The 2012 Custom Home Tour, sponsored by Lutron Electronics Co., Inc., will tour homes in two affluent and historic Central Florida custom communities — Winter Park in Orange County and  Windermere in West Orange — which both feature Mediterranean-style designs and landscaping compatible with the climate and their environment.

The tour will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9. 

Now in its 15th year and held in conjunction with the 2012 International Builders’ Show for the first time, the tour highlights the latest trends, green initiatives, technology and building techniques in the custom home building market.

“The Custom Home Tour provides a hands-on experience for custom building professionals and those interested in diversifying their business,” said Erik Anderson, Lutron’s national sales manager for residential construction.  “Lutron has sponsored the Custom Home Tour for the last four years with the goal of creating a platform for builders to view the latest technology, design and building trends in the custom industry.”

The Tour Sites

Chartered in 1887, Winter Park, which is now home to some 29,000 residents, was initially developed as a winter resort for wealthy northerners seeking to escape the cold and to find a tranquil place to live.

The largest hotel in the state, The Seminole once flourished as a welcoming climate, beautiful forests and numerous lakes drew visitors and “snow birds” to the area.

Today, Winter Park, at nine square miles, is home to many upscale and custom homes — several of which will be on the tour.

Windermere, home to about 2,800 residents, also served as a winter getaway and local fishing area in the early 1900s.

Well known then and now for its waterfront living and attractions, Windermere is surrounded by the Butler Chain of Lakes, three lakes connected by canals and designated by the Florida legislature as “Outstanding Florida Waters.”

As many as seven homes will be on the tour and the builders of each will be available to discuss the details of the home and their experiences building it.

“Sometimes, the best way to learn is by example. That is what the custom home tour is all about,” said Andy Hutchison, chair of the Custom Builder Subcommittee.

“We are aiming to show builders the profitability of the custom market and the opportunities in this sector of the industry. Each year, we find more homes that give attendees the insight they are looking to gain,” he said.

To Register

Buses will depart from the Orange County Convention Center at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, and will return at noon. The fee is $75 and includes a continental breakfast and boxed lunch.

Advanced registration is encouraged, as space availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis. To register for the tour, select the event as an addition when registering for IBS.

For more information about the tour and registration, email Marcia Childs at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8388.