Gimmee Shelter
I had the best morning yesterday at the International Friendship Club’s Home Tour. I know, I know, what took me so long, and I am sorry it did; however, I am grateful to the IFC for the opportunity to poke my head into four spectacular residences. I took so many pictures! And, bonus, I knew the owners of two of the four houses. Villas? Mansions? Yes and yes!
Two enormous buses set out from the Sea Monkey restaurant in Condominios Vista del Sol on the beach after we were tagged with our names and got to know some of the 40 volunteers who put on these events, which happen twice a week this time of year. It was unusual that all four homeowners were on hand to tell us, in general, about their houses, but were also readily available to answer personal questions. They were – each one – delightful, posing for photos, and each of them was happy to show off their pride and joy.
Some of the properties were available for rent, in whole or in part and I could see the wheels turning in some heads, planning a possible family reunion or getting a group of friends together and taking over the colorful Casa Colibri, which was the first house on our four-hour tour. Colibri had a speakeasy instead of a foyer – I longingly admired the large collection of bourbons displayed behind the bar. Lemon water and baskets full of Mexican candies were placed throughout the property. A lovely touch!
The second house was expansive, as so many are in Gaviotas, and positively stuffed with books and artwork! Owner Greg Moesser was holding court in the great room. I ran into Greg again after the tour as I passed by his charming European Restaurant/Cafe Trovasi in Los Mercados on Aquiles Serdan. It was lovely to thank him again for opening his home for such a great charitable cause. (Imagine 80+ people walking through your home!)
Our third stop, a few minutes away, was built by an interior designer who lives and works out of her home. It was cluttered with fabulous things. Her closet looked crammed like mine – not one more thing could be hung up in that space! Glass walls overlook her yard, dominated by a narrow lap pool and space for her beloved German Shepherd dog to run. It was a house filled with vibrant, lived-in energy.
Our final house belongs to Allyn Dixon and Scotty McIntyre! I was just there 10 days earlier for Allyn’s birthday extravaganza. It was impressive then, but I actually got to see the house yesterday with only 40 people in it, not the hundreds of well-wishers who occupied every inch of floor space for Allyn’s soiree. Scotty is not called the ”Gringo Gourmet” for nothing and never misses an opportunity to show off his skills (lucky for us!). We were greeted with chilled wine, a charcuterie board by the pool, and much animated conversation. It was, hands down, the favorite; we were hustled out of there just as bus number two pulled up.
Somewhere around 70% of the people who go on these tours have done them before, which speaks volumes about the quality of the tour. The houses rotate in and out of the system.
Big thanks to Robert Nickerson, Caryn Crump, Lars Sundberg, Kevin, and David. The bus crew volunteers – Karen, Betty, Luc, and Phil – thank you for your gracious and kind words; it was a great day, From Here.
