So Many Choices
Peek into the homes of strangers without getting arrested: It's a hometour-packed weekend
Want to peek inside of the lofts of downtown Houston? See some of the best onSaturday.Photo via Houston Downtown Alliance
The Southern Living Showcase Home has an open house, guided tours and workshopson the weekends throughout the month of May.- The Warloft Residence, a LEED Silver home, was awarded certification in February2010.Photo via City of Houston
Are you inspired by the homes of strangers? Do you like to balance your curiosity with a certain amount of social politeness?
This weekend, get a sneak peek into others' homes on three separate tours.
Green Building Tour
On Friday, the Wareloft Residence, designed by LaVerne Williams, AIA, LEED AP, will opens its doors from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for a free, "open house style" guided tour.
The home has LEED Silver certification, with efficient utilities, drought-tolerant plants, recycled building materials and a relatively undisturbed project site.
It is just one in a series of green building tours put on by the City of Houston. Map it here.
The Downtown Home Tour
Always wanted to see the view from a downtown loft? You'll have a chance with the CenterPoint Energy 2012 Downtown Home Tour.
The tour begins at noon in the lobby of the Post Rice Lofts (map it here), and is self-guided from there. An admission of $20 (or $10 for Houston Downtown Alliance, Emerging Leaders and HYPA members) benefits Houston Downtown Improvement and grants access to homes in Bayou Lofts, Cash Register Building, City View Lofts, Commerce Towers, The Four Seasons Private Residences, Hermann Lofts, Houston House, Post Rice Lofts and others.
All or walkable, or you can catch the Houston Wave at one of four designated stops (at Post Rice Lofts, Houston House, City View Lofts and Market Square Park).
Purchase online or pay (in cash or credit) at the door. And while you're downtown, don't miss the Sustainable Living Fest at Market Square Park.
Southern Living Showcase Home
The recently-completed Southern Living Showcase Home in Bellaire offers more than a tour — it's a peek inside of the magazine itself, which Stone Acorn Builders and Edwina Alexis Interiors have brought to life.
The home will be open on Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Chefs Randy Evans (of Haven) and Vladimir Smirnov (of Chef Smirnov Catering) will conduct demonstrations this Saturday and Sunday, and more demos and seminars and house openings will take place on weekends throughout the month of May (see a list of all here).
All of the proceeds from the $10 admission will benefit the Houston Center for Literacy and Friends of the Bellaire Library. Map it here.





