Another year, another Boothbay Region Home and Garden Tour! This year will feature Homes of Distinction and Guest Houses. Sound interesting? Read on.

In no particular order, participants will shuttle down a winding lane to a newly built, tastefully lavish home with a spectacular view. A guest house and a carriage house, complete with antique cars and lovely apartment above, accompany the main house. Walk the wooded pathways and enjoy the beautiful gardens, too.

The next home is walking distance from the first, with panoramic views of the Sheepscot. It is newly built, has totally comfortable décor with artwork of many local artists, and a very fine collection of birds around the home in many forms and species. See how many you can find. The beautiful gardens with waterfall, the fire pit for lingering and a home full of love and family will surely be savored by all the visitors.

Over the river and through the woods to our next tour home. We are now situated on lane with a view across the Sheepscot and, closer in, Southport and Indiantown Island. A cottage built in 1984 has been given new life with an enclosed porch, updated interior and very lovely artwork making this an enjoyable residence for owners and guests. Those guests also get the benefit of a casual guest house, which even has a ship's ladder for the younger generation to reach their bunks! Outside we will be looking at perennial, ledge, vegetable, herb, and shade gardens as well wooded paths, all interspersed with very fine garden sculptures. This is a landscaping treat.

Meanwhile, back in the Harbor, we’ll visit the famous Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. All will enjoy the local history, its role as a regional landmark and ship’s hull interior architecture, and the Blue Madonna. The carillon has a “story” also, please step inside for a visit.

Now we are visiting a circa 1840 Greek revival style home which has been stylishly modernized and includes many family remembrances and antiques. Truly, a step back in time and thoroughly enjoyable. The attached guest house and ledge gardens complete this in-town, not-to-be-missed home.

The last, but certainly not least home is an elaborate complex of renovation and revitalization. You will certainly enjoy the view, the home, guest house and pool house. Do not overlook the wonderful gardens and hardscapes abounding; they are all part of the intricate relationships therein.

Visitors will enjoy, admire and collect ideas from every one of the very wonderful properties that have been offered for this tour. In Maine, gardening is an adventure and a challenge as we all have different terrains and perspectives at our homes. There is no one right way to address them, but it is fun to see how others manage their gardens.

We thank you for your past support and hope to see you on July 24. Tickets are available at the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce and through the tour chairmen; Pat McMurry, 207-633-9405, or Irene Gerny, 207-633-5052.