“People are just going to love what’s on the tour this year,” says Godin. The selections range from the historic Lougheed House and its beautiful gardens, to two attached homes, each with a distinct floor plan—one modern, one traditional. Both sides of the attached homes boast environmentally, friendly design and decorating choices other homeowners can work into their own spaces.

Alex Bonyun of Alberta Ballet echoes Godin’s prediction of another successful tour. “This is the 20th anniversary of the Alberta Ballet House and Garden Tour and the committee has done an excellent job of selecting properties. We sell out every year and expect the same for 2008.”

Adding Lougheed House this year pays homage to the notable anniversary. Situated on its original 2.8-acre estate on 13 Avenue, S.W., the sandstone prairie mansion was built in 1891 and enlarged in 1907. The gardens’ annual beds are frequently redesigned, ensuring that even frequent visitors will find something new on this year’s tour.

In addition to Lougheed House and side-by-side eco-homes with solar panels, passive geo-thermal system and environmentally-sustainable finishing options, the tour will also feature several other homes, says Bonyun. One, located on Sifton Boulevard in the southwest, has been called a Shangri-La in the middle of the city. Its special features include an artistically-displayed collection of art and accessories, a master bedroom fireplace and a living room that welcomes the morning sun.

Another tour highlight, located on 19 Street, S.E., incorporates a part-time art gallery where up-and-coming local artists display their creations. The sixth home on the tour, located in the historic neighbourhood of Rosedale, offers panoramic views of the cityscape and mountains. It is the product of two major renovations, including one finished in 2005. Outdoors, a beautiful pergola overlooks flowing beds of annuals and perennials.

“This is our most important fundraiser and we attribute its ongoing success to how the tour inspires participants with innovative design and exquisite décor. The tour always attracts some newcomers—but a lot of people also come every year,” notes Bonyun. Few people know more about what’s going on behind the scenes than Godin. A long-time patron of Alberta Ballet, her own home and garden were featured on last year’s tour. Designed by her husband, Philip Bourque of Bourque Architect, the inner-city infill property was toured by 2,000 people.

“We were really happy that we let our home be part of the tour—and would recommend it to anyone else. It was a great experience,” says Godin, who’s also pleased to be in on the “inside” of this year’s tour. Even though so many people walked through their home and garden, “it looked as if no one had been there while we were gone,” she says with a laugh, crediting the volunteers.

Because people can begin the tour at any home, crowds are not a problem and tour-goers never feel rushed, adds Bonyun. “We provide maps so participants can decide how they’d like to complete the tour.” This year’s tour is expected to raise $85,000, securing its position as the Alberta Ballet’s largest annual fundraiser. The money supports Alberta Ballet’s artistic operations.

“Mozart’s Requiem was a key beneficiary of last year’s House and Garden Tour,” explains Bonyun. Staged in Calgary in late March, and in Edmonton this past April, Mozart’s Requiem was a collaboration of Alberta Ballet and Edmonton Opera. The production featured 26 dancers and a choir of more than 100 voices. “That kind of production requires significant fundraising support.”

Tickets for the self-guided tour are on sale—and going fast! “We only sell 2,000 tickets. It’s a good way to make sure this remains a kind of ‘exclusive’ event even though the tickets are very affordable,” Bonyun adds.  NL