For the 10th year, the Buford Woman's Club will welcome people into five elegant homes - including a houseboat - to raise money for community charities.
The featured residences include a 106-foot houseboat called "No More Pocket Change" at Waterfront Lanier Harbor Marina, a Spanish revival and a high-end rustic home, both on Lake Lanier, an elegant subdivision home in Hamilton Mill and a home called "Personal Paradise."
"This year each house is completely different and really nice," said Gayle Mack, chairwoman of the home tour and corresponding secretary for the Buford Woman's Club.
All proceeds benefit charities including Tallulah Falls School, the Hi-Hope Center in Lawrenceville, Dream House for medically fragile children, the North Gwinnett County Co-op, Meals for the Homeless, Operation Smile, Mercy Flight Southeast and Buford High School scholarships.
"(We made) $27,000 last year and our prayer is that we help more families than we did last year," Mack said. "So I don't put a ceiling on what the amount is ... because if I say $30,000 it's like I stop the energy of making $50,000.
"We sold just under 800 tickets (last year)."
Parking for the event is available at New Prospect Church on Buford Dam Road where a shuttle will take guests to three of the featured homes.
Tickets are also available in Buford at S&S Ace Hardware, Body & Nature, Carisma Gallery and Red Sky Cafe or from any Buford Woman's Club member.
What can you see on the tour?
Spanish revival: Homeowners of the residence on the south end of Lake Lanier are Harold, Renée and Trey Trip. The home has 350 feet of lakefront with a panoramic view of Lake Lanier Islands. The 1960s wooden frame lake house has been transformed into a Mediterranean style home. The multi-storied home has a rectangular floor plan featuring massive, symmetrical facades. The home is characterized by stucco walls, a red low-pitched roof, distinct exterior and interior arches, scrolled parapet walls, rounded corners and window and door surrounds.
High-end rustic: The Western-style decor sets this home apart, owned by Tommy and Jo Armstrong. The couple purchased the lot in 2003 and leveled the small home on the Lake Lanier property. Extensive windows help maximize lake views. The home also features antique finds, like the 1800s mantle from Vermont and marble from the former state capitol building.
No More Pocket Change: This is one of the stars of the home tour. The 106-foot housebout at Waterfront Lanier Harbor Marina, owned by Cat and Ivan Epperson, was featured last year at the Atlanta Boat Show. The houseboat features a professionally designed salon and galley with four staterooms and two and a half bathrooms.
An elegant oasis: A natural stone walk leads the way into this four-bedroom home owned by Judy Frankli. The residence features a spacious floor plan with a dining and kitchen area separated by pillars. The back patio has a natural stone pond and waterfall with a spa, fire pit and outdoor dining area.
A personal paradise: The golf course home owned by Lonnie Todd is on the sixth hole of the Hamilton Mill Golf and Country Club. The home welcomes guests with a two-story foyer, faux finishes and elegant lighting. The outdoor entertaining area features a seating and dining area with two flat-screen televisions and a built-in sound system.