Summer Picnic at Villa Carman

Don your best Roaring 20’s garb, or favorite Garden Party outfit, to celebrate Summer together at the home of Gayle Hampton-Smith ‘Villa Carman‘ in Lakewood. Spouses/Significant Others are welcome at this favorite annual event, where we gather as a Garden community in friendship and fun. 

Light appetizers will be served, along with an open bar serving signature cocktails, wine and beer, where you will stroll the Gardens and admire the views. We look forward to sending off Summer in style! For additional details, please reach out to Vicky Shanaman or Amy Brown.

Now, a bit of history about Villa Carman from Vicky Czaplewski: This storied estate, built by Joseph L. and Margaret Carman on the shores of Gravelly Lake in 1920, recalls the grand Mediterranean villas and glorious landscapes that the Carmans admired through their travels and research. Margaret took a special interest in the design of their gardens, which included romantic and classical features, a formal rose garden, imported garden ornaments, and a traditional Japanese garden.

An article in the August 28, 1929, edition of the Tacoma Daily Ledger stated “[i]n the perfect atmosphere of a golden summer day Villa Carman on Gravelly Lake, Italian in charm of line and feeling, was society’s destination last Tuesday for the brilliant August tea Mrs. J.L. Carman gave for her house guest, Mrs. Louis H. Bean of New York city.” More than a century later, the picturesque elegance of Villa Carman is still the perfect setting for a brilliant gathering.