See the Tour of Distinctive Homes in all its virtual splendor
The 46th Tour of Distinctive Homes is almost here. Join it from the comfort of your home.
In a sure sign of summer, Bath Volunteers for Service will present six elegant residences in a virtual showcase June 1-12. The professionally filmed and narrated video will be available via smartphone, laptop, tablet, computer or large-screen device.
Ticket holders will receive an emailed link to view the homes as many times as they wish during the 12-day span.
Without giving away too much, here are tour organizers’ brief descriptions of the six homes:
∎ Wright by the River. This is a home in harmony with nature, nestled on 14 wooded acres along the west bank of the Rocky River. Its design is Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired, combining natural elements of stucco, stacked stone and custom woods enhanced by the designer-owner’s creativity and green thumb. Eclectic décor, colorful glasswork and a delightfully calming ambiance set the tone for the sophisticated elegance.
∎ Historic Roy Firestone Revenant. With a castle-like appearance — turret included — this Roy Firestone-designed house is a standout in a neighborhood of classic homes. After decades of alterations and neglect, a few fires and even floods, this majestic French Tudor Revival is a true revenant, lovingly brought back to life with a five-year renovation where original intentions were preserved and elegant luxuries added.
∎ Lakeside at Lucky Point. Four generations of family with memories and legacy in the lake community where this home was built four years ago … Months in design and a two-year buildout for a home with the sleek lines and elegant structure of a ship about to set sail … Five floors, four bedrooms, six bathrooms, an adjacent apartment, wraparound decks, a boathouse and incomparable views.
∎ Walnut Ridge Home. Century-old stone pillars herald the entrance to a sprawling house, most of it built in 1987 on the site of the 19th century farmhouse. A bright red barn with an iconic “Chew Mail Pouch Tobacco” ad on the outside and a total remodel of the inside thanks to the skill of Amish craftsmen and the vision of the owner. Steeped in farming history, family memories and cosmetic company lore.
∎ Rustic Hammonds. This beautifully designed home on a picturesque lake combines respect for the past and appreciation for nature’s serenity while evoking a sense of the American West. Amid masterful craftsmanship and distinctive design details, you’ll find Civil War memorabilia, larger-than-life totems and even a full-sized canoe, towering dramatically above the family room.
∎ Stately Georgian Revival. There is century charm galore in this traditional Georgian Revival, another of the many Roy Firestone-designed homes found throughout Greater Akron. The enviable porch — just made for morning coffee and evening sunset chats — welcomes, while the manicured setting and garden spaces invite exploration and wonder.
Tickets for the Tour of Distinctive Homes can be purchased at bvshometour.org and eventbrite.com by May 31 for $35 and are tax-deductible. Unlimited viewing will be available from 9 a.m. June 1 until 11:59 p.m. June 12.
New this year is the BVS Home Tour Watch Party, which will be 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, at the Bath Church Fellowship Hall, 3980 W. Bath Road. The party, reserved for ticket holders of $50 or more, includes breakfast, expert talks, large-screen viewing and mingling with other tour enthusiasts. Guests will have unlimited access to the virtual tour for 12 days.
For more information, go to www.bathvolunteersforservice.com or email bvs@bathvolunteersforservice.com.
Established in 1958, Bath Volunteers for Service is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group dedicated to bettering the Greater Akron community. The home tour is the group’s signature fundraising event.
Proceeds from the 2023 tour made it possible for the group to award $50,000 in grants to local nonprofit groups and provide scholarships to students who live in the Revere school district.
Mark J. Price can be reached at mprice@thebeaconjournal.com
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 2024 Tour of Distinctive Homes is virtual showcase of six residences