For many, Valentine’s weekend means romantic dinners and flowers, but for South Walton residents and visitors, it brings the 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.
This year promises to be one of the best tours to-date with a diverse array of homes, including a historic Grayton Beach icon, an Alys Beach masterpiece and a gorgeous bay-front renovation, just to name a few.
In all, the event will open the doors of six South Walton homes on Saturday, February 15th from 10 AM – 4 PM and on Sunday, February 16th from 12 PM – 4 PM.
“Each year, we aim to include a diverse mix of homes that offer architectural, historic or artistic significance,” said Jennifer Steele, CAA’s executive director. “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.”
Alys Beach
“Washaway” — A Grayton Tradition
Located in the heart of Grayton Beach, this treasure inspired many New Urbanism houses that are found along 30A today. Built in the late 1800s by Captain Gray, the home once served as the Coast Guard Headquarters for a cavalry unit during WWII. It survived a major hurricane in 1926 (while almost being washed away), stood strong during Hurricane Eloise in the late 1970s and also survived Opal in the fall of 1995. It is truly a local institution and is located in Old Grayton, just a half block west of the Red Bar.
38 Whitby Court – Alys Beach
It is always a rare treat to get a glimpse into the architecturally stunning town of Alys Beach, and guests will delight in touring this exquisite private home in one of the most stunning towns along 30A. This unique and beautifully decorated home is called a “courtyard house.” The main rooms of the home are stand-alone structures joined by a series of French doors that open onto interspersed private courtyards. Vibrant colors pop amidst the signature white walls of Alys Beach.
Bay-front Beauty
The Brooks Home – Bay-front Living in Santa Rosa Beach
This husband and wife team turned a run-down 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 are valid for the entire weekend with one entry per house. Tickets can be purchased online at Cultural Arts Alliance’s website 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.
