Intriguing houses with designs that complement their natural settings will be viewed by those who take the 2011 Kiawah Art & House Tour April 8.
The homes, situated in a lush island environment, also have fine art collections for visitors to enjoy.
Gibbes Museum of Art
The windows of this home provide unimpeded views of the natural environment. It is one of five residences that will be visited on the 2011 Kiawah Art & House Tour.
This year's event, a benefit for the Gibbes Museum of Art, includes an online art auction, says Marla Loftus, the museum's spokesperson. Works in a variety of media by 20 nationally and locally known artists can be purchased by bidding at www.gibbesetc.org/2011_Auction.htm.
The auction is expected to help Gibbes, etc., a group of women volunteers from Kiawah Island that sponsors the event, to take funds it has raised for the museum through the annual program, over the $1 million mark, Loftus says. The group raises money for the museum to fund traveling exhibitions and art education projects.
Five residences reflecting a range of architectural styles in various Kiawah Island communities will be visited.
--A contemporary house on tour has a facade dominated by windows providing a view of an infinity pool, Ibis Pond and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. It's design gives those inside the home
the feeling that they are part of the outdoors. Interior, concrete walls are finished to look like exterior ones.
--Brickwork in walls and ceilings, and antique French oak floors give large rooms in another house an intimate feel. Interior details, include an iron circular staircase leading to a crow's nest providing views across the marsh to Folly Beach, the Stono River and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge in the distance. Artwork in the home reflects Lowcountry life.
--In another Kiawah community, a house inspired by the British Arts and Crafts Movement of the late 1800s and early 1900s is found. French along with English and American furnishings give it a timeless look. Its oval hallway has a Czech chandelier, small oil paintings and an antique book collection.
--A shingle-style house situated on Bass Creek has travertine in its hallways and stairs, tongue-in-groove wainscoting and walnut floors and trim. An infinity pool on one side of the house balances a intimate screened porch and fireplace on the other. That house also has artwork featuring Lowcountry scenes.
--A fifth home on the tour has a screened porch with a 360 degree view of the Kiawah River and a Lowcountry forest. The views of the ever changing natural environment outside are framed by the house's windows such as fine paintings. The property has a guest house described as welcoming.
