Balboa Island home tour to feature ‘Jaws’ house, six other homes
The Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society will present its annual historic home tour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, giving the public an opportunity to view older homes on Newport Beach’s Balboa Island as new construction replaces original structures.
The seven homes include the former residence of late actor Buddy Ebsen and the historic “Jaws” house designed by architect John Lautner.
The self-guided tour will begin at the museum, 331 Marine Ave. Proceeds will benefit the Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society.
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Lautner, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright, built the two-story house at 804 S. Bay Front in 1979. It has been affectionately known by locals as the “Jaws” house because the shape of the balcony resembles a great white shark’s open mouth. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and Newport Beach’s list of historical landmarks.
The tour will also feature the iconic former home of Ebsen.
Ebsen, probably best known for his portrayal of unsophisticated Jed Clampett on the 1960s sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies,” was a long-time resident of Balboa Island. His former waterfront house, at 530 S. Bay Front, sold in late 2015, and the new owners offered it for an event to benefit the historical society in December.
Visitors may also view a 1924 vintage yacht and enjoy light refreshments at the museum.
Tickets are $30 for museum members and $35 for non-members.
For more information, call (949) 675-3952 or visit balboaislandmuseum.org.
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Kathleen Luppi, kathleen.luppi@latimes.com
Twitter: @KathleenLuppi
