Gulls Way Tour Photos!!!

Awesome pictures! Gulls Way is one of the coolest locations for a tv series by far. Looking at the pics brings back a lot of nice memories of the show.. Mark and Milt playing Basketball, both sitting at the pool, Skid doing the gardening. ;D Thanks for sharing.

The STAR members had to return the video equipment (slide show at the reception, stunt reel at the reunion), so we caught up with the rest of the gang at "Seagull Beach", which was wonderful. The temperature was perfect (I think in the mid-70s), there were pelicans and some marine life, beautiful little waves pounding the shore, spectacular scenery.

From there, we headed for Gulls Way and that was incredible! First, every good thing that has been said about Heidi Jaeger is true and can't be repeated often enough. She was generous, informative, friendly, helpful, and went way beyond the call of duty. It's obvious that she has found her life's work in preserving the history of the estate and her love for it and dedication to it are awe-inspiring.

We walked down the drive and there was the "gatehouse". From there we headed to the fountain area, then down to the side lawn and around to the back. All of the trees are obviously taller than seen in the
series; they're 25 years older, after all. Everything is kept in immaculate condition, perfectly groomed yards and walkways. Indescribably beautiful views, lots of areas never seen in the show, incredible landscaping and the flowers are stunning. Words can't do it justice and the photos probably can't either. I would happily live
there the rest of my life. But they won't let me!

Then, the final unbelievable gift. We got taken into the "gatehouse". We went from the back patio (remember the cookout in "Ties"?) into the kitchen and through into the living room. Most of us went upstairs to check out the "loft", which was really a bedroom, bath, and small area which could be a spare bedroom in a pinch. I stayed below and marvelled over the exquisite furniture and decor.

Finally, we headed back outside (reluctantly) and regrefully bid farewell to Heidi and Gulls Way. We missed the restoration of the arch by two weeks! Anyone heading out there, please get a photo for us.

Lastly, we arrived at Paradise Cove and spent about 3 hours getting a typical over-the-top lunch at the cafe there. Just ask one of us to describe the ice cream sandwich dessert or my quart and a half of guacamole! The crowd was interesting to watch, and the location, where bits of three episodes were filmed, were just beautiful. Unfortunately, they were also packed with people. Still, we can say we saw the rocks where the stone-skipping scene in "Gentle" was filmed, the pier from "Long Ago Girl" and the last chicken scene in "Nowhere Fast".

A drive back through Malibu and Santa Monica and we were at the hotel. After we'd all either rested or visited tourist spots, we gathered at the pool and the reception leftovers hit the table. I have to say, they were pretty good looking, too, but I had a cab to catch to the airport.

Thank you all for getting this done. It was an enormous pleasure to meet so many of you in person last week, and I deeply regret not having more time to spend just chatting with you more. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and I was privileged to share it with you.

One of our members, Cheride, had put together some of the crashes and leaps and explosions to make a little video (I think it ran about 20 minutes) and we showed that at the reunion, to the delight of the stunt and special effects people. Everyone else enjoyed it, too, but those guys in particular appreciated it and at least one even asked for a copy. We also showed "Rolling Thunder", which got a lot of attention in between drinks and snacks and yakking up a storm, but the stunt reel was our present to the crew behind the scenes.

Actually the "gatehouse" is what they called the guesthouse on the show. It was the original house on the property before the main house was built. There's also a building used as an office (you never see anything but the roof in the show, in "Duet for 2 Wind Instruments") and a trailer in process of being sold. Not the gardener's trailer, but the one the property manager used to live in. There's a large terrace below the west lawn and that's where the greenhouse used to be. We never saw that entire area and not much of the gazebo/rose garden either. In one of the first season episodes, McC chases somebody through some short hedges and that's now where the roses are.

Beautiful place; seems like a dream that we were there. I'm awfully glad we have photos!

You must be joking! It really only had one bedroom? *amazed*

Owlcroft might have the specific dates as to when the pool was filled in and the driveway changed. I'm not sure, but I believe it was just painted over.

Sadly, tours are not available. The estate actually functions as HQ for D!ck Clark's company. The STAR for Brian staff put alot of blood, sweat, and tears into pulling this all together, and it was obvious that we we being treated to a rare and special treat...an opportunity that will probably never happen again.

However! I do recall seeing an article online where Gulls Way was rented out for a special event. I believe it was a "save the animals" celebrity event of some sort.

Oh, here it is...


www.californiawildlifecenter.org/news/events/200804_WayWild.html

So, never say never!

You guys couldn't like draw a map of the place, could you? I've been watching "The Black Widow" yesterday and apparently, you were able to enter the pool from the house. I still find the ways around the estate quite perplexing, even with google earth.