An Island Tradition

The 70th anniversary Tour of Homes will concentrate its focus on Sea Island homes with transportation provided by bus to Sea Island from Christ Church, Frederica and shuttle service between the homes once on Sea Island. Patrons can get a generous glimpse of the interior and surrounding grounds of the six homes featured on the tour. 2023 Tour Chair Sharon Altenbach says, “Each home is different and affords the opportunity to see varying styles of architecture, interior design, custom renovation, and new construction techniques. There will be homes with ocean front grandeur, peaceful marsh front views, lakeside living and of course a location ‘on the drive.’”

After touring the homes, patrons will return by bus to Christ Church where some very special activities will be taking place. But before we get to those, here’s a little information about the history of the tour and its purpose. Founded in 1954 by Gladys Fendig and Mrs. Ira Towson, the tour is presented by the Episcopal Church Women of Christ Church Frederica and funds raised are used for community outreach grants for local charitable organizations that primarily provide services and assistance benefiting women and children. These days the annual spring event depends on the generous participation of more than 300 church and community volunteers who generously donate their time and talents. Many of these individuals have been volunteering for years and involve the entire family. It’s a wonderous thing to see this type of community involvement and equally impressive watching this well-oiled machine at work on Tour Day to make sure all goes smoothly.

2023 Tour Co-Chair Gayle McAlister sums it up well: “The Tour of Homes is unique because it’s a major fundraiser for children’s and women’s charities in Glynn County while being an important community building event for St. Simons Island. So many volunteers with talents in numerous areas come together to showcase the best of the island via the Tour. It’s a great way for the charities to obtain funds to support their ministries and the people they serve. Of course, the homes being showcased are magnificent and definitely diverse; so there’s something for everyone. For 70 years, the Tour of Homes has been sponsored by Christ Church Frederica. Sharon and I hope everyone enjoys this year’s Tour and the fresh approach we’re taking to make it simply awesome!”

This “fresh approach” that Gayle mentions includes the larger role that Sea Island will be playing in this year’s tour, with all stops being located there. Tour Chair Sharon Altenbach and Lewis Glenn, Vice President, Real Estate Brokerage for Sea Island Properties, have been in discussions about this joint venture for more than a year. Lewis says he was especially motivated by the opportunity to participate in Tour of Homes knowing the proceeds from the Tour primarily benefit women and children of our own community.

Not only did Lewis help arrange for Sea Island to provide all transportation needs to access Sea Island and the homes, but he also facilitated a luncheon at Ocean Forest Club with the Sea Island historian. This is a rare opportunity for those who aren’t Sea Island Members to enjoy the elegant setting of Ocean Forest. He says, “This will be the 70th year for the Tour and Sea Island Properties wanted to help take this year’s tour to another level!”

The special luncheon at Ocean Forest Club on Sea Island is included for specified Tour Benefactors levels, otherwise tickets are available for separate purchase. There are limited seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The luncheon includes a boxed lunch and features Sea Island historian Wheeler Bryan providing a lively and interesting presentation. His presentation will touch on the history of Sea Island real estate and its homes with many little-known facts and illuminating tidbits of information. You’ll want to be sure to take part in the Q&A session he holds after the talk. You’re bound to learn something you didn’t know before!

Past the wrought iron gates, picket fence, and circular granite drive, a specimen live oak tree greets visitors to this Colonial-inspired estate. Built by architect Lamar Webb in 1987, architect Chad Goehring recently completed additions and a pool house with pavilion connected by a meandering pea gravel drive. These features along with the eclectic English country interiors and antiques that reflect the owner’s deep family ties to St. Simons Island give this charming property a sense of history. Family heirlooms and personal collections mix with English and Irish antiques in two formal sitting rooms, an office, and a welcoming sewing room in the main house, each with fireplace mantels exquisitely carved by a Southern artisan. An open formal dining room features a family portrait of Captain Raymond Demere, one of St. Simons Island’s first settlers in 1738. A country kitchen with custom cabinetry, a cozy sunroom, and vaulted screened porch offer exceptional sunset views. A sunny sitting room featuring Queen Anne-era stumpwork embroideries connects the north wing addition. The generous primary suite features a large bedroom with vaulted ceilings, fully accessible marble bath with zero-entry shower and freestanding tub, and walk-in closet with library ladder. Of special note are the chinoiserie mirrored Chippendale armoire and original Duncan Phyfe sofa. Across the double lot marshfront estate, a pool and entertaining pavilion lead to the guest house. A full kitchen with copper pots opens to a double height living area with soaring pecky cypress ceilings framing a central fireplace. Balconies above hint at the home gym completing this retreat.

Adream came true when this magnificent property became the possession of its owners a few years ago. Although the couple had been visiting Sea Island for many years and were cottage owners for over a decade, they had always wanted a residence with a marsh view. Now, at Southern Oaks, they have their view and a gracious home that is perfect for family visits. A porte-cochère bids you a grand welcome. Once inside, the expansive living room area beckons. Open to the second floor, it extends into a solarium that frames the infinite marsh view. Highlights include a painting by Mildred Huie over the sofa and a mixed media piece by Hans Schiebold, a celebrated East German artist who currently resides in Portland, Oregon. A den shaped like the bridge of a ship is a favorite gathering place for the owners’ five grown children and twelve grandchildren. For many years, this property was used as a corporate retreat, and the oversized refrigerator and dual dishwashers hint at the large-scale entertaining that was done. Take note of the greenhouse window, which visually extends the kitchen to the outside, and the golden maple inlay outlining the dining room floor. A floating curved staircase leads to a breezy gallery that is suspended over the main room. Two bedrooms on the mezzanine were combined to create a bunk room for the grandchildren. Outside, visit the balustraded balcony upstairs, the patio below, the deck, or the pool, and enjoy the expansive views of the marsh with Village Creek and St. Simons in the distance.