The goal of the house, aesthetically, was the integration of all the parts and pieces, rather than just letting things float on their own, says Williams. That seamless design aesthetic manifests in details large and small. More plate-glass railings on the interior stairs eliminate any visual barrier between front door and main floor, whichhouses Parhams essential living spaces: media room, kitchen and master suite. Theres also not a door hinge in sight on this floor; pocket doors disappear into walls, and massive sliding glass doors whoosh quietly open to the courtyard and deck, flooding the space with fresh air as well as brilliant daylight.

In the kitchen, granite countertops flecked with royal blue inspired the azure back-painted glass behind the stove (also a sleek disguise for the kitchen exhaust hood) and coffee bar. These saturated colors sizzle against the muted blond and dark wood cabinets, which conceal a staggering amount of storage space. Customizable LED track lighting above the kitchen and living areas enables Parham to continually tweak his illumination, and a tomato-red light fixture (a dimmable, 4,000-Kelvin color temperature LED, which appears much closer to natural light than the traditional Edison bulb) pops like a piece of contemporary art, complementing the Saarinen Tulip chairs and table below. Im very particular about my lighting, says Parham, who says he prefers natural daylight whenever possible. So, every fixture in the house is dimmable, unless its in the garage or the mechanical room. Even the closets.

Through another light-sealing pocket door, the media room, built to Parhams own design specifications, features a full Dolby Atmos sound system, four cushy movie-theater-style chairs, a bar with stool seating and well-vented rollout racks for storing all the necessary A/V equipment. (LED lights are set inside those tech cabinets, so nothing distracts from a film should a cabinet be opened during a screening.) I spend a lot of time in this room every day, says Parham, a self-described movie buff. In the master bedroom, another projector screen can drop down from the ceiling at the touch of a button, as can motorized shades that obscure the wall-size glass door that opens from the bedroom onto the courtyard. Im kind of a home-automation buff, too, he says.

Materials inside and out were chosen for their durability, sustainability and simple as is beauty. Unpainted concrete and clear-coated aluminum exteriors are juxtaposed against a backdrop of greenery, and brick and cedar accents combat what Williams describes as a perennial aesthetic problem with suburban lots: the street-facing garage. Look closely, Williams says, and youll notice that, in addition to the overhead doors, theres a main door leading into the garage, but all those edges meld into the pattern of the cedar, making the garage a less prominent design feature. Were trying to draw peoples eyes to the front door and the main body of the house, Williams says.

Four years into his residence here, Parham is never quite done making adjustments; he says the new acoustic panels he recently installed in the media room have greatly improved the sound quality, and hes always modifying his lights. But not to worry, says Williams, while sharing with Parham a beloved proverb of unverifiable origin: The man who finishes his house, dies, Williams says, with a laugh. So youve gotta keep at it.

This Mercer Island home was selected by a panel of architects for the AIA Seattle Home of Distinction program for its level of detail, quality of craft and its exceptional specificity of design to this particular client. Dreaming about a home design project and not sure where to start? AIA architects can help:aiaseattle.org/askanarchitect

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AIA Home of Distinction: Turning Up the Brightness in a Mercer Island Split-Level - Seattlemag

One of the first events held at the Richfield Regency was a 1965 tribute to Jed Graef, a Verona swimmer who won a gold medal in backstroke the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Since then it is fair to estimate that hundreds of Veronans have passed through the Richfields glass doors, including Michael Schumell. He won the April 27 edition of Doors Of Verona by being the first of three people who guessed the Richfield, and for his guess won a $25 gift certificate to The Guac Spot. If you havent eaten there yet (its open for curbside pickup and delivery), The Guac Spot serves up some delicious twists on tacos, quesadillas and burritos like candied apple pork, bourbon chicken and sweet potato chickpea.

Fred Goodes Doors Of Verona photo for April 28 is above. Your guesses go below in the Comments box, and if youve won already you cant win again. Todays winner will get a gift certificate to Hillcrest Farms, which carries plenty of flowers to brighten your patio or front walk. MyVeronaNJ.com is spending $1,000 to buy gift certificates from Verona businesses to give away to our contest winners.

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Doors Of Verona: April 28 - My veronanj

A gated and fully remodeled beachfront house in the exclusive coastal community of Montecito, California, hit the market on Wednesday for $25 million.

The 3,813-square-foot, three-bedroom house overlooks Butterfly Beach, with 101 feet of beach frontage and panoramic views of the ocean and Channel Island.

The one-story 1956 home faces south and has been extensively remodeled and completely updated, said listing agent Tim Smith of the Smith Group, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Everything is newthe house has been completely redone, he said.

Read MoreAcross the U.S., Supply of Luxury Homes Falls Further Than the Rest of the Market

The owner of the Santa Barbara County home is Hadi Makarechian, a real estate developer and philanthropist and a member of the governing board of the University of California. Mr. Makarachian owns several properties and is selling his beach house with plans to build an equestrian estate on a large-acreage property he already owns in Santa Barbara, Mr. Smith said.

Hes just not spending as much time at the house, Mr. Smith said. Mr. Makarachian was not immediately available for comment.

Inventory of luxury homes in coastal southern California is down 40% over the last eight weeks, Mr. Smith said, and the owner thought it was a good time to put the home on the market. Were not seeing many other options that are modern like this one.

Amenities include a vanishing-edge pool, large terraces with multiple seating areas and a heated loggia. A private rear patio features an outdoor kitchen and a fireplace with a pizza oven, according to the listing. In all, there is nearly 6,000 square feet of living, finished or covered space on a 26,000-square-foot lot.

From PentaWithout Movement Restrictions, the Wealthy Are Turning Their Attention to Taipeis Real Estate

It feels like there is no transition from indoor to outdoor in this house, he said. Its almost like being in Hawaii.

Interior design features include high ceilings, frameless fold-away glass doors, high-end stone floors, whole-house audio, video surveillance, automated shades and a subterranean media room. The living room fireplace has a backlit surround made of book-matched onyx.

The master suite features a private office, a seating area with built-ins, a spa-caliber bathroom and ocean views throughout.

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Midcentury Beachfront House in Exclusive Montecito, California, Lists for $25 Million - Mansion Global

I used to love sitting on a swing in my backyard at night and listening to music. It was, and still is, very cathartic because I basically live right on the edge of a fairly large and densely wooded area. Anyways, one night, around maybe 10 p.m. or so, I decided to go sit on the swing. I gathered my jacket, headphones and a beer, and walked outside. Immediately upon stepping onto my driveway, I got this really weird feeling, like I was being watched. Thinking nothing of it, I started walking towards the swing set.

Every step that I took, that uneasy feeling got stronger and stronger, until it had almost reached panicky levels. I could feel it in my stomach, my body suddenly felt very cold and at this point, I accepted that I was subconsciously alarmed about something. I came to a complete stop about 10 feet away from the swings and began to look around and at the woods. Something was seriously wrong. It felt different being outside.

I tried to force the weirdness out of my mind, but as I settled down onto the swing, I was afraid. I got through maybe half of a song, and somehow this feeling had continued to get stronger. It felt urgent. I've never been worried like that before. But in that moment, it hit me like an epiphany I felt like prey.

I turned my music off and just sat, beer forgotten, looking around and at the woods. Physically, I couldn't take it. I could barely breathe, so I jumped off the swing and SPRINTED back inside, closed and locked the door, checked all the doors and windows, closed all the curtains, turned on all the lights and surrounded myself with an arsenal of weapons. I could still feel it, but it slowly faded.

The next morning, I saw my friend out by his car. So, I walked over and started telling him about my experience last night. Apparently, and he lives two houses down from me, he walked outside to stretch before his run that night and felt a weird vibe. As he walked to the end of his driveway, it got stronger and he started getting nervous. He started running and stopped after a few feet, turned his music off and scanned the woods. Then, he started running again, got to my driveway and was so scared, uncomfortable and freaked out that he just decided to call it quits for the night. He also said that he literally felt like prey being stalked by something evil. It was exactly, almost to the tee, how I'd felt.

I have absolutely no idea what it was and it hasn't happened again since. But now I only swing facing the woods and I carry a bat down there with me, just in case.

Eltotsira

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21 Stories About Being Home Alone That Sound Like The Plot Of A Horror Movie - BuzzFeed

Mothers Day is, normally, one of the busiest days of the year for Portland brunch restaurants, if not the busiest. But gone are the long lines out the doors, flower-strewn tables covered in egg dishes and waffles, and endless parades of champagne flutes going from bar to tables. As restaurant dining rooms remained closed indefinitely, Portland restaurants and bars are finding new ways to supply moms and mother figures with brunch items and mimosas, whether thats to-go packages or deliveries of wine and flowers. Here are nine options for Mothers Day specials in the time of COVID-19.

This stunning event space normally plays host to an annual Mothers Day brunch, but since thats obviously not happening, the Nightwood Society is packing it up and delivering it straight to homes. The Mothers Day kit costs $55, serves two, and includes a vegetarian frittata, along with seasonal fruits and vegetables, salad, buttermilk biscuits with cultured butter, ham, and preserves, and oatmeal cookies for dessert. Add-ons like smoked salmon, scones, wine, and flowers are also available. All orders must be placed by 4 p.m. Friday, May 8, and can be picked up on Sunday, May 10 between 9 and 11 a.m. Delivery will also be available during those hours for $10.

Portlands local butchery Olympia Provisions has a number of options for the holiday in the form of pantry kits. For brunch, the restaurant group is offering a Benedict kit, with everything needed to make eggs Benedict at home, including a dozen eggs, OP sweetheart ham, english muffins, lazer potatoes (an OP speciality), and hollandaise ingredients and instructions. Theres also a mimosa kit complete with a wine and muffin package, or all three as one grand Mothers Day gift-box for $105. Its all delivered by hambulance on Friday and Saturday before the holiday.

The intimate bar and bistro Radar remains closed for the time being, but will offer a specials Mothers Day brunch on May 9 and 10. The menu, posted to Instagram, includes classic dishes like quiche, frittata, and biscuits with mushroom gravy, as well as some Radar specials like braised brisket with heirloom cotija grits, French toast bread pudding, and rhubarb clafoutis. Add-ons include numerous sides, raw eggs for home-cooking, bottles of sparkling wine, and arrangements of flowers. Orders need to be placed at radar@radarpdx.com by Wednesday, May 5, and delivery is available for orders of $50 or more within five miles of the restaurant.

Remaining open for to-go pastries and coffees throughout the pandemic, the cute cafe and bakery Hungry Heart has some specials for the holiday either quiche for two or four, or biscuits and gravy for two or four. Both come as vegetarian or meat options, along with sides and pastries, beverages and options for sparkling wine or mimosa add-ons. Orders are available until 1 p.m. on Friday, May 8 though they may sell out before that and order forms are available here.

One of the citys essential Russian restaurants, Kachka is ready to go for the holiday with a Mothers Day brunch for two package for pick-up and local delivery. Salat mimoza a layered salad with salmon, eggs, and potatoes an egg and onion pirog, roasted baby beets, little gems salad, and a Russian-style chamomile cheesecake are all included. Add-ons include a mug and floral arrangement, mimosa kits, bloody Masha mix, pantry starters, and a Russian tea gift pack. All items are available at the helpful online store.

A local chain of cafes and catering service, Elephants has a large range of Mothers Day options: shoppers can find all kinds of brunch items, hors doeuvres, baked goods, local wines, flowers, gift boxes, and cards, all of which is available for delivery. Orders go out on Saturday and Sunday, and must be made by the day before via the online ordering site.

Besides its brunch kits, the butcher and restaurant group is offering two different gift packages, including various wine selections, flower bouquets, meat bouquets, and local artisan packages.

A lovely, colorful bistro out near Beaverton, Bethanys Table is offering a Mothers Day dinner for two for $110. The multi-course menu, available here, includes options for a pantry board (including almonds, cheese, hummus, and prosciutto), starters like poached lobster salad or asparagus with mozzarella and avocado, entrees like paella, king salmon, or risotto, and dessert. Orders should be placed by Saturday, May 9, with delivery going out between 4 and 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 10. There are also options for flowers and single meals available at the sites blog.

For those looking to get their mother figures something good to drink, mobile bar cart Silver Julep has a special Mothers Day gift package. Each package includes a bottle of sparkly ros from Varnum Vintners, a bottle of Silver Julep honey lavender or ginger rosemary cocktail mix, chocolates from Ranger Chocolate, and some hand sanitizer, of course. The cost is $65 with pickup, or $75 with local delivery, and interested parties can order via email at kate@thesilverjulep.com or text 503-974-4091 pickup address will be shared then.

Rather than having tea service at the wine bar and patisserie or out on the miniature vineyard patio, Pix is building tea service packages for pickup and delivery. Both the shipped and picked-up versions include a sachet of tea along with some macarons and other treats. Those picking up packages will find smoked salmon spread and bacon wrapped dates, cheese, prosciutto-wrapped quail eggs, and other delicate bites, while those opting for shipments will find tinned fish, almonds, and other more transportable goods. The full menu and order details are available here. Shipped orders must be placed by Tuesday, May 5, and pick-up orders are due by Friday, May 8.

A chic, sleek wine bar that opened just before the restaurant shut-down, 45 North is offering two special Mothers Day wine packages wine and chocolate or wine and flowers. Each comes with a flight of three curated wines with options for style and color, and will be delivered on March 10. Orders must be placed on the website by Friday, May 8.

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Where to Find Mothers Day Brunch and Treats for Takeout and Delivery - Eater Portland

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Governor Ron DeSantis will allow restaurants in Florida to re-open dining rooms on Monday, May 4th, 2020 at 25% their usual capacity and unlimited capacity on patios as long as "social distancing" is maintained.

Over 20 Tampa Bay restaurants have decided not to open their dining rooms on May 4th. Most have said that they want to protect the health and safety of their employees and customers and will continue takeout or delivery if currently operational. Some are still working on a plan on how exactly to proceed.

Florida currently has 36,078 Coronavirus cases and 1,379 Floridians have died so far. Over 600 cases were added in the last 24 hours and several experts have said that Florida does not have proper testing in place to stop a new outbreak of the virus in the state.

Here are statements from some of the restaurants who will not be opening their dining rooms on May 4th:

Follow Carlos Hernandez on Twitter @CarlosEats or visit him at CarlosEats.com

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch? Register for a user account.

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Over 20 Tampa Bay Restaurants Will Not Open Dining Rooms May 4th - Patch.com

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Tennessee Pledge requires restaurants to maintain social distancing and require rigid cleaning practices, employees must wear gloves and masks.

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Nancy DeGennaro, Murfreesboro Daily News Journal Published 1:42 p.m. CT April 30, 2020 | Updated 2:38 p.m. CT May 1, 2020

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TheTennessee Pledge has given the green light, with cautionary measures in place, to restaurants in many counties across the state. While many establishments opened doors Monday, others have chosen to wait until Friday or even later to welcome customers back for indoor dining.

For those restaurants that reopen dining rooms, seating will remain at 50% capacity. Restaurants are askedto require employees to wear gloves and masks, use disposable menus and only allow a maximum of six people per table.

Restaurants are also asked to clean all front-of-house surfaces every two hours and halt any buffets, shared condiments or beverage stations.

Here is a list of restaurants that have reopened for dine-in or will continue takeout and delivery services only.

RaeAnn Chelette, left, dines with her parents, CW and Linda Davenport, on the patio at Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant in downtown Murfreesboro on Monday, April 27, 2020.(Photo: HELEN COMER/DNJ)

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This story will continue to be updated.

Themed dinner nights give quarantined families a tasty way to bond. Murfreesboro Daily News Journal

Reach reporter Nancy DeGennaro at degennaro@dnj.com and follow her on Twitter @NanDeGennaro. Keep up with restaurant news by joiningGood Eats in the 'Boro (and beyond) on Facebook.

Read or Share this story: https://www.dnj.com/story/entertainment/dining/2020/04/30/rutherford-county-restaurants-where-takeout-dine-in-to-go-smyrna-murfreesboro-covid-19/3054089001/

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Rutherford County restaurants: Who is doing dine-in, takeout , delivery - Daily News Journal

SPRING FORECAST: Increasing sun and warmth, no matter whats happening in the news. And we also forecast that you'll be spending alotof time at home this season. That means now more than ever you want your home to be good-looking, inviting and safe.

Spring home improvement is always a spirit lifter. And since coronavirus-related social distancing and shelter in place began,Lowes has seen an increase in sales of home project supplies. But keep a few tips in mind if youre considering do-it-yourself right now:

- Just say "no" to overly challenging DIY, especially involving electricity,plumbing, yourroof or power tools. You do NOT want to land in a hospital emergency room at the moment. Theyre hotbeds of infection, and brave medical personnel are already stretched way beyond their limits.- Think twice about large scale projects that require pulling a permit and passing inspection. Local building authorities are working at less than full capacity and likely will be for a while.- If you hire a contractor, try to focus on projects outside your main living area: lawn and garden, outdoor A/C unit, garage and basement. (When you do need to bring a service pro into your home - say your air conditioner goes kablooey - follow social distancing precautions.)

That being said, lets look at seven home improvement projects, both DIY and pro, that will refresh your spirit this spring.

Renew art on front door, mantel and wallsRemove whatever currently adorns your mantel and front door (evergreen branches, pinecones, burlap, anything dark or heavy). Then refresh your space with bright, airy decor. The local dollar store isnt a resource for craft materials this year, so shop your closet or junk drawer for silk flowers, bits of ribbon and so on (or your garden, if youre lucky enough to have blooms by now).

For wall art, the sky (or should we say, "the ceiling")s the limit. Engage kids by collecting a collage of family photos. Encourage older offspring to embellish images with digital special effects and their younger siblings to cut pix (printed on inexpensive printer paper) into fun shapes. Then show off the results in a floor-to-ceiling display.

Kid friendly:Can be adapted for any age.

PaintNow the weathers warmer, get that long-delayed house painting done. A relatively fast and easy project is painting your entry door. If youre more ambitious (and have someone to keep the children busy elsewhere while you work), redo the living room or a bedroom or two in an adventurous shade like rich gold or deep aqua.

Social distancing friendly:Hire a painter to update your homes exterior.

Build a paver patioWhether or not its still necessary to shelter in place come summer, a new patio is something the whole family will enjoy under any circumstances. And unlike a deck, a patio does not usually require pulling a permit because its built less than 30 inches above grade. A patio constructed of concrete pavers wont need a pourpermiteither.

Social distancing friendly: Find a landscaper to build your paver patio.

Create an interactive gardenEven when youre limiting your human visitors because of social distancing, you can still welcome butterflies to yourgarden. Choose flower species these winged creatures love, such as the aptly named butterfly bush, from an online plant supplier. Depending on how far springs come along where you live, this may be either a planting project or a planning project for now.

Kid friendly: Good for about age 7 and up.Refresh your drivewayHave your driveway repaved or resealed for a harder-wearing and/or better-looking surface. Options range from concrete resurfacing for problems such as driveway spalling, all the way to elegantdecorativetechniques like stamped concrete.

Social distancing friendly:Look for a concrete pro with expertise in these specialized techniques. NOTE: To repave the part of your driveway on the municipal right-of-way, you may need apermit.

Upgrade your garage doorsWhen you have an attached garage out front, your garage doors are super visible, so its important to keep them looking their best. If your garage doors just need a slight touch of refreshment, you can apply some stain or add faux windows.

Social distancing friendly:For garage doors seriously past their prime (20 years old or more),hire a professionalto replace them, for safety as well as aesthetic reasons.

Spring clean upSpring cleaning does great things for your spirit once its finished, rather than while its a work in progress ... but since youre stuck at home anyway, why not go for it? Just take it easy on thedeclutteringthis year, because selling or donating castoffs is not much of an option at the moment. Focus on the area of your choice - yard, gutters, indoors are all good.

Kid friendly:With some smooth talking, you may be able to convince younger kids thatcleaningis fun. Once they get taller and/or smarter than you, all bets are off. However, they may be so bored by now that they'll actually be willing to help.

Laura Firszt writes fornetworx.com.

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Spring refresh: Home improvement that will refresh your spirit - Columbia Daily Herald

Therma-Tru has been named the "Brand Used Most" in the entry doors category, marking more than 20 consecutive years receiving this distinction. In the 2020 Builder Brand Use Study conducted by Hanley Wood, Therma-Tru ranked first in "Brand Used Most" and "Brand Used Most in the Past Two Years," and also ranked first for "Highest Quality."

"Were proud to have earned and kept builders trust for more than two decades," said Fenton Challgren, president of Therma-Tru Corp. "Knowing they choose Therma-Tru twice as often as any other entry door brand shows our commitment to our builder partners."

To show its continued support for builders, the company offers a model home and design center program. Builders can enhance their design centers and model home elevations with stylish and durable entry door options at a discount. The doors are designed to complement a wide variety of home architectural trends.

"Having high-quality products that meet the styles homeowners are drawn to is key," said Mark Ayers, senior vice president of marketing and product development at Therma-Tru Corp. "We make it a priority to offer those looks along with sales tools and marketing support to help our builder partners succeed."

The 2020 Builder Brand Use Study, presented by Builder magazine, was conducted online by The Farnsworth Group and included Hanley Wood subscribers classified as "Builders, Builders-Developers or General Contractors." The data was collected from more than 1,000 qualified responses. The study originated in 1998 and includes a nationwide survey of builders on their preferences related to a wide variety of products and brands. Full results of the survey appear at BuilderOnline.com.

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About Therma-Tru

Therma-Tru is the leading entry door brand most preferred by building professionals. Founded in 1962, Therma-Tru pioneered the fiberglass entry door industry, and today offers a complete portfolio of entry and patio door system solutions, including decorative glass doorlites, sidelites and transoms, and door system components. The company is headquartered in Maumee, Ohio and also offers low-maintenance Fypon polyurethane and PVC products. For more information and product warranty details, visit http://www.thermatru.com, http://www.fypon.com or call 800-537-8827.

Therma-Tru is part of the Doors & Security division of Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. (NYSE: FBHS), which creates products and services that fulfill the dreams of homeowners and help people feel more secure. FBHS's operating divisions are Plumbing, Cabinets and Doors & Security. Its trusted brands include Moen, Perrin & Rowe, Riobel, Rohl, Shaws and Victoria + Albert under the Global Plumbing Group (GPG); more than a dozen core brands under MasterBrand Cabinets; Therma-Tru entry door systems; Fiberon composite decking and railing products; and Master Lock and SentrySafe security products under The Master Lock Company. Fortune Brands holds market leadership positions in all of its divisions. Fortune Brands is part of the S&P 500 Index. For more information, please visit http://www.fbhs.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200409005509/en/

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Kevin Metz312.507.9690kevinmetz@upshotmail.com

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Therma-Tru Named #1 Brand Used Most and #1 in Quality for 2020 - Yahoo Finance

If you have been looking for the best in every way - quality, value, features, the whole package...here it is! There's a beautiful addition consisting of a vaulted family room, office and versatile "away" room - use it for crafts, study, peace and quiet. There are reclaimed and white pine hardwood floors, T stair has antique treads and risers and wrought iron railings. Kitchen is fabulous, custom everything, upscale appliances, a wonderful space whether you cook up a storm or boil water! Master bath totally redone -you can watch TV in the mirror from the air jetted tub, hall bath also renovated. Everywhere you turn, from light fixtures to cabinet hardware to doorknobs, this is home is exquisite. Screened porch and patio overlook a beautiful private yard. Doors, windows, roof, soffit/fascia. fence, zoned HVAC, roof, garage door, landscaping. Everything is not just updated, it's upscaled! Walkable Wildwood with access to miles of trails, top rated Lafayette HS. Do not miss this one!

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15 of the Most Expensive Homes for Sale in the Park Hills Area - Daily Journal Online