Set back in a gated citrus enclave on over four acres, an iconic Mesa estate was chosen to be the location for the 2019 Christmas Idea House.
The home, referred to as the White House on Brown Road by Mesa residents, will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Visitors will discover thousands of unique holiday gifts and décor, artfully displayed and for sale.
The Christmas Idea House, which lures thousands of visitors each year, is the primary fundraiser for Desert Club, an all-volunteer women’s organization. The event is held at a different luxury home each year in locations throughout the East Valley.
Holiday Charity Event to Aid Valley Students and Families
The theme for this year’s Christmas Idea House is A Lasting Impression, reflecting on the annual tradition this holiday event has become for thousands in the East Valley, as well as the tremendous difference it has brought to the lives of many deserving students and families.
To make the Christmas Idea House come to life, the homeowners move out temporarily, and Desert Club members decorate the home from top to bottom with holiday décor, unique gifts and gourmet goodies. One hundred percent of the proceeds are given back to the community through need-based student scholarships and grants to local charities. To date, Desert Club has raised close to $2.8 million.
Candy Zeper, co-chair for the 2019 Christmas Idea House, has been a Desert Club member for 37 years. Over the years, she has heard visitors comment on how impressed they were with the event. “Each year I am amazed at what the women of Desert Club create in these beautiful homes that have been graciously loaned to us. To me, the Christmas Idea House event truly signals the beginning of the Christmas season.”
Christmas Idea House Preview and Public Tour Schedule
The Christmas Idea House is a three-day event, beginning on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. with the Preview Gala, which includes a gourmet dinner followed by an exclusive home tour and shopping (reservations required; tickets are $80 per person).
On Friday, Dec. 6, guests may attend one of two seating times (9 a.m. or noon) for the Sneak Preview Brunch, followed by the home tour and early-bird shopping (tickets are $50).
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit christmasideahouse.org.
The home is open for public tours and shopping on Friday, Dec. 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the door or online.
The event is located at 3818 E. Brown Road, Mesa. Please follow signs for parking.
Holiday Magic Beyond the Gates of a Mesa Landmark
The 2019 Desert Club’s Christmas Idea House will showcase a spectacular Mediterranean estate built by Billy Johnson, master builder of Amberwood Homes and private entrepreneur.
“Desert Club members have always had a special place in my heart since I began supporting the organization back in 1985. I was honored to accept their invitation to hold the Christmas Idea House at my home this year,” said Billy. “Anytime the Desert Club has asked for my support over the years, I have always been delighted to give it and encourage others to as well.”
For the past 40 years, Billy has called Mesa, Ariz. his home. As the owner of Amberwood Homes, Billy has built beautiful homes throughout Mesa and all over the Valley. Through the Christmas Idea House, he gets to showcase one of Mesa’s finest homes and the one he is most proud of – his own.
Anticipation grows as one enters this captivating, over 10,000-square-foot home, situated in the historic citrus corridor. Built in 1998, the property captures Billy’s passion for homebuilding and is reflected throughout every corner of this sprawling estate.
The hand-forged iron doors lead into a traditionally elegant interior design. The home features rich wood inlayed walls, a combination of stone and wood floors, beamed ceilings, unequaled faux finishes, five unique fireplaces and Venetian plaster details.
Extensive under-roof exterior spaces enhance the privacy of the azure swimming pool with running fountains, surrounded by hand-laid flagstone, palm trees, and a guest casita. Also located on the estate grounds are dog kennels, four horse stalls, a riding arena for his Spotted Tennessee Walkers, and a private underground target shooting range.
For more information on Desert Club, or the Christmas Idea House, visit christmasideahouse.org.