Showing posts with label home and property. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home and property. Show all posts


Northwest Houston Business Hit by Serial Arson Attacks

Fire erupted in the air inside the Beauty Empire Premium Outlet located in northwestern Harris County, close to Cypress Creek Parkway, on last Tuesday.

The exterior surveillance footage shows two individuals dressed entirely in black wandering near the structure. The property owners suspect these persons were involved in starting the blaze.

A week later, the store is still closed while much of the merchandise has been burned to ash, and the owners are left with thousands of dollars worth of damage. Felix Morales is the general manager and got a call from fire officials early that morning.

"At present, I have nothing to say," Morales stated.

Morales is concerned not just about the store, but also about his employees who are unable to work due to the shutdown.

"Stop causing this harm no longer. You’re hurting families, not just the store and the merchandise," Morales stated.

Investigators have confirmed that someone deliberately started a fire at the same store last year, yet they do not think the incidents are connected.

However, on Wednesday morning, another business under their ownership, situated within a mile’s distance, became the target of an attack too. According to the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, combustible fluid was allegedly splashed across the roof of this establishment. Authorities suspect these events might be related and consider them part of an ongoing arson investigation.

While the probe is ongoing, the proprietors intend to increase security measures in the interim.

He mentioned, 'I've already spoken with the owners. Overnight, we ought to increase our camera surveillance and hire additional security personnel.'

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Cathy Kelly Lists Enniskerry Retreat for $1.9M as She Downsizes After 21 Years

Numerous bestselling novels have been written within these walls. Ridgewood House , located on Cookstown Lane in Enniskerry, County Wicklow.

The house nurtured the creativity of author Cathy Kelly, who has since decided to downsize following the acquisition of the property in 2001 and relocating there in 2002.

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Although Cathy has had a challenging period recently due to her battle with cancer and wrapping up her divorce, she is optimistic about the remainder of 2025, seeing it as a new beginning. She has listed her house for sale at €1.75 million.

When you step into Ridgewood House, situated within its private sanctuary spanning roughly an acre and protected by secure electric gates, you are greeted by the expansive entrance hall.

Despite having dark wooden floors, the area is bathed in sunlight due to its transparent entryway and the natural light cascading through the staircase from the second level of the house.

The space is completed with traditional coving, inset lighting, integrated storage solutions, and numerous power outlets. Additionally, an entry phone system is installed within this section.

As you enter the premises, a welcoming breakfast/kitchen area greets you with its contemporary styling. The bay window sets the scene for the breakfast nook, making it an ideal place to savor your early-morning brew or serve the day’s first essential meal to your loved ones.

The kitchen comes fitted with high-quality appliances such as a Smeg dual-fuel stove, a Servis refrigerator-freezer combo, along with two Miele dishwashers.

A sizable stainless-steel sink sits below generous counter space, with an abundance of wall-mounted and under-cabinet cabinets offering plentiful storage options throughout.

Through to the family/dining room, the welcoming space has seen many a family meal and late night study session in its day as Cathy raised her twin sons Murray and Dylan, now 21, in the home.

The two recessed areas allow property owners the choice between showcasing items or storing them away, and the practical placement of TV and electric outlets adds versatility for contemporary household needs.

The utility/pantry area of the property is well-equipped to cater to a busy home environment. It offers plenty of storage space via wall-mounted cabinets and units located beneath countertops.

This place includes a Bosch washing machine and a large half-sized stainless-steel sink, ideal for handling laundry tasks. Furthermore, there’s a classic Sheila Maid drying rack hanging from the ceiling, ready for use whenever the Irish climate doesn’t cooperate.

In another part of the home, the drawing room serves as an ideal area for hosting visitors. It is awash with natural light due to its three exposures and impressive bay window, providing vistas of the charming garden, the lush surroundings, and a lovely sight of the Irish Sea.

The centerpiece of the space, nonetheless, is the delightful exposed stone fireplace, fostering a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Completing the property's ground floor accommodation is a spacious office/study, a guest bedroom, which could be converted into an additional office space, an en-suite and a guest WC.

Upon ascending the staircase and passing through the landing space, which features double aspect windows, you will encounter the grandeur of the master suite.

The suite includes a connected dressing area equipped with generous storage for clothes, along with a private bathroom featuring separate vanities for him and her, underneath-the-basin vanity units, and a spacious walk-in shower fitted with a rainfall showerhead.

On the first floor, you'll find two additional bedrooms, a spacious family bathroom, and a linen closet.

Downstairs, the said one-acre plot additionally features a 'granny flat' expansion.

This space includes the house’s fifth bedroom, ideal for converting into either a games room or a gym; the possibilities with this property are endless!

The place features a charming hall along with a reasonably sized bathroom equipped with a toilet, sink, and an indulgent Jacuzzi tub that comes with a shower attachment.

The top floor features a seventh bedroom equipped with three integrated double closets and an attached bathroom that includes a toilet, sink, and shower.

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This Pre-Assembled Luxury Amazon Tiny Home Brings Lavish Living in a Box

Whether it's an extra bedroom , home office Or perhaps you’ve dreamed of having a game room for the children; at some stage, most of us have longed for additional space. Financial constraints often make large moves or extensive renovations unfeasible. As a result, homeowners are increasingly gazing out their windows and exploring their backyards as they seek innovative and budget-friendly options.

Even though small houses aren't a recent addition to the marketplace, they currently offer an unprecedented variety of prefabricated choices. These compact abodes come completely assembled with essentials like a bedroom, living area, fully fitted kitchen, and bathroom; making them increasingly easy to set up right at home in your backyard.

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Although home improvements and expansions may run up costs into the tens of thousands of dollars, Amazon offers prefabricated tiny homes starting below $10k — and these models are surprisingly upscale.

Regardless of whether you intend to utilize the area as an additional relaxation zone, visitor accommodation, or man cave, she shed , you have the freedom to tailor your small house according to your preferences. Just modify the count of bedrooms or bathrooms to suit your ideal floor plan.

Besides setting up your small house, you have several additional customization options available. These include deciding if the kitchen should be an open concept or enclosed, selecting the style of windows for the bedroom, and determining if you prefer separating the dry and wet zones within the bathroom.

Although living in a tiny house permanently can pose challenges, many homeowners are opting to add them to their properties as accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for multiple reasons, including providing accommodation for visiting grandparents. These areas have consequently been referred to as ADUs. "Granny Pods" —and they are really beneficial for homes where multiple generations live together and both parents work.

A guest area, garden shed, playroom, or even a small dwelling like a granny flat could serve as an affordable way to expand your living space. Fortunately, numerous prefabricated options can be delivered directly to you fully assembled; simply choose your preferred location.



Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House: A Prairie Style Gem

In the University at Buffalo's library sit numerous pages filled with letters concerning Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House, a historically significant residence in the city commemorating its 120th anniversary since completion this year. These documents were penned by both Wright and Darwin D. Martin—a local entrepreneur who served as the project’s commissioner—and delve into intricate aspects of the estate’s design—such as dimensions, specific moldings used, materials selected for furniture pieces, among countless others. "This dwelling can be considered one of the most thoroughly recorded houses within our nation," remarks Jessie Fisher, current head administrator of the Martin House. She adds that some days saw up to three exchanges per day between these individuals over minute matters such as placement of lighting fixtures; their communications included not only written notes but also telegraph messages and phone conversations. It has been fortunate indeed that an extensive collection of their correspondences along with all of Mr. Martin’s personal journals remains preserved today.

The extensive set of detailed notes played an essential role in a recent renovation and reconstruction of the Martin House complex. Completed officially in 2019 after almost three decades, this project entailed fully reconstructing elements like the estate’s pergola, carriage house, and conservatory—structures that had been torn down back in the '50s. Moreover, the preservation specialists also refurbished several additional buildings within the complex. Maintaining historic sites comes with numerous challenges; deciding the optimal way to preserve such spaces poses many complexities. Redoing a residence from scratch adds yet another layer of difficulty to these endeavors.

Here, we delve into all the details you should be aware of regarding the Martin House situated in Buffalo, New York.

History of the Martin Residence

Situated at 125 Jewett Parkway in Buffalo, New York, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House stands as both a National Historic Landmark and a highly important creation of this renowned American architect. Prairie period In the beginning of the 20th century, entrepreneur Darwin D. Martin sought out an architect who could create designs not only for his personal residence but also for a new structure intended for the Larkin Soap Company, where he was employed.

Martin’s sibling, William E. Martin, resided in Oak Park, Illinois, which was also home to Wright during that time. In a 1902 correspondence from the University at Buffalo Archives, William endorsed Wright to his brother, mentioning, "He isn’t fraudulent or a 'kook'; rather, he’s well-educated and refined, an honest businessman who holds lofty aspirations." He continued later in the same letter, saying, "Your residence would genuinely delight him as his creation—moreover, he is the person you should hire for constructing your workspace."

William’s suspicion that Wright was the right person for both roles turned out to be accurate. Wright was appointed to create the complex for the Martin family as well as the Larkin Administration Building, finishing it in 1906. This administration building marked Wright’s inaugural effort in designing an office structure. Despite being torn down in 1950, pieces of it can still be found at 664 Swan Street, roughly a ten-minute drive away from the Martin House.

Architectural features of the Martin House

When standing on Jewett Parkway opposite the Darwin Martin House, one might initially mistake it for another iconic Frank Lloyd Wright design, such as the Robie House in Chicago. Like its counterpart in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, this house has an inconspicuous main entrance and is constructed with Roman bricks. However, once you enter the premises and observe its numerous additional buildings, it becomes evident that the Martin House Complex stands alone in terms of architectural significance. This compound comprises six structures designed by Wright and collectively spans almost 30,000 square feet within its interiors.

The six buildings constructed in the Prairie style at this site include the George Barton House, the Gardener’s Cottage, the principal residence, the conservatory, the pergola, and the carriage house, which currently houses the museum store. On the western part of the grounds stands the Eleanor and Wilson Greatbatch Pavilion, serving as the visitor center; it is the sole structure on the premises not envisioned by Wright. This particular edifice was crafted by architect Toshiko Mori and made accessible to the public in 2009.

The pergola at the property extends as a lengthy enclosed passage linking the primary residence with the conservatory. Without this insight, an ordinary guest might find it difficult to discern where the initial building stops. However, recognizing how much effort was invested in accurately reconstructing the entire Martin House complex provides valuable perspective.

Similar to his other creations, compression and expansion play crucial roles in designing the Martin House estate as envisioned by Wright. Variations in ceiling heights and room sizes guide occupants through areas where Wright wanted visitors to pause and appreciate. In contrast to what an equally renowned contemporary architect might emphasize with such elements, the entrance hall and stairwell within the primary residence remain notably modest.

Fisher explains that he believes the upper floor should be a secluded area for families, questioning why the stairway was designed to be so noticeable. Minor elements such as maintaining dim lighting in the staircase showcase Wright's intentional reinterpretation of conventional home design principles.

The interior decoration of the Martin House

Wright created many of the furnishings. For the Martin House, including the Barrel Chair The lighting fixtures and the ingeniously concealed built-in bookcases span across the expansive open living area, often referred to as "the unit room." Inside the house, you'll find an eclectic blend of authentic items alongside their replicas. Various types of stained-glass windows can be spotted around the estate, gently separating the indoor areas from the external gardens.

The intricate wisteria mosaic adorning all four sides of the fireplace is among the most distinctive features within the Martin House interior. This design serves as a link between the entry hall and the dining room, guiding guests seamlessly from one area to the next. Originally crafted with shades of brown and green, this stunning mosaic has been faithfully reproduced. Botti Studio of Architectural Design using mostly new tile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the owner of the Martin House?

The primary residence is owned by an entity known as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House (previously referred to as the Martin House Restoration Corporation). However, ownership is slated for transfer to New York State. Meanwhile, the rest of the property—including the land and all structures apart from the principal dwelling—will remain under the control of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House.

What was the construction cost of the Martin House?

When initially constructed, the Martin House complex had a price tag exceeding $175,000, equivalent to over $5 million in today’s dollars considering inflation. The extensive restoration project undertaken over many years came with a staggering $50 million bill.

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Discover the Iconic Home from 'The Notebook' in Charleston, South Carolina

Without a doubt, "The Notebook," which was released in 2004, stands out as one of the most beloved romantic tales in movie history, captivating countless audiences. Today, you can explore the famous house that served as the setting for the film.

To mark the 20 th anniversary of the release of The Notebook , Blog.Diwida takes you on a journey through an iconic film setting: the home of Noah and Allie in South Carolina. This charming house, now emblematic of the enduring romance between the main characters, still captivates viewers who loved the movie.

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The iconic house of The Notebook the wealth of Wadmalaw, South Carolina

"A home painted white with azure shutters. Inside, a chamber offering a vista perfect for capturing on canvas. And an antiquated porch ideal for sipping tea as the sun sets." These are the words through which young Allie describes her dream abode to her initial flame, Noah, in Nicholas Spark’s novel. The Notebook . Similar to a vow etched in stone, committing to always stand by one another.

To make Allie's dream a reality, the film production teams embarked on a quest to find the ideal house for the movie version of the renowned novel. They discovered their perfect setting on Island. not far from Charleston Located in South Carolina, this house boasts a traditional Southern design with its pristine white exterior, expansive windows offering views of the nearby lake, and impressive size. The architectural elements encapsulate the area’s natural charm and tranquility, serving as an ideal setting for the intense love story depicted in the movie.

As the movie progresses, viewers see how the house transforms over time, mirroring the shifting dynamics between Allie and Noah. The home stands as an undeniable testament to Noah’s dedication to Allie, almost playing a leading role within the story itself. The Notebook , and the film adaptation in 2004 makes it one of the finest spots for romance anywhere .

A memorable trip during your time in Charleston

Even though the house is currently under private ownership, its exterior areas are accessible to tourists, enabling them to immerse themselves in the distinctive ambiance that contributed significantly to the movie’s acclaim.

Guests have the opportunity to wander through the gardens and view the exterior architecture, capturing images at locations where countless feelings unfolded. The picturesque scenery, featuring towering cypress trees and serene lakes, enhances this immersive encounter, giving visitors a fleeting glimpse into the lives of Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun.



Freo Council's Brazen Plan to Banish Rough Sleepers with Bizarre Architecture

A local council in Perth is employing potted plants as part of their efforts to discourage rough sleepers from occupying a well-known tourist spot.

The City of Fremantle has positioned two big potted lemon trees at the entrance to the former Hungry Jacks location on the bustling Cappuccino Strip with the aim of preventing rough sleepers from using the area as a makeshift shelter.

Roel Loopers from the local area stated that the site has turned into an eyesore for the neighborhood. However, they also advocated for finding a more effective approach rather than resorting to hostile architecture, which deters homeless individuals from utilizing public areas without causing discomfort to others.

“The site has been an eyesore, with two to three men occupying the space the whole day and making it look very messy,” he said.

Nonetheless, these individuals require somewhere to rest their heads.

As one homeless man told me, every time we try to find shelter somewhere, they push us away, making it an endless cycle.

We keep moving forward, being relocated, yet we aren’t offered genuine resolutions for a spot to rest. It truly is an enigma.

In a declaration furnished to WAtoday, The city mentioned that they had momentarily positioned two planters at the entrance of the former Hungry Jack’s location on South Terrace due to worries expressed by locals.

"This site has served as a refuge for an extended period, with residents persistently refusing entry to both state government agencies and non-profit assistance programs. Additionally, there has been a notable rise in disruptive conduct occurring at this site," the statement said.

The structure located on the Cappuccino Strip has recently drawn considerable interest, prompting nearby business proprietors to ask the city to take further action regarding the matter. This interim solution was implemented following discussions with the property owner based in Melbourne.

The local council mentioned they were consistently juggling the wishes of the public alongside empathy for those who are most at risk when making choices. They also stated their commitment to keep advocating and collaborating with relevant organizations to guarantee ongoing assistance remains available.

The City of Fremantle collaborates closely with various organizations and the WA Police to support individuals facing homelessness by linking them with nearby assistance programs.

The CEO of Shelter WA, Kath Snell, stated that it was consistently worrying whenever local councils designed or altered public areas in ways that effectively barred homeless individuals from accessing these spaces.

"Shelter WA does not support the use of hostile architecture or other policies that lack a person-centered approach or evidential backing, and merely shift the visibility of homelessness to different locations," she stated.

We urge local councils to collaborate with us and the State Government to address the underlying issues, offer support, and strive to eradicate homelessness.

“We also push for an increase in Safe Night Spaces throughout the state, providing individuals experiencing homelessness with a designated secure location to stay overnight, where they can additionally connect with essential support services.”

Snell emphasized that all individuals facing homelessness deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

"People facing homelessness are part of our local community too, often relying on public spaces for resting or staying warm through the night. We should remember that everybody deserves a place they can call their own, and simply moving them along from these areas doesn’t address this basic need," she stated.

Greens MLC and ex-Fremantle mayor Brad Pettitt stated that such aggressive tactics towards homeless individuals are ineffective as they merely displace people to different locations without tackling the underlying issues causing the crisis.

"Western Australia leads the nation in terms of rough sleeping, and the blame for this current homelessness crisis—which isn’t limited to the City of Fremantle but spans the entire state—rests squarely with the state government. However, it’s the local councils that are most directly affected," he stated.

Western Australia faces a severe social housing shortage that has progressively worsened over many years... it is evident that immediate funding is required for emergency lodging and comprehensive support services to decrease the number of people homeless in urban areas.

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The Real Price Tag of Building a Home in Today’s Market

It’s widely acknowledged that homes aren’t inexpensive. For numerous individuals, choosing to construct a new house ranks among the biggest monetary choices they will ever face. Starting fresh with construction allows for personalization according to individual preferences, yet this option carries substantial costs.

Recently, the National Association of Home Builders unveiled findings from a poll conducted among 4,000 homebuilders. This detailed breakdown reveals the cost associated with every phase of constructing a new residence in 2024. Construction expenses accounted for approximately 64% of the total price tag of these newly constructed homes, which averaged around $428,215 apiece. The remaining portion of the final sale price encompasses various expenditures including overheads, general fees, as well as additional factors such as financing charges, promotional spending, and real estate commissions.

Therefore, what does the figure of $428,215 encompass? In this section, we will dissect the typical costs associated with constructing a home by breaking down each element. We'll explore the key phases involved in new construction and understand how these various components collectively add up to the total expense of building a house.

Site Work

Before a house exists, there must first be a plot of land. In 2024, operations related to preparing the building site accounted for an average contribution. $32,719 The expense associated with constructing a new house includes various aspects involved in readying a location for development, ranging from expenses related to engineering and architectural designs to obtaining permits for construction. This preparatory phase isn't concluded once actual building begins; further assessments are necessary during different stages of the construction. Nonetheless, this initial groundwork constitutes only about 7.6% of the total expenditure in the creation of a new dwelling.

Foundation and Framing

The foundation and framing provide the structure and groundwork for a house, so it’s crucial to ensure these elements are executed perfectly. According to the NAHB, the typical cost for framing a house averages out to be $70,982 In 2024, foundations were more affordable, typically costing around $44,748 According to the new house data, combining the costs for laying the foundation and constructing the framework accounted for more than 25% of the overall expenses in homebuilding.

Major System Rough-Ins

Certainly, a house goes beyond being merely a concrete foundation and a timber structure. In today’s homes, three primary systems are essential: plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. These components each have similar costs in 2024, typically amounting to roughly the same figure on average. $27,ooo . Altogether, the upfront expenses for setting up these systems were $82,319 —and that doesn’t include any appliances or fixtures.

Interior and Exterior Finishes

So, you have a house complete with its foundation, structure, and key systems... what remains is to wrap up the project. In 2024, completing the exterior proved to be relatively budget-friendly during new home construction, typically costing around $57,510 For projects involving external wall surfaces as well as the fitting of windows and doors.

The interior finishes turned out to be the priciest segment in the study. This is logical since numerous elements of building projects are classified under "interior finishes." Things like insulation, drywall installation, painting, cabinetry, appliances, and much more collectively averaged out to a significant expense. $103,391. That amounts to roughly a quarter of the total expense for constructing a new house, with this entire amount being allocated to a single phase of the build process. The cabinets represented the priciest component of the internal finishing, typically costing around $20,000 per new home.

Last Stages of Building and Additional Costs

Following all those stages, we reach the last phases of building. This phase can be described as adding the finishing details which include tasks such as laying down the driveway, constructing porches and patios, along with overall clean-up at the location. Fortunately, this concluding part turned out to be the most budget-friendly segment on an average basis, amounting to $27,710 Per new home, the NAHB additionally added a concluding "Other" category in the survey that encompassed $8,835 In expenses that couldn't be directly linked back to the other categories.

Total Sales Price Breakdown

So that’s where the $428,215 In new home constructions, the costs originate primarily from those factors. However, this accounts for roughly two-thirds of the overall sales price. When additional expenses such as financing, marketing, and an 11% profit margin for the constructing company are factored in, the typical total sales price of a newly built home in 2024 amounted to. $665,298 If you're considering constructing a house from scratch, ensure you account for all the expenses involved before embarking on your quest to build your ideal home.

Source:

NAHB, “ Expense of Building a House - 2024 ” (2024)