Mandarin residents are just starting to see the massive changes in the landscape along their part of Interstate 295.

Thousands of trees have been torn down to make way for a SunPass toll lane or express lane between the Buckman Bridge and the I-95 interchange.

Unfortunately, Mandarin residents wont be able to use it.

Im really ambivalent about the express lane because I wont be able to use it anyway, said Leah Tincher, whose home in the Sweetwater neighborhood on Greenland Road now sits in view of the interstate.

Though many homes along the interstate are losing their natural barrier, along with the does, bucks and yearlings that could often be seen at night nibbling on the grass along the woodline southwest of the interchange, there will be no entrance points to the toll lanes anywhere in between leaving Mandarin residents in the three traditional lanes of traffic.

Im just glad theyre finally putting in a sound barrier, Tincher said.

After the last round of widening on that section of I-295, Tincher was mortified. When I bought this house, you couldnt hear the interstate and you couldnt see the interstate, she said. Now I can wave to people from my pool.

Bike Week is especially bad, she said.

You cant talk on the phone or hear the television, she said.

The interstate now is coming even closer.

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Mandarin residents see I-295 edge closer to homes; bypassed by benefit of new lanes

Water Features/Aqua Designs:

Koi Pond, Reflecting Pond, River-rock Stream, Cascading Waterfall, Exotic Fountain Displays, Pondless Waterfall, Babbling Brook, Free-standing fountains and various manmade and natural stone water features.

There is nothing like the sound of a graceful, cascading waterfall or the gentle trickles of a stone water fountain. Every home can be enhanced with the serenity found in this element of life; reverberated through the gentle sounds of relaxation and calm reflections of a flowing water feature.

We can design any water feature as the showcase of any new or existing residential/commercial landscape. Water features can be designed as a focal point of an entry way, axis of a landscape, accent to a garden, or as the eye of attraction for the facades of the home or business. It can be rustic, formal, rocky, and or all natural with lush green foliage and colorful exotics.

We design water features to embellish front entry of homes, or as the center of attraction for backyard entertainment. Complimented with our outdoor lighting techniques, that will virtually transform any daytime waterscape into that favorite night time attraction. Our aqua designs are majestic crowns of the night, better known as the majestic gardens of life, will breathe new life and meaning into your home and outdoor life.

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Water, Pool Coping, Pool Renovations, Waterfalls ...

Filinvests Botanika

The prospect of having a daily walk through a master planned nature sanctuary located right at ones backyard is one of the many features attracting investors to Botanika Nature Residences, a premium low-density residential enclave in Filinvest City in Alabang.

In the same way that an apartment with a view and easy access to New Yorks Central Park is considered a premium property, Botanikas centralized garden system offering scenic walks through the 1.55-hectare property is differentiating the project from other high-end developments in Makati and Bonifacio Global City, according to Catherine Ilagan, EVP of Filinvest Alabang, Inc., Botanika project developer.

Open green spaces are getting more scarce in the metropolis. Our planners thus thought of offering Botanika residents a system of gardens that would allow them to enjoy natures healing properties right at their doorstep, she said.

Various studies have shown that nature has the power to renew ones senses as well as to clear ones thoughts so that contemplation and inspiration can take place.

Departing from the conventional residential condo environment where space is limited, Botanikas 369 units ranging from 123 to 343 sqm and spread out over three towers will be open to nature while offering privacy to residents.

Botanika is the first of the Filinvest Groups Exclusive Collection, the newest and highest-end brand category. Each project with the Exclusive Collection brand is envisioned to be an iconic, top-end and one-of-a-kind residential space that will add prestige to the groups large-scale projects, said Ilagan.

From the top, each of the buildings takes the shape of a leaf, a unique configuration which will mean that none of the units will peer directly into a unit of a tower. When a resident looks out his window, he will not have a direct sightline into a unit in the neighboring tower because of the curving walls of the tower.

At the center of each building will be an atrium that will allow natural light to go through the structure. The atrium will also force air through the edifice offering passive ventilation.

From the ground level, the atriums will be interconnected to each other and to a central pool area through a paved walkway that naturally blends with the lush tropical landscape.

Read more:
Luxury condo project offers natures healing power

Mandarin residents are just starting to see the massive changes in the landscape along their part of Interstate 295.

Thousands of trees have been torn down to make way for a SunPass toll lane or express lane between the Buckman Bridge and the I-95 interchange.

Unfortunately, Mandarin residents wont be able to use it.

Im really ambivalent about the express lane because I wont be able to use it anyway, said Leah Tincher, whose home in the Sweetwater neighborhood on Greenland Road now sits in view of the interstate.

Though many homes along the interstate are losing their natural barrier, along with the does, bucks and yearlings that could often be seen at night nibbling on the grass along the woodline southwest of the interchange, there will be no entrance points to the toll lanes anywhere in between leaving Mandarin residents in the three traditional lanes of traffic.

Im just glad theyre finally putting in a sound barrier, Tincher said.

After the last round of widening on that section of I-295, Tincher was mortified. When I bought this house, you couldnt hear the interstate and you couldnt see the interstate, she said. Now I can wave to people from my pool.

Bike Week is especially bad, she said.

You cant talk on the phone or hear the television, she said.

The interstate now is coming even closer.

Read more:
Mandarian residents see I-295 edge ever closer to homes; bypassed by benefit of new lanes

Big Cedar Lodge brings the outdoors in at every turn with show-stopping window walls, natural materials, and sculptural trees that reflect the surrounding landscape.

Big Cedar Lodge

Four bedrooms feature vaulted, wood-beamed ceilings, hand-crafted wooden furnishings, rustic-elegant accents, and taxidermy that honors the ruggedly serene Ozarks landscape.

Big Cedar Lodge

Set on a hillside at the heart of Big Cedar Lodge, the Garden Chapel spreads holiday cheer with fresh pine garlands and festive wreaths. The chapel also offers a nondenominational service on Sunday mornings.

Big Cedar Lodge

In November 2014, the resort opened the nature-inspired Cedar Creek Spa that is an oasis of wellness, relaxation, and beauty offerings across 18,000 square feet with a soothing, candlelit grotto pool included.

Big Cedar Lodge

Nestled among more than 800 acres in Missouri's Ozark Mountains is the Governor's Suite at Big Cedar Lodge. For $1,110 to $2,000 a night, guests can enjoy four bedrooms with private bathrooms, a full kitchen, living room with fireplace, a dining room, and two balconies. The 2,500-square -foot suite provides a relaxing space with breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake.

Big Cedar Lodge

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Photos: Hotel Suite of the Week: The Governor's Suite at Big Cedar Lodge

The self-contained pool house for guests at 58 Hanby Street in Brighton, which was sold under the hammer by Nick Johnston Real Estate for $3.99 million Photo: Supplied

The great Australian dream of a house with a backyard swimming pool has reached glamorous new levels.

A basic rectangular or kidney-shaped concrete pool at the rear of the garden is a thing of the past, as landscape architects and home owners take the plunge with imaginative designs.

At the posh end of the market, a shimmering showpiece pool is now de rigueur.

Fancy cabanas, grottos, waterfall features and pools that sit flush against the back of the house and adjoin an outdoor kitchen are bringing 'resort style' to the suburbs in a bid to seduce buyers in an increasingly competitive market.

Real estate agents say an impeccably landscaped pool is in high demand and can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the price of a home.

Landscape architect James Lascelles, whose company Out From The Blue creates high-end pools and gardens, said pools that abut living areas, some with see-through acrylic panels to create a shimmering window, are in vogue.

A Middle Park home with an acrylic window from the pool in to the living area, which was designed by Melbourne landscape architects Out From The Blue. Photo: Dean Bradley Photography

"It's definitely about the view from inside the house because the climate here is so cold that most of the time you are inside the house," he said.

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Continued here:
Poolside cabanas, grottos and see-through walls bring resorts to the suburbs

Over the last 12 months, many incredible hotels have opened around the world and HotelsCombined recently shared its favorites based on factors such as location, uniqueness of amenities and quality of service.

The end result is a phenomenal group of castles, beach retreats and architectural wonders; including one in Bali.

The Castle Hotel, Dalian, China

Perched atop Lianhua Mountain and overlooking the Yellow Sea, this imposing chateau conveniently provides 292 guest rooms, a spa, fitness centre, indoor pool, several restaurants and a "royal cellar" with a micro-brewery.

For those really looking to splash out, the 6,674 square foot Presidential Suite has a marble entrance, a dining room for 10, a full-service pantry and a waterfront balcony.

Shangri-La at the Shard, London

Opened in May, this first UK property of Shangri-La is housed within the 34th to 52nd floors of London's iconic Shard skyscraper - the tallest building in Europe - and thus offers spectacular city views.

Other highlights include a champagne bar, an infinity sky pool on the 52nd floor and an enviable location in the heart of the London Bridge Quarter.

citizenM Times Square, New York City

Trendy and colorful, this US debut of the citizenM hotel chain is perfectly situated within walking distance of many famous New York sites, including the Rockefeller Centre, the theatre district and Central Park.

Original post:
10 best new hotels of 2014

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

In the world of the NFL, the landscape is constantly changing. Head coaches are treated like a revolving door while myriad players wind up in new homes at the end of every offseason.

This year is no different with the regular season finally coming to an abrupt end on Sunday. Coaches are already left looking for new homes and teams have to decide what they will do with current superstars on the roster in the coming months.

With Black Monday in the NFL already underway, here's a look at the most notable rumors around the league.

Jim Harbaugh

All Jim Harbaugh did during his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers is lead the team to two NFC titles, three playoff appearances and an NFC Championship during his four years.

In return, the two sides decided to mutually part ways after his lone non-winning season, per the 49ers' official release.

With Bleacher Report's Jason Colereporting that Harbaugh has already been linked to the Michigan head coaching job, the Oakland Raiders haven't stopped their efforts to land him. According to Alex Marvezof Fox Sports,Oakland still made a strong push for his services:

A source tells FOX Sports that the Raiders were truly in the mix to sign Harbaugh as their new head coach. Harbaugh, though, ultimately chose to return to the college ranks as the new head coach at the University of Michigan. That deal could be officially announced as early as today.

Link:
NFL Rumors: Latest Rumblings on Jim Harbaugh, Justin Houston and More

Pool & Patio is proudly owned and operated by Kevin McCourt and Bill Clay.

We started as a small, indiscreet company over 35 years ago. Today we set the industry standard for customer satisfaction and quality. At P&P, we realize that we cannot exist without YOU- the customer. Thus, making you happy and meeting your needs will always be our top priority. There is no such thing as a dumb question, and we will always be 100% honest and up-front with you about the pool design and build process.

We ensure that you will have a high-quality, long-lasting pool by never sacrificing quality. We use 1/2" steel throughout the entire pool, use 2" pvc piping and install only the best equipment in the industry. All P&P built pools use mutli-speed, energy efficient pumps and LED lighting, saving you money and saving the earth. We offer the highest quality low-chlorine pool water possible. We are a green company and proud of it.

We are centrally located in the DFW area metro-plex, serving within a 100 mile radius. This allows us to be where you want us.

Feel free to contact us for any of your pool-related needs, no job is too big or too small!

FOR A FREE ESTIMATE AND DESIGN COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW.

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POOL & PATIO LANDSCAPING, INC., IS THE BEST POOL BUILDER ...

Potential home buyers aren't the only ones who enjoy the Post-Gazette's weekly Buying Here feature on the cover of the Sunday Real Estate section.

People who live near the featured properties are often interested in how they compare to their homes and how much the sellers are asking. Others are intrigued to learn about a neighborhood or municipality they have never visited or, in some cases, never heard of. And then there are the house junkies who love to see what other people do with their houses.

If you are in that group -- or even if you're just nebby -- here's an update on what sold and what didn't in 2014:

No place like home

The Cape Cod at 1 Old Farm Road in Rosslyn Farms was so nice that it sold twice, but the owners ended up keeping it when the deals fell through. The four-bedroom, 2-bath home is surrounded by gardens so spectacular that they were featured in Fine Gardening magazine. It was on the market for $559,000 when the story ran in August. Two sets of buyers made offers, but the owners couldn't close on a property they wanted to buy.

Townhouse goes fast

Joshua and Katrina Manning knew they wouldn't have much time to enjoy the mature landscaping and walking trail at 1707 Michael Drive in Baldwin Borough when the article ran Nov. 15. But they didn't expect it to sell the very next day.

Easy work for a Craftsman

Another quick sale came at 608 Berlin Road in Forest Hills.

A vision in Brookline

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Which houses sold among this year's Buying Here properties?