Dear Hubby and I have attended the annual Ojai Holiday Homes Tour for many years. It's a…read morefundraiser for the Ojai Music Festival and its BRAVO Music Education programs, and presented by the Ojai Festival Women's Committee. Each year they typically curate and present four or five homes for the participants to tour.
At the same time, a holiday marketplace is held over the entire weekend. you can visit the homes on either Saturday or Sunday, but only once to each home, as they mark off your attendance on your paper ticket. The Marketplace is open both days. This year, they held the market in Libbey Park, and had a plethora of vendors!
I ordered our tickets online, and we picked them up at Will Call in the park. Our neighbor also went with us for the drive on a beautiful autumn day, and to check out the homes and their gardens, as well.
DH and I took a break for a couple of years after Covid shut down the event. We were out of town last year, as an example. The HHT is normally the third weekend in November. Decor in the homes is provided by local florists, and often feature natural elements, including cut greenery, roses, fruits like pomegranates, oranges, and apples, branches & twigs, and more of that kind of styling.
The decorations can range from harvest/Thanksgiving themes, to hints of Christmas, to even New Year's Eve. For my taste, I could go with More! Bigger! However, the homes are often large, and how much decorating can one expect a florist to do for a fundraising event? They are usually done in extremely tasteful style, and as an extension of the character of the home.
Many of the homes have their own amazing and unique architectural features, and most also have art collections which the owners are gracious enough to share with the event's paying guests. It's like being able to tour a private gallery.
This year was no exception. We had a wonderful afternoon of first shopping at the Marketplace (hello, stocking stuff scores!), and then first visiting a west end view home with a stunning Pink Moment vista, and a highly unique layout. The husband is a musician and producer and his studio was a sight to behold, along with the other aspects of the home.
Next it was up Signal Street to one of the most stunning views of the valley from west to east that you might ever imagine. Framed by an infinity pool and an ultra-modern design, it's a signature house in many ways, including stunning art pieces. Next door on the same parcel is alternately one of the most charming cottages you might ever encounter. It was built in the style of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves from the movie, and with a Disneyland feel, as well. Inside dwells the most magical collection of childhood memorabilia, worthy of a museum.
Finally, an east end orchard French-chateau inspired home, guest house, and gardens were the final destination on this year's tour. Amazing! Yes, we could live there. Beautiful detailing and craftsmanship showed throughout, and yet it felt cozy and comfortable. The peacefulness of their garden was enhanced by the flautist quartet playing in the garden.
Each year, the homes on the tour change. You never know which neighborhoods you'll be visiting, or what style of home will be playing host to the tour. With the ties to the music festival, rotating performers present their musical stylings in the homes, too. It's an experience on many levels to attend this worthy fundraiser. I'm already looking forward to next year. I believe if you go to their website you can sign up to be notified by email about each year's event.
Photos aren't allowed inside the homes, but a few exterior shots weren't discouraged, so these are just a taste.