Bringing It All Back Home

By Libby Motika, Senior Editor

2009-11-05
The Pacific Palisades Junior Women's Club (PPJWC) will showcase three distinct private homes at its 24th annual Home Tour on Sunday, November 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  Local florists and designers have decorated all three homes'each highlighting a different theme. One home is turned out for a holiday celebration, another is decorated for a children's birthday party, and the third home, on Pampas Ricas, is a combination of past and present and incorporates both the rich history of the Palisades with present-day priorities such as going green.

  The Holiday Boutique, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Palisades Recreation Center, 851 Alma Real, will feature a wide variety of gifts and treasures from more than 35 artisans and craftsmen. Shoppers will find something for everyone on holiday shopping lists: toys, housewares, clothing, artwork, gadgets, hostess gifts, and more.

  Food, provided by Pinocchio in Cucina and Mogan's Caf', will be for sale at the cafe in the small gym.

  All the proceeds from the PPJWC's signature event are awarded to local nonprofit groups in the Palisades. Over the past five years, PPJWC donated over $500,000 to local public schools, the recreation center, the branch library and the Palisades-Malibu YMCA, among others.

  For tickets ($40 per person; $25 for seniors over 60) visit www.PPJWC.com or the day of the event at any of the homes, or at the Holiday Boutique. Admission to the boutique is free.

  For more information, visit www.ppjwc.com or call 310-285-3218.

14800 Pampas Ricas Boulevard

  Cross over the threshold of this home and transport yourself to a time when the Huntington Palisades was first formed.

  The Spanish-style home began its life on May 27, 1927 as the Santa Monica Land and Water Company's headquarters. For an estimated 35 years, the building served as the planning and permitting department for the area and was the sales office for future homes in the Huntington neighborhood.

  This home was designed by architect Harry Haydon and built for $3,000.

  Because this was a 'model' home, it was outfitted with the best that local artisans had to offer. The soaring rotunda in the foyer highlights the hand-carved beams and decorative tiles handcrafted by Davies & McDonald, a highly desirable look in the 1920s. Ironwork on the doors, windows and wall sconces by Forge Craft and hardwood floors made to look like wide-plank beams are period features that can also be found in the historic Adamson House in Malibu.

  While history is alive in every corner of this house, it is no museum; it is a warm, welcoming family home. Original decor has been combined with green elements such as solar panels, a water filtration system, and a saltwater pool.

622 Frontera Drive

  As visitors enter the home designed by architect Jon Brouse, the cheerfully lighted atrium and foyer lead to the warmth and comfort of the living and dining rooms. Throughout the house, visitors see a mixture of rich stonework, ranging from Spanish gold and Napoleon mouchette marble to verde borgogna and fossil stone.

  The kitchen displays countertops crafted of Caesar stone with a tumbled travertine backsplash. It also houses a built-in, 275-bottle redwood wine bar.

  The outdoor entertaining area with a coffered walnut ceiling and Tommy Bahama grasscloth complement an elegantly landscaped yard and pool, with an assortment of children's party themes in full swing.

  Upstairs includes the master suite, complete with a dressing area and coffee bar. The office offers 360-degree views.

821 Toyopa Drive

  Walk through this house and embark on a journey around the world. At every turn, one can see the owners' exotic collection of artifacts amassed from travels to numerous countries.

  The proportions and details of the home's architecture are striking: tall ceilings lined with weathered Pennsylvania farm beams coordinate with the rich alder cabinetry and woodwork found throughout the home. Ethnic textiles, whimsical embroidered pillows and contemporary modern rugs enhance the architecture, as do the clean and simple lines of modern furniture gathered from around the world.

  The tour continues downstairs into the entertainment room, while outside there is a freeform pool. Upstairs visitors will find the children's bedrooms and master bedroom quarters.