One: Cannonsgate Clubhouse, Highway 24, Newport

Enjoy a rare opportunity to visit the focal point of the private Cannonsgate community on the mainland side of Bogue Sound facing the Intracoastal Waterway. White columns and spacious verandas with shutters, lanterns and wrought iron railings make this plantation-style private clubhouse an elegant meeting place. Inside you’ll notice a coastal-formal décor with hardwood floors, crystal chandeliers, coffered ceilings and marvelous, tall moldings. Step outside and stroll brick walkways surrounding a pool that echoes the shape of the building.

Refreshments will be served in the clubhouse, sponsored by Bluewater Real Estate.

Two: Western Carteret Library, 230 Taylor Notion Road, Cape Carteret

Visit the Homes Tour’s Books, Arts & Crafts Sale today at the Western Carteret Library’s Community Room. Handcrafted items and works by local artists will be on display and for sale along with a selection of books at bargain prices. During your visit to the library, stop in and see the librarians to apply for a library card if you don’t already have one. They can also provide membership information for the Friends of the Western Carteret Library organization, or call (252) 393-6500. Our winning entry in this year’s Homes Tour poster contest is “On the Deck” by Linda Anderson of Emerald Isle.

Flowers provided by Dees Flowers of Swansboro.

Three: “Smart” House, Cape Carteret

Three: “Smart” House, Cape Carteret

This stylish bachelor pad, once the home of the owner’s grandmother, was renovated in 2010 by Chuck Jordan of Jordan Building Company to bring the 1973-built ranch style home into the 21st century. Using the touch screen of his iPad and technology of HAI (Home Automation Systems), the owner, who uses a wheelchair for mobility, can raise his garage door, turn on the large screen television in his media/game room and open doors leading in or out. The system’s capabilities also include lighting, climate control, security and other applications. Step outside to see the poolside outdoor kitchen and walk down to the boat dock facing Bogue Sound with views of the bridge to Emerald Isle.

Four: “Green” House, Emerald Isle

This home in the Dolphin Ridge community of Emerald Isle was built in 2010 by Pat Patteson and carries a dual gold standard as an energy-efficient and healthy home: it was National Green Building gold-certified by the National Association of Home Builders and was the first home in this area to be built under the NC Healthy Built Homes certification program. A representative of the builder will be on hand to answer questions about the green standards followed to earn these designations— including choices of low-VOC paint, engineered wood floors, recycled carpet and padding, formaldehyde-free drywall, water-conserving landscaping and much more.

Flowers provided by Pedal Pushers, Etc.

Five: “Castle in the Sand,” Emerald Isle

Built in 2010, this 4300 square foot, three-level oceanfront house has a floor plan that takes maximum advantage of views of the sand and sea below from a top-level veranda. Designer Bruce Gulley used yellow tones and wood floors to define the living area, with a fireplace included for year-round charm. Adjacent to the creamy white, chef’s dream of a kitchen, a large dining table and two granite-topped, built-in banquette tables offer plentiful seating for meals with a view. Seven bedrooms, six bathrooms and two half-baths on the lower levels are decorated in a bevy of sea greens and blues with neutral beige and white accents. The ground floor sports a game and media room, and just outside you’ll find a fenced pool and wooden path to the ocean.

Six & Seven: Two residents at Grande Villas, Indian Beach

Set in six acres on the Atlantic Ocean next to a nature preserve, the 90 condominium residence s of Grande Villas, designed by JDavis Architects in Raleigh, NC, merge beach ambiance with elegant comfort. On tour are two villas that display the use of well-chosen natural stone surfaces, painted moldings and carefully-crafted cabinetry.  Villa D-1, designed by Sarah Chapman of Chapman Enterprises, features a yellow living room with green and blue undertones throughout. Villa I-8 is decorated in natural tones with the use of blue and green, chosen by Atlanta-based international designer Claudia Aquino. Homes Tour guests are also invited to tour public areas including the lobby, the Osprey Club Lounge and the pool side pavilion.

Refreshments will be served, sponsored by Grande Villas.

Flowers provided by Coastal Petals and Thru the Looking Glass.