Gilded Age Mansion Restoration & Open Post.
Up until yesterday, I was stuck in the post-holiday zone where time has evaporated and you have no idea what day it is. So for this week’s post, there is no requirement for wit or intelligent thought.
I mean, you can be witty or intelligent… But I myself am excused.
I spent the weekend de-Christmasing and lecturing myself about minimalism. And vacuuming, vacuuming, vacuuming. And coming to terms with the need for a new computer because the intermittent-shutting-off of this one has made doing anything like a game of chicken… I win if I hit save every 30 seconds, I lose if I try to do anything with photos.
The only thing that would be more annoying than this computer, would be the process of getting a new one.
I might have skipped posting altogether but you all are the best part of my week and I miss you when I am not here. Plus, I wanted to thank you for the way I do not even have to browse the Internet anymore– you just send me what I need to read/pin/consider… Everything from disco ball pizza ovens to house-related stuff that gives me fits of envy.
Such as this video of the restoration of Belcourt Castle in Newport.
[quote]…The house was built in the last half of the 19th century for Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont, the son of the financier August Belmont and an eccentric who apparently really loved his horses (some sources note he liked to dress them up, changing their costumes several times a day).
…had the entire building laser-scanned to produce an accurate set of architectural drawings. That will allow him to make “incredibly accurate molds for reproduction” of the damaged ornamental plasterwork.
…The thing about houses, he continued, “is they can always be fixed. It’s just a matter of money.”– Via the New York Times article on the restoration[/quote]
more pictures – Belcourt of Newport, photo album, thanks to TKraft for the NYT article!!
Paul and I also spent the weekend moving my latest craigslist score up to the second floor.
What is it? Obviously I can’t tell you. Where is the suspense in that?
Paul told me that I do not need to bother explaining that it needs a few “adjustments.” He claims you already know that I only buy adjustment-needing things… or even more preferably – broken things. And that being broken is actually my first criteria when shopping for anything.
Paul says that when I call someone on craigslist, I say – Hi! Are you are selling something broken? I am interested!
A handful of you sent me the above article about an apartment in Paris that has been sealed since 1946 – The owner fled during the war and never returned.
I hadn’t seen this story and I am very excited because clearly, Paris will be calling me to say they could not think of a more suitable person to give it to.
Below is Lillie’s. The bar is not original to the space, but moved from a Victorian mansion in Belfast, Ireland. The rest of the photos are a mix of giant Victorian stuff, thus I approve. Thanks to DIY Sarah for the link.
Now for the open part of this post – I would love if you shared a link to something you have enjoyed reading or looking at… No requirement for house-related content and it doesn’t have to be online – could be a book or movie. *Be aware that more than one link in a comment will likely get you eaten by the spam filter.
January 7, 2014 @ 10:21 am
Here’s one for you Victoria…..”Smellcome to Manhood”, Old Spice’s 2014 commercial. Surprised they didn’t save this one for Super Bowl – it’s hilarious.
January 7, 2014 @ 10:57 am
This is one of the best ever. I was going to send it myself! I thought it was Super bowl material when I first saw it too.
January 14, 2014 @ 9:33 am
Oh, that’s so creepy.
January 15, 2014 @ 4:05 pm
Wait? Was that Meatloaf?
January 7, 2014 @ 10:24 am
This is one of my favorites. It’s in Vancouver, BC. The home was built in the 1930s by liquor smugglers during prohibition. What I love most about it? The original murals by Disney artists. I would love to see Dopey’s room!
http://www.vancouversun.com/story_print.html?id=4537909&sponsor=
September 30, 2014 @ 9:51 am
Absolutely amazing! Some general observations: The marble and green bath must be for a man. The seat is up. Also, with such a luxurious bathroom, couldn’t they spring for a medicine cabinet, or another form of storage for the products sitting out in open view? Lol!
Lastly, I would LOVE to have a dining room that seats ten people! Think of all the projects I could do on that massive table!!! Glitter, anyone?
January 7, 2014 @ 10:28 am
Speaking of things untouched….
A Victorian kitchen untouched for 60 years: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2037644/Victorian-kitchen-remained-untouched-60-years.html
“Also found were pastry cutters and antique fire extinguishers.” : )
January 7, 2014 @ 10:29 am
This will make your day.
January 7, 2014 @ 10:50 am
Am I supposed to guess?
January 7, 2014 @ 11:00 am
Maybe?
January 7, 2014 @ 10:35 am
Apologies for lowering the tone but not sure if this hilarious discussion made it overseas. If not – read, weep, enjoy and start conjuring up designs for ‘penis beakers’.
http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/mumsnet_classics/a1875847-Do-you-dunk-your-penis
January 7, 2014 @ 12:39 pm
Dirty! And wasted a good bit of my day! 🙂
January 7, 2014 @ 2:05 pm
wow
January 7, 2014 @ 3:19 pm
I laughed so hard at this thread of discussion…I am so ashamed!!! LOL
January 7, 2014 @ 10:35 am
Hi!
You may have missed this web site….New York Social Diary…they have a section called “house”, many of the homes are from the Victorian Age, most are being redone, right up your alley! also some gorgeous apartments and condominiums in NYC….
January 7, 2014 @ 10:44 am
I have NOT seen that site. There goes the next 2 days of my life…
http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/nysd/nysdhouse
January 7, 2014 @ 10:39 am
Did you see the disco ball backsplash? Perfect for your new kitchen!
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/59461657553929351/
January 7, 2014 @ 10:46 am
I will make sure Paul writes you a thank you note to express his appreciation for introducing me to this idea.
January 14, 2014 @ 11:45 am
I have the exact kitchen tiles, and sadly they do not sparkle (much).
January 7, 2014 @ 10:54 am
Why stop at the splashback, go for the floor too!!
http://1910housetohome.wordpress.com/after/disco-loo/
January 7, 2014 @ 10:43 am
Hey there, I dont have cable tv so I can only catch freebie shows online or on Youtube, I love watching the Bronson Pinchot Project about his 1840 Greek Revival Home. Have you seen it? They only have one episode on the site, booo, Ive caught a few other clips of others on Youtube but I love it! I could watch shows like this all day.
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy-the-bronson-pinchot-project/videos/index.html
January 7, 2014 @ 10:46 am
Victoria, my girl, I knew not to believe you when you implied that this post would be without your usual wit. Of course, this had witty remarks. You can’t help yourself.
January 7, 2014 @ 10:47 am
May I humbly submit: 6 castles that cost less than an apartment in NYC
http://www.buzzfeed.com/benrosen/6-castles-that-cost-less-than-an-apartment-in-nyc
January 7, 2014 @ 11:15 pm
This is fantastic!
January 7, 2014 @ 10:57 am
Here’s my contribution. This makes me smile every time.
January 7, 2014 @ 11:00 am
What? You wanted a link with that? This WILL make your day:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/30/little-boy-steals-spotlig_n_4520107.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=582318,b=facebook
January 7, 2014 @ 11:01 am
Love the jellyfish – kill the speakers. Unfortunately, the general public can be loud. And their kids squeal, which is also loud.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=148651173791&set=vb.533553791&type=2&theater
January 7, 2014 @ 11:16 am
…The thing about houses, he continued, “is they can always be fixed. It’s just a matter of money.”
Perhaps you could bribe Paul to give you the disco ball backsplash by offering him one of these: http://www.billiardrestoration.com/antique-pool-tables.htm
January 7, 2014 @ 11:19 am
I follow a photographer on Facebook who goes into abandoned homes and buildings. Check out these untouched treasure troves!
http://artofurbex.smugmug.com/Urbex/nf/27453304_k2WGwG#!i=3006722554&k=h3X9vpn
January 8, 2014 @ 6:28 pm
We need to form an army and go there and save her!
January 14, 2014 @ 9:34 pm
I spent hours on this site – just gorgeous and wasteful and timeless. It was mesmerizing and sad. Thank you for sharing it.
January 7, 2014 @ 11:28 am
OK, so this is not quite your Victorian thing, but the amount of creativity and inspiration is definitely there. When I lived in Santa Barbara, we called this the Keebler house. When I went to go look for photos for you, I found out that they’re now calling it the Whale House. (I still think it looks like the Keebler tree) No disco balls, but plenty of interesting wow. Thought I’d steer you somewhere non-typical… http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/999-Andante-Rd-Santa-Barbara-CA-93105/15885544_zpid/
Happy New Year! and Yes, I’m pondering the simpler life, and may donate half of my house contents to charity later this month to clear it out.
-Tricia
January 7, 2014 @ 11:40 am
Hi Victoria,
Thanks for starting this topic, I will be sharing some of these great story posts on My Facebook page. I had shared the Paris Time Warp Apt. story a couple of years ago and it was one of my most commented and seen/ shared posts ever! I would love to see that in person!
One of my favorite movies for the clothes (1930’s), the scenery and setting( Villas, Italy, the Amalfi coast) and story, it is based on an Oscar Wilde play. A Good Woman with Scarlett Johannson and Helen Hunt. It’s like reading a good story. On Netflix, http://nflx.it/1ht9vCs
Have you ever read the “Living In” series on Design Sponge? http://www.designsponge.com/category/living-in
I have been waiting to see them take on this movie, I think you will enjoy this blog series as well.
January 7, 2014 @ 11:41 am
This is my favorite thing on the internet.
January 7, 2014 @ 12:03 pm
This is so funny if you are up for a laugh!
http://universityspeedreading.com/perhaps-the-most-hilarious-commercial-ever-really-puts-things-into-perspective/
January 7, 2014 @ 12:16 pm
I am head over heels in love with this 19th Century French Farm table. Even the enormous crack in it takes my breath away. I have planned an entire basement reno around it, I want a French Wine Tasting Room down there. Let me know if you need this table for your kitchen, it came from a house on the Mainline. Oh, no, I don’t own it. Yet. (and as far as the computer issue, I feel your pain…my macbook got splashed with some chicken soup yesterday, darn this cold weather, and now the touchpad has a mind of its own)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=587172108027784&set=pcb.587173664694295&type=1&theater