In the Wood River Valley, lifestyle and the environment are important elements for one's home. Highlighting the engineering and craftsmanship of homes in the valley is the Community Library's 29th Annual Tour of Homes.
One of the library's largest fund raising events, this year's Tour of Homes will take place in Golden Eagle, at the mouth of Greenhorn Gulch, on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for the tour are available at the Community Library's front desk at 415 Spruce Street in Ketchum. Tickets will also be sold at the front of Atkinsons' Market in Ketchum. The tax-deductible tickets are $75. For details, call 726-3493.
The Tour of Homes is a signature Sun Valley event and provides much needed funding for the library's year-round programming and operations. This year, five homes in Golden Eagle will be featured along with a mid-tour garden party, which will be lakeside. The garden party will offer homemade sandwiches, cookies and fresh fruit as well as tea, lemonade and a no-host bar, which is included with the purchase of a Tour of Homes ticket.
The mix of homes reflects a variety of lifestyles, from a family with young children to art collectors and outdoor enthusiasts. The McGowan house presents a combination of modern architecture and a conventional family abode where there's room for toys, clothes and priceless art.
The Griffin home features expansive views of the Big Wood River and its custom-milled wall panels, warm-toned paints and fireplaces welcome friends, family and relaxation.
For East Coasters who long for New England, the Joseph house is a reminder of traditional barns and clapboard homes found along the waterways of the Long Island Sound and among the rolling mountains of Vermont. Inspired by their love of New England, the Joseph's built a spacious home, which not only compliments their love for recreating in Idaho, but a place for family and friends to convene.
The Salta house combines the beauty and allure of a French country estate but with the views and beauty of East Fork Canyon. The attention to detail in its décor as well as construction makes this home a state-of-the art showpiece, especially with its modern security camera system and over 1,000 stored films ready to watch at a moment's touch.
Finally, the Wangberg home, which sits on a 15-acre bench, overlooks several lakes at the south end of Golden Eagle Ranch. This home is a testament to mountain living combined with a European aesthetic. The main house and guesthouse enjoy the 360-degree mountain-view. The home is flanked by two waterfalls, constructed with 500 tons of stone and incorporates 150 timber beams, eight fireplaces and 25-foot floor to ceiling windows. Several local artisans participated in the construction and adornments of the home.
Tour buses will leave the Sun Valley Company's River Run parking lot and will circulate throughout the homes. Private cars are not permitted on the Tour route, but participants are encouraged to ride bikes. Comfortable footwear is suggested and high-heels are discouraged. Cameras and cell phones are not permitted inside any of the homes.
The McGowan home in Golden Eagle is a contemporary home featured in the Community Library’s 29th Annual Tour of Homes.
Photo by Roger Wade
