Charlie and Maureen Hoffman's Cape Cod style home was built as a central location for visiting family and friends. The shingled exterior and lighthouse tower remind the owners of time spent on the New England Coast. Currently living in Palo Alto, California, the couple wanted energy efficiency when building this 10,000 sq. ft. home and used geo-thermal technology for their heating and cooling needs.

Completed this spring, the home has three levels of living space with a spiral staircase leading to a fourth level "tower lookout". At the main level entry, a double-sided stone fireplace and hand scraped hickory floor welcome you to a large great room and bright kitchen with hand distressed cabinetry and alder countertops. In lieu of a formal dining room, the Hoffmans chose a large screened porch for a feeling of outdoor dining. From here you see the quiet cove and a unique "barn style" dock.

On the upper level, a guestroom, four bed bunkroom and unusual "Jack and Jill" bathroom configuration accommodate visiting grandchildren. The lower level of the home features a 1200 bottle wine cellar, a second double-sided fireplace, a full kitchen, game and exercise room and a large cozy family room. A laundry, mudroom and two more bedrooms complete this level. Visible throughout the home are many unique art and furniture pieces acquired while the Hoffmans lived in Mexico City.

This year's Home Tour will be Saturday May 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance tickets are available for $20 at area outlets or call Terry at 302-4527 or Lana at 365-2959. The day of the Tour, tickets may also be purchased for $25 at Tour Headquarters, Village Station, on Highway MM, in Sunrise Beach. All proceeds benefit local charities, and the Newcomers/Longtimers Scholarship Fund. For additional information visit: www.newcomerslongtimers.com.