On one of the most attractive streets in the market town of Brecon stands this handsome Grade II listed house.

Predominantly a Georgian property boasting large, symmetrical windows and tall, diamond chimneys, the house has made a valuable contribution to the town, having been used as a school or convent for most of its life since the 1940s.

According to the Cadw website, the former stable blocks and accommodation that joins the main Georgian house and is now used as the chapel is thought to date back to at least the year 1619.

A fireplace lintel from this area of the property can be found in the Brecknock Museum saying 'Harvard Arms' as well as the date. So maybe this convent used to be a coaching inn.

More recently, this property in Powys has been a 14-bedroom convent called Harvard House. Inside, as you might expect, the decor is simple and practical and thankfully an abundance of original features remain.

Many rooms still boast wood wall panelling, ceiling beams, original flooring, windows and coving that have been well maintained.

These surviving features would be the cornerstone of a period restoration of the property by a new owner either into a large family home or apartments, subject to achieving planning permission and bearing in mind that the house is listed.

The Cadw listing for the property dates back to 1952 and includes the main house, featuring the forecourt wall, railings and gate, plus the former stable blocks to the east and west of the house.

Regarding the internal decor, the listing describes the house as having 'exceptional 18th century interiors and these include panelled dado, shutters, fireplace with lugged architrave and pediment and an iron grate with Gothic detailing".

The hallway sets the 'old world' atmosphere for the whole building, with a grand oak and mahogany staircase at the centre, flanked by Doric pillars, and original tile flooring and coving adding to the period charm.

The classic arched fan window above the front door and the large and solid internal doors are a joy to see still in place, looking as exactly as they did more than 100 years ago.

The original floorboards and large sash windows are the backdrop for the every day life of the convent, with rooms dedicated to studying, reading and meeting.

There's a school room, classroom, library, dining room and, of course, a chapel.

The chapel is actually located adjacent to the main Georgian house within the two-storey former stable buildings and features a stained glass window dated around the 1960s constructed by the monks of Prinknash Abbey near Gloucester.

Being a typical Georgian property, there is a basement area where the original kitchen and servants' working quarters would have been but in this present time this lower floor offers even more space for whoever buys this unique home.

And a house with history and links to an Inn, education and religion in its past has surely got to come with a quirky secret that gets the local rumours going, and Harvard House is no exception.

According to the website coflein, the house is rumored to have a secret and hidden passageway running below the rear garden.

But as the garden is completely covered in concrete, you're going to need a very big digger to discover it.

Take a look at this secret tunnel in Swansea

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The kitchen is basic and functional but very spacious.

A new owner, should they decide to restore the house to a single family home, could definitely make this room the heart of the home with some creative interior design skills and a sledgehammer to the units.

There's room for a statement island unit and a dining table for family meals.

The TV room, in particular, is a Georgian gem just waiting to be polished.

Wall panels, coving and a fireplace hiding behind a sideboard are just a few of the noticeable features in this space.

Under the carpet there may well be more beautiful, original Georgian wood flooring.

One room that probably needs little updating or restoring to return it to its former glory is the sitting room.

Clearly the 'posh' parlour where in the past visitors would be entertained, the room is dominated by the period fireplace and large window.

The floors, coving and dado rail are all looking lovely and the choice of wallpaper creates a light and calming period atmosphere.

Also on the ground floor are a number of practical rooms that a convent or school requires including a large laundry room, office, numerous storage cupboards, a pantry and an appropriate number of cloakroom facilities.

Up to the first floor of the main area of the house and there are 12 bedrooms to discover and four full bath or shower rooms, as well as additional toilets.

A new owner could easily combine a number of these bedrooms to create some exceptionally spacious bedrooms, with much of the plumbing in place for some ensuites too.

On this level there is also a large classroom that spans over nine metres in length.

Up to the second floor and there are three further bedrooms and a study.

There are also two extra attic rooms that offer a new owner extra space to convert, again subject to planning consent.

The home is for sale for 450,000 with James Dean Estate Agents, call their Brecon branch on 01874 624757 to find out more.

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14-bedroom convent that's believed to have a secret tunnel is for sale in a Welsh market town - Wales Online

ValuEngine upgraded shares of Restoration Hardware (NYSE:RH) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note published on Thursday, ValuEngine reports.

Other equities analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Restoration Hardware from $138.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 11th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on shares of Restoration Hardware from $196.00 to $202.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 19th. Loop Capital downgraded shares of Restoration Hardware from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $190.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Thursday. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Restoration Hardware from $148.00 to $163.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Finally, Barclays started coverage on shares of Restoration Hardware in a research report on Tuesday, November 12th. They set an overweight rating and a $198.00 target price on the stock. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. The company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $164.88.

Shares of NYSE RH opened at $195.54 on Thursday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $180.34 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $139.90. Restoration Hardware has a 52-week low of $84.11 and a 52-week high of $199.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.90, a PEG ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 1.79.

Restoration Hardware (NYSE:RH) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, September 10th. The company reported $3.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the Thomson Reuters consensus estimate of $2.70 by $0.50. Restoration Hardware had a negative return on equity of 230.09% and a net margin of 6.05%. The firm had revenue of $706.51 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $698.00 million. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Restoration Hardware will post 10.93 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other news, insider Demonty Price sold 23,900 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $171.27, for a total value of $4,093,353.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 56,949 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,753,655.23. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Eri Chaya sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $167.56, for a total value of $3,351,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 79,337 shares in the company, valued at $13,293,707.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 60,790 shares of company stock worth $10,312,127. 36.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Restoration Hardware stock. Tiverton Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc (NYSE:RH) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 487 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $56,000.

About Restoration Hardware

RH, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer in the home furnishings. It offers products in various categories, including furniture, lighting, textiles, bathware, dcor, outdoor and garden, tableware, and child and teen furnishings. The company provides its products through its retail galleries; and Source Books, a series of catalogs, as well as online through rh.com, restorationhardware.com, rhbabyandchild.com, rhteen.com, and rhmodern.com, as well as waterworks.com.

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Sunday, 24 November 2019, 1:07 pmPress Release: Master Builders Association

Best Kiwi Homes and Renovations Announced for 2019at Registered Master Builders House of the YearAwards

Spearhead DevelopmentsCromwell Hawk House takes out Supreme New Home,Craftmanship, and CARTERS $1 1.5 million New HomeawardsSpice Builds LowerHutt 135-year old church restoration takes out SupremeRenovation and Bunnings Renovation over $1 millionawardsCelebrating buildingexcellence in New Zealand, the prestigious Registered MasterBuilders House of the Year competition awards the besthomes, builders and craftsmen across our country for2019.Supreme House of theYear and CraftmanshipAward First-timecompetition entrant, Spearhead Developments of Central Otagotook the top award for their work on the Hawk House. The newbuild also took out the Craftmanship and CARTERS $1-1.5million New Home awards.

Judges acknowledged thishome to be a technical challenge in every respect. TheHawk House is an architectural masterpiece that sits high inthe hills between Cromwell and Wakaka. Mimicking nativehawks, the unique form and use of natural material hascreated an incredible home that peacefully nestles into itsstunning surrounding landscape.

This is noordinary bach. It is a home that surprises you at everyturn, says this years 2019 judges.

Supreme Renovation of the YearAward Spice Build has wonthe Supreme Renovation Award with the restoration of ahistoric 135-year old church in Petone, Wellington. Theproperty was also runner-up for the Craftsmanship Award.

Judges said the renovation Demonstrated a vision thatis nothing short of exceptional.

The buildprocess saw a fantastic collaboration between the owner andbuilder, with a result that can only be described as amasterpiece. It has perfectly retained the originalcharacter of the building, all while breathing new life intoit with a stunning apartment conversion.

Special AwardThe Special Award category was introduced lastyear to recognise outstanding projects or buildelements.

Highly worthy of this accolade, UrbanHomes claimed this award for its home in Kaipaki, Cambridge.Tasked to create a home reminiscent of a DOC hut, hiddenaway on an idyllic riverside site, the judges said Theunassuming yet sophisticated home has managed to blend itsbeauty appropriately with the neighbouring naturalenvironment.

Both the consideration given to thisproject and the owners dedication to preserving thenatural beauty of this site are absolutely commendable, andmakes this home strongly deserving of this years SpecialAward.

An additional 15 category and fourlifestyle awards were also announced at a gala dinnerattended by over 520 people from the building andconstruction industry.

Registered Master BuildersChief Executive David Kelly says the organisation is proudto showcase the best of New Zealand residentialbuildings.

Master Builders have been building NewZealands homes and communities for nearly 130 years andthe House of the Year competition has recognised the verybest of these homes for almost 30 years.

As thebuilding boom continues, we must ensure our focus is onbuilding quality homes, quickly and efficiently across allprice brackets. As New Zealands leaders in residentialbuilding it is exciting to see innovative approaches comingthrough in the homes showcased at this years awards. Thiscompetition sets the standard of what is possible and is aninspiration to others across the sector.

MasterBuilders congratulates our Supreme Award recipients,Spearhead Developments and Spice Build, and all the 2019winners. It has been another year of outstandingbuilds.

The Awards are made possible through thesupport of PlaceMakers, Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, GIB,CARTERS, Plumbing World, Altus Window Systems, Resene andBunnings Trade.

For more information about thecompetition, visit http://www.houseoftheyear.co.nz.

ENDS

Scoop Media

Scoop Citizen Membership ScoopPro for Organisations

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Master Builders House of the Year Awards - Scoop.co.nz

Scan any property portal online and you will find numerous rural properties for sale that offer a tantalising escape from the 9-to-5 grind, urban pollution and commuter gridlock.

Ultimate 'escape to the country' opportunities can be found throughout Wales.

At any time there are a variety of country homes for sale that come with empty barns and outbuildings yearning to be renovated into income-generating holiday lets.

But how many people actually take the plunge and give up city living to take on a restoration project in rural Wales as a new way to live and a new way to earn money?

Sam Measom visited Anglesey, fell in love with the island, packed up her life in Leicestershire and escaped to live her country work /life dream.

Sam, now 53, said: "After visiting South Stack lighthouse with a friend I was blown away by its stunning location. I fell in love with its rugged coastline and breath-taking scenery."

On the way back from the visit Sam happened to see a 'For Sale' sign outside a derelict barn complex called Ty Nant.

She remembers: "The vision and dream of owning a holiday let was immediately born when I set eyes on Ty Nant, the original barn.

"I made the decision right then that I wanted to buy it and couldnt wait to make an offer!"

This might sound rather impulsive to many people but after 18 years of raising her children, they had recently flown the family nest to go to university and Sam was ready to dive into a new project.

She was just unclear what this might be, until her fateful visit to Wales and the chance encounter with the barns.

It was 2013 and the smallholding consisted of three buildings in various stages of dereliction.

Sam says: "The original barn hadnt been occupied for over 30 years and the other two barns were covered in ivy and brambles.

"But it just felt as if it was the right place for me to live. I cant explain it any other way, it was an inner sense of knowing.

"Waking up to an ocean view everyday seemed like the perfect retreat - if I felt that way, then I was sure future guests would feel exactly the same."

After six long months of negotiations, Sam finally secured the 4.5 acre plot and collection of rundown buildings for 340,000.

The renovation plan was simple - start with the original barn called Ty Nant and live in this property whilst renovating the second holiday let called Ysbryd y Mynydd.

Eventually both of these renovated buildings became holiday lets that then funded the rescue of the final derelict property, which is now her home.

Sam says it was a tough and challenging time for her.

"The pressure was on to get Ysbryd built, as the income from both holiday homes was very much needed to help towards creating and building my own home. It was a slow build.

"But I had been so consumed with Ysbryd y Mynydd and everything being perfect for my first guests, that when I eventually moved into my own home, it was a complete mess and half built!"

But the state of her eventual home at the time of moving was not the biggest unforeseen challenge that Sam encountered on her 'escape to the country' journey.

The lowest point was losing her builders from the project.

She says: "After three years of working with the same team of builders every day they suddenly left me to build somewhere else.

"My home wasnt finished and theyd barricaded me in with MDF board because half of the house was still open to the elements. It came completely out of the blue and after years of building up trust with the builders, it was a complete shock.

"The project was then on hold for 12 months."

Despite the setback, Sam kept going with the transformation of the buildings themselves but when the time came for her to think about the interiors of the holiday homes for her guests, her vision was clear.

She says: "From comfy sofas to tranquil artwork, great care was put into creating the perfect setting for visitors to relax in after a day of exploring Anglesey. I spent hours looking at interior design websites to get inspiration."

And there is one special spot within the whole complex that always completely captivates Sam.

She says: "I love the upstairs floor of Ysbryd y Mynydd.

"The views from the floor to ceiling windows towards Holyhead mountain are stunning, hence the cottages name which translates to spirit of the mountain.

"Up here Ive also left the steel girder that runs from one end of the building to the other visible because its the backbone holding it up and therefore should be appreciated."

Ysbryd y Mynydd sleeps up to four people and has a large living space and garden with an in-ground trampoline, making it ideal for a family getaway.

The contemporary upside-down format and floor-to-ceiling windows also make the most of the wonderful views on offer.

One of the most popular areas of the holiday home with guests is the large deck area accessed from the first floor accommodation, a perfect place for al fresco dining surrounded by sweeping views of the coast and country.

Now Sam has become not only an experienced property developer but also a recognised holiday host with the announcement of one of her properties becoming an award-winner.

Ysbryd y Mynydd has won this year's 'Best in North Wales' category in the Sykes Gems Awards, a national awards programme celebrating excellence in holiday cottage accommodation.

And Sam is absolutely thrilled.

She says: "I've put so much into making both Ysbryd y Mynydd and Ty Nant a success and now work with a brilliant team of people from the local community who help to keep the properties running smoothly.

"The award for Ysbryd y Mynydd really does mean a lot and the trophy will, of course, have pride of place in the property itself."

The Sykes Gem Awards celebrate the best people and properties in the UKs growing holiday cottage sector across a number of categories and are judged by a panel of industry experts.

Sykes Holiday Cottages, who launched the awards three years ago, received 2,500 entries from throughout the UK and Ireland across 30 categories this year.

However, the judging panel were impressed by the style and facilities on offer at Sam's property, along with guest feedback on cleanliness, comfort and value for money.

Sam has definitely been bitten by the property renovation bug, as she is now in the throws of renovating another old ruin into another holiday home.

None of the budget, builders or blustery Welsh weather challenges have deterred Sam, she believes she now has all the experience she needs to continue her rural retreats sucess.

Sam couldn't be happier that she followed her escape to the country dream and now has a life and work balance that is perfect for her.

She says: "I definitely have a passion for my work, Anglesey has gorgeous scenery and for many it is love at first sight it certainly was for me seven years ago.

"And letting the cottages out to families and couples has been really fulfilling. I love getting to know the visitors who come to stay, there is no denying that Ive got a taste for holiday letting now.

"Its been quite a journey but Ive seen it through."

Continue reading here:
How mum transformed derelict Welsh barns into her dream home after her children went to university - Wales Online

Believed to have once been owned by King Henry VIII, the truly unique Grade II* Llanthony Secunda Manor in Caldicot is back on the market and looking for a new king or queen to crown it as their new home.

Believed to date back to the 1200s, the five bedroom property was last on the market in 2017 with an asking price reported to be 800,000.

The manor is now for sale with a 875,000 price tag.

According to property portal Zoopla the house was last sold in October 2005 for 435,000.

Over many years the house has been thoughtfully restored by its previous owners (unlikely Henry was one of them though) to create an authentic medieval manor house experience but with modern day additions and conveniences.

The house is currently run as a holiday let by owner Becky Adorjan.

In 2017 The Mirror quoted Becky as saying: "In 1972 it was actually scheduled for demolition as it had been empty for a number of years and had fallen into a terrible state of disrepair.

"It was only a hurried listing of the building that saved it and then in 1978 a lady by the name of Mrs S M McLeod began the painstaking process of renovation, which has carried on ever since.

"It has only had four private owners in its history. After years of hard work and dedication I'm proud to say that the house is now in excellent condition and has been transformed into a really beautiful home."

With a building of this age, a new owner might find that not all of the previous owners or past visitors have actually moved out or moved on.

Although unproven, the manor is reported to be haunted. Local paranormal groups have previously run investigations that the public have paid to join, including a spooky overnight stay.

According to the website ghostlygoingson.com this group of ghostbusters say they once captured a full bodied apparition on a photograph during a vigil in the great hall.

But actually this is an aspect of the house that a new owner might want to investigate themselves - the variety of business usage this home offers.

Of course, a new owner might decide that the historic home is not for sharing and will be their private abode, buy they could continue renting the house out as a holiday let and ghost-hunting location.

According to the website medievalaccommodation.com, the house began life as a grange estate, directly linked to the monks of Llanthony Prima in Monmouthshire and Llanthony Secunda Abbey in Gloucester.

These grange estates were usually outlying centres located away from the main religious centres, owned by monasteries and independent of the local manor house system.

It is thought that Henry acquired the site as part of the dissolution of the monasteries during the period 1536-1541 but no evidence has been unearthed to prove he ever visited.

What is in evidence is the rather remarkable restoration that the previous owners have lavished on this characterful abode, to a standard that surely even Henry would have approved of.

Original ancient stonework and gnarled beams are exposed throughout; reach out and actually touch the centuries of history oozing out of the walls.

Prepare to enter medieval times, take a quick video tour around the manor:

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The current owner's clever interior design skill has created a masterful recreation of a medieval world by exposing and restoring all the beams, fireplaces, heavy wooden internal doors and stone floors.

Colours chosen are muted yet fresh and the furniture, for the most part, is as a visitor might expect within such an old house.

And, of course, a house of this stature has a great hall, a characterful space for enjoying the most medieval of dinner parties that will surely turn into a raucous banquet involving flagons of mead and eating chicken drumsticks with your fingers.

But the banquet food does not have to be conjured up in a kitchen from the Middle Ages.

The current kitchen is actually a great example of how the owner's has restored the past but installed the present.

Described by the estate agent as a gourmet kitchen, there are of course beams, flagstone floors, candle sconces and a huge fireplace housing an original 15th century bread oven.

But there are also all the integrated appliances a modern chef requires plus a substantial range oven.

The modern kitchen is constructed in wood with arched detailing on the doors, a cool medieval version of a shaker style.

This room epitomises the care and attention that has been given to the restoration of this home to blend original with new.

Exploring the manor house will take time. The ground floor has a drawing room, dining room, study, snug, scullery and utility, as well as the kitchen/breakfast room.

Up one of the numerous staircases brings you to the great hall on the first floor. The wall beams within this room are a joy to behold, joining with the ceiling beams to wrap you in history.

The wooden floors, small wooden doors and fireplace, complete with years of soot stains on the mantle, create a perfect visual reference to the past.

Off the great hall is a library and this floor also has a bedroom, bathroom and a handy store room.

Up a spiral stone staircase to the second floor and there are two further bedrooms and a stylish bathroom complete with roll top bath and the continuation of the fabric of the building being the most mesmerising feature of each room.

It's a relief to discover that the bathroom facilities are definitely not based on plumbing from medieval times.

The master bedroom is a pretty paradise, with a feature wooden four poster bed as a classic addition to the stone and wood based decor.

The stonework has been treated to a paint wash to create a relaxing atmosphere that will gently ease any king or queen into a good night's sleep.

The top floor also has its own spiral stone staircase and leads to two large rooms that might make the coolest of games rooms.

Live here or work here, the manor is arguably one of the most historic and unique homes with royal links currently available to buy in Wales.

The manor is for sale for 875,000 with estate agent Moon & Co, give them a call on 01291 629292 to find out more.

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A Welsh medieval manor that once belonged to Henry VIII and has barely changed inside is on the market - Wales Online

Written by Reginald Frontispiece Ltd

On this day, November 25 in 1865, 'The Illustrated London News' carried the above woodblock engraving of the newly restored interior of Guildhall.

Located off Gresham and Basinghall streets, in the City wards of Bassishaw and Cheap, it is home to the City of London Corporation.

Built on the site of a Roman amphitheatre, Guildhall has been the 'town hall' of 'the City' for some 800 years.

Dating from 1440, the current building suffered damage during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and was partially restored in 1670 and in 1788 the present south entrance was added by architect George Dance.

Another major restoration was undertaken by City of London architect Sir Horace Jones in the 1860s, which included the 'Great Hall,' the subject of today's antique print.

Jones added a new timber roof in keeping with the original hammerbeam ceiling, which survived until 1940.

A Luftwaffe incendiary raid on London on the night of 29/30 December destroyed the hammerbeam ceiling, leaving only the walls of Guildhall intact. On the same night, eight churches designed by Sir Christopher Wren were destroyed.

The Guildhall roof was replaced in 1954 during works designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, but the original hammerbeam design was not retained.

View our woodblock engraving from the Frontispiece Ltd collection here

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Guildhall restoration by the Victorians in 1865 - In Your Area

Indianapolis, INThe Office of the Attorney General has prevailed in a case against two individuals who operated a home-improvement company in Hamilton County that scammed money from 63 Hoosiers, including 33 senior citizens.

Over a 10-month period, Green Frog Restoration LLC took payments totaling$389,187.82for work it never completed. Nor did the company refund the money paid by consumers.

A Hamilton County court last week awarded judgment in the case of James Twaddle, who with Wanda VanWinkle operated the business from May 2014 to March 2015. The same court already issued a default judgment against VanWinkle and Green Frog in 2017.

The default judgment, totaling$1,268,870.44, includes $389,187.82 in consumer restitution, $367,523.52 in senior consumer treble damages and $511,500 in civil penalties. Following an October trial, the court ordered that Twaddle also be held personally liable for Green Frogs $1,268,870.44 judgment. Twaddle is also permanently enjoined from owning, operating or managing any home-improvement business in Indiana.

Green Frog Restoration touted its specialty to be replacing siding and roofs on homes in the aftermath of storms. Before coming to Indiana, Twaddle already had been charged with home-improvement fraud in at least five Kentucky and Ohio counties. While out on bail, he moved to Indiana and used the alias Jim Martin to avoid being recognized for his ongoing criminal issues.

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AG Curtis Hill wins Hamilton County bench trial for Hoosiers in case involving home-restoration scammers - Country 103.9 WRBI

By: PuroClean | 0Shares 45Reads

November 18, 2019 // Franchising.com // Tamarac, FL - Winter is comingand much like previous years, the impending season is predicted to bring increasingly frigid temperatures. PuroClean, a leading national restoration and remediation franchise, is offering expert insight into what property owners can expect this season - along with tips for how to prepare.

We want to inform communities throughout the country about what to expect this winter, so that they can prepare their homes and businesses properly, said Steve White, president and COO of PuroClean. While we cant precisely predict the potential impact of winter weather that is on its way, PuroClean can provide helpful hints based on our past experience, arming the general public with information that will minimize potential damage.

This winter is predicted to be freezing and frosty with temperatures peaking early next year, according to Farmers Almanac. Active winter weather systems could even bring the return of the polar vortex that wreaked havoc on communities in 2018. Many businesses that were unprepared for last seasons impact were forced to close or relocate, due to damage, and many homeowners saw flooding or excessive structural damage. These five expert tips from PuroClean can help reduce the possibility of internal and external property damage:

Commercial and residential properties are increasingly impacted by the strong forces that winter brings. According to the Insurance Information Institute, one in 15 property owners report winter related damages yearly. Whether exterior damage caused by ice dams and strong winds or interior damage due to frozen and burst pipes, repairing homes and businesses can be costly, but avoidable with preparation.

PuroClean is one of the leading restoration franchise companies in the nation. Each year, PuroClean performs thousands of jobs throughout the United States and Canada, providing restoration services from common to large-scale disasters.

For more information on PuroClean, contact 800-775-7876 or visit http://www.PuroClean.com.

Known as the Paramedics of Property Damage, PuroClean provides water damage remediation, flood water removal, fire and smoke damage remediation, mold removal, and biohazard cleanup to commercial and residential customers. Founded in 2001, PuroClean has a comprehensive network of 290+ franchise offices across North America. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures, while operating under a strict code of ethics. Each PuroClean office is independently owned and operated. For more information about PuroClean, contact 800-775-7876 or visit http://www.puroclean.com; for franchise information, visit http://www.puroclean.com/franchise.

Rachel Tabacnic/ Deiondra SkinnerHemsworth Communications954-716-7614PuroCleanPR@HemsworthCommunications.com

SOURCE PuroClean

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National Restoration and Remediation Experts Offer Tips & Tricks in Anticipation of Extreme Weather Conditions in Winter 2019-2020 -...

There's a reason Warren Buffett is known as the Wizard of Omaha. He has a near-prescience when it comes to picking stocks. Sure, he's seen his share of failures but understanding the market seems to come more readily to him than the average person. Therefore, his movesand by extension Berkshire Hathaway'sdraw extra attention from market watchers and often drive stock share sales as well. Restoration Hardware (NYSE:RH) recently got the benefit of Berkshire Hathaway's attention recently as Buffett's powerhouse revealed a new stake taken out in the home furnishings operation.

Renovation Hardware Stock May Prove a Market Beater

When Berkshire filed its F13 form with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), it contained a line that caught a lot of market attention. Berkshire currently owns 1.2 million shares of Restoration Hardware, which at the time of filing was worth roughly $210 million. That's enough to make Berkshire the fourth-largest single stakeholder in the company.

This was an announcement sufficient to draw interest from the rest of the market and spark sales sufficient to drive up the price of Restoration Hardware shares up 5.45 percent as of this writing. This is on top of gains already seen that drove the stock price up over 40 percent this year alone.

Good Bones Under Restoration Hardware Stock

While the Berkshire deal likely drew a lot of interest from the market, it's not just Warren Buffett's interest that should draw attention here. Looking at Restoration Hardware's fundamentals suggests that there are good bones involved here. When home renovators and design professionals hear the term good bones, they know they're looking at a house that is fundamentally sound, and may only need certain cosmetic changes or technology updates to be a truly great home.

Restoration Hardware's numbers should evoke a similar reaction. The stock is trading at a P/E ratio of 28.23, which means investors are expecting growth from the stock, in a big way. Throw in the earnings per share (EPS) numbers of $6.50, and that drives home why the stock is trading at $184.80 as of this writing. That's also remarkably close to its 52-week high of $192. With a market cap of over $3 billion and nearly 18.6 million shares outstanding, there's a reason to get in, and plenty of room to do so.

What's the Neighborhood Like?

The neighborhood is always important for home buyers and design professionals. The neighborhood for renovation hardware stock is looking impressive in its own right. Consider the macroeconomic picture and you'll see great potential ahead for Restoration Hardware and those of its ilk.

Right now, the overall economic picture is fairly sound and retail is doing well. While big-ticket items seem a bit sluggish, people are willing and able to shop. Home product sales are doing well as well, and people seem to be putting particular care into their houses' look and offerings. Overall home design is taking on a new importance; maybe some are seeing a recession coming eventuallyas it must at some pointand are putting the focus on their home's design to have a comfortable place to wait it out.

Some suggest that Restoration Hardware has drawn particular interest thanks to a shift in its target market; the company recently attempted to rebrand itself as a retail outlet for high-end home design components, a move which has powered it to new heights in the broader market. Throw in the recent opening of 70 RH Galleries, which are basically stores with a lot of extra space said to resemble museums more than standard shops, and a membership-driven sales model, and it's a recipe for pursuing the high-end home buyer.

Home Design Products Sales Draw Interest

No matter what the motivation behind it, it's clear that a major figure in investing has taken a liking to Restoration Hardware. There are several possible reasons at work here, starting with solid fundamentals and moving to an overall market that's amenable to more sales for home products. Regardless, it's clear that this entry in the home design stock stakes is getting a serious boost, and causing other investors to look twice.

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Berkshire Hathaway Reveals New Stake in Restoration Hardware (RH)Shares Jump - MarketBeat

In 1937, the wealthy Davis family enlisted Palm Beach's favorite society architect, John Volk, to devise a neoclassical, Adam-style home. They dubbed it Villa Primavera, and for decades, the lakeside housewhich was later named a landmarkenjoyed a reputation as one of the most breathtaking homes among the many that dot the moneyed isle of Palm Beach.

In the 1990s, the villa's interiors were redecorated by the legendary American designer Mark Hampton in one of his last projects before his death. But in the years since, the property had fallen into the same kind of disrepair that befell Grey Gardens, the shingled Long Island estate of Bouvier cousins "Big" and "Little" Edie, memorialized in the 1975 documentary. Climbing vines covered the exterior, a pool house collected mildew, and a once-grand dining terrace was littered with discarded flowerpots.

That is, until a few years ago, when a young family bought the property and enlisted designer Scott Sanders (who splits his time between Palm Beach and New York) to restore the property to its original glorywith all the added comforts of today, of course.

Nickolas Sargent

"For a period of nearly a decade it sat sporadically unoccupied and poorly maintained, subjecting it to near demolition by neglect," explains Sanders. "Thusly, the current owners were faced with an extensive restoration of the house bordering on a complete rebuild, made all the more complicated by its landmarked status."

It was like the house was saying, "Please help me!"

Sandersalong with architect Harold Smith of Smith & Moore Architects, design architect Angelo Davila, and landscape architect Fernando Wongworked with Palm Beachs Landmarks Preservation Commission on their plans. Despite the many hurdles in their path, the team was able to complete the project, and the family able to spend its first night in the home, just 15 months after construction began.

A family with two children bought the house a few years ago. While many of Palm Beach's properties are vacation or weekend homes, this one is their primary residence.

The homes is in the Adam style, an aesthetic originated in 18th-century Scotlandbut a simpler version if it, which became popular in 1930s America. "After the depression, people didn't want these over the top houses, so they came up with this sort of Palm Beach style, which was much more subdued," says Sanders. "It just sort of really pared down on the details. And in this particular one, the detailsinside and out are just perfect." Sanders saw his main goal as restoring, and adequately highlighting, those details.

"The first time I saw it, in spite of everything else and how it looked, you saw through all of it, those incredible details," he says.

Throughout the home, Sanders mixed contemporary furnishings with antiques from the home's original era for a sense of updated history. In the entry, Holly Hunt benches sit across from a 1930s Belgian sideboard.

"They wanted to build a secondary formal hallway to incorporate different rooms and bring it back to 2019," Sanders says. "And that allowed for the beautiful black-and-white floor and the incredible casings around the doorsthese spectacular details to be recreated."

In the formal living room, Sanders nodded to the work of Mark Hampton, who outfitted it in the 1990s. An Architectural Digest article on Hampton's design describes the space as "a dozen tones of white working their way down to beige," so it's fitting that this room is the most neutral in the home.

To better fit the current clients' lifestyle, Sanders divided the fairly large space into several different zones. "We were charged to make sure it wasn't just a living room," Sanders says. "They really wanted to use it, not just at holidays." Davila added the built-in bookcases and incorporated a mini-bar. "So it can work for a group of 20, or for two couplesor just if you want to go in and read," Sanders says. "We made it very informal and inviting."

After the architect carved out a square dining room from a onetime maid's quarters, Sanders had it covered in a jaw-dropping 17 coats of lacquer. "He was working on it for three months," Sanders says. "They are incredible. They sparkle, they shimmerand that to me is how you take the house into the 21st century. You have the moldings that are appropriate to the house, but then that lacquer takes it into this century."

In the library, which had gone through several iterations since the original, design architect Angelo Davila devised cabinetry that echoed original period details. Again, Sanders added a modern twist. "I wanted to feel a little more modern, right? We came up with the idea of putting the inlay nickel trim," he says, of the subtle detail that adds depth and a more contemporary feel.

A small nook with a porthole window at the back of the room (once a bathroom) got a new life as a space to hide a printer and a mini bar with a refrigerator. Now that it opens into the library, Sanders points out, "you get a little hint of the view outside" to the Fernando Wong-designed gardens.

"It's all based on blues," Sanders says of the calming bedroom, whose palette echoes the lake views through its windows. As in the living room, the designer designated several zones for different activities: a desk with an Alfonso Marina Grasse chair, a seating area with John Rosselli armchairs, and an Iliad Lulei Bergre bench by the entry.

The home takes the biggest turn from its original state in the master closets and baths, which Sanders customized down to the last detail based on his clients' routines. "People live differently now," Sanders says. "We created a whole master suite where they each have their own bathroom, their own master suiteand there's a coffee bar."

The added coffee station, Sanders says, is something "everyone is asking for."

Across the home's stately garden, Sanders added a second building to mirror the existing poolhouse. One is home to a gym, while the other houses the ultimate hangout spot, complete with game tables and a nautical-themed bar. "They have a fantastic game room in their vacation house up north," Sanders says. "But it's very dark. So I wanted to kind of reverse that, and make this one really bright."

"We thought it could be more informal, so it feels really beachy. It feels fun."

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Inside the Painstaking Renovation of "The Grey Gardens of Palm Beach" - HouseBeautiful.com