Woman’s Club presents ‘Christmas in Paradise’

Residents who look forward to seeing beautifully decorated Canyon Lake homes for the holiday will want to treat themselves to the Canyon Lake Woman’s Club annual Holiday Home Tour on Saturday, Dec. 1. The theme of this year’s tour is “Christmas in Paradise” and features five Canyon Lake homes.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by contacting Karen Doherty at 951-595-1941 or Jan May at 951-970-8333. Tickets also are available at the POA office and Pack, Wrap and Post in the Canyon Lake Towne Center.

Tour maps may be picked up at the lodge starting at 10 a.m. on the day of the tour. Vendor shopping starts at 9 a.m. The club will be raffling off several trees and centerpieces in the afternoon. Each tree is valued at $200. Centerpieces are valued at $100. Opportunity drawing tickets are $1 each or six for $5.

The Friday Flyer will showcase each home in the weeks leading up to the tour. This week’s featured home, “Sandy Claus Strikes,” is the home of Sandy and Lance Lillie at 29599 Chaparral Way.

This Italian beauty was built 30 years ago by Lance and Sandy Lillie. A curved staircase leads to a welcoming front patio and two-story entry flanked by skylights and Christmas trees. The sweeping oak staircase, decorated with festive garland and a winter snow scene, invites all to enter.

On your left is the Mary Kay studio. Sandy is a senior director for the company and has worked for them for 37 years. To your right is a suite just waiting for holiday guests. On this level, you will find a modern kitchen, huge butcher block island and a plank table. Nearby is the intimate dining room, awaiting its holiday dinner guests.

On the second level, note the living room with Sandy’s 12-foot Christmas tree. There are 1500 ornaments decorating the tree, collected from their travels around the world. The tapestry of Lake Como carries the feel of Italy into this room. The TV room, with its comfy couches, bookcases and fireplace, call you to sit and relax. Sandy’s office is on this level, where she spends a great deal of her time. What a functional room, with its wonderful cabinetry and huge granite work area.

Take note of the views from the hallway on the third level. Gaze into both the living room and out the arched entry windows of the home. The couple’s photo wall is in this area, along with the gym and Lance’s special space. Lance is an IT Consultant, computer expert and Star Wars, Star Trek, alien and robot kind of guy. This room personifies all of his hobbies. This truly is a one of a kind fun space.

Down the hall is the master suite. The ladies will love the huge walk-in closet, large bath and bedroom, with its beautiful view of Canyon Lake out the French doors. The corner bed and fireplace make this a cozy retreat. Paintings by local artist Sylvia are found both in this room and in the hallway.

This home is all aglow for the holiday season. Lance teases Sandy about her abundance of Christmas decorations. As you will see, “Sandy Claus” has definitely been here.