Welcome to the Ion Trust

The ninth annual Holiday Tour of Homes in I’On will take place on Sunday, December 7, 2008 in the unique I’On neighborhood located off Mathis Ferry Road in Mt. Pleasant, SC.

The sponsor for the event is I’On Realty. All proceeds assist the I’On TRUST, a nonprofit organization based in I’On and benefiting the entire community with cultural events and civic activities.

This year’s tour will run from 1:00 until 5:00 PM and will include seven beautifully decorated homes and a new church that is a work of art in itself. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. They are on sale now at:

I’On Realty
Sweet Olive Home and Garden
GDC Home (Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley, and Kiawah)
Charleston Cooks!

The Holiday Tour of Homes in I’On presents not models, but houses where real people live. Guests will see a variety of traditional Lowcountry architecture and interior design, as well as lovely landscapes and gardens. Each home offers unique features and delightful surprises.

An I’On artist has opened her home, where many of her works are on display. Hand-blown sconces can be seen in another unique residence. A lakefront home features water vistas from almost every room and a view to the Ravenel Bridge from the rooftop patio.

There is a Victorian-style house, complete with turrets and a gorgeous crystal chandelier and another home displaying heirloom silver and landscape paintings from the Hudson River School.

The grassy back lawn of one house was recently transformed into an oasis hardly imaginable from the street, but tour guests will enjoy the koi pond and other elements of this relaxing space as well as the inside features which demonstrate the keen eye and sense of humor of the owner.

Many people come to home tours to get ideas they can use in their own houses, and guests at this event will not be disappointed. Examples include lovely holiday decorations, stunning interior features, porches that serve as extensions of the living area, and children’s bedrooms and playrooms with kid appeal.

Back by popular demand will be our cafe and art sale. The HalcI’On Cafe, located at 22 Mises Street will serve lunch, desserts, snack items and beverages.

The Arthouse will be at here as well as across the street at 27 Mises Street. Here the Community of I’On Artists will have original “gift art” for sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Communities in Schools. Dolphin Architects and Builders has donated the use of both houses. Guests may tour them, and they are available for purchase. Admission to these houses does not require a Home Tour ticket.

Following the tour, luminaries will light the streets of I’On. These Giving Lights of I’On will have a special meaning because the proceeds from their purchase will be donated to area charities, East Cooper Meals on Wheels and HALOS.

Anne Register, Executive Director of The I’On TRUST issues this invitation, “I'On is a very special place filled with courteous and hospitable friends, elegant homes and beautiful scenery, and a true sense of community. Come spend a delightful afternoon.”

Part of what makes I’On unique is that it is a Traditional Neighborhood Design or “TND,” part of a movement across the country that is gaining in popularity. TND’s are modeled on the “walkable” neighborhoods from an earlier era in America.

In the modern version, small lots with houses close to the street, porches, and sidewalks encourage interaction, as do public spaces, recreational amenities and nearby commercial areas. The best description of the result comes from Charles Kuralt, “Communities are all different, but I know when I’m in one. People speak to their neighbors by name, sometimes to their neighbor’s dogs. No one is a stranger for long.”

Holiday Tour 2008