Tour-iffic homes

Danette Goulet

CORONA DEL MAR -- Marble counter tops, polished hardwood floors, plush

carpets, exquisite chandeliers and breathtaking views were just some of

the highlights shared by the homes on display Tuesday.

And blue surgical booties, of course -- they are mainstays of the 27th

annual Corona del Mar High School home tour, the PTA’s major fund-raiser

of the year.

Event co-chairwoman Lynn McAlister said the tour was completely sold

out this year, but many people still tried to wrangle extra tickets well

into the day. She expects it to pull in at least $85,000.

An army of 375 volunteers ushered 1,750 pairs of envious eyes through

the six homes on the tour.

One Corona del Mar home with a distinct Asian flavor boasts not one,

but two waterfalls. One is a limestone waterfall in an indoor atrium; the

other is formed by a pool that cascades out of sight.

Another highlight was not just a master bedroom, but an entire master

floor.

Venturing up to the third-floor master suite is like stepping into an

Italian villa, with a huge, decadent bed with thick columns rising from

its four corners.

In the bathroom, steps lead to a sunken tub while a large marble

shower offers another option for bathing.

Each home on the tour had its own charms and secrets. Each held

treasures from various stores and sponsors in the area.

And for the first time in the tour’s 27 years, Fashion Island joined

South Coast Plaza in sponsoring the event, McAlister said.

Proceeds from the event will help the PTA to support the school’s art

and music programs, update computer software and enhance the campus.