Category: Eclectic Homes

Getting a flat is a rite of passage for many people, since it represents their first taste of freedom and responsibility for property. When searching for a flat, form a general idea of how much you’re willing to spend and what kind of place you’d love to stay in before you begin walking through potential homes. While you do the walk-through, keep a number of those things in mind while you choose whether to rent the flat.

Basics

If you walk through a prospective flat, you need to inspect the number of bedrooms and baths, the size of each room and the flat’s overall square footage. Assess the common walls with nearby apartments to evaluate potential sound issues. Observe the flooring to see how easy or difficult they will be to wash. Plus, in the event that you talked to the landlord before you arrived to the walk-through, double-check to ensure that the rent and deposit haven’t gone up.

Characteristics

Apartments have all kinds of features, depending upon how costly it is. A few of the features that you should search for as you walk through the apartment are air conditioning and heating, and Internet access (dial-up or high rate ), television/cable accessibility, breakfast nook, dishwasher, washer and dryer hookups, fireplace, balcony, yard, deck and closet space. Then compare what the flat has with what you’re looking for in a fresh place to live.

Area

Check to find out if your prospective apartment has an elevator or a doorman (full time or part time). Look at the place of the laundry rooms that are public. Examine the parking scenario: does the complicated have a garage? Is parking outside in the open? Ascertain whether the complex has its own maintenance superintendent. Other things to check out are intercom systems, clubhouse, swimming pool, hot tub or gym. Figure out if the complex offers additional storage space to residents. Push through the immediate region to ascertain the proximity of restaurants and businesses that you might frequent.

Safety

Check to see that each of the appliances are in good working order. Ask about the character of the flat’s wiring, and inquire to see service records if needed. The existence of two-pronged switches is a sign of older wiring. Check to find out if insects or rats are an issue. Do each of the doors and windows lock? Does the front door provide a deadbolt? Assess for any damage anywhere in the flat and note it to the landlord.

Additional

If you have pets, inquire about the property’s policy regarding pets. Check to find out if there are weight or size limits and also what the pet deposit would be. Make sure that you can truly have a roommate and determine the complex’s subletting policy, should you have to move out before your lease expires. Also check to find out if the apartment will be sanded and cleaned before you move in.

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I recently bought a faceted backyard stool for my living space. I surprised even myself with this selection. I had always thought of faceted designs as rather gimmicky. However, now I’m fascinated with those jewel-like pieces and’m enjoying their elegance and versatility. When you dig deeper, you’ll find original faceted furnishings, lighting and fabrics which are similar to works of art in their own right. Take a look at my favorites so far. — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof

PAC Side Table – $950

I would use this bright red side table to inject some lighthearted energy into a industrial space or to add design to a family room. It comes as a coffee table too.

PLANTATION

Faceted Ceramic Stool, White – $395

This really is the stool which got me hooked. We’re using it as a table, but it will serve as seats for extra guests sometimes too.

The Paris Apartment

Faceted Lucite Table – $1,325

Here’s a set of faceted side tables at a smoky gray perspex with mirrored tops. It’s like a contemporary riff on an uptown flat classic, the mirrored coffee table.

PLANTATION

Crane Table – $1,095

Proving that tough borders can nevertheless have an organic sense, this side table looks inspired by pinecones. This piece definitely has an irresistible tactile quality to it.

Reinierdejong

VOLT Table

Ok, it’s bright yellow and contains uneven sides, so why would it still look stylish? Maybe it’s the careful structure needed for faceted furniture, however these pieces always have a certain existence.

Elisa Strozyk

Accordion Cabinet

All these accordion cabinets are works of art. I love the contrast of this unfinished wood with the thoughtful layout. Wouldn’t these be great at a Scandinavian-style kitchen? Or a midcentury dining room? Or a spacious bath? OK, pretty much anywhere.

The Carroll Street Woodworkers

No. 202 Coffee Table – $2,200

This unfinished timber is laid diagonally to create a beautifully-constructed java table with cutouts for storage and seating. I can imagine my children would like that as a play table, although I’m sure it’s intended to get a much more grownup space.

Etsy

Five Chunk Modern Pendant Chandelier Solid Walnut By dylangrey – $950

I’ve had these lights in my ideabook for months. They have a lot to appreciate about them. Hand-carved chunks of timber replace conventional crystal chandelier drops, while the red cables add a surprise component. The wires come in different colours too.

Industreal

Lampe 72dpi – EUR 227.50

I believed that this light fixture for my kitchen when I renovated. Even though the heavy texture likely wouldn’t suit the purpose (I’m convinced it would prohibit grease from cooking) the layout is eye-catching. I love that it resembles sugar cubes — light and sweetness!

arkpad

Luminária Rock

Here’s a dim light. The irregular faceted sides of the necklace seem like crumpled paper. I can imagine this lending plenty of play to some rustic-modern kitchen.

Lee Broom

Crystal Bulb – GBP 189

It’s the classic good looks of cut glass and gold, combined in a wholly new way. Light bulbs made to seem like crystal — or is it the other way round? Either way, it’s genius.

Lee Broom

1 Light Just White Large

These pendants were inspired by Art Deco jewellery. They’d certainly add some glamour to a room.

Architonic

BuzziSkin 3D Tile By BuzziSpace

Faceted tiles are an effortless way to add texture to a space. This bright red would be too much for a kitchen or bathroom, but for a commercial setup or to highlight a characteristic like a storage area, it would seem amazing.

Elisa Strozyk

Cosmetic Dentistry With Dyed Wood

This faceted textile is really made from pieces of timber. It’s flexible enough to be utilized as a throw or blanket and I love the subtle blend of colours.

Pierre Frey

Kubus Fabric

There’s evidence of Art Deco inspiration in this geometric cloth. A set of cushions in this would pull a living space together.

Design Within Reach

Crushed Bowl – $110

I have this bowl and completely love it. I’m afraid it ends up amassing stray Legos and Hot Wheels cars, but if it’s empty it makes the most beautiful display piece.

Etsy

DORIT White Gold Decorative Wood Candle Holders By PELLEshop – $150

Simple wood block candle holders get glammed up with faceted sides and a little silver. They’d be great for a holiday party, or simply to add some simple sparkle to your everyday table.

1stdibs

Unique Facet Vase By David Wiseman

These vases are quirky. They seem like geometric eggs which have just hatched. We might be past Easter, but they’d make a great screen year-round.

Etsy

Amethyst Geometric Facet Art Print By thepairabirds – $20

It is a print made with images and woodgrain. It captures the concept of light reflecting through a precious stone.

Amazon

Elecom Five-Button Wireless Optical Laser Mouse – $56.99

Wondering what this is? It’s a mouse! If by now you’re devoted to the faceted appearance, this is the tech attachment for you. I can’t say whether it’s comfortable to use or not, but it certainly makes a statement.

Next: Modern Icons: The Amazing Geometry of David Hicks

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Lawn mowers have the amount of gas to increase from the carburetor to help kick-start the motor. One is the bulb, which, when you press it, sprays on gas directly into the carburetor. Another is the choke, which produces a richer fuel mixture and does not actually spray additional gas, but closes off the air passage to the combustion chamber. If neither of those systems is working on your lawnmower or present, you may add fuel manually. Keep in mind that adding too much gas flooding the motor.

Remove from the filter. On many lawn mowers, this is done by unsnapping some clips or unscrewing a knob.

Remove the air filter when it is dirty and clean it. By immersing it in warm water, you might wash a foam filter, but you’ll have to wait for this to dry before using the lawn mower.

Fill an eye dropper with the type of gas that your lawn mower uses. The gas should have oil blended with it at the ratio. You use to refill the tank of the mower, if possible, choose the gas.

Squirt on the gas when you removed the air filter, that you simply exposed. Try to start the engine. If the engine turns over, replace the air filter and cover.

When it doesn’t turn over following the first attempt continue attempting to start the engine. Squirt a second dropper-full of gas after six or seven tries. If another six or seven tries don’t start the engine, wait 10 minutes before adding fuel and trying again.

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As of the time of publication, Maytag manufactures 30 models of dryers, which range to pairs that are piled from the upscale, high-efficiency Maxima line. These models Each differ, however they share some operational difficulties. Before calling a repairman when these problems arise, turn. You’ll get these on your Maytag’s user guide or at the internet website of Maytag.

Power Issues

It could be a matter of power, if your Maytag dryer doesn’t turn at all. Before blaming the machine, check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker in your household fuse box. Maytag’s electric dryers require circuit breakers or two fuses — one for warmth and just one for operation — so you might need to reset the breaker or replace both fuses. Ensure that your dryer is plugged in to a socket capable of supplying electricity; Maytag’s units usually require 240 volts of electricity.

The Easy Stuff

Most Maytag dryers have a security feature that prevents them from starting if the door isn’t completely shut, so before you fear ensure the door is closed. Likewise, Maytag’s dryers usually require you to firmly press and hold the knob labeled”Push to Start”; a quick press might not perform the trick. If you’re aiming to dry, don’t select the”Air Fluff” option included on several Maytag dryers, as this setting only tumbles clothes rather than drying them. Make sure the gas supply line valve is in the open position, if you have a gas dryer that isn’t heating your clothes.

Damp Loads

The garments still feel moist after a cycle, although From time to time, warmth produces and turns. To address this issue, always clean the lint screen of your Maytag dryer before use. Sometimes, a load may be too large to dry properly; divide the load into parts for quicker, more effective drying. Proper drying is occasionally prevented by issues. Remove or debris from the exterior vent and ensure that the run doesn’t have any kinks. Cold weather can also affect drying results in rooms; Maytag notes that appropriate drier operation requires temperatures of over 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

More Troubleshooting Tips

Lots of sound vibrates or produces, although if your Maytag dryer functions, make certain it’s on a surface that is flat also has its own four comprised legs this ensures proper operation of the detector of your dryer. So maintain your heaps loosely packed, Similarly, wet clothes that are tightly bunched lead to sound. Sometimes, a faulty exhaust port causes power that is insufficient. During setup, use a metal exhaust port with material for operation. On many Maytag models, error codes staring with”F” indicate that the machine requires support. If you encounter this or any other issue that exceeds the scope of troubleshooting, schedule a service appointment.

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A chest freezer’s orientation makes it effortless to use but hard to maneuver. Relocate this appliance without harm to your home, yourself or even the freezer. The freezer may leak. Moving a freezer isn’t any task that is fast — plan ahead to allow for transportation of this important piece of kitchen equipment. The manufacturer of the freezer may have special instructions for transferring the equipment, so read the owner’s manual prior to getting started.

Measure the diameter of the freezer using a measuring tape. Plan the path you’ll use during the transfer. Confirm that doors and halls are wide enough to accommodate the machine.

Remove from the freezer. Store the food at an alternative freezer or an cooler. Unhook any baskets or storage racks and place them safely aside. Unplug the freezer.

Boil a kettle of water. Put a towel at the bottom of the freezer. Carefully put the kettle of water on the towel, which will help the freezer defrost quicker. To prevent a burn, confirm prior to beginning that you can reach the base of the freezer. Skip this step if you can’t. Close the lid of the freezer. After 15 minutes, then open the lid and take out the towel and pot.

Scrape the sides of the freezer using a plastic scraper. If the machine has a heavy layer of ice, boil of water and place it inside. Eliminate of ice as the freezer defrosts. Soak water up with the towel until the freezer is dry.

Close the lid and tape it shut with the tape of contractor. This keeps the door. Put on a back that is protective brace to support your back. Twist the edge of the appliance dolly .

Lift up the contrary short end of the freezer so the freezer standing up on the dolly on end. Check the dolly to confirm the freezer is currently resting on it. Wrap the power cord around the freezer or tape it together with the builder’s tape out of the way.

Carefully tilt the toaster back toward you. Wheel the dolly to the new site. If the freezer is too big for you to stand it up, use the appliance dolly as a leash. Lift the freezer’s close up then slide the furniture dolly. Eliminate the appliance dolly and push on the freezer gently to move it.

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Just two states–Colorado and Nevada–suffer a higher foreclosure rate than California, reports the State of California Franchise Tax Board. California is a “non-recourse” state. As such, lenders can’t pursue any outstanding debt that a borrower still owes after foreclosure. Unfortunately, these legal protections don’t apply to everybody, and even in the best of circumstances, foreclosure can take steep consequences.

Deficiency Judgment

A deficiency judgment takes place when a lender sues a former employer for any equilibrium he owes after the lender liquidates the property. Deficiency judgments are most common in situations in which the individual’s mortgage is worth over the property securing the mortgage. The California Civil Code grants creditors the option to utilize either non-judicial foreclosure when seizing property. Nearly all lenders opt for non-judicial foreclosure since it’s a quicker process. Non-judicial foreclosure, however, prevents creditors from recovering any mortgage deficiency afterward. Should a lender utilize its appropriate to judicial foreclosure, however, it may legally pursue the borrower for any existing mortgage deficiency.

Permanent Home Loss

Many states provide borrowers a period following foreclosure during which they could pay back the mortgage and redeem the property. This is referred to as the”right of redemption.” In California, there’s no right of redemption for borrowers whose creditors hunted non-judicial foreclosures. Since nearly all foreclosures in the country are non-judicial, very few former California homeowners have the right to recover their houses after taxation –even if their financial circumstances change and they are able to afford to.

Junior Lien Recovery

If a home carries any additional liens beyond that of the primary mortgage lien and the mortgage lender forecloses, these liens stop to exist. That doesn’t mean, however, the debts behind the liens also vanish. After taxation, the prior lien holders can sue the borrower and pursue the debt in other ways, like seeking a wage garnishment or withdrawing and freezing funds from the borrower’s bank accounts.

Housing Difficulties

Foreclosure takes a heavy toll on your credit score and remains a feature of your credit report for seven years. Not only does the credit damage leave you unlikely to be approved for new credit or loans in the near future, it also makes finding a new home after foreclosure a formidable endeavor. You won’t be approved for mortgage financing instantly after losing your property. Additionally, most landlords require a credit check prior to renting houses or flats; a recent foreclosure is a red flag to potential landlords which you may not pay your lease on time. The expense of living in California is significantly greater than in a number of other regions of the country. The Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing estimates that a couple must earn approximately $25.52 an hour to afford a two-bedroom flat. For those suffering from financial trouble or getting bit more than minimum wage, this makes the issue of locating new housing after foreclosure much more debatable.

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FHA loans have supplied homebuyers with low closing costs and monthly payments and lenient credit conditions since 1934, as stated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The loans are issued by the Federal Housing Administration, a government organization which insures home loans in order to give homebuyers those advantages. FHA loans are best for first-time traders, on account of the minimal deposit required.

Boost Your Credit Score

The higher your credit score, the lower your required down payment. Although FHA loans do not have as stringent requirements as other monetary loans, this doesn’t indicate that credit scores are somewhat insignificant. According to FHA online, just homebuyers using a minimum score of 580 are eligible for the cheapest 3.5 percent down payments. Clients with credit scores below 580 are required to cover a minimum of 10 percent for a deposit. Boost your credit score by paying bills early or on time and maintaining credit card accounts low.

Find Your Niche

The FHA offers specialized loan programs to get a wide array of classes, such as first-time homebuyers, seniors and mobile and manufactured home owners. 203(b) Mortgage Insurance is a program for first-time homebuyers that offers the lowest down payment percent for you – to four-unit, owner-occupied homes. Seniors who are at least 62 years old can be eligible for a reverse mortgage, which allows them to convert equity into money with no repayment till they move to some other property. FHA loans can also be available to mobile and manufactured home owners who own land or live in a trailer community.

Remodel and Go Green

The 203(k) loan program allows homebuyers to finance the house purchase in addition to any remodeling costs which may be required. You have to provide detailed outlines of this job needed, in addition to costs that may accrue, and apply an application into a FHA 203(k) lender. Down payment requirements are 3.5 percentage of home and repair costs. When the program is accepted, you’ll receive the buy mortgage and money for estimated remodeling costs, and an extra 10 to 20 percent of their remodeling costs for any extra work that may come up. You might also invest in making your house more energy-efficient. An Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) can also be combined with 203(b) and 203(k) loans. These mortgage applications are given by creditors and insured by the FHA, like other FHA loans. They permit you to make energy improvements into the home without any extra down payment or prerequisites.

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A subprime mortgage loan offers funding . Higher rates of interest and fees are employed to subprime loans to compensate for risks. Borrowers who utilized mortgage loans had extenuating circumstances that transcend Fannie Mae guidelines. Though some people with less-than-perfect credit have employed subprime loans, the others needed loan sizes which were above adapting limits or had difficulty proving their income. Position to get a mortgage loan which has a lower interest rate.

Order a credit report and credit score utilizing the MyFico website (see Resources). For a charge, you can obtain access to credit reports which include data from Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Having an comprehension of your present credit score can prepare one for refinancing.

Assess your credit report. Contact the credit bureaus to dispute erroneous data found within your credit reports. Negative info that appears on your credit report can lower your credit score and also impact your ability to refinance.

Make payments on each credit card balance which exceeds 30 percent of your credit limit. Ideally, your credit card accounts should sum to less than 30 percent of these limits established by the issuers. A greater usage of your credit may detract from your credit score. Credit scoring models will penalize consumers, by taking points away from credit scores, for activities that are deemed competitive.

Organize your files. Compile financial documents such as your pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, 401k statements and a recent mortgage statement. Also, gather property records to include your title policy, property survey, tax bill and homeowners insurance. Place these items in a folder until a loan officer requests your own documents. Having these things ready will help facilitate your transition from a subprime loan to a conforming loan product and lessen the refinance time frame.

Call your current loan servicer to ask about refinancing. Your current mortgage provider might offer conventional or government mortgage programs that are superior for your existing loan. Inform your lender that you are in the market for a home loan with better terms and rates.

Contact another mortgage business about refinancing your subprime loan if your current lender is unable to assist. Compare rate quotes on apps that meet your objectives and choose your best deal. Always request a fantastic Faith Estimate and a Truth In Lending Disclosure to view a creditor ’s yearly percentage rate (A.P.R.). The A.P.R. is a numerical expression that’s based on your interest rate and charges.

Meet with a title officer to signal your mortgage loan documents. To finalize your refinance, you need to review and sign new loan forms. Copies will be recorded on your county .

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If you’re going to be around Sydney this September, then be sure to bring the Australian Garden Show Sydney to your list of must-sees. This garden-food-lifestyle celebration will play host to a number of Australian star garden experts, chefs, entomologists — and, needless to say, the public, who will get to indulge all the senses in this inaugural event.

Info: September 5 to 8, 2013. Centennial Park, Sydney, Australia. Tickets are $35 to $45 through Ticketek.

Australian Garden Show Sydney

A sweeping coastal avenue will connect 16 display gardens, such as September Sky,that is unveiledby gardeners Tom Harfleet along with Andrew Fisher Tomlin. It will function as the show’s centerpiece garden.

To commemorate Gallipoli’s centenary in 2015 (a commemoration of this bitter eight-month campaign that helped forge Australia as a young nation), award-winning landscape designer Jim Fogarty will present The Last to Leave, a Gallipoli-inspired garden.

Australian Garden Show Sydney

Other garden creations will include the work of event curator Myles Baldwin; Brendan Moar, by the LifeStyle station’s Dry Spell Gardening along with the History channel’s forthcoming Coast Australia; along with Charlie Albone, by the LifeStyle station’s Selling Houses Australia.

Australian Garden Show Sydney

Australian Garden Show Sydney

More than 100 exhibitors will include garden and nursery associations, and there will be a huge number of gardening create and information stalls. An interactive kids’ section, operated by Twigz, promises to help keep the little ones amused.

You are able to catch talks from global vertical garden guru Patrick Blanc (revealed), Aussie garden legends Angus Stewart and Graham Ross, along with the “Gourmet Farmer,” Matthew Evans.

The interactive and educational talks are contained in the price of a daily entry ticket and run for an hour, such as a 15-minute Q&A. These sessions enable the public to associate with a number of the world’s top gardening, lifestyle and culinary experts in a broad program covering everything from advanced gardening to unusual culinary presentations.

Photo courtesy of Pascal Héni

Australian Garden Show Sydney

Celebrity chef Kylie Kwong and entomologist Skye Blackburn will also produce a selection of recipes comprising edible insects, such as crickets and dried earthworms, during their conversation, as part of the occasion’s “Seeds of Wisdom” lecture series.

Australian Garden Show Sydney

By night the gardens will take on a whole new form as mild installations created by architect and House Rules judge Joe Snell illuminate the displays. Majestic lighting will flooding the grounds with effects made by Anthony Bastic, event director in the Australian Garden Show Sydney and director of a mild festival named Vivid.

Australian Garden Show Sydney

World-class garden displays, a vibrant floral pavilion, various bars, ample places to indulge in fine cuisine and magnificent visual installations will period 7 acres in Sydney’s Centennial Park for your four-day event.

Australian Garden Show Sydney

Visitors will discover new gardening experiences at Australian author and TV personality Indira Naidoo’s Kitchen Garden. They’ll be able to build their cherry partitions or water plants with pedal-powered sprinklers. Guests are also invited to drift through tomato archways and learn how to use even the smallest spaces for pop-up edible gardens.

More: Living Sculptures Delight at the Montreal Botanical Garden

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A home in upstate New York can be a great respite from the huge town, but it can also be a bit lonely occasionally. That’s the reason why this house, at the base of the Shawangunk Mountains, was created not just to embrace nature but also to promote socializing. An attorney possesses it, and roughly a third of this area is devoted to guest quarters. Architect William Reue even went so far as to make individual entrances for the homeowner and her guests, and so that both can come and go as they socialize together in the ample living space.

at a Glance
Location: Upstate New York
Size: 4,800 square feet (446 square meters); 4 bedrooms, 41/2 bathrooms

Photography by Steve Freihon

William Reue Architecture

Need a reason to leave town? About the stars? A two-hour drive from the Big Apple puts you in contact with the woods and celestial bodies.

A curving wall coated in Cor-Ten steel makes for a mysterious first impression. However, it has a practical purpose also: The wall shields the home from cold north winds. In this perspective we see that the guest “wing” in bluestone on the right.

William Reue Architecture

The house sits on a approximately 8-acre package with loads of trees and a small bit of water. The Cor-Ten creates an artistic statement in the scene, especially in the snowy months, even when the leaves are off the trees.

This straight-on perspective of the weathered steel wall reveals the bluestone volume projecting on the left, which houses the garage.

William Reue Architecture

Here is a remote view of this southeast-facing facet of the home, where full-height glazing is a strong counterpoint to the solid, rusty wall, the latter of that disappears from view.

A tighter view shows the living space on the right and the main bedroom to the left.

William Reue Architecture

Not surprisingly, the living area is oriented into this view through the massive wall of glass. Operable upper panes allow for cross ventilation, whereas the drapes cut down on direct sunlight.

The home is superinsulated, with 14-inch-thick SIPS (structural insulated panels) and quadruple-pane glazing. According to Reue, the home is “over 55 percent more energy efficient than a standard new house” and has got LEED Silver certification for these and other steps, including underground rainwater storage, natural cotton insulation, geothermal heating and an energy recovery ventilator.

William Reue Architecture

Reue’s modern interiors hide most of the kitchen supporting flush wood doors and flush white cabinets. The doorway on the timber volume opens into the utility room, which also functions as a mudroom; the garage is right beyond.

William Reue Architecture

The kitchen backsplash is rock wood. The floors are 4-inch-wide white oak planks set randomly lengths of 6 to 10 ft with a dark stain and a polyurethane finish.

William Reue Architecture

On the opposite wall, more flush closets surround a fireplace. Access to the main bedroom is through the gap between the fireplace and the sculpture, while on the right is a hallway that contributes to a library and guest bedrooms.

William Reue Architecture

The main bedroom continues the blank lines and quiet atmosphere of this living space. The mattress is angled relative to the walls to offer a view oriented into the road and into the gap in the trees to the east.

William Reue Architecture

The custom tub in the main bathroom protrudes from the glass shower, both of which possess the capacity for views through the glass walls.

William Reue Architecture

The guest quarters are no less sumptuous, as is evident in this particular guest toilet. Floor-to-ceiling slabs of Pecan Brown rock with a polished finish put a striking backdrop to the stand-alone tub.

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