Venice Garden & Home Tour 2011
On May 7, 2011, the city of Venice opened its doors and gardens to 2,000+ eager visitors for the 18th-annual Venice Garden & Home Tour. The event raises funds for the local Neighborhood Youth Asociaion's Las Doradas Children's Center and gives guests a peek into the bungalows, cottages, and modern marvels that make Venice a design destination.
Photo by: Eric Staudenmaier
The 2011 event featured over 20 homes tucked quietly along Venice's famed "walk streets," pedestrian-only thoroughfares dotted with trees and unique cottages.
Photo by: Eric Staudenmaier
Along the tour, families, garden enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and design devotees interact with the homeowners, landscapers, and designers, hoping to learn the secrets of each one-of-a-kind space.
Photo by: Eric Staudenmaier
Tour-goers meet at the Las Doradas Children’s Center for check-in, to pick up neighborhood walking map,fill up their water bottles, and maybe catch the free shuttle.
Photo by: John Ellis
A new Venice Walk Street home designed by Barbara Bestor of Bestor Architecture and the Creative Director homeowner. This light-filled home is inviting for a “family of friends," complete with a DJ booth!
Photo by: John Ellis
The concept of “neighborhood” played a big role in Bestor's design of the home and yard, as well as Japanese designers' use of small and creative spaces.
The Venice studio of artist Lynn Hanson sits on the property with her Venice beach cottage. Sweet peas, foxglove, and many other plants and flowers create a haven for butterflies, bees, and parched souls.
Photo by: Eric Staudenmaier
Close up of the contemporary fire feature by Tom Carson of Carson Architects and landscape designer Di Zock of Di Zock Gardens. This home also boasts an outdoor spa with purple accent wall and a "green roof" of succulents that is visible from the master bedroom.
Photo by: Eric Staudenmaier
Carved front doors lead to this cozy outdoor living room, complete with water elements, fire pit, sitting areas, and a hammock. Lush tropical and drought-tolerant plants (bromeliads, orchids & tree ferns) enclose the space. Landscape design by homeowner and Greentree Landscaping.
Photo by: Eric Staudenmaier
An architect and homeowner’s creative re-envisioning of the parking area of a former metal foundry. The new, inviting urban garden features planting beds made of reclaimed wood. The success of the outdoor remodel has helped influence the remaining property's future redesign.
Photo by: Eric Staudenmaier
In addition to architecture and design, Venice is loved for its local food culture. Here, food trucks meet up to provide an impromptu picnic area for hungry tour-goers.
Photo by: Eric Staudenmaier
One stop featured on this year's tour is home to a letterpress studio. The owners invited guests to handcraft a special keepsake.
Photo by: Melba Levick
Quiet once more, a pup feels right at home on a Venice Walk Street. See you next year!
