CARLSBAD -- Six Carlsbad families opened their homes to the community May 15 during the 2009 "Castles of Carlsbad" tour to benefit the city's 10-year-old Library and Arts Foundation. The fundraiser brought in more than $20,000, which brings the earnings of "Castles of Carlsbad" to $100,000 over the past six years, organizers said.

The tour attracted 600 people from the surrounding community.

There was the "Coastal European" home owned by Claudia and Aubrey Kuepper. It has an arched gateway entry and a cobblestone courtyard with a nautical theme throughout. From the back terrace, you can see Catalina on a clear day. All the furniture is from the Kuepper's business, Furnishings 4 Less. They are the "Castles of Carlsbad" presenting sponsor for 2009.

The owners of the "West Indies Plantation" home, Robin (interior designer) and Dennis Mathis (master carpenter), did the craftwork and decorations themselves, inspired by ideas and treasures gathered on their travels. A full-length veranda and whale watch tower represent some of those ideas.

The "Canyon Crest" home of Chris and Barbara Young is light and airy with stunning views of Box Canyon, the San Marcos Creek and the ocean. It's a remodel of Young's parents' home built in 1983. The owner-architect opened up the rooms and added a stone turret in front.

Tracy and Kurt Olson's Mediterranean-style "Villa La Costa" has mature palms and sweeping lawns with a sparkling pool in the courtyard, all contributing to a feeling of luxury and privacy. The home originally was owned by Frank Fitzsimmons, who succeeded Jimmy Hoffa as president of the Teamsters.

In the Olde Carlsbad district, there is a house owned by Dave Miller and just redesigned by Cheryl Moore into an "Entertainer's Dream." Inside, there is a "fire on ice" fireplace and a home theater.

Outside, there is a fireplace with a bar, cooking area, lounge and striking koi tank.

Also in Olde Carlsbad, on a street shaded by dramatic tippewana trees, there is a "Hawaiian Bungalow" capturing the island feeling with faux bamboo trim and grass wallpaper throughout. The owners are Mary Fitz-Wilson and Rex Wilson. Recycled railroad ties from Indonesia are the foundation for the lanai at the front of the house, and the back yard features an outdoor shower to remove the residue from a day of surfing.

The committee responsible for the success of the event was made up of Chairwoman Sandy Golnick, co-chairs Anne Linehan and Sara Snyder, Nancy Beaudette-Conte, Cathy Fox, Barbara Gehring, Rose Going, Gina McBride, Trudy McGrath, Lori McIntosh, Jeannine Miller, Rebecca Moore, Donna Orr, TJ Stroben and Jackie Tipple.

Other people helping out on the 15th or enjoying the tour were Neil Black, Tracy Black, Lon Golnick, Joyce Spring, Kirsten Murray, Heather Pizzuto (the director of the library), Alan Marblestone, Rickard Borg, Jim Bradley, Marie Bradley, Kathleen Norris, Vivian Kerr, Gwen Perchard, Anne Samstad, Ein Dawson, Jeannie Calhoun, and Susan Lankin.