by SC Feature Writer Reanna Haase
Whimsical art, beautiful gardens, and one-of-a-kind antiques are some of the many things visitors will find as they peek into some of the most interesting homes on the island during this year’s highly anticipated Peek at the Unique tour, hosted by the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva and the Zonta Foundation of Southwest Florida on March 14.
“We love the $30 million homes, but that’s not all. We’re looking for homes that are unique – artists’ homes, resilient homes, homes that really have done a good job of making themselves reflect the personality of the owner,” said Judy Langley, co-chair of the fundraising committee.
The club has been hosting its annual Peek at the Unique event since 2002. Though they had to postpone the event during the pandemic and again during recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian, this event has been their primary – and sometimes sole – way of raising funds, and is definitely a fan favorite.
“People are so excited, it sells out very quickly. A lot of people are always checking in with us to see if we’re doing it and when,” said Vicki Bourdow, co-chair of the fundraising committee. “We have a very true, strong following. And every year, I think it expands a little bit because people hear about it, and they hear how fun it is.”
This year’s Peek will include four houses, each characterized by its unique qualities such as resilience and artistry. The goal with the selection is to find something that isn’t one of the many ‘cookie-cutter’ rentals that tend to fill the housing market in Southwest Florida.
“One of the houses this year has a porch that goes around about three-quarters of the house, and up at the top it has a little office that’s hidden away from the rest of the home,” Langley said. “That’s the kind of thing that makes this interesting, is seeing what people have done with the space.”
After over 20 years, the club has developed a smooth system for exploring the homes – one that allows for freedom to discover each home’s nooks and crannies. On the second Saturday in March, ticket holders will meet at the Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way, where luxury buses will be lined up waiting to charter groups to the homes on the itinerary. While waiting for their departure times, attendees – and non-ticket holders who want to stop by – will have the opportunity to view and bid on silent auction items.
After leaving the Community House at their scheduled time, people can spend as much or as little time as they want at each house. The buses will continue to rotate among properties, giving people the flexibility to explore without holding up other visitors.
“Some of the homes you see it, and that’s enough, and off you go,” Bourdow said. “Then there are others that you’re like, ‘Oh my God.’ You know, ‘I could spend all day sitting out here.’”
While the event is largely sold out, some spots remain for this one-of-a-kind giving back event. Tickets can be purchased here.
Homes to be featured include:
– Boho on the Bayou
– Dixie Beach Dream
– Kaleidoscope Skies
– The Upside Down House with views of the Gulf
The proceeds from this event go to the organizations which Zonta supports, including: Community Housing and Resources, FISH of SanCap, Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build campaign, and more.
“We raise money through this tour to give to grant partners who improve the lives of women and children,” Langley said. “Our foremothers realized that instead of trying to do things ourselves, we’d be better off mobilizing to raise money for people who are experts in their areas.”
Along with the club’s support, Bourdow said this event would not be possible without the homeowners who are gracious enough to allow people to view their homes freely.
“Really, we couldn’t do it if it weren’t for the homeowners. So it’s a huge thank-you to them,too, because, you know, having their home ready and having people enjoy their home. It wouldn’t happen without them,” Bourdow said.
Whether you like an upside-down home, a whimsical artist’s home, or a home overlooking the bayou, the Peek has it all.
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