Splendor In The Trees

Home tour highlights best of Highlands

Although Denise Frazier compares her home on Bella Vista's Rath Drive to "living in a tree house," few tree houses would have all the amenities she enjoys. But she does have a tree house view. From large windows in the living room and in the home office, she can see a cove of Loch Lomond.

"It's fantastic and relaxing," Frazier says about the view.

FAQ

Highlands Home Tour

WHEN — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday

WHERE — Five homes around Loch Lomond in Bella Vista

COST — $10 in advance at any of the Bella Vista Arvest Bank locations; $12 on tour day at each home

INFO — 855-2277

FYI

Highlands

Tour Homes

8 Coldstream Circle

Owner: Judy Duncan

Lovely single level home with a gorgeous lawn and landscaping leading to a tranquil cove on Loch Lomond.

The home has wonderful views of the cove and an easy walk to the boat dock to relax and enjoy lake life. There is a tropical sunroom to enjoy morning coffee. Duncan has countless antiques, but the most interesting include some of her furniture. Her Italian grandfather hand-carved a bedroom set, and her father was a furniture manufacturer and made the china hutch in the living room.

84 Stonehaven Drive

Owners: Paul and Linda Swaim

Fabulous full lake views inside and outside of this new 4,500-square-foot home built by O.A.K. in 2013.

There are many wonderful features in this custom home. Outside, there is a front patio fireplace, a waterfall flowing into the lake, a boat dock and beautiful rock work and landscaping. Inside, visitors should admire the kitchen’s European beech cabinets and tile accents, Paul Swaim’s guitar collection in the upstairs media room and eclectic art from the Swaims’ travels throughout the home. The basement level features a dream craft room and workshop where Linda Swaim has upholstered their furniture and made the drapes for the home. There is also a lovely quilt collection.

99 Forfar Drive

Owners: David and Rhenda Field

As you walk into this lovely 5,000-square-foot home, a wall of windows shows off the view of the lake. Large living areas on both levels are perfect for family and friends to gather and make happy memories at the lake. High ceilings and curved archways flow to give an added sense of spaciousness. Sleeping quarters for guests are plentiful since the home has five bedrooms, plus a bunk room for the Fields’ grandkids. An added bonus is a kitchen on the basement level. You will also see some western art from Dodge City on the lower level.

96 Kincardine Drive

Owners: Ron and Chris Lee

A panoramic view of Loch Lomond greets visitors throughout this 3,250-square-foot home. It was built by Gene Knight in 1982 and has been beautifully remodeled. Guests have an easy walk down to the lake that features a boat house, dock, a beautiful lawn and an amazing 180 feet of lake front. The Lees have a wonderful collection of family quilts, antiques and art from their travels to Italy and Hawaii blended throughout their home. The basement features a fun pool table, the Lees’ travel map, and a wonderful smelling cedar closet in the guestroom.

35 Rath Drive

Owners: Larry and Denise Frazier

This new 4,300-square-foot home was built by O.A.K. in 2014.

Open the front door to soaring ceilings, a natural stone fireplace, beautiful views of nature and the cove of Loch Lomond. The lower level features a second master suite, kitchenette, safe room, media room and a huge covered veranda with a view of the cove and fire pit area by the dock.

The open floor plan upstairs is made for entertaining with the kitchen, living room and dining room easily accessible. Both the living room and the master bedroom suite open on to a screened porch with stone walls that match the fireplace.

"The screen porch is just a great room to read a good book or enjoy the sound of the birds in the tree," Frazier says. A longer, covered veranda faces the lake on the lower level.

There's also a media room downstairs that contains a storm shelter, which, so far, has not been used, Frazier says.

There are five bedrooms, and three of them are large enough to be considered master suites, she says, as well as four and a half baths.

The 4,300-square-foot home at 35 Rath Drive was built by O.A.K. in 2014 but decorated by the owners. Highlights include a Remington bronze western sculpture and souvenirs of European travel.

"One of our favorite features of the home is the fire pit area, enjoying the waterfall and the view," Frazier says. "We always look forward to getting back to our home on Rath Drive."

The home shared by Frazier and her husband, Larry, is one of five on the 25th annual Highlands Homes Tour, hosted Saturday by the Highlands United Methodist Church. Also included are:

The other four homes on tour are:

• 8 Coldstream Circle, owned by Judy Duncan

• 84 Stonehaven Drive, owned by Paul and Linda Swaim

• 99 Forfar Drive, owned by David and Rhenda Field

• 96 Kincardine Drive, owned by Ron and Chris Lee

Approximately 600 people take the tour each year. It started as a way for the church members to raise money for charitable missions.

Since then, the event has grown and become something the community looks forward to each year, says Andy O'Neil, co-chairman this year along with Dave Hagaman.

"Normally, the tour will raise ... $18,000 to $20,000, and every cent of it goes out to charitable organizations," he says.

Thanks to many volunteers and the community support during the past 24 years, the church has donated more than $300,000 to charity, he adds.

Guests will be greeted at each home by hosts and hostesses who will highlight special features of each house to them, says D'Ann Brumett, publicity chairman. There will be separate entrances and exits at each home, and booties will be provided to those touring the homes to protect the floors.

Guests on tour will also be able to buy raffle tickets for special gifts and a chance to win a $200 gift card at each home.

NAN What's Up on 08/28/2015

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