The original mobile home

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AlQMz0vevkSXCnigl2h9x9p6RlJyxkLLaVtiKBZy3FfG2iW4RSk__NIVQfYiHfnOKtH_-Iu57Jx6InQ3RRL2WYbn2ZafLkI32BZ1aJQdtw_PfDuVXTfgl2bajAb8NvQnhye0lCzQo28/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AlQMz0vevkSXCnigl2h9x9p6RlJyxkLLaVtiKBZy3FfG2iW4RSk__NIVQfYiHfnOKtH_-Iu57Jx6InQ3RRL2WYbn2ZafLkI32BZ1aJQdtw_PfDuVXTfgl2bajAb8NvQnhye0lCzQo28/s640/IMG_4246.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /> This historical society (DRHS) in my hometown of Duxbury, Massachusetts posted this great old photo of "Halls Tavern" from 1908. This original Federal style house was built somewhere between 1790 and 1810 (1810 per DRHS and 1790 per Wikipedia referencing the National Registry of Historic places). The house was moved to Cambridge at 20 Gray Gardens West in 1930 and in 1983 it was listed on the Registry of Historic Places. Interestingly, the City of Cambridge's real estate records list the house as having been build in 1700, but it's not the right style for that. Unfortunately, what stands in its spot today is a gas station. The town, which is quite beautiful, is known for being very hostile to business development and maintaining it's original rural splendor. This section of town - Hall's Corner - still revolves around a flagpole as seen above in the 1908 pic above. Five roads lead to this traffic circle and we're still required to "keep to the right". You can always tell an out of towner when they go the wrong way and chaos ensues. The smaller house to the right of the original Halls Tavern was a school and is now known as the Girl Scout House. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshsAGWHwkMBWYlq7LUvpQB81DgCH4l9aEIfv0TuG60TL3gU3mTZVvbWAabZcpow99-b8_TfbUQDLxEJj_6BDs_WWY1pod-qMqeWazulPha2v_hsY0X4Pi3rbsiaKShOakIA8LNYu_nW8/s1600/IMG_4247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgshsAGWHwkMBWYlq7LUvpQB81DgCH4l9aEIfv0TuG60TL3gU3mTZVvbWAabZcpow99-b8_TfbUQDLxEJj_6BDs_WWY1pod-qMqeWazulPha2v_hsY0X4Pi3rbsiaKShOakIA8LNYu_nW8/s640/IMG_4247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Here's the house today. According to the records, it's been in the same hands since 1966 so there are no interior shots that I can find. Can you imaging watching this house being dismantled and trucked 40 miles up to Cambridge?  An amazing feat and a testimony to good original workmanship!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxecrijgSDCiVvYNx8LF3gaLJD1xyymu6Hcg9C9fT24gMC2Iah4XtkkuJ6GtBhzqvknxaD93cgjRIKpHZM_HLsO5hE_AZcrrIEQng_gIlMrMyLNTGtaREMtwPDORKtdMaN1xnFIR-Hz4/s1600/IMG_4245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxecrijgSDCiVvYNx8LF3gaLJD1xyymu6Hcg9C9fT24gMC2Iah4XtkkuJ6GtBhzqvknxaD93cgjRIKpHZM_HLsO5hE_AZcrrIEQng_gIlMrMyLNTGtaREMtwPDORKtdMaN1xnFIR-Hz4/s400/IMG_4245.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Am battling my first cold of the season right now. Yuck - though I do enjoy my medicinal hot toddies in the evening! My recipe: tea, lemon and a liberal dose of honey and whiskey.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jMLC05iLoszjZd3MBul1cCxEi7TlYmpqdZMBKx4Uq0BsNXRfptZTfLsJiXWBuGcRedbfX5DRAzckSE2KDDyo9wG6DTS69Br2GRi-MonmVt7x18K1GwVmS4rZvSQ0sLi8Mj_Wp3ycceM/s1600/Art+&+Design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jMLC05iLoszjZd3MBul1cCxEi7TlYmpqdZMBKx4Uq0BsNXRfptZTfLsJiXWBuGcRedbfX5DRAzckSE2KDDyo9wG6DTS69Br2GRi-MonmVt7x18K1GwVmS4rZvSQ0sLi8Mj_Wp3ycceM/s640/Art+&+Design.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I've also been busy working on my upcoming Art & Design lecture. Here's a sneak peak of one of my design schemes around artist Rick Fleury's painting "Perception"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cxgLjHkw0tNtJVaL5z_pv4Mbzu6eoPjerpOWw0Mq5AwpDPR2LlGuW08v_Xi6VDbGUst1pWj2Po58jjhH8k0uZg6JIRQ_LH1hdhjAiNuh-ggIw77BpDxWrzKPu2n9-3dZl6kmei6rgIY/s1600/Perception+Sample+bd+masc+modern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cxgLjHkw0tNtJVaL5z_pv4Mbzu6eoPjerpOWw0Mq5AwpDPR2LlGuW08v_Xi6VDbGUst1pWj2Po58jjhH8k0uZg6JIRQ_LH1hdhjAiNuh-ggIw77BpDxWrzKPu2n9-3dZl6kmei6rgIY/s640/Perception+Sample+bd+masc+modern.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>It's going to be a fun evening with great refreshments provided by Snow & Jones and we're giving away design consultations, Rick's art prints and a fabulous Kohler shower head! <br /><br />For more information and to register to attend, <a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Art.html" target="_blank">click here</a>. <br />

The original mobile home

 This historical society (DRHS) in my hometown of Duxbury, Massachusetts posted this great old photo of "Halls Tavern" from 1908. ...

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A tale of two houses

I've done a lot of posts on the beautiful old homes that make my town of Duxbury, Massachusetts so special. Founded in 1636, the town has architectural style coming out the wazoo. (look it up, it's a word).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mqWL8g4my-jigPjwbCIt-ywgYDjD729Eokbiz0aR94kfXcdCd0W7FX3ztqmqoEwN6pkUPAmrEAIuOB7AdpJiQ14nM8iCR_WrTVGmA-axpFIKniNUJ8FBR_H82Ck3AT0EseocFVsphJCC/s1600-h/32+Morton%27s+Hole+Way+%7C+Duxbury,+Massachusetts+real+estate_1262978932750.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mqWL8g4my-jigPjwbCIt-ywgYDjD729Eokbiz0aR94kfXcdCd0W7FX3ztqmqoEwN6pkUPAmrEAIuOB7AdpJiQ14nM8iCR_WrTVGmA-axpFIKniNUJ8FBR_H82Ck3AT0EseocFVsphJCC/s640/32+Morton%27s+Hole+Way+%7C+Duxbury,+Massachusetts+real+estate_1262978932750.png" width="481" /></a><br /></div><br />I wanted to share two properties that are currently on the market that are completely different than most of anything else in town. Interestingly, they are next door neighbors located at the end of a very normal looking side street dotted with small and very average (cute, but average) homes. Not every home in town is historic or large, despite what I've shown!  You'd never know there was not one but two mansions at the end of the road, I can promise you!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_26_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_26_1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />The first home, at 32 Morton's Hole Way, is described as a California Arts & Crafts style home with strong Japanese influences and was built after 2003. I've been by this home several times on my way to house #2 (more on that later) and have found it to be an intriguing property that I'm happy to finally see more of. I love the exteriors of Arts & Crafts home, but funny, not so much the interiors. I think it's just that they are so relentlessly "of a style" and unless that style truly speaks to one's soul, I would think it would get monotonous. I would liken it to jazz - you either love it and "get it", or after a while it's just a lot of noise that's hard to interpret. Not sure if any of that makes sense.<br /><br /><br />So, let's take a tour. Photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.redfin.com/MA/Duxbury/32-Mortons-Hole-Way-02332/home/16345284">Redfin.com</a>. This house is on the market for $3,750,000. And for this town, the location with water views and quality of the home itself, the price feels like a steel and is truly priced based on the current economy.  Three years ago, there were comparative shacks for that price. Okay, I exaggerate. A little. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_26_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_1.jpg" /></a><br /></div>This entrance is just too beautiful, don't you think? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_3_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_3_1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_4_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_4_1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_7_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_7_1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A room with a view. The columns are like those at the Porte-Cochere.  The shape is pretty magnificent, isn't it?   <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">            <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_9_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_9_1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bedroom seems oddly empty, but it could be the camera angle.  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_14_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_14_1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_15_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_15_1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The master bath is spectacular - but you would you want to take a bath in a picture window overlooking the driveway?  It's hard to imagine that the sight lines aren't actually obscured so that this room is indeed more private, but from the photo...  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_17_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_17_1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The beamed ceiling... yum.  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_18_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_18_1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The backyard overlooking Kingston Bay.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_27_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_27_1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_28_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_28_1.jpg" /></a><br /></div>Here is an extensive video tour of the house as well. The agent is Michael Gill and there is a website with photos and more information <a href="http://mortonshole.com/">here</a>. <br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" height="234" id="mbox_player_7a9adfb41819e2c4f5" width="416"><param name="movie" value="http://player.motionbox.com/VideoPlayer.swf?" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullscreen" value="true" /><param value="video_uid=7a9adfb41819e2c4f5&security_token=prod3.b57afa4b8caac0a6&type=hd" name="flashvars" /><embed src="http://player.motionbox.com/VideoPlayer.swf?" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" width="416" height="234" allowFullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" name="mbox_player_7a9adfb41819e2c4f5" flashvars="video_uid=7a9adfb41819e2c4f5&security_token=prod3.b57afa4b8caac0a6&type=hd"></embed></object><br /><br />Looking out from the back deck of house #1 towards Kingston Bay, you will see that it looks over another property, which is the second stop on our tour. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_29_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/52/bigphoto/057/70976057_29_0.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />The neighboring property is located at 34 Mayflower Lane.  The house was built in 1995 and was designed by a California architect and is in a style I would describe as California Shingle style.  This house has been on the market nearly four years and is a victim of the recession. It's currently on the market for $5,999,000, which is significantly lower than the original asking price.  I was brought in to stage the home by the original real estate agent. While it was beautifully decorated, it had some organization issues and an empty room or two that needed to be dealt with. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163611.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a very large home, but only has four bedrooms, as it was custom-built by the sellers who had a young family. The house has an unobstructed view of the waterfront, which accounts in part to its higher price tag than House #1.  I've never been a fan of the driveway side of the house (above), but this water side below is gorgeous.  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163510.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The house boasts an outdoor swimming pool with fully outfitted pool house (as well as indoor lap pool) and beautifully manicured lawns and gardens. House #1 overlooks the pool, pool house and garden. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163513.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163512.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">An inside view - the front foyer is overlooked by a wrap around second story. The doorway underneath the stairs leads to the in-house lap pool and mini spa, as well as the home-theater. The glass door is the front door of the home. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163515.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the view into the living room. The pendant light is large and spectacular. When I was first brought in, there was a large round Dakota Jackson table placed right underneath the pendant, blocking the view of the seating area and fire place. That table was the first thing to be moved. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163517.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163516.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of my favorite spots in the house was this adorable little sun room, which is off the living room.  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163524.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the fully outfitted home theater. I never particularly loved this room as it was too bright and almost garish as compared to the calm tones of the living room. But, that's just paint and new owners an easily rectify that! <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163525.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kitchen was a beautiful space that showed great restraint in decor and is a real cook's kitchen. This was actually a remodel of the first kitchen that was put in. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163519.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163518.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The breakfast room. I so covet that lantern. You can see the pool outside the glass doors. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163507.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the family room area off the kitchen. I suggested the large photo canvas over the fireplace in order to remind potential buyers of the proximity to water, as this room has little water view. It also related to the yellow ceilings. You can see into the dining room to the right of the photo.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163522.jpg" /></a> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the reasons I was brought in was to deal with the very empty dining room. This room had the best view of the bay yet due to circumstances, the room sat empty - not a big selling feature.  You can see the living room down the long hall at the right hand of the photo. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163506.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Here is my staging of the living room. It now sits empty again (apparently, by the newer real estate shots).  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://decorati.com/imgcache/get/6/9/c/b/maxfit=620by465/20846-69cbe94b5482046918106f0314dd43f74f5b6871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://decorati.com/imgcache/get/6/9/c/b/maxfit=620by465/20846-69cbe94b5482046918106f0314dd43f74f5b6871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="399" src="http://decorati.com/imgcache/get/6/9/c/b/maxfit=620by465/20846-69cbe94b5482046918106f0314dd43f74f5b6871.jpg" width="533" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size: small;">The owner was not interested in purchasing new dining room furniture just to stage the home and at the time, there were no rentals available that fit the style and quality, not to mention size, of the home. So, instead, I suggested a "music salon" concept with grand piano in one corner (large and in charge!) along with a smaller, more intimate dining area by the fire place.  I made use of the Dakota Jackson table that had originally been taking up space in the living room here. The red leather chairs were purchased from Design Within Reach and the oriental carpet was purchased to complement the yellow walls, blue water view and red chairs. These colors are softer versions of other rooms in the home. <br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-_wdsquZEE518HJkUe-sB0KBsWanwez_0k-bXTpiRgZMSrbPNuLHaDRaDm1PfhLRPrpR4w42fkMw041Hqyd-PfBozUMjA0Vyp_iEsTezmRyUFOVCH1n4djZsKwBn6Xn7n6bEbp2cXBMB/s1600-h/100_0767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-_wdsquZEE518HJkUe-sB0KBsWanwez_0k-bXTpiRgZMSrbPNuLHaDRaDm1PfhLRPrpR4w42fkMw041Hqyd-PfBozUMjA0Vyp_iEsTezmRyUFOVCH1n4djZsKwBn6Xn7n6bEbp2cXBMB/s640/100_0767.JPG" width="528" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dining Room staged by <a href="http://www.chameleon-interiors.com/">Linda Merrill </a></span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the "salon" that is off the front foyer and sits between the dining room and living room.  This was the most traditionally styled room in the home. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163523.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Upstairs is the library that was tucked away for private reading. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163521.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The home office.  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163520.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />The Master bedroom. Given the size and scope of the home, the Master was actually quite small. It was nice, intimate. The bed is placed in front of an etched glass wall that lead to the dressing rooms and master bath. The bedroom also had a private deck over looking the bay.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163505.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The master bathroom. These photos do not do it justice.  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163504.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163503.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />There are no photos, but there are three more bedrooms and two more full baths.<br /><br />My favorite part of this property was the antique guest house. I don't know why the realtor's never show the interiors of this house - it is completely adorable! It has a full scale kitchen with cream colored cabinetry and granite counters, 3 bedrooms and a living room. I'd have moved in here in a heart beat and let my guests have run of the big house. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163509.jpg" /></a><a href="http://raveis.com/photos/Prop163525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This property is currently represented by William Raveis and you can see the full listing <a href="http://www.raveis.com/propdetail.asp?STATE=MA&FROM=propfind&PG=1&LASTPG=1&TOTAL=1&KEY=2792977&FSTKEY=2792977&LASTKEY=2792977">here</a>.  <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So, the question is, assuming money is no object:<br /><br /><br /><form action="http://poll.pollcode.com/929" method="post"><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: black; font-family: 'Verdana'; font-size: 13px; width: 150px;"><tbody><tr><td colspan="2" style="padding: 2px;"><b>Which house would you buy?</b><br /></td></tr><tr><td width="5"><input name="answer" type="radio" value="1" /><br /></td><td style="padding: 2px;">House #1 - California Arts and Crafts<br /></td></tr><tr><td width="5"><input name="answer" type="radio" value="2" /><br /></td><td style="padding: 2px;">House #2 - California Shingle Style<br /></td></tr><tr><td colspan="2"><br /><br /><center><input type="submit" value="Vote" />  <input name="view" type="submit" value="View" /></center><br /></td></tr><tr><td align="right" bgcolor="white" colspan="2"><span style="color: black; font-size: xx-small;">pollcode.com <a href="http://pollcode.com/">free polls</a></span><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></form><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="-moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous; -moz-background-origin: padding; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

A tale of two houses

I've done a lot of posts on the beautiful old homes that make my town of Duxbury, Massachusetts so special. Founded in 1636, the town ha...

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Just another sunny day in Duxbury, MA

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvvzWAho-NaYe_7E4gGzWDyn2I6L21SvIjswGyTxprxLqKma_0gN8b9dhV-r1LyZ3TQ74EuRTUv2PPGs25-JKIXk6ehkgeE1EIESOL1ViEqVuney99Qw6dDRvPrnB9tcbhdvpFHKor5-g/s1600-h/mens_div_main.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365903375945730114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvvzWAho-NaYe_7E4gGzWDyn2I6L21SvIjswGyTxprxLqKma_0gN8b9dhV-r1LyZ3TQ74EuRTUv2PPGs25-JKIXk6ehkgeE1EIESOL1ViEqVuney99Qw6dDRvPrnB9tcbhdvpFHKor5-g/s400/mens_div_main.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 100px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3786327453_76e5a9fb71.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3786327453_76e5a9fb71.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 546px; height: 409px;" /></a>A little sunny moment brought to you by Duxbury, MA - and Linda's camera. This is Shipyard. There are no ships, but a few yards...<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3787138666_e908122e7b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/3787138666_e908122e7b.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 546px; height: 410px;" /></a>Low tide on the bay...<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3786328937_b1c04ff75d.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3786328937_b1c04ff75d.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 548px; height: 411px;" /></a>And a little stalkerazzi moment, I got a tip off (thanks Alison!) that <a href="http://www.abercrombie.com/">Abercrombie & Finch</a> is in town doing to a catalog shoot. Now, I didn't see any barely dressed, barely legal models, but here is a staging tent. The white house in the background has a spectacular view of Duxbury Bay.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/3786326839_0a22bacc30.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2270/3786326839_0a22bacc30.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 548px; height: 411px;" /></a>A little zoom in shows shoes and straw hats...<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2672/3786326889_3cba2639f9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2672/3786326889_3cba2639f9.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 554px; height: 213px;" /></a><br />He looks sufficiently preppy enough for a Duxbury backdrop... <a href="http://www.abercrombie.com/anf/onlinestore/common/mens_div_main.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.abercrombie.com/anf/onlinestore/common/mens_div_main.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 479px; height: 272px;" /></a>It doesn't take much to amuse in this little town...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

Just another sunny day in Duxbury, MA

A little sunny moment brought to you by Duxbury, MA - and Linda's camera. This is Shipyard. There are no ships, but a few yards... Low t...

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