede ottomans, deep

sofas, state-of-the-art surround sound and a panorama screen hidden

behind a remote-controlled sliding panel.

Pascal of Cafe Jardin will provide the lunch at Sherman Gardens, and

at the end of the day don’t miss the reception and refreshments at The

Butera Home Collection in Westcliff Court.

Both Fashion Island and South Coast Plaza home stores are providing

tabletops, place settings and accessories. Five local florists are

donating arrangements for the homes. An opportunity drawing for a $500

shopping spree from Fashion Island and a $500 shopping spree from South

Coast Plaza are the premiere prizes, along with gift baskets, gift

certificates and holiday valet parking privileges at Fashion Island.

Tickets are $50 and are available through Corona del Mar PTA members,

Corona del Mar High School, the Fashion Island concierge, Newport Hills

Drugs, the Butera Home Collection, Balboa Porch and the Sherman Garden

gift shop. For additional information, call (949) 733-4161.

Set aside Oct. 23 and grab a few friends to enjoy a day of inspiring

design, great food, and support educational enrichment for our children.

* KAREN WIGHT is a Newport Beach resident. Her column runs Sundays.