While visiting Stonewood Farms for a local governor’s campaign fund raiser, President George W. Bush called it ‘the most beautiful driveway in America.? It’s featured in this year’s SCAMP Home Tour, June 4-5.
‘He told us we had a magnificent scenic driveway,? said homeowner Pam Johnson. ‘He said he loved the way it meandered through nature.?
Pam and her husband Dave normally keep their 1920’s estate very private, but to help SCAMP, they decided to open their private gates for public viewing.
‘I am excited to be part of the home tour because of the organization it will benefit,? said Pam. ‘SCAMP is very special and we are honored to be able to help where we can for this great organization. They work very hard and do so much for the children it benefits.?
The Johnsons purchased the over 200 acre property in the early 1990’s and restored and renovated the main house, as well as surrounding buildings. They also had horse stables built when they purchased the house.
‘What we love most about Stonewood Farms is that we saved something so beautiful. Its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty are very precious to us. We feel very fortunate to ride our horses through the many trails throughout the property and enjoy such spectacular nature,? Pam said. ‘I tell people all the time how lucky we feel to live here.?
Heather Roeser, a volunteer with SCAMP, said she is ‘very excited to have Stonewood Farms on the tour.?
‘I think it’s a unique opportunity to see kind of a hidden treasure here in Clarkston that most people don’t even realize is here,? she said.
The tour also features two homes in the nearby parks of the Stonewood Community, a beautiful 1928 home in Clarkston, plus a chance to preview its SCAMP’s 2011 Designer Showcase Home in its pre-designed state.
‘We have created a tour of tours, featuring the magnificent and incomparable Stonewood Farms, plus three exceptional homes,? said Donna Clancy, executive director of SCAMP. ‘And this year we have the added bonus of our present designer showcase house in its present form.?
The tour weekend will kickoff Saturday night, June 4 with Patrons? night, a western themed event that includes a tour of all the homes followed by an exclusive party held at Springfield Oaks Activity Center. Guests are encouraged to wear Western garb, but it isn’t required. Reservations are required for Patrons night. The event will have an auction, dancing, plus beer and wine.
‘Some of this year’s auction items include: a Colorado trip, Florida trip, weekend trip at Bay Harbor with a Cadillac, reservations at Union and Woodshop, and a signed basketball from the University of Michigan Basketball Coach, plus Michigan (football) tickets to the first ever night game ever at Michigan Stadium against. Notre Dame,? Roeser said.
Also offered that night is the ‘VIP Experience.? Buck Shots Bar & Grill on White Lake Road is offering drinks and appetizers with a minimum $25 donation.
At home tours on Sunday, June 5, visitors can enjoy a box lunch for $30, which must be reserved in advance.
Check-in for both events takes place in downtown Clarkston’s Depot Park. For Patrons? Evening, arrive between 5-6:30 p.m., Saturday. Homes will be open from 5-7 p.m., as will the VIP Experience.
Check-in for tours on Sunday is 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with homes open from 12-5 p.m. Advance reservations for both events must be made by 11 p.m. Wednesday, June 1.
A shuttle service based at Depot Park transports guests to the homes.
Call SCAMP at 248-623-8089 or check www.clarkstonscamp.com.