The Villages - May 2021 - 2

CHECKING IN

BY RICA KEENUM

Touring Homes with Heart and More
Your casa, abode or retreat - home is where you kick back in comfort.
It's where you pursue your passions, whatever they are. In this issue, we
focus on that special place. We chat with Villagers about their home décor
and more importantly, how they use and enjoy their spaces as it pertains
to their lifestyles, hobbies and interests. Take a tour through their homes
now and be inspired by their creative ideas and stories. See how these
Villagers live out their retirement dreams in their personal pads.
Gary Gariepy's home offers a rare experience akin to a visit abroad. He
calls it a " memory book " filled with items that represent his life in other
countries - mementos, archeological treasures and exquisite antiques
from Iran, Germany, Egypt and more. A Vietnam veteran, Gariepy spent
23 years in the service then worked as a contractor with the military for
an additional 30 years. He maintained aircraft and worked as a pilot,
speaking several languages and acquiring an eclectic, worldly knowledge.
Every sculpture, ornate carving, robust cabinet or rugged camel saddle in
Gariepy's home is a conversation piece, which leads to long talks among
visiting friends to his Village of Bridgeport at Lake Miona home. In his
spectacular space, high ceilings and wide windows allow light to dance on
vibrant paintings and highlight his extraordinary collection: weathered
camel saddles, decorative headpieces worn by Bedouin women, a lifesize
Egyptian sarcophagus, ceremonial trinkets, alabaster vases, handmade
pottery, a genuine shark's tooth and dinosaur eggs from the time of Christ.
See all this and more in this edition.
June Bailey likes to say she's a " vintage Villager, " living in the smallest
home she's ever owned overlooking the ninth hole on Hill Top executive
golf course. Size, however, has nothing to do with satisfaction, as the
Baileys are thrilled with their retirement nest.
" It's our dream home, " June said. The Bailey home boasts an outdoor
tribute to golfers - wrought iron silhouettes and signs to inspire their
games and brighten their days. And because party planning is her forte,
June came up with a way to meet new people. Read about that and see the
Smith's stunning home in The Village of Marsh Bend.
" We've had big homes, pool homes, but we never had a view home, "
Debbie Smith said of the moonstone model villa in The Village of Marsh
Bend. For the Baileys and the Smiths, more square footage isn't a
necessity - it's all about how you use your space.
In addition, May is both National Salad Month and National
Barbecue Month. Check out the rest of our stories and spend some
time in the kitchen with our recipes. You'll find the perfect pairings for
leisurely days on the lanai or gatherings with neighbors and family.
With a little something for everyone, this month's magazine will
make you feel right at home - where the heart truly is. Enjoy!

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MAY 2021
The Villages - May 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - May 2021
