Valentine’s weekend typically means romantic dinners and flowers for most, but for South Walton residents and visitors alike, it signals the highly anticipated annual Valentine Tour of Homes hosted by the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA). The tour is known for showcasing stunning interiors, architecturally acclaimed homes and picturesque settings bringing inspiration to tour goers’ winter weekend.
This year promises to be one of the best tours to date with the most diverse array of homes on tour, including a historic Grayton Beach treasure, an Alys Beach masterpiece and a bay-front renovation to name a few.
This annual event will open the doors of six special South Walton homes to participants on Saturday, Feb.15 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m and Sunday, Feb. 16 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
A glimpse of what tour goers will enjoy this year:
A Grayton Tradition – “Washaway”
Located in the heart of Grayton Beach, this local treasure inspired many New Urbanism houses found along 30A today. Built in the late 1800's by Capt. Gray and later became the Coast Guard Headquarters for a cavalry unit during WWII, this home survived a major hurricane in 1926 but was almost washed away, as well as standing strong during Hurricane Eloise in the late 1970's and Opal in the fall of 1995. It is truly a Grayton treasure and centrally located in Old Grayton, ½ block west from the Red Bar restaurant.
38 Whitby Court – Alys Beach
It is always a rare treat to get a glimpse into the architecturally stunning town of Alys Beach and this year’s tour goers will undoubtedly delight in touring this exquisite private home in one of the most stunning towns on 30A. This unique and beautifully decorated home is what Alys Beach calls a “compound house”. The main rooms of the home are stand-alone structures joined by a series of French doors opening onto interspersed private courtyards. Vibrant colors pop amidst the signature white walls of Alys Beach.
Brooks Home – Bay-front in North Santa Rosa Beach
This husband and wife team turned a rundown cottage into a family oasis and getaway. Featured in the June issue of HGTV Magazine, this home is a true gem and one not to miss on this year’s tour.
Thyme Street Home
This four bedroom classic beach home in the heart of old Seagrove Beach is the product of architect/interior designer Tammy Massey and contractor Jodi Arkon of The ARKON Group. It evokes old Florida with a fresh take on beach living at its finest.
The 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 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. www.culturalartsalliance.com
Homes on Tour:
A Grayton Tradition – “Washaway”
10 Hotz Avenue
Grayton Beach, FL
Taylor Home
184 Banfill Street
Grayton Beach, FL
Brooks Home
(Featured on HGTV!)
1676 JD Miller Road (on the bay)
North Santa Rosa Beach, FL
The Puckett Home
243 Western Lake Drive
Watercolor, FL
The Thyme Street Home
Old Seagrove, FL
Alys Beach Home
38 Whitby Court
Alys Beach, FL
This year promises to be one of the best tours to date with the most diverse array of homes on tour, including a historic Grayton Beach treasure, an Alys Beach masterpiece and a bay-front renovation to name a few.
This annual event will open the doors of six special South Walton homes to participants on Saturday, Feb.15 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m and Sunday, Feb. 16 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
A glimpse of what tour goers will enjoy this year:
A Grayton Tradition – “Washaway”
Located in the heart of Grayton Beach, this local treasure inspired many New Urbanism houses found along 30A today. Built in the late 1800's by Capt. Gray and later became the Coast Guard Headquarters for a cavalry unit during WWII, this home survived a major hurricane in 1926 but was almost washed away, as well as standing strong during Hurricane Eloise in the late 1970's and Opal in the fall of 1995. It is truly a Grayton treasure and centrally located in Old Grayton, ½ block west from the Red Bar restaurant.
38 Whitby Court – Alys Beach
It is always a rare treat to get a glimpse into the architecturally stunning town of Alys Beach and this year’s tour goers will undoubtedly delight in touring this exquisite private home in one of the most stunning towns on 30A. This unique and beautifully decorated home is what Alys Beach calls a “compound house”. The main rooms of the home are stand-alone structures joined by a series of French doors opening onto interspersed private courtyards. Vibrant colors pop amidst the signature white walls of Alys Beach.
Brooks Home – Bay-front in North Santa Rosa Beach
This husband and wife team turned a rundown cottage into a family oasis and getaway. Featured in the June issue of HGTV Magazine, this home is a true gem and one not to miss on this year’s tour.
Thyme Street Home
This four bedroom classic beach home in the heart of old Seagrove Beach is the product of architect/interior designer Tammy Massey and contractor Jodi Arkon of The ARKON Group. It evokes old Florida with a fresh take on beach living at its finest.
The 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 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. www.culturalartsalliance.com
Homes on Tour:
A Grayton Tradition – “Washaway”
10 Hotz Avenue
Grayton Beach, FL
Taylor Home
184 Banfill Street
Grayton Beach, FL
Brooks Home
(Featured on HGTV!)
1676 JD Miller Road (on the bay)
North Santa Rosa Beach, FL
The Puckett Home
243 Western Lake Drive
Watercolor, FL
The Thyme Street Home
Old Seagrove, FL
Alys Beach Home
38 Whitby Court
Alys Beach, FL
