The 2012 Home Tour

The Banta Residence

Florist: Floral Festivities by Drew Domenghini with Patterson’s Topiaries, Pots and Teas

In 1969, June Banta’s husband, Merle, presented her with a very unusual present in her Christmas stocking. He gifted her with the deed to a lot in San Marino. It was here that they built their dream home with the assistance of architect Harlan Pedersena.

The home was planned with the holidays in mind. The entry is designed as a stage for Christmas programs. A step-down living room features a grand piano and multiple seating areas. The repetition of red and green in the decor connect with the theme. Adjacent is the dining room with red walls and a built in cabinet displaying Christmas cards, a reminder of previous years. The Banta’s home is warm and welcoming and as the artist, Norman Rockwell, affirmed, "Wherever you happen to hail from—city, suburb, farm or ranch—we hope you will have, for a moment, the feeling of coming home for Christmas."

The Burge Residence

Florist: Contemporary Designs by Ixora Floral Studio

The Burge home is a 1931 Monterey Colonial with a wealth of architectural detail. Entering the home, one encounters mahogany hardwood floors, French doors, incredible furniture, treasures from travels abroad, artwork from noted regional painters and soothing neutral color tones. Interior designer Patricia McNamara, assisted with much of the decor.

After purchasing the home, the Burges extended the living room and added windows to overlook the surrounding garden and outdoor living room -- granite countertops and stainless steel appliances complete the outdoor kitchen. This home is an example of exquisite design and sophistication as well as ideal home for entertaining and family fun.

Estes-Lindskog Home

Florist:  Yuletide Creations by Mary Falkingham

In 2009, Joan Estes-Lindskog and her son returned to the United States after living in Europe. Her goal: find a home that had a Mediterranean feel—a little bit of Italy, and yet modern. When she saw a home built in 1979 by architect Bob Ray Offenhauser, the decision was made. She admired the home’s floor plan, wonderful use of space and how it reminded her of Southern Europe.

A dramatic entrance, including artwork by Stanley Smith, leads into the living areas with 22 foot ceilings and pyramid shaped glass skylight. French café chairs complement a large dining table. On the wall is an immense 300-year-old Chinese wooden panel; opposite are two Chinese garden doors and a baby grand piano. A unique acquisition is a 1920’s French train station clock. In the living room, pocket doors lead out to the swimming pool and south terrace. A distinctive feature of the home is the use of mirrors in the garden areas.

Joan Estes-Lindskog affirms, "Someone who lives here has to love nature."

The Offenhauser Residence

Florist: Seasonal Décor by Jacob Maarse

Bob Ray Offenhauser's 50 year career gives us the Chinese Gardens and Botanical Science Center at the Huntington Library, as well as many notable homes throughout southern California. When it came to designing a primary residence for he and his wife Katherine, the Offenhausers purchased a portion of a property owned by friends. The result is a unique layout with multiple homes opening up onto one shared courtyard. The communal garden is a formal, yet whimsical, progression of boxwoods, shade trees and well-chosen sculptures. The stately living room has fourteen-foot ceilings, numerous skylights and floor to ceiling glass pocket doors that open the home to the gardens.

The Offenhauser home is sophisticated, elegant and yet, has a relaxed resort feel – a welcoming haven designed for both comfort and aesthetics.

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