YES.... WE ARE FINALLY IN TUDOR HILL!

Almost four years since we began this odyssey, but finally transitioned from a work zone to a home.
We are expecting to have some professional photos up soon so please keep posted.

I will be adding the fountain and the planters and urns, which we hope will complete a warm and inviting entry to all of our guests.

                             

Richard Harris is an artist with stone and he is creating the final touches on the entrance to the house by adding 24" of wall and a curved stairway.

                           

Antique Bench

                       Here are some of the photos with furniture in place, but there is a lot of tweaking.

                              

Butler's Pantry

Mike loves the new kitchen and the coffee machine.

kitchen Server

The real challenge is learning all the technical ends of running a home in the year 2011. Just learning how each TV operates, the dishwasher, (which is new for me), the stove, coffee machine, etc.,etc,.  

I am certainly not complaining, but it is a challenge for these two old dogs, learning all the new tricks.  It's different than picking up your TV and plugging it in, but we are slowly getting accustomed to our new digs and loving it more each day.

Kitchen Dining Area

                           

                                   

Master Bath Shower

The shower is on my list of favorites, along with the music system.

Formal Dining Room

Library

Door to Wine Cellar

Reclaimed Barn Board Walls in Wine Cellar

Mike's Office/Den

Gate to Patio and Gardens

Molly has found a new friend under the desk in the library.  We think she has found solace knowing there is another dog around. She loves concrete floors so much that she has given up on her beloved bed.

Thank you for joining us on this journey, we will keep you posted of any future news on the project.

Tudor Hill Happenings November 2010

We Have Just returned from our semi annual buying trip for the shops.  It was difficult leaving at this time since we are at a crucial point in the completion of our new home.

It is at this point of the construction when all of the aesthetics are being completed that you should be on top of every detail.  I have to say that we were gone for about 10 days, and to our delight, all of the work that was done is perfect, and every bit lived up to our expectations.

The caliber of craftsmen that are on the sight are just the very best.  




Kitchen Dining Area

                         

Mike Zordan, our master plasterer, as usual did wonderful work.

(Eugene Zordan & Sons of Torrington, CT)



Mounting some sconces on plaster



Dave working in conjunction with Joe Hipsky, and Ken Crooks the landscaper, have executed the changes to the front of they home, has made a huge difference, and I am so glad that I pursued the changes, even though I was told hey could not be done. 

 I have some really great additional plans to finally realize the entrance as a courtyard. Tomorrow, Jay Camasse will be delivering 10' concrete posts so that the entrance fence going to the read courtyard area can be completed.  George Diaz, a wonderful blacksmith, whom we have worked with on other projects is restoring the antique fencing I purchased and we will be marrying that with the posts.  It should be a wonderful effect.  The way I approach a design project, is that you should have a skeleton model, but also allow yourself the freedom to make wonderful creative changes as you go along. I know that this flies in the face of conventional building and certainly architectural drawings, but it is the way I like to design and build.  The end result is much more creative, much like a great sculpture.

Now on to the interior. Judd and Justin Dana of J. Dana Design, who also work with us on great kitchens,bathrooms and custom furniture, as you know are doing most of the finish work. 

 While we were gone they have executed two of the most beautiful staircases and much of the trim work left on the job.

   

They are very close to completing their end of the job.  I know that the photos do not show the superb work, but I can assure you, that I am a pain when it comes to workmanship and detail and I am thrilled with how they have interpreted my design.

They are a dream to work with and fine, fine craftsman, along with their father, Jeff.  I know everyone wants to know when it will be complete.  Actually, I do not know.  I was hoping for a Christmas in the house, which could still happen, at least we can get some furnishings and a tree in, but after almost three years, what's a few more weeks or months.  I hope you enjoy these updated photos, and I will keep you posted on our progress.

Best,  Alex, Mike & Molly

Gina Milne, from Willow Decor Visits Domus.

"Another Secret Shopping Spot - DOMUS"
by Gina Milne of  Willow Decor

This week kicks off the Brimfield Fair; the famous antique show in Massachusetts. I am always excited to head west of Boston, but recently its not because the Brimfield Fair, but because of a secret shopping spot I found along the way.

The store is called DOMUS and is open year round. It is filled with wonderful treasures. Gorgeous antiques, unusual reproductions, fabulous accessories. It is one of my most secret spots for finding wonderful unique items for the homes of my clients (and myself!).

DOMUS formerly known as HOME, located in historic Sturbridge, MA is the brainchild of the famous Alex Pifer of the hugely successful SERAPH store. If you are a fan of the primitive, colonial decorating style you will know that Alex is icon. Over the years she has been featured numerous times in Country Living, Primitive Homes and several other magazines. Her eye and attention to detail has made the most discerning collector come back to the SERAPH again and again. But, Alex is a multi-dimensional and multi-talented designer and buyer. She has ventured into the world of Swedish, French and Belgian decor. And, as you can guess like everything else she does, her new venture is outstanding. Let's have look:

On the property right next to the SERAPH , Alex and her charming husband had a spectacular Post and Beam shop built to house the gorgeous DOMUS inventory. Here a pair of gorgeous armchairs are covered in grainsack slipcovers. Notice the garden table and statuary and how wonderfully it goes together.

Here is a beautiful reproduction chaise covered in linen. The finish on this piece is incredible.

The displays in the store are worth seeing. Alex and her staff, including the talented, Laura, do a fantastic job of putting things together. You can guess how much I fell in love with this vignette.

DOMUS has an incredible selection of antique mercury glass, grainsack covered furniture and Swedish antiques.

But if you like a more refined look, you can find it here as well. Another fabulous vignette; and it has a completely different feel. With such an incredible collection to choose from its easy to find spectacular items for myself and my clients.

The store is very large. Here is a more contemporary look. I just adore the linen sofa.

DOMUS is not limited to living room and dining room decor. Above is a beautiful French bedroom set. Notice the lighting as well, Alex has chosen a wonderful mix of lighting options for the most discerning customers.

On my most recent visit I was enamored with this dining room table and chairs. Notice the urns and the birdhouse.

It is a common theme at DOMUS to mix garden items with more formal indoor items.

This mirror stopped me in my tracks. Isn't it stunning? You will rarely see the same thing twice here.

Alex prides herself in obtaining the unique. So if you want to find something extraordinary that no one else has, this is the place.

So of course you are thinking that wonderful unique items like this are just too expensive and out of reach - I almost don't want you to know...the prices are very reasonable! So my secret is out - I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!!

DOMUS is a 45 minute drive from downtown Boston. To see more of their ever changing inventory click their Facebook page here. To get directions click here. And when you head out there, do tell Alex and Laura hello from Gina at Willow Decor. I know you will be glad you made the trip. (Out of state customers can call the store directly as they ship anywhere in the US!)

From Willow Decor Wednesday July 14, 2010