A glorious day, an enthusiastic crowd and gorgeous homes made this year’s annual Tour of Homes a delight, and there was something for everyone from spacious and elegant homes to cozy cottages to a modern, energy-efficient retreat.

The tour began for many on the free shuttle provided by its sponsor, the Island Community Center. As the bus left the parking lot at CrossPointe Fellowship, Cathy Davis, Ann Evans and Odette Kavanagh, all of Canada, said this was their first tour and they saw it in The Sun and thought it would be fun.

House #1 at 203 65th St. in Holmes Beach featured ceramic tile that looked like wood, a table made from a railroad wagon, bright colors, beachy accents and a spacious kitchen/dining/living area that opened onto a pool and patio area.

“Everything is so beachy,” Betty Goldsworthy, of Canada, said, “The colors are gorgeous.”

Lori Eaton and Dale Parker, both of Canada, noted the owner’s “incredible taste” and “attention to detail.”

House #2 at 209 81st St. in Holmes Beach set a welcoming tone with a bike filled with red flowers at the end of the driveway and pots of pink and purple flowers by the door. It contained elegant touches, such as the wall of Audubon prints, as well as whimsical ones with sunglasses pillows and flip flops decorated with grapes.

Jackie Nimmons declared it “gorgeous,” while Kay LaViola, both of Massachusetts, said, “I like this better than the bigger houses. It’s cozy and the decorating was really beautiful.”

This also was the location of the Tropical Treasures Boutique, of which Joanne Kinsler, of Winter Park, said, “The boutique is out of this world. The artists are phenomenal.”

House #3 at 101 Willow Ave. in Anna Maria featured a huge open living/dining/ kitchen area with a lovely view of Gulf Front Park that got people’s attention immediately.

“I love it; already it’s my favorite,” Kinsler said and Rosemary and David Means, of Indiana, echoed her sentiments as they walked in the door.

The children’s playroom with a world map on the wall, an aquarium, a train set and a rug sporting numbers and letters elicited “wows” from the tour group, and the kitchen with every appliance and feature imaginable was a huge hit with the ladies.

But the gasps came with the spectacular view of the beach and Gulf from the second floor, which some called “to die for,” and others said, “We just want the view.”

House #4 at 743 North Shore Drive elicited the most diverse comments. Newly built and designed by the architect owners, the house is ranked LEED platinum for its green design. It featured concrete walls and floors, a shower that is open to the outside and a breathtaking view of the Gulf and beach.

“It’s efficient and an ingenious use of space,” Sandy Law, of Bradenton declared. “I love it. The views from the upstairs windows are like framed paintings in a museum.

“When you have a view like this …” added Linda Alcott, of Bradenton.

However, June Rennell and Betty LaVigne, both of Michigan, felt it was “too modern,” “cold” and “not our taste.”

House #5 at 709 Fern St. in Anna Maria was another beach cottage that packed a lot into a small space. There were two bedrooms, one a bright coral and another a deep turquoise, a compact kitchen with bead board cupboards and a living room that opened out onto a delightful pool and patio area surrounded by plants and featuring a poolside dining table.

“This is what I call warmth,” Rennell remarked, and LaVigne added, “It’s cute and cozy.”

The tour of homes welcomed a record number of visitors, more than 1,000, said Sandee Pruitt, membership and volunteer coordinator for the Island Community Center, who added, “It was the biggest ever.”

“It exceeded all our expectations,” Island Community Center Executive Director Dawn Stiles added, but did not yet have a figure on how much it made for the Center.

Nancy Boyd won the quilt made by the Eyeland Needlers.