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.

Final Tweaking - Tudor Hill May 2011

Yes, It's been awhile, and no we are still not in the house.  We really do see a light at the end of the tunnel and if we do not have any unforeseen setbacks, we should be in by June.

Refrigerator and Range

There has been a lot of attention to detail  and that is so difficult to photograph.

Morning Light coming through kitchen windows.

Master bath vanity area with art deco biedermeir details

Lots of storage here. Notice entry to shower and gas fireplace

Gas fireplace shower entry area

Entry to walk-in shower

Tile work detail inside shower

Stairwell to guest quarters

True custom styling millwork by J Dana Designs 

  I have included some photos of the guest quarters that are almost completed.

The space has turned out to be a very pleasant surprise.  As we designed as we went along, so much attention was paid to the formal areas that we didn't give much thought to the guest areas. 

I am so delighted with the way in which we have created this wonderful little island, I have threatened to move into this space myself.

 I will be proud to share this space with friends and relatives.

Atrium dining area

We are starting to finish the furniture so that all of the items in the dining room blend and have that wonderful stripped aged wood finish  

Kevin Percy our decorative concrete craftsman will be back this week to refinish a couple of floors,

Master bedroom floor

 then on to deep cleaning and finish the wooden walls and trim 

Storage area near main entry doors.

and then MOVE IN after more than three years of dreaming.

We do have some more exterior  work to be done, but I am sure that this will go on for many years, tweaking until it is just perfect.  We will keep you posted. 

Best, Alex

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