Latest news with #Victorian-style
Boston Globe
a day ago
- General
- Boston Globe
Homes in Brockton, Newton that help bring the outside in
LOT SIZE 0.16 acre BEDROOMS 5 BATHS 2 full, 1 half LAST SOLD FOR $157,900 in 1999 PROS Enter this gabled, corner-lot 1925 Colonial with Victorian-style flourishes by way of an elegant foyer with hardwood floors. The spacious living room at right features bay windows and a gas fireplace, and the formal dining room beyond has a coffered ceiling. French doors lead to a heated sunroom with walls of casement windows plus access to the backyard and a garage with wood stove. The updated eat-in kitchen has quartz counters, stainless appliances, and two-toned Shaker cabinets; there's a half bath nearby, and a mudroom exits to the side porch. Up either staircase, four bedrooms (one with access to a walk-up attic room) share a roomy bath. The basement has laundry, a family room, bedroom, and bath. CONS No central air. Advertisement 43 Ash Street in Brockton Handout Sue Hays, Keller Williams, 508-259-5116, Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up $1,575,000 50 GROVE HILL PARK / NEWTON Sunroom of 50 Grove Hill Park in Newton. Handout SQUARE FEET 2,389 LOT SIZE 0.21 acre BEDROOMS 4 BATHS 2 LAST SOLD FOR $1,207,000 in 2016 PROS This 1921 Craftsman with hardwood floors is set on a tranquil cul-de-sac in Newtonville. From the sunroom entryway, French doors open to an inviting living room with stone fireplace, recessed lights and speakers, and built-in shelves. A breakfast bar splits the dining room from the open kitchen with Shaker cabinetry, double sink, stainless appliances, and granite counters. A nearby mudroom with pantry storage leads to a side patio and fenced yard. Past a bath, the primary bedroom connects to a heated sunroom with over a dozen swing-out windows and rich wood wainscoting. On the second floor, three more bedrooms share a newer bath with double vanity. There's a family room and laundry in the walk-out basement. CONS Shared driveway. Advertisement 50 Grove Hill Park in Newton Handout Noreen Boyce, Advisors Living, 617-749-5308, nboyce@
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
‘We used a saw to cut a hole into the wall and realised it was an old back stairs area' – hidden tunnels and secret rooms in Co Cork
Asking price: €1.6m Agent: Hegarty Properties (021) 4639411 A hidden tunnel, a secret room and links to the Knights Templar lend plenty of intriguing lore to historic Carewswood House, a five-bedroom, 4,823 sq ft pocket mansion which was originally constructed as a dower house to Castlemartyr House, now a resort hotel. Sitting on three acres, Carewswood still has the boarded up tunnel running from its basement area which likely served a dual purpose for the dowagers (widowed mothers or unmarried sisters) of the Earls of Shannon, who constructed Castlemartyr in the 18th century. While the dowager could walk back and forth to the 'Big House' along its covered 2km-plus length, without being exposed to the elements, the tunnel also provided for a failsafe escape in either direction back in fraught times when the natives were a good deal more antsy. Castlemartyr House, part of the Castlemartyr Resort, is beside the castle founded by the Knights Templar in 1210 under the leadership of Richard de Clare, better known as Strongbow. Following the seizure of the estate after the Geraldine Wars, these lands were handed over to Sir Walter Raleigh who later sold them on in 1602 to the Earl of Shannon. Earl Richard Boyle constructed an estate home there in the 1700s, and Carewswood followed, likely in 1814, just 2.4km away. 'In those days, the mother of the heir moved out of the house once her husband passed away and the son and heir remarried and took over the main house, and she would have lived here,' says its owner Gill Hornibrook, who comes from the locality. She bought the property in 1996 with her husband, the late Jack Hornibrook who headed up Hornibrook Builders. The couple had been living in nearby Glendonagh House, a 14-bedroom estate house, which they'd transformed into private nursing home. 'Glendonagh was a Victorian-style house and we'd always wanted a Georgian home,' she says. 'We were attracted to the size of Carewswood. It was the perfect place to raise our four daughters.' The previous owners had added a new roof, a maple floor in the kitchen and a mahogany floor in the dining room, both of which came from an old hotel in Midleton. 'It was a very basic Georgian house when we bought it but we did a major amount of work on it.' The reception rooms include a sitting room, a dining room and a TV room, all of which the couple updated and redecorated. 'We removed all of the old wallpaper and re-plastered and painted the walls, and had the plasterwork in the high ceilings repaired.' They added a front porch with French doors to the south-east facing front and insulated the walls throughout, contributing to its C-BER rating, unusual in a house this age. 'Given that my husband already had a team of craftsmen working for him, everything was done to a very high standard,' she says. 'In the hallway, for example, we searched everywhere to find old limestone to replace the existing slabs. It proved impossible, so we laid Travertine marble instead.' In the kitchen, they installed an Aga stove and had bespoke white solid wood units constructed and added a white dresser and a Belfast sink in the island. 'The island counter is teak and came from a night club,' explains Hornibrook. 'Everyone who comes into the kitchen comments on it.' Off the kitchen are two utility rooms. It opens to an east-facing sunroom which has underfloor heating. 'It's a lovely comfortable room that gets the sun all day,' she adds. Whilst renovating it, the couple came across a secret room which was boarded-up. 'My husband calculated that there was six feet of space extra between the wall and the door and thought there had to be something there. One of his carpenters used a saw to cut a hole that allowed us to see into the space and we realised it was an old back stairs area.' The rediscovered room was renovated and turned into a traditional bar which has high stools, a piano and seating along the wall. 'We've had some great family parties here,' says Hornibrook. 'All four of my daughters got married in Castlemartyr Resort and all of their 'day two parties' were held in the house.' There's also original granite steps leading to a basement, which houses a pool table. 'The steps are quite worn and we think that the same servants probably went between the two houses by foot.' Upstairs, there are five double bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms (added by the couple). 'We've gone to great trouble to maintain the Georgian style in all of the rooms. It's a comfortable house without being ostentatious, and everyone feels at home here.' There's an outdoor courtyard at the back which they renovated in a Mediterranean style with Indian sandstone underfoot. Here, there's an outdoor office, a potting room for the garden and an outdoor bathroom. The original walls surrounding the estate still stand and there's a 1km driveway leading up to it. The grounds contains a Koi pond, a fountain and oak trees that are over 200 years old. The house comes with one-bedroom Gate Lodge, which they've also renovated. 'It had a tree growing in it when we bought the house,' laughs Hornibrook. Sadly, husband Jack died in 2023 so she's now downsizing to a house in Kinsale. 'I hope a family with young children buys it and looks after it because, really, we're just custodians of houses like this.' Hegarty Properties seeks €1.6m.
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
These Forgotten Heritage Homes In Bengaluru Are Now Open for Public Tours
Bengaluru is often called the 'Silicon Valley of India'. The city effortlessly mixes modernity and historical India. While the city's tech parks, the flourishing IT industry, and its cosmopolitan culture are famous, Bengaluru is a city that can be forgotten for its rich history. One of the many hidden gems are heritage homes that belonged to some of the major colonial officers, families, and leaders of the past. These homes, which were decayed over time, are now open for the public after restoration, letting them get a chance to understand the history of the city. Whether you're into history, art, architecture, or you are just a tourist, these heritage homes are worth your time. Why Heritage Homes of Bengaluru Are So Special Heritage homes located in Bangalore are more than unique buildings; these homes are like windows that tell the story and culture of the galaxy. These homes represent the amalgamation of the royal history and the blend of the cultures that gave birth to the city. Each of the heritage structures possess their own unique charm ranging from Indo-Saracenic structures to Victorian-style bungalows. Most of these houses were constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries when Bangalore was a key cantonment town during British rule. However, urbanization and ignorance over time led to the damages of these buildings. Fortunately, the neglect did not kill the structures, and with the help of the government, private organizing firms, and Heritage lovers these homes came back to life. This can help the visitors travel back in time. 1. The Bangalore Fort The Bangalore Fort provides a glimpse into the history of the city, making it a notable heritage site. Kempe Gowda I. constructed the fort in the 16th century. It was later fortified by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan before further modifications by the British. A museum was later established on the premises. Although the fort has managed to survive the constant test of time, the reside structures provide a peek into Bengaluru's military location. Even though the majority of the fort is a ruin, the remains, including the Delhi Gate, portray Bengaluru's architectural and militaristic past. 2 The Mayo Hall In order to commemorate Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India, The Mayo Hall was constructed and is an admirable example signifying colonial architecture. This hall served as a venue for social events and administrative activities which shows that it was an important building in the city. Now, the hall is a government office but its sophisticated design allows everyday people to gaze upon it. The grandeur the hall serves is unparalleled. The exquisite details of the dome and the wide verandas and polished pillars details the work done in the colonial period. 2. The Venkatappa Art Gallery and Government Museum The Venkatappa Art Gallery and Government Museum boasts a building that's truly remarkable on its own. It is a colonial construction with red brick walls and arched entrances. It is one of the best examples of colonial artistry in a building. The museum features a large collection of artifacts such as coins, sculptures, and paintings from ancient periods while the art gallery boasts K. Venkatappa's works, the highly regarded artist from the state. Anyone interested in the history of Bengaluru will find this heritage site very appealing. 3. The Bangalore Palace Bengaluru has many kings and queens' designed and built structures. One of the most famous ones is Bangalore Palace. Bangalore Palace is one of the most famous examples of historical architecture in the city. The palace was ordered to be built long ago and we can truly understand why the blueprints resembled Windsor Castle. First built by the Rev J Garrett, the headmaster of Central High School, it was later purchased by the Wadiyar Dynasty of Mysore. Vintage furniture mixed with stained glass and exquisitely carved wood gives the interior furnishings a royal touch. The expansive gardens surrounding the Palace are available to the public and serve as venues for cultural gatherings and concerts. 4. The Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace This summer palace of Tipu Sultan is crafted solely from teak and now has the doors opened for tourists. It is situated next to the Bangalore Fort. This majestic place is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic style architecture. In today's world, this palace serves as a museum that exhibits artifacts relevant to the life of Tipu Sultan. As the rhyme of a celebrated historical figure unfolds, viewers are treated with intricate carvings, floral motifs, and beauty beyond words. The palace has been restored for the modern inhabitants of the land to share in its glory. 5. The Attara Kacheri (High Court) Just as famed as the Karnataka High Court, The Attara Kacheri is composed of red bricks. This building is a commemoration for the colonial history of Bengaluru. With lavish gardens cast aside for public usage, the royal head of the building is still functional and cloaked in archaic neoclassical design, gripping its Corinthian columns, vaulted windows, and regal dome. There is no doubt that the statue head of Kacheri beautifies the history of Bengaluru's ruler alongside the border of grandeur and beauty. Maintaining the Heritage of Bengaluru The reopening of these heritage homes and buildings is a step forward in maintaining the cultural and historical legacy of Bengaluru. These structures serve a dual purpose of being tourist spots and helping people understand the city's history. The efforts to protect and develop these heritage sites are most certainly important for the preservation of the unique identity of the city of Bengaluru for the future years to come. Final Thoughts The lost heritage buildings of Bengaluru are more than architectural attractions. Civilization is a thread, and such structures are stitches that keep the city or region's life intact. The uniqueness of Bengaluru comes to the limelight as these homes focus on ever welcoming the tourists. If they open their doors, a studious analysis of the culture and artistry spotlighted in these homes and the historical context behind it will emerge. It does not matter if you are new to the world of history, an architecture admirer, or just a tourist; these places should be visited if deeper comprehension of this heritage laden city is desired. So next time, if you are visiting Bengaluru, instead of the tech parks and malls, visit these splendid heritage homes and walk into the pages of history.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
'Ugliest house on the street' unrecognisable after being snapped up by DIY fan
A man has raised eyebrows after making a series of dramatic renovations to his Victorian home which was dubbed "the ugliest house on the street" - and now it's completely unrecognisable A man who snapped up the "ugliest house on the street" has completely revamped it, leaving many people stunned by its remarkable turnaround. Tackling a renovation project is anything but a walk in the park; it drains your time, eats into your wallet, and can cause many a sleepless night. But, the end result of a transformation can be so spectacular that the rigmarole seems worth it, rewarding plucky property owners with a safe home that reflects their personal style. Our homes contribute majorly to our well-being and inner happiness – and one man has dedicated himself to realising the full potential by snapping up a worn-out, dated Victorian terrace covered in drab, putty-coloured render. Ash Mazzina, a digital content creator who champions "embracing the elegance of British tradition with a touch of Italian sophistication", has built a loyal audience on social media. He's shared his extensive two-year journey in which he's completely overhauled his property. He's expertly brought the house back to life - but in line with its Victorian roots. The unattractive cladding has been stripped away to reveal the underlying brickwork which has been restored and repointed, while the tired PVC windows have been swapped for chic sash windows. Even the old PVC door has had an upgrade to a classy dark grey wooden one, boasting reeded glass panes and brass fixtures reminiscent of a past era. Inside, the impressive revamp continues. There's chic herringbone flooring in the hallway which flows into the new stylish kitchen. Previously a tired, small white space with dated white cupboards and red and black tiles, it has been rejigged with traditional shaker units in a striking dark red, complemented by wooden worktops and a Belfast sink. The living room was a blank canvas with white walls and a dark grey faux wood-effect floor, but it's now morphed into a tranquil haven of comfort, featuring dark walls and bright pops of coloured furniture. Upstairs, the bedrooms echo this blend of classic features and bold colours, softened by light-hued soft furnishings and upholstery. The bathroom exudes an atmospheric charm with its deep red hue, Victorian-style wall panelling and monochrome floor tiles. A vintage dresser houses the sink, topped with marble and paired with a decorative gold mirror to reflect light around the room. Ash gave his followers a virtual tour of the property on TikTok, writing over the footage: "You buy the ugliest house on the street and make it your dream home". In the accompanying caption, he wrote: "Here is a mini house tour, two years into our restoring our old Victorian house in London. Some of my favourite additions are the Herringbone flooring and the fireplaces. "Getting to design this house from scratch was a dream. Hopefully I can give you some inspiration to design your space, and bring back some old world charm". The post has already garnered nearly half a million likes and has been saved close to 50,000 times. In the comments section, interior design enthusiasts were eager to offer their reactions. One person shared: "Now this is a renovation". Another viewer was relieved by the work Ash has completed and said: "I was so worried this was going to be renovated like a grey new build, this is gorgeous". A third admirer said: "My eyes literally physically widened seeing the kitchen, bathroom and garden. I always find they're the hardest to get right and these are just beautiful". One TikTok fan declared: "Literally the only good house renovation I've seen on here". Another person said: "My jaw kept dropping" while someone else added: "Wow, you've definitely got an eye for beauty and this sir is beautiful. Congratulations".
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Forbes
Best Hotels In Key West 2025
Thanks to its beaches, colorful houses and vibrant community, Florida's Key West has attracted artists and writers for decades. 'It's where laid-back island vibes meet quirky charm,' says Claire Herzog, a travel advisor at Fora. 'It's hard not to fall in love with it.' The best hotels in Key West reflect the area's creative soul and provide prime access to legendary spots like Duval Street and Mallory Square. Our top overall recommendation is The Marquesa Hotel, thanks to its prime location a block off of Duval Street. Meanwhile, luxury seekers will appreciate a resort-style stay at Ocean Key Resort & Spa, design aficionados will be impressed with the charming furnishings at The Grand Maloney and families seeking ample room for children to play will want to book Parrot Key Hotel And Villas. Ahead, the best hotels in Key West for 2025. Exterior of The Marquesa Hotel in Key West, Florida. This charming hotel is perched on Fleming Street in the heart of Old Town, providing a superb location within walking distance of Key West's best sights. With just 27 rooms inside four restored, Victorian-style conch cottages dating back to the late 1800s, guests can enjoy pops of pastels, white wrap-around balconies, lush tropical flora and two courtyard swimming pools. While no two rooms are exactly alike, most are spacious with high gloss Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and a mélange of furniture sourced everywhere from the West Indies to the Philippines and England. For foodies, the property's on-site restaurant, Café Marquesa, is widely regarded as one of the best in Key West, with creative preparations of local seafood such as seared black grouper with basil blue crab and saffron aioli. Guest room at Ocean Key Resort & Spa. For unparalleled sunset views, Ocean Key Resort & Spa offers 27 guest rooms, many of which feature a private balcony with views of Key West Harbor (others overlook the historic Duval Street). Each room offers a sophisticated and elegant mix of florals and stripes, as well as an in-room mini bar that's refreshed daily and comfortable wooden furniture for reading or enjoying a coffee before starting your day. The fantastic spa, SpaTerre, features Balinese-inspired treatments, and the resort offers multiple dining options, whether you're looking for a sit-down dinner or poolside drinks. The property's Sunset Pier bar is also open daily and features live music, allowing travelers to take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying the music. A room at the Grand Maloney. Design aficionados will be delighted by this intimate hotel, which features five individually designed guest rooms (each with its own name) and a freestanding carriage house with a tropical outdoor shower that will make you feel as though you're on a private island. Every room is housed within a meticulously restored Victorian-style mansion, preserving many historic architectural details, including the 11-foot ceilings and 150-year-old wood floors. Beyond the well-appointed rooms, numerous common spaces are available for relaxation before exploring the nearby shops and restaurants, including a pool and an airy second-floor balcony. The mansion also features a wraparound front porch where travelers can mingle and enjoy a morning coffee (complimentary espresso is available in the lobby). Exterior of Parrot Key Hotel & Villas. For families traveling with little ones in tow, Parrot Key Hotel and Villas is an excellent option. It overlooks the Florida Bay and offers plenty of privacy and breathtaking views. (Although it's a 10 to 15 minute drive to Old Town, there's a complimentary shuttle so guests won't have to worry about transportation.) One of the best features of this hotel is its four sparkling pools, nestled among lush plants and sculpture gardens; there's also five acres of tropical gardens that surround the property and the waterfront white sand beach. The 148 spacious rooms and villas are perfect for large broods, with a porch overlooking the property's well-manicured gardens. Families can also enjoy outdoor excursions such as parasailing, snorkeling, and a guided kayak tour, which will keep younger travelers engaged and excited. Exterior of The Saint Hotel Key West, Autograph Collection. Couples seeking a playful atmosphere with numerous amenities will find plenty to love at this adults-only hotel, situated in Old Town and offering easy access to the main attractions that draw travelers to Key West year after year. There are 36 rooms with a fun, eclectic design that reflects the vibrancy of the location. The rooms are outfitted with a variety of amenities, including large flat-screen TVs and spacious walk-in showers. If you're looking for a drink in a lively setting, the rooftop bar has live music, and the hotel's onsite restaurant is an excellent spot for dinner or a late-night snack. If you're seeking excitement beyond the hustle and bustle of Old Town, the hotel offers a year-round outdoor swimming pool with pool loungers and free bicycles for guests to use at their leisure. Exterior of The Mansion On The Sea. Those with a penchant for old-world charm will enjoy the historic architecture of this distinctive adults-only hotel, located on Duval Street. The Victorian mansion is painted pink with hints of seafoam green and features a turret, as well as a wraparound front porch that's perfect for taking in sunrises and sunsets while enjoying the mild weather. It was initially built as a private residence and later turned into a hotel with 18 guest rooms, a heated zero-entry infinity pool and a poolside bar. Pool towels, lounge chairs, and umbrellas are all available for guests to use, and the poolside bar offers a delicious assortment of snacks and drinks (including the café's famous lobster pizza). There's also a complimentary continental breakfast each morning where travelers can enjoy locally ground and roasted coffee, fresh fruit, pastries, bagels, yogurt, eggs and more. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. We selected the top contenders based on personal experience and extensive research. I am a commerce editor for Forbes Vetted covering topics in beauty, fashion, travel and home. Prior to joining Forbes, I held positions at BuzzFeed and Dotdash Meredith, where I was responsible for curating lifestyle content and testing products for real-world insights. My work has appeared in Women's Health, Men's Health, BuzzFeed, Brit + Co, Everyday Health and more. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in English/Creative Writing from Marist College and currently reside in Brooklyn, New York.
