Photos by Toni Steffens - Steward Jim and Catherine Bergeron kitchen

By Toni Steffens - Steward

SOUTH FORK -- Homeowners who participated in the tenth annual Kitchens in July in South Fork not only welcomed people into their homes last Thursday most also shared a recipe in the tour pamphlets.

The tours are organized by the Greater South Fork Community Foundation with support from the South Fork Chamber of Commerce. The tours began in 1999 and the proceeds from the tours are used for beautification projects in South Fork.

The first home on the 2010 tour was the Bergeron home. The kitchen is described as the heart of the home; it is open to the dining area and the living room. The wood floors throughout the home are made from reclaimed wood from a tobacco barn. Another interesting aspect of this home is the custom made furniture in the children’s room and wine racks made by Steve Crawford of Wildwood Furniture in Del Norte.

Dirk and Katie Dozier own the second house on the tour. Their cabin was originally built in 1941 and was remodeled in 2006 which doubled the available space. The home is built on eight acres with river access and fantastic mountain views. The Doziers were happy to share their kitchen, great room and outdoor fire pit with visitors on the tour.

The third home is owned by Duffy and Kathy Kincheloe in The Ridge at the Rio Grande Club. The couple was attracted to South Fork for the mountains. They now have amazing views right from their home of the surrounding mountains. Kathy Kincheloe was eager to show tour guests her large dining table with leaves hidden beneath the table top.

Don and Sharon Spencer in Highland Meadows own the fourth home on the tour. They wanted to focus their home around their kitchen and make it warm and inviting for family and guests. This home is located on the river with beautiful views of the water and the surrounding mountains. The kitchen features Hickory cabinets, and a river rock backsplash and a bar with Aspen bar stools.

In Fairway Glen Tom and Susan Vaughn welcomed tour guests to visit their warm and inviting home designed for easy living for two. The three level home has two guest rooms and master bedroom with Jack and Jill bathroom and walk out private deck. They are working on finishing their workshop area and a game room in the loft.

Rod and Sandy Wisely in the Rio Vista Estates own the sixth and final home on the tour. The cabin is very near the Rio Grande River. The home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms in the main house and “Nick’s Nook” above their garage. The garage room was named after the couple’s son. Sandy Wisely has a collection of Pendleton blankets located around the house. Many guests take time to relax on the rocking chairs on the front porch and taking in the amazing views.

Rainbow Grocery provided water for tour participants. The Choke Cherry Tree in Pagosa Springs provided gift baskets for homeowners. The foundation will sponsor the Christmas Home Tour on December 4 and 5. Proceeds from Kitchens in July and the Christmas tours will go towards beautification projects in South Fork.