Whether its a seaside Mumbai apartment with or a quaint 30,000 square feet home perched under the Goan sun its the little things, the details in decor that make a house stand out to its guests. From quirks of the homeowner to their artistically curated collection of artefacts, an interior designer takes upon him/her the job to bring out the wishes and dreams of people.

And if you too are building your dream house, here are little anecdotes from home design and renovation professionals on Houzz, designers to Indias most popular homes from Houzz.in, the leading platform for home renovation and design. These Indian homes are some of the most liked and most read home tours among the Houzz community in 2020.

Actress Alia Bhatts home in Mumbai embodies all things the actress really is and not just her glamorous side. Quirky yet comfortable styles rule the aesthetics of her home that she shares with her sister Shaheen. With inspiration from the classic New York-style loft, the living room has hints of colour and cosiness.

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And what stands out in the stars house is the quaint little tea bar, designed for Bhatts love for chai.

Interior designers words of wisdom Good clients always enable good output and there is always the possibility for sophisticated spontaneity and the elegance of the unexpected!

Interior designers words of wisdom I believe to convey an expression, it's very important for the complete envelope to speak the same story.

This home is Lit AF

Old but beautiful

Nestled in Chennai, an 80-year old 2 bedroom home boasts of all things vintage. From red oxide floors, to vintage furniture furnished with traditional silk saris, and black and white family photographs that adorn the walls, the home brings out the perfect balance between the old and new.

Interior designers words of wisdom An old house is like an elderly person, and while some aspects might be in great health, other parts often have unexpected problems. It is important to understand the techniques and practices that went into the original construction. Sometimes, later renovations have layered other elements using later techniques on top of the original. We need to decide what to keep, what to upgrade and what to restore to its original state, such that it makes sense from a clinical perspective of setting the structure right, but also from the point of view of the emotion and values that the clients have acquired through decades of association. Educating ourselves and transmitting it to the labour force on these techniques, materials and values is essential to getting it right.

A compact apartment with showstopper elements

The space is further utilized by metal and fluted glass sliding doors that connect the dining room to the kitchen.

Mediterranean huesThis three bedroom in Bengaluru designed by Vinithra Amarnathan of Weespaces brings out the young owner couples nostalgic memories of the Western Ghats where they grew up and also their love for travel, especially Greece.

The home has Mediterranean hues strewn around the house with white and blue hints, along with abstract artworks.

Interior Designers words of wisdom: My biggest learning was to look at every obvious problem as an opportunity! An opportunity to think differently and reimagine a problematic situation as the center point of our design for the home! The column in the center of this home went from eyesore to feature! Something that defines the character of the home and makes for a welcoming feature!

Located in Kolva, Goa is the sprawling white bungalow which boasts of two terraces with views to die for. We were tasked with creating a simple, elegant aesthetic with a homely vibe. Functionality and maintenance-free design were the primary requisites, says Prashant, founder and principal architect of ZERO9 on Houzz.

Interior designers words of wisdom: The biggest learning we had in this project was that it is as important to feel the site and have a dialogue with it to explore the most of its location, feel and vibe as much as listening to the clients requirements.

In Delhi, a massive home with private suites for all membersSituated in Delhi, this home has 9 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms, with each family member getting their own private suite replete with kitchen and bath. The house has two master suites (one for the couple and one for the parents), the inner courtyard, the main kitchen, the family lounge, and the two sons living suites.

This Delhi home is all things luxury with solid wood double doors, black diamond shaped tiled flooring at the entrance and black Marquino and Swiss white marble at larger junctions, muted furniture and a corridor which boasts of the familys personal collection of Pichvai paintings.

Indias best homes of 2020 was a list curated by Houzz India and has been rewritten for businessinsider audiences.

Disclaimer: Business Insider is a part of TimesBridge, which also counts Houzz India in its portfolio.

See original here:
From Alia Bhatts Mumbai apartment to an 80-year old renovated house in Chennai Here are Houzz Indias most - Business Insider India

This wonderful family home in Whaplode has come to the market.

The detached property, which is situated in a pleasant cul-de-sac location offers ample space with five bedrooms, two of which are downstairs.

The house also benefits from a good sized lounge along with a separate dining area.

Accommodation to the ground floor comprises entrance hall, lounge, dining area, bedrooms four and five, kitchen, utility room and cloakroom.

The kitchen, which measures 9 6 x 8 8 (2.89m x 2.64m), is fitted with a range of sharp oak base and wall units with work surfaces over and further work surfaces with cupboards beneath.

There is a Belfast sink with mixer tap over in the kitchen, along with complimentary tiled splash backs, integrated fridge, five burner gas hob with double oven incorporating electric grill and spit roaster with cooker hood over.

The kitchen also benefits from ceramic tiled flooring, an under stairs cupboard with shelving, radiator and the gas boiler providing central heating and hot water.

Within the utility room, there is also a range of floor and wall units with work surfaces over.

The lounge measures 14 3 x 11 9 (4.34m x 3.58m) and boasts a dual fuel burner with attractive wooden fire surround and marble hearth, along with light oak engineered wood flooring.

The dining area also benefits from light oak engineered wood flooring, along with patio doors to the rear garden.

Stairs from the entrance hall lead to the spacious first floor landing, where there is access to the loft space.

Accommodation to the first floor comprises shower room and three further bedrooms.

The shower room, which measures 7 11 x 6 3 (2.41m x 1.90m), is fully tiled and boasts a large shower cubicle, low level WC and vanity unit with mixer tap over and storage cupboards underneath with shelving to the side.

The shower room also benefits from ceramic tiles to the floor, an obscured UPVC window to the side elevation and an airing cupboard housing hot water tank and shelving.

All five of the bedrooms within this lovely property are of a good size, with bedroom one on the first floor benefitting from a built in wardrobe.

Externally, the property offers low maintenance gardens.

The front is laid with block paving and a gravelled area with various shrubs and bushes.

To the side of the property there is gated access to the side garden with block paving and further shrubs and bushes.

The rear garden is mainly gravelled with shaped paving slabs, bushes and shrubs.

There is also standing for sheds within the rear garden, ideal for creating extra storage space.

The former garage at the property is currently being used as storage.

Viewing is highly recommended to appreciate all that this family home has to offer.

This property is on the market with Belvoir Spalding, incorporating Munton & Russell, for 249,950. Contact them by calling 01775 722 475.

Continue reading here:
Home has room for all of the family - Spalding Today

A West Lancashire farmer told how a gun-wielding thug who'd stormed his home with an armed gang and shot him in the knee told the 65-year-old "there's another one coming, it's going in your face, your teeth or in your d***."

Charles Baldwin told Preston Crown Court how he was woken from a deep sleep by a gang of thieves, shot in his knee and then being smashed in the teeth with the gun even after he tried to comply with their demands.

The pig farmer's statement to detectives was played to a jury, detailing how a gang-of-five raided his Back Lane bungalow home in Aughton when they shot him twice, in the knee and foot, which still remains at risk of amputation.

Six men are on trial for the violent robbery, on July 28, 2019, which saw men brandishing shotguns flood into his rural home, announcing their arrival by "blowing the summerhouse patio doors away" with gunfire, the jury heard.

They all deny the offences, the ECHO reports.

Mr Baldwin told police: "He [the ringleader] said there's another one [gunshot] coming, it's going in your face, your teeth or in your d***."

The farmer was with his partner Patricia Musselle when the gang broke in and when the main gunman shot him in the knee - as he was "frogmarched " from his outdoor summerhouse inside his bungalow - she cried out: "He didn't deserve that!"

Alan Daniels, 37, from Kirkby, has already admitted being the ringleader and awaits sentence. Mr Baldwin's nearby neighbour Thomas Cunningham, 58, of Aughton, Anthony Hill, 40, of Kirkby, Craig Reynolds, 36, of Kirkby, and Alan Hemmings, 45, of Kirkby, Dean Sanders, 32, of St Andrews Court, North Shields, and Anthony Shrimpton, 32, of Kirkby, all deny conspiring to commit robbery.

A video of Mr Baldwin's police interview was played to a jury at Preston Crown Court from his bed at Aintree Hospital, two weeks after the "excessively violent" robbery.

Explaining how he was sleeping deeply in his summer house after a day's work and five gin and tonics, he told officers: "I was fast asleep, and then I heard a commotion outside and I didn't have a clue what it was.

"So I got up, and my little dog with me.

"And the summerhouse has patio doors, and there were these four fellas with, erm, erm, masks on and hoodies, and dancing round with shotguns, and putting the cartridges in.

"And then one of them must have sawand seen me and he, he shot at me, which blew the patio door away.

"I ducked back, and I literally thought, 'Am I dreaming?'"

Mr Baldwin heard the men shout, "get out of there or we'll shoot you out of there," forcing him to emerge outside and ask, "What's going on?"

The farmer described how the men repeatedly asked him, "where's your money?" and refused to believe him when he begged that he didn't have much.

One of the gang told him: "You've got loads of money you," before adding: "Your bloody brother told me you had loads of cash!"

Mr Baldwin was shot in his leg, prosecutor Francis McEntee said, seemingly because he was taking too long to walk into the bungalow.

His partner Patricia, inside watching television at the time, initially thought it was someone shooting pheasants, while his ex-wife, who lives nearby, also heard the gunfire, that evening.

In his account to police, Mr Baldwin said: "I got to my computer desk in the office as that's where the cash box is.

"I pulled the bottom drawer and he pulled the top drawer where there were six watches and he pocketed them.

"He said, 'you've got more than this'.

"I said, 'I haven't, if I had you can have it.'"

The ringleader replied: "Have you got any guns?

"Answer me quicker!"

At this point, Mr Baldwin was shot in his ankle, leaving him with a very serious wound which has led to mobility issues and the remaining threat of amputation.

The Aughton man said: I didn't want to give these guns cos they might kill somebodys child with them, but I had no alternative."

The gun was jabbed into his face and one of the gang scooped up jewellery from Ms Musselle's dressing table as wounded Mr Baldwin protested, "I'm in bloody agony!"

He added to police: "I thought I didn't want Trish to end up in a wheelchair for the rest of her life, or my dog dead.

"I thought, if you're going to let another one go, I'll die."

The raiders went upstairs with Ms Musselle, leaving Mr Baldwin, badly injured with two separate gunshot wounds, being guarded by one of the thugs.

Starting to falter as he spoke to police, he continued with his statement, saying: "I thought the only way out is to fake a heart attack.

"I said, 'listen mate, I'm 65, my body can't take what you've done to me, I'm having a heart attack, I'm in a bad way."

That caused the sentry man to turn edgy, the jury heard, and the gang soon left, but not before one warned him: "If you call police within an hour, I'll come back and I'll kill you."

The gang took Mr Baldwin's wallet containing 250 cash, bank cards, his PIN numbers, and four guns, one of them a Westley Richards 12-bore shotgun.

He also recalled how the ringleader, who he referred to as "the bad one" twice put a gun in his mouth, and of the smash to his face, he added: "He took great delight...it really hurt."

The gang member in charge, told to the jury to be Daniels, ordered the 65-year-old to remove his gold bracelet, and while watching him use a paper knife to cut it free, warned him to "not get any ideas".

Cunningham, of Back Lane, Aughton, Anthony Hill, of Oakdale Close, Kirkby, Craig Reynolds, of Birchmuir Hey, Kirkby, Alan Hemmings, of Balmoral Close, Kirkby, Dean Sanders, of St Andrews Court, North Shields, and Anthony Shrimpton, of Kirkby Row, Kirkby, all deny conspiring to commit robbery.

Sanders also faces two charges of Section 18 grievous bodily harm and having a firearm with intent.

The trial is expected to last several weeks.

Proceeding

For the latest news and breaking news visit the LancsLive website.

Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

To keep updated, follow LancsLive on Facebook and @LiveLancs on Twitter.

Have you got news for us? Contact our newsdesk on lancslive@reachplc.com

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West Lancs farmer shot in knee by gang told it would be his 'face or genitals next', court hears - Lancs Live

The Woodall, a new approachable luxury experience from John C. Metz, executive chef, CEO and co-founder of Sterling Hospitality, the firm behind Marlows Tavern, is set to open its doors Monday, Feb. 8, according to a press release Monday.

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The new eatery, located in the Westside Village at Moores Mill mixed-use development, will initially be open for dinner only, but Metz plans to expand The Woodalls hours in the coming weeks.

I love this community, and I want to contribute something fresh, exciting, and modern, Metz said. The Woodall is an upscale gathering place that reflects the unique and energetic character of this neighborhood with a globally inspired take on contemporary favorites.

Metz, who will oversee The Woodall alongside chef de cuisine Scott Weaver and general manager Rick Blumberg both Sterling Hospitality veterans says that they are taking every precaution to keep guests and employees as safe as possible during the pandemic. In addition to requiring masks and social distancing, The Woodall has installed plexiglass dividers between booths and a Reme Halo air filtration system that kills 99 percent of all germs, according to the release.

Named for the creek that, along with Peachtree Creek, defines the borders of Moores Mill, The Woodall occupies a converted brick warehouse updated with contemporary design touches including whitewashed brick and a mural by Thomas Turner (pictured above). The outdoor patio is heated.

Menu items include Pigs in a Blanket (mini wagyu beef hot dogs served on a puff pastry with spicy brown mustard), the Far East Salad (hearts of butter lettuce, Tuscan kale, egg, sesame Caesar dressing, wonton), and the Open-Faced Tenderloin (marinated, grilled beef tenderloin with garlic kale pesto, crumbling Gorgonzola, caramelized onion confit, a roma tomato and grilled ciabatta in a balsamic glaze).

On the beverage side of the things, The Woodall will serve options including a Green Tea Cucumber Gimlet (Highclere Castle Gin, lime, matcha tea syrup, matcha tea) and its namesake The Woodall (Seersucker Gin, Nonino Amaro, grapefruit, simple, lime, St George Absinthe rinse).

See the article here:
Marlow's Tavern Owner to Debut The Woodall Feb. 8 - What Now Atlanta

A farmer was blasted with a shotgun in both his knee and foot and had a weapon pressed against his teeth in a terrifying robbery, a court heard.

An armed, masked gang stormed the home of Charles Baldwin and his partner Patricia Musselle near Ormskirk and used "excessive violence" to steal jewellery, bank cards and firearms.

Preston Crown Court was told how two shots were fired against 65-year-old Mr Baldwin and left him with a "devastating" foot injury. The raid also "blew the patio door away".

Prosecutor Francis McEntee told a jury that Mr Baldwin was sleeping in his summer house behind his home on Home Farm, Back Lane, Aughton, at the time of the raid and there remains a "moderate risk of amputation".

Six men are accused of carrying out the violent robbery, but deny all the charges.

The court heard that Mr Baldwin had drunk five gin and tonics and was suddenly awoken when the patio doors were blown off by the gunfire.

The victim recalled how he was fast asleep when he heard a commotion, the ECHO reports.

He got up to investigate with his small dog and saw up to four masked men brandishing shotguns, which were used to fire at him, causing him to duck in horror.

The robbery happened between 8.30 and 9.30pmon July 28, 2019.

It led to Mr Baldwin being "frogmarched" in through the French doors to his home, in front of his partner.

Mr McEntee told the jury: "He had been deeply asleep, startled to be awoken by four armed men and in a daze, having had a shot fired close by him.

"From that moment Mr Baldwin was under the control of the offenders, and any further violence was wholly unnecessary."

Mr McEntee told the jury Mr Baldwin was immediately confronted by demands for cash amid threats he would be shot.

He told the court Mr Baldwin was shot after offering to show the gang his cash box before he was sat at his computer desk, where watches were taken from the drawers.

But the apparent ringleader was "not satisfied" with this haul, the court heard, and insisted Mr Baldwin "kept loads of cash."

When he denied having more money, he was again shot, this time in the foot, Mr McEntee said.

The ringleader asked Mr Baldwin if he had guns, to which Mr Baldwin replied that he did, but he was reluctant to hand them over if they were used to hurt someone else.

Mr McEntee said: "Under threat of having the end of a firearm pressed into his teeth, Mr Baldwin, indicated that the keys for his gun cabinet were in a clock on the wall.

"During the subsequent search of the premises, the robbers seized jewellery, bank cards together with PIN numbers and firearms.

"One particular item stolen during the robbery was a gold bracelet, taken directly from Mr Baldwins wrist.

"Mr Baldwin had been concerned not to lose the bracelet, and had fashioned a cable-tie to keep it secure.

"In order to remove the cable, Mr Baldwin had to use a paper knife that was on his desk, supervised very closely by the lead offender, who warned him against getting any ideas about using the knife.

"Whether it was a consequence of Mr Baldwin feigning that he was having a heart attack, or whether the robbers had realised all that they could from their raid on the premises, the offenders left, giving a clear warning as they departed."

One of them, brandishing two guns, told him: "Don't call the police for an hour, cos if you do I'll come back and kill you."

Thomas Cunningham, 58, of Back Lane, Aughton, who is a neighbour of Mr Baldwin, Anthony Hill, 40, of Oakdale Close, Kirkby, Craig Reynolds, 36, of Birchmuir Hey, Kirkby, and Alan Hemmings, 45, of Balmoral Close, Kirkby, Dean Sanders, 32, of St Andrews Court, North Shields, and Anthony Shrimpton, 32, of Kirkby Row, Kirkby, all deny conspiring to commit robbery.

Sanders also faces two charges of Section 18 grievous bodily harm and having a firearm with intent which he denies.

The jury was told how a man called Alan Daniels, 37, from Kirkby, has pleaded guilty to his part in the incident.

The court was told Daniels shot Mr Baldwin twice, and his DNA was found on the paper knife used to free the gold bracelet.

After the gang left, Mr Baldwin and his partner Ms Musselle were scared enough to not call the police, and so called relatives and others living on his farmland.

By this time, the jury heard, the offenders were "clear away."

Mr Baldwin's injuries needed repeated surgeries and while his knee has recovered well, his foot was far more seriously injured, the trial was told.

There remains a "moderate risk of amputation and he will be left with a "significant functional loss in this foot."

After the robbery, Mr Baldwin's bank cards were used at a cash point on Longmoor Lane, Fazakerley, about an hour later, when 300 was withdrawn and then amounts of 300 and 275.

Mr McEntee said, aside from Daniels, there is no "direct evidence" the other six defendants were involved in the armed robbery, but there were "strands which when brought together establish the fabric of a strong case against each."

Proceeding

For the latest news and breaking news visit the LancsLive website.

Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

To keep updated, follow LancsLive on Facebook and @LiveLancs on Twitter.

Have you got news for us? Contact our newsdesk on lancslive@reachplc.com

Read more:
Farmer shot twice and had gun pressed against teeth in terrifying home invasion - Lancs Live

The town of Aspen is known for more than just skiing, it's an outpost of culture, fashion, food and ... [+] music.

Known as a glamorous winter paradise, people flock to Aspen every ski season for more than the slopes, because unlike many other ski towns Aspen is a hub of art, foodie culture, and fashion.

Although, like most places in the world right now, Aspen has been in and out of lockdown with careful precautions in place to ensure the town is able to be enjoyed safely. At the time of this articles publication, Aspens indoor dining was just allowed to reopen at 25% capacity.

What it all means, though, is that Aspen is seeing fewer visitors this season, which may be a dream scenario for true winter sports enthusiasts who want to enjoyall of its mountains in a nearly private way. Its absolutely possible to take runs without encountering very many skiers at all, which makes it the ultimate in socially-distant outdoor winter fun.

In addition, lifts and gondolas are not shared (unless by members in the same party) masks are strictly enforced as is sanitization, and with plenty of space to keep distance in the open air, the Aspen Skiing Company is following COVID guidelines toa tee. Pitkin County, where Aspen is based, is also enforcing negative COVID test results to enter its borders.

Of course, with any travel done during this time, it is best advised to stay at home or practice utmost caution. If driving to Aspen is an option, its an incredibly safe way to get into town.

For those who are able to travel safely to Aspen, here are the top tips to enjoy it.

GETTING THERE

privately owned jet planes are parked on the apron of Aspen airport during the Christmas and New ... [+] Years holiday in the ski resort town of Aspen in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, USA

Aspen's airport is the equivalent of a one-stoplight town. With one small room for check-ins and one skinny, lonely belt for baggage claim, only tiny commuter planes and private jets fly into Aspen. This scenario means there are no airport crowds to contend with and a myriad of private charter options or sparse commuter planes that would get you into town without coming into contact with people. To be ultra-precautious, check airline seating before booking to make sure your flight doesnt have many people on board.

WHERE TO STAY

The Little Nell is Aspen's only ski-in, ski-out hotel with immediate access to the mountain's ... [+] high-speed gondola and special early access for guests to the slopes one hour before lifts open to the public.

The Little Nell is Aspen's only ski-in, ski-out hotel with the mountains Silver Queen gondola only a 30-second walk from most rooms in the hotel. With early access to the lifts before they open to the public reserved just for Little Nell guests plus other incredible perks like a slopeside ski concierge, the hotel is a well-positioned place to enjoy a safe, Aspen getaway.

Everything in the hotel is hyper-sanitized including the mini-bar treats and room service. Also, hotels are only permitted to operate at 50% capacity currently which means only every other room is empty to keep a healthyamount of distance.

While bars and restaurants generally remain closed, The Little Nell has created a daily aprs-ski service presented at guests doors at 4 and 6 pm with masked bartenders who bring to life a full cocktail and wine menu along with special treats.

WHERE TO SHOP

Performance Ski is every Aspen enthusiast's go-to for fashion and clothes that fit the Aspen ... [+] lifestyle.

All the shops are open which means hitting Dior, Prada, or Armani are still available for the itinerary (socially-distant of course), but the real in-the-know place to shop is Performance Ski. It is a ski shop, so everything there is picked with the outdoors in mind, but only to help create an authentic Aspen look. With brands like Aztech Mountain, Moncler, Nick Fouquet, and Elder Statesmen it contains a designer spread that is curated to have you outfitted and fitting into the local vibe in no time.

WHERE TO APRS

Dante, The Surf Lodge's Aspen outpost, is running aprs-ski on its massive outdoor patio where hot ... [+] mulled cider is the house specialty.

While outdoor dining is the safest option at the moment in Aspen, it is tough to find as it drops as low as 12 degrees in the evenings. This has hardly stopped Dante at The Snow Lodge from operating a safe and fun Aprs scene. The Aspen outpost of the East Coast's Surf Lodge, Dante has a massive patio alongside the Silver Queen Gondola where tables are spread far more than six feet apart with clear, plastic safety screens separating them from each other. Heaters are aplenty, the DJ's music is blaring, and the cocktails are flowing.

WHERE TO EAT

One of the mainstays of Aspen foodie life known for its flowing fondue, French Alpine Bistro, brings ... [+] the European chalet to Aspen.

It would hardly be Aspen without fondue in which case French Alpine Bistro istheplace to indulge in a bit of cheese soaked bread. A popular place to dine while in town with more than just fondue on the menu, the cozy, European ski lodge-inspired atmosphere was created with dark, reclaimed woods and maximally-adorned walls which give the space a well-worn feel. To dine indoors, guests are treated to a prix fixe, $150 per person menu. As for outdoor dining, there are only two outdoor tables so reservations should be planned in advance, but prepare to imbibe on the Dom, as in consideration of its very limited outdoor capacity the table minimums for these two are set at $1800 each.

WHERE TO CULTURE

The Aspen Art Museum known for its incredible architecture and world-class shows is operating at 25% ... [+] capacity to account for social distance.

The Aspen Art Museum, known not only for its collections but also for its world-class architecture by Shigeru Ban Architects, is still up and running at 25% capacity. It's currently showing Barbra Kasten andMaryWeatherford exhibitions along withWinterfest: An Exhibition of Arts and Crafts,a show of works by local artists and craftspeople. The limited number of guests permitted to attend the museum gives visitors a semi-private cultural excursion between runs.

WHAT ELSE

Ice skating under the stars with Aspen Mountain as the backdrop is a unique Aspen experience.

For a little bit of winter magic, there's Aspen Sports Silver Circle Ice Rink. The outdoor ice-skating rink is nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain which gives it a backdrop like no other. Its sweet twinkle light decorations combined with starry-skies above while night skating make for a one-of-a-kind Aspen experience.

More:
Fashion, Art, And Aprs: How To Enjoy Aspen Safely - Forbes

This craftsman style 3 level home located on a corner lot in the highly desirable Josephine Crossing community checks all the boxes. With a spacious open concept main level living room, kitchen with all new appliances, and dining area that has LVP flooring throughout, a cozy gas fireplace, and lots of natural light. The upper level offers 2 ensuite bedrooms and a welcoming loft library or home office. The refreshing master suite has a jetted tub, tiled shower, and walk-in closet. The lower level has a 3rd bedroom, full bathroom, and large family room. An oversized 2 car garage provides ample storage, and your cost-effective HOA will care of snow removal, lawn care, trash, and water. So you will have more time to enjoy the parks, playgrounds, walking paths, and explore Norm's Island on the Yellowstone River.

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Homes Recently Listed in the Billings Area - Statesville Record & Landmark

CHICAGO (CBS) There will be large concerts or events this New Years Eve, but help was on the way for Chicagos independent performance venues.

With no events since March, many of those venues have closed or are barely hanging on.

As CBS 2s Tara Molina reported Thursday evening, the owners of the venues the latter category still have to put money into the waiting game as just keeping venues maintained is costing thousands of dollars a month. But Molina is told new grant money will help them stick around until they can open again.

The Patio Theater has been in operation since 1927 at 6008 W. Irving Park Rd. in the Portage Park neighborhood. Its centennial isnt too many years off.

(The) Patio Theater is a treasure, said Chris Bauman.

It is a treasure that Bauman restored as a music venue, because he couldnt stand to see it go. But holding onto history in 2020

This has been a very long 10 months now. Closed down, Bauman said. Weve still had to pay mortgage, utilities, insurance. Weve just been doing the best we can to stay afloat and be able to open our doors again.

Now, a light at the end of the tunnel.

Patio Theater is one of 100 venues awarded $10,000 through the citys Performance Venue Relief Program. And theres even more help on the horizon. Bauman was one of thousands of venue owners across the country pushing for The Save our Stages Act, just passed as part of the latest COVID-19 relief legislation signed into law, setting $15 billion dollars aside to help venues like the Patio Theater.

Its going to allow us to get caught up, Bauman said.

But after 10 months without a penny, no way to open for many more, a question lingers. Will it be enough?

To be determined, I think, Bauman said. But I will tell you its enough, for now, to get us open again.

The Small Business Administration will decide how to divvy up the Save our Stages relief money, with operators applying for those grants, like they have for SBA loans. The city grants were funded through an arts foundation and the CARES act.

Also From CBS Chicago:

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Theater Operators Hope Hospitality Grants Are Enough To Reopen Next Year: This Has Been A Very Long 10 Months - CBS Chicago

So that was 2020. I made all sorts of resolutions such as I shall stop worrying, I shall look on the sunny side of the street, I shall answer the phone and the door, I shall not hide from people at the store, I shall not follow people home from the store just to see where they live, and I will not complain about Dr. leaving things open like doors, cabinets, drawers, and cookie jars. I shall suffer in silence.

But come March 16th I pretty much just quarantined with gusto, had anxiety over a November wedding in New Orleans, hurt my back, fractured my toe, slammed cabinets and doors and drawers shut, hired a housekeeper out of necessity which I swore Id never do, and bought an artificial pre-lit gold tree which I swore Id never do also. Dont tell my children about the tree.

This Christmas, although different, wound up being the easiest one for me, especially those where I helped my Daddy flock the tree on the patio with the explosive Electrolux bags. Thanks to my fractured toe and the mysterious back/leg electrocution issues, I was sent to sick bay, but the realization that Dr. would have to do all of that alone sent me practically into a coma so I took out a loan at Community Bank and bought brand new Christmas garland, or as my children and I call it, Garland LeMaire. Ive been using the same cheap garland for almost twenty years now. If you look at it wrong it disintegrates, and the old-fashioned C7 and C9 colored lights that are hotter than the fires of hell, I presume, were donated to Gordons Disposal Company. Our entire yard was nothing but one big booby trap and fire hazard. Even Santa premiered in the attic window timely on account of having a bridge with a railing built over the duct work so Dr. wouldnt procrastinate. He normally puts him in the window maybe on Christmas Eve Eve and come Easter hes still waving at everyone on Main Street. This year Santa was actually centered and not leaning. Every single thing you see in my yard if you so happened to have made a pass was done by Dr. I might have to fracture my little toe every year around December 1st but Ill pass on the electric shock thingy.

This year ends with lots of uncertainty and anger and a lack of freedom, but most of all, we end it with loss, whether it was COVID or not. Sharon Morgan was like a mother to us. Minos Derouen lived life to its fullest. Harry Delahoussaye reminded me of my father. Doyle Copell had a contagious enthusiasm for all things. Mac Stearns was wise and wonderful. I had unforgettable telephone chats with Donna Robinson, and she loved anything pink. Dr. Gerald Elias was caring and dedicated. Dot Escuriex was one of a kind. Alberta Nereaux was our first Queen Sugar. Joyce Lopresto was our Grande Dame, and Liam McDuff broke our hearts into a million pieces. They were loved, and they left their mark.

The fires lit, the house is cozy, the gumbos simmering, and once again, Bing is dreaming of a White Christmas. I try to do better than my best in times of turmoil because Mama once said at an unsettled time in my life, You dont know how to do it? Watch me, Ill show you how to do it, and she did. She also said, You need more juice in your gumbo, as she plucked the bowl out of my hands. There! Its better now!

PHYLLIS BELANGER MATA was born at the old Dauterive Hospital and grew up on Wayne Street. She is a 1974 graduate of Mt. Carmel Academy and is a chili dog without the wiener aficionado.

Originally posted here:
Across the Bayou: Out with the old, in with the new - The Daily Iberian

Take a look inside the most expensive house in North Wales, according to leading property site, Right Move.

The Brink is a three-storey, five-bedroom detached bespoke beach house in Abersoch that comes complete with stepped access to the beach.

The contemporary property is one of only five homes set on the east-facing side of Benar Headland and is on the market for offers above 3 Million.

The home takes full advantage of the incredible uninterrupted panoramic views over Cardigan Bay, St Tudwals Islands and the Welsh Mountains from two levels of terraces with glass balustrades.

A plunge pool is set within the lower, deeper terrace, with private steps leading down to the beach and the sea. There are also changing and showering facilities on the lower ground floor level to keep the sand at the bay.

The property is approached from the SCYC car park perfect for sailing and boating hobbyists.

Inside the property opens with an incredible atrium-style hall, leading to a bespoke staircase. This extends through to the kitchen dining area which has plenty of dining space and extends out to the rear terrace via bi-fold doors.

The dining area opens to the bright sitting room that opens onto the balcony, while the contemporary wood-burning stove and warm oak floors create a haven even in the out of season months.

The principal bedroom suite holds its own private balcony area and dressing room features a private balcony, en-suite with a spa bath and large separate shower, and a dressing room.

The lower ground floor features two additional large bedroom suites and a second reception room with double doors from the hall and a patio door to the lower balcony and pool area.

An outside door gives access to the side hallway with the pool plant room, a large wet room shower and a separate washroom.

The first floor offers two further large bedrooms and a box room, served by a shower room which is en suite to one of the bedrooms.

You can view the listing here.

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Inside the bespoke Abersoch beach house which is the most expensive house for sale in North Wales - North Wales Live