Altadena Guild Presents Meadowbrook in May

The 52nd annual Altadena Guild Home Tour, the oldest continuous home tour in southern California, took place Sunday, May 4, 2003, to benefit HMRI.  Co-chairs were Carla Houser Partma, Mary Smeritschnig, Anne MacPherson, Laurie Kinsinger and Pat Trivers.

"Meadowbrook in May" offered a festival atmosphere on this lovely Altadena street.  Six homes on tour representedmany different architectural styles from the 1920s and '30s.  In keeping with tradition, beautiful floral arrangements designed by Guild members graced every room.

Of particular interest was the 1934 all-metal house designed by acclaimed mid-century modernist architect Richard Neutra for Caltech Professor Richard Beard.  Inspired by Neutra's interest in machine imagery, it was constructed of corrugated steel elements with grooves and hollows and the exterior was sprayed with glossy, silver aluminum paint.  Sliding metal patio doors were among the first residential sliding doors in the United States.

Also on the tour were a charming two-story 1926 Spanish residence with Moorish details, an elegant traditional 1927 Spanish home decorated with Italian and English furniture, a delightful California bungalow with a Batchelder tile fireplace, a cleverly remodeled California Ranch home, and a graceful 1922 Mediterranean home with a lovely garden where complimentary tea and dessert were served.

In the front gardens of an English Tudor home whose owners lovingly call it "Meadowbrook Manor," a beautiful, handcrafted floral quilt made by Guild members was offered for raffle and delicious edibles made by Guild members were available for sale.  This home was featured in the movie "The Last Dance."

Guild president Penny Gill said enthusiastically, "The energy, tireless efforts and attention to detail by the homeowners, tour chairs and Guild members made 'Meadowbrook in May' a very special experience." 

For more information about the Altadena Guild, visit altadenaguild.org or call the Guild voicemail (626) 304-4678.

Reporter: Susan D'Antuono