Tour showcases varying styles of Longboat Key

There’s no need to tune into HGTV to see one-of-a-kind homes and lush gardens, because the 38th annual Longboat Key Garden Club Home Tour is back March 1.

In 1976, the tour began as an effort to further the club’s philanthropic impact, but, today, it has evolved into a special peek into home-and-garden gems on the island.

How are these beautiful homes and gardens chosen? By admirers, of course. The club asks for recommendations from its members to gather a wide range of homes with unique features. Whether it’s a member’s neighbor's home or one with an eye-catching style, many Longboat residences are considered during the process.

“We are deeply appreciative of those owners who open their homes so others may benefit,” said Garden Club member Jackie Salvino.

This year’s tour features four homes and one garden.

“The homes range from a remodeled beach cottage to a new ‘green’ build with all the bells and whistles,” Salvino said. “The other homes make you want to put your feet up and stay awhile as you jot down design ideas.”

The first stop on the tour is the Barber Home at 581 Broadway in the Village. Greenery and flowers surround the property, which has many environmentally friendly features. The owners also utilized the popular repurposed approach by using a paddle as a rail on their stairs and a ship’s pulley to hold the stairwell light to create a comfortable and casual environment.

The tour continues with a visit to the Lyons home at 701 Hideaway Bay Drive in Sleepy Lagoon. The home blends old and new with antique furnishings and fine architectural details.

The third home, owned by the Wofseys, is located at 724 Dream Island Road. It combines Old World charm and Oriental accents to create a truly unique dwelling, according to the Garden Club’s newsletter.
Fourth on the list is the Whites’ home at 771 Old Compass Road in Emerald Harbor. This 6,000-square-foot award-winning “green” abode offers everyday living — or grand entertaining.

The tour ends with the Boehmes’ garden at 580 Neptune Ave. Mature trees and carefully planned landscaping make this colorful garden a sight to see on Longboat.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Waterfront 7 Realty, Exit Art, Design 2000 Hair Salon and Sarasota Yogurt Co., or on the day of the tour at the featured homes.

IF YOU GO
What: The 38th annual Longboat Key Garden Club Home Tour
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 1
Where: 581 Broadway, 701 Hideaway Bay Drive, 724 Dream Island Road, 771 Old Compass Road, 580 Neptune Ave.
Cost: $25 per ticket

Contact Kelsey Grau at [email protected]