Home tour spotlights views of paradise

California’s Sierra Nevada range is 400 miles long and approximately 70 miles wide. Within those 28,000 square miles are many reasons to find a find a few acres (or more) and settle in. Why go on vacation when you already own a bit of paradise?

When people moved to the Sierra Nevada mountains 150 years ago, they came in search of gold. Today they come for riches of a different kind.

The foothills have much to offer those who choose to reside here: an affordable cost of living in a moderate climate, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, easy access to the mountains and the seashore, a slower-paced lifestyle, and some of the West’s most beautiful scenery.

Did I mention the spectacular views?

MRI studies show how spending too much time in a man-made environment stimulates parts of the brain that are connected with stress. The opposite also is true. When a person is surrounded by nature, the activated parts of the brain are those associated with emotional balance. (From the book “Your Brain on Nature” by Dr. Eva M. Selhub and Dr. Alan C. Logan.)

Whether you’re looking for a vacation spot or a place to put down roots, the Central Valley foothills region has become a favorite destination for those who long to spend more time finding balance.

This year’s Home Tour of Mariposa’s American Association of University Women emphasizes the landscape surrounding eight distinctive residences. Owners of these Mariposa County homes have found their paradise and are opening their doors on the annual tour, called “Room With a View.”

The benefit event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 14.

Even before visitors step through the entryways, they’ll be treated to views of the surrounding countryside – some with mountain peaks or glimpses of Yosemite in the distance. Docents and homeowners will share the homes’ unique stories and point out landmarks, while tour guests enjoy sampling finger foods.

In addition, the River Rock Inn of Mariposa is offering ticket holders a complimentary side salad or cookie with a lunch purchase. The inn also is the place to check out gift baskets to be offered as door prizes, and to buy tickets for the tour. The baskets will appeal to those who enjoy reading, wine tasting, international studies, art, gardening, crafts and hiking.

Advance purchase tickets are $20, or $25 on the day of the event, and are available at the Mariposa Visitors’ Center or from any AAUW member. On the day of the tour, tickets will be available at the River Rock Inn and the visitors center. To see the list of homes, maps, photos and other details, visit www.aauwmariposa.com

Some of the unique features of the residences on tour include: a distinctive hexagonal home on the site of the historical Silva Ranch; an owner-designed urban oasis near downtown Mariposa; panoramic views of Mariposa and points north and west through a wall of windows.

One home sits perched on the side of a mountain. With a great room and solarium, another home is the beautiful backdrop for family weddings. And one owner designed and built his home and furnishings using trees felled on the property.

“Room With a View” is the second annual AAUW Home Tour. All proceeds benefit local community service and educational projects of AAUW.

The nonprofit is a national organization dedicated to lifelong learning and benefiting women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.

The Mariposa branch includes nearly 100 members and is open to more. For details, visit www.aauwmariposa.com.

This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 9:13 AM with the headline "Home tour spotlights views of paradise."