TOUR PROVIDES PEEK INSIDE REAGAN SUITE.

Byline: Enrique Rivero Daily News Staff Writer

To Simi Valley resident Gordon Francisco, the private suite used by President and Nancy Reagan on their trips to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is always worth a visit.

Already a veteran of a visit to the elegant, second-floor rooms, Francisco brought three of his five children on a rare public tour Saturday of the suite used by the Reagans to entertain visiting dignitaries or just to relax during trips to the library.

Like the others in the group, Francisco was impressed with the carved elephants, bronze horses, and other pieces throughout the suite. More awe-inspiring was that the Reagans and dignitaries from around the world had walked the same floors.

``I think it's exciting,'' said Francisco, an attorney with a practice in town.

The 20-minute tours took groups through the front reception hall, the Reagans' separate offices, board room, living area, reception/dining area and spacious balcony with its vast view of hills and, on a clear day, the Pacific Ocean.

The suite - also used by guest speakers and others involved in library activities - is opened to the public a couple of times each year, said Mark Hunt, director of the library and museum.

``People just enjoy it very much for the same reason they come to the library - to learn more about Reagan,'' Hunt said.

During the tour, the public is treated to a rare glimpse into the private side of the Reagans. The Reagans' personal tastes are in evidence throughout, from the president's love of horses and all things western to the former first lady's love of the color red.

There are thousands of gifts carefully displayed throughout the suite that were given to the Reagans by foreign dignitaries and by individuals.

``They vary sort of from the sublime to the somewhat unusual,'' Hunt said.

For example, on the mantle over the fireplace in the living area are two jade incense holders received by the Reagans from the Republic of Korea. There are also Waterford crystals from Ireland on a side table and, everywhere, sculptures and portraits of Reagan's beloved horses and of elephants made from just about every material imaginable abound.

``Elephants, that's obvious what that's about - the GOP,'' Hunt said.

One of the most prominent features on display in the front reception hall is a mosaic replica made by an Ohio family of Reagan's official presidential portrait of 1981. ``Then they stuck it in a van and brought it out personally,'' Hunt said.

There are also photographs taken with people particularly important to the Reagans, such as one 1982 photograph of Reagan and Queen Elizabeth II on horseback in front of Windsor Castle.

The suite was decorated entirely by Nancy Reagan, according to Hunt.

``You have a real sense of Mrs. Reagan's taste - her good taste - and what interests her and is important to her in their private lives,'' Hunt said.

Even the view from the balcony has a personal connection to the Reagans, because the spectacular scenery closely resembles the views around the Reagans' Santa Barbara ranch, Hunt said.

But even Hunt, who took over directorship of the library a few months ago, enjoys just standing on that balcony.

``You get one heck of a view, don't you?'' he said. ``I haven't been here long enough to get blase about it. It's always a treat.''

The tour continues today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is at 40 Presidential Drive. The tour is free, but tickets are required and are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the main desk. Tours are every hour on the half-hour.

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3 Photos

Photo: (1--ran in CONEJO, SIMI AND AV only--color in SIM I and CONEJO only) An illuminated oil painting of President Reagan greets visitors as they wait for an elevator ride Saturday at the library.

(2--ran in CONEJO, AV and SAC only) A tour group takes a look at the elegant Presidential Suite during a special tour of the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi on Saturday.

(2--ran in CONEJO, AV and SAC only) Eddie Reyes of Fillmore gets an up close inspection of private photos of President Reagan.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News