A Holiday House Tour, Packed With Ideas
By Diane Smith
The Tiburon Ark
Volume 28 issue 46

Designer Showcase Changes Its Format

The 31st annual Marin Designers Showcase is trying a new format this year. Five homes at Peacock Estates in San Rafael will showcase holiday decor by well-known Bay Area designers - for one weekend only.

Titled, A Holiday House Tour, the event offers walks through homes of many architectural styles, including Cape Cod, Federal Colonial, Old World Castle and Mediterranean. The grand entries; dining, living, family rooms and kitchens will be decorated for autumn and Christmas, and the dining room tables will be set for holiday entertaining.

To get some great holiday decorating ideas, join the tour.

Arthur McLaughlin creates a Festive Cape Cod Domicile: A dramatic, winding staircase looms in the entry and a large limestone fireplace is the focus of a sunken living room. Oak flooring runs throughout the home and the "his and hers" home office has a shared computer desk. A flagstone patio surrounds the pool, and the nearby pool house has a full kitchen, pool table, full bath, workout equipment and built-in barbecue.

The walking tour is open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 17, 18 and 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the last ticket sold at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. A gift shop, raffle and refreshments will be offered. Admission is $35, purchased at the door. The tour starts at 615 Biscayne Drive with street parking.

Proceeds benefit the Volunteer Center of Marin, a program of the Marin Council of Agencies. For more information, call 479-5691.

Directions: Highway 101 to Central San Rafael exit. Go east on Second Street, (which becomes San Pedro Road). Go 4.5 miles to Biscayne Drive, turn left and go .5 mile to Peacock Estates. Bear left after .1 mile and go to 615 Biscayne. Park on the street.

The family who owns this Designer Showcase Home in Peacock Gap enjoys outdoor living year round. On their covered patio there is a much-used fireplace, heat lamps, a rug and all the comforts of indoor living.

Excerpts from the Tiburon Ark.