‘Kitchens in July’ benefits community

Photo by Toni Steffens-Steward Above: The Matthews home

SOUTH FORK—The South Fork home tours offer people an opportunity to walk through some of the beautiful homes that can be found in the area while helping to beautify the area.

Proceeds of the tours, hosted by the Greater South Fork Community Foundation, are used in local beautification projects around the town. Funds from the Christmas Tours and Kitchens in July tours have been used to complete the bannerscape project and for landscaping around the Carnegie Library and the Rio Grande Health Clinic. There are also more beautification projects planned for the future.

This year five homes were included in the Kitchens in July Tour on July 12, taking tour-goers all around South Fork and the surrounding area.

Jerry and Jane Cantrell on Birch showed their home that had been constructed by Jane’s father. Jane designed and built the stained glass pieces in the living area. The kitchen was recently renovated, and many antique pieces are displayed in the upstairs living area.

Stephen Matthews welcomed people into his home on Cliffside Court built in 2011. The design of the home was to create a comfortable and easy-to-maintain space for him to enjoy in his retirement. The home is a mountain log style and has a wrap-around deck.

After 20 years of visiting the South Fork area Gilbert and Peggie Grove decided to build a home in 2004. They now enjoy their beautiful views relaxing on the deck of their home. The home includes granite tops, hand carved entrance doors, alder trim and flooring and maple cabinets.

Wayne and Lynn Wicks opened their Bear Creek home to visitors on the tour. Their cabin was built to take advantage of the great views, keep an open floor plan and to accommodate their own family memories.

Bill Stonaker and Tricia Wilson decided that their lot in Bear Creek was perfect for them. They built a home with minimal maintenance that seems to blend into the surrounding mountainside. Bill and Tricia love to entertain in their home and they welcomed many visitors during the South Fork Kitchens in July tour.