Tour Serves as Open House Walkabout in Laguna Canyon
By Gina Dostler
Former special education director Barbara Miller now promotes Village Laguna’s 43rd annual Charm House tour, set for May. Miller brings her enthusiasm to the tour, organized with members Joanna Felder and Charlotte Maserik. Seven homes are showcased this year and each of the occupants experienced the 1993 Laguna firestorm. Today the landscape is once again beautiful and the tour allows a glimpse into the artistry hidden within the homes.
Q: Tell me a little about Village Laguna?
A: Basically we were founded in 1971 by concerned citizens and their efforts to stop the construction of high-rise buildings along Laguna Beach’s coastline. But since then we have done many, many other things to benefit the city, including help with creating Main Beach park. We are a non-profit mutual-benefit community organization. So that means we do utilize some of our funds (from the Charm House tour) to support political candidates that align with our objectives during election year. Our goals are to preserve the charm and cultural heritage that gives Laguna Beach its unique village character.
Q: Why did you get involved with Village Laguna?
A: I moved here in 1971 and have loved Laguna ever since. When I retired in 2008 I wanted to put my energy into something that helps the community. The group of people involved believes and feels the same way I do. They care about Laguna and don’t want the quaint village-feel to disappear. I’m also on the board of the South Laguna Civic Association that shares the same goal, to preserve, promote and protect the community.
Q: What is happening with Village Laguna’s Charm House tour this year?
A: This is the first year we decided to group the homes all on one street so those that want to walk can do so. The street does have some climbing so buses will still be available to bring people to the homes. As for the specific street, I can’t reveal it at this point, but all the participants lived in their canyon homes during the 1993 Laguna Beach fire. A couple of the homes on the tour were one of the many effected by the fire and have now been rebuilt.
Q: How are the houses chosen?
A: Charlotte Maserik is the woman who creates these tours every year for our annual fundraiser. She actually goes out there and knocks on doors asking the owners if they’d like to participate. She always finds a variety of houses, from tiny cottages to modern homes. It is extraordinary what she accomplishes. I mean, how do you convince someone to have over 500 people march through their home? She is truly amazing.
Q: Can you tell me a little about some of the homes?
A: Well we have one we call Canyoncopia and its owners are a former fireman and Sawdust Festival artist. Another is a tiny wooden cottage, about 450 square feet, and sits on a long narrow lot. It’s an adorable little home and was built in 1939 and then purchased by the parents of the current owner in 1948. All the houses but two on the tour survived the 1993 fire.
Q: Which two?
A: One house we call Canyon Retreat was burned down in 1993 but has since been rebuilt and just recently remodeled. A local artist and arts festival participant and her husband own the home. You’ll see in some of the other homes her paintings she had gifted to her neighbors. Her husband is a college professor and furniture maker and their home has many pieces he has crafted.
Q: And the other?
A: The other we named Fairweather and this rebuilt modern home was designed by award-winning architect Mark Singer. Laguna Creek runs through the front yard and apple, pear, limes and avocadoes grow in the backyard. It is home to a Festival of Arts participant of 10 years. He is a metal artist and you can see a lot of his fantastic work in his home as well as his neighbors. The whole neighborhood is very close, like family and it is so wonderful to witness the connections throughout each home.
Q: When will the tour take place?
A: The Charm House tour is Sunday May 17, and the meeting place is at the Ego Hair Salon, 32880 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 41, Dana Point. Pre-sale Tickets are $50 and day-of, $60. You can also visit our website for more information.
