Don’t ask me how they do it. But every year, the team of volunteers behind the Lakewood Home Festival pulls off one of the best events in town. This year is the 43rd, and you will not want to miss it.
The Lakewood Early Early Childhood PTA (LECPTA) plays host each year and the tour raises funds for Lakewood Elementary School, J.L. Long Middle School, and Woodrow Wilson High School.
Lakewood is known for having some of the most outstanding examples of homes designed by legendary architect Clifford Hutsell. If you don’t know his work, you should. If you do, you will be thrilled that this year’s Lakewood Home Festival features three of his designs, including his original residence. A fourth home showcases how you can successfully create a new home inspired by Hutsell.
A Tour With Something For Everyone
There is something for everyone on the Lakewood Home Festival’s tour. If you love modern homes, you will not be disappointed. One is a beautiful example of trends that make Lakewood such a hot neighborhood, and another will have you wanting to build a modern treehouse of your own!
The recently renovated Lakewood Elementary School is also on tour this year. If you have a kiddo that went to school here 10 or 15 years ago, you are not going to recognize it. The 1951-built campus was expanded by 52,500 square feet. The addition includes a modern wing with 26 new classrooms, a library, two art rooms, two computer rooms, a music room, and so much more. New sports courts have been constructed outside, and the entire complex is absolutely stunning.
Here are this year’s six Lakewood Home Festival featured homes:
7035 Lakewood Boulevard
Clifford Hutsell built this iconic home in 1930 for his family. All the hallmarks are here, including the blue exterior drapes, and the large stained glass window. There’s also a fantastic bathroom you cannot miss.
7102 Pasadena
Living in the trees never looked so good. The current homeowners re-imagined the interior layout with dramatic design panache. They added 2500 square feet, including a gym, an upstairs guest room, and a playroom.
7038 Lakewood Boulevard
Take a look at this completely remastered 1929 Spanish Colonial Hutsell. It’s a great example of how you can create modern livability in a vintage home. The kitchen, master suite, and courtyard were completely remodeled, and a junior master suite was designed from the former sleeping porch.
7039 Lakeshore Drive
The hand-painted tilework, beveled mirrors, original pillow tile, and intricate ironwork will make you swoon. This 1936 Hutsell is highlighted by one of his traditional billiard rooms. Be sure to look up!
3616 Vintage Place
One word — speakeasy. If you have the password, you gain admittance to the coolest bar in the ‘hood. This Spanish Mediterranean was designed to mirror the historic Hutsell homes in Lakewood.
6616 Northridge Drive
This 2018 home highlights current trends in building. Large windows, a soft palette, and open entertaining spaces will have you mentally redesigning your own home.
IF YOU GO
The Lakewood Home Tour takes place on Saturday, Nov. 9 and Sunday, Nov. 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A candlelight evening tour is available Saturday from 7 – 9 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.lakewoodhomefestival.com, in person at Comerica Bank®, Talulah & HESS, and Snowbaby, as well as at each of the homes during tour hours. The school will only be open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Karen Eubank is the owner of Eubank Staging and Design. She has been an award-winning professional home stager and writer for over 25 years. Karen teaches the popular Staging to Sell class and is the creator of the online course, The Beginners Guide to Buying Wholesale. Her love of all dogs, international travel, good chocolate, great champagne, and historic homes knows no bounds. Her father was a spy, so she keeps secrets very well!
