By Mark J. Donovan

Glass Sunroom addition and solariums also provide an excellent return on investment. Todays prospective homebuyers look for homes that are bright and cheery, and have that outdoors feeling without the side effects of insects and extreme temperatures.

When planning a glass sunroom addition or solarium make sure you carefully consider the location and position of it. In many cases people prefer to add a sunroom addition or solarium off of a kitchen or family room area for maximum utilization.

In many cases, homeowners actually use sunroom additions or solariums as their kitchen dining area, family room, and home gym space.

Ideally a sunroom addition should be facing a south / southwest exposure to maximize sunlight exposure in the afternoon and evenings, particularly if it is to be located off of a family room. If your sunroom addition is to be located off of your kitchen then you may want to have it facing south / southeast to take advantage of the morning light.

Sunroom Addition Construction

When building a sunroom addition or solarium it is important that its design blend well into the existing home. The addition should meld into the existing homes structure as if it was designed and built during the homes original construction. You may want to enlist the services of a home addition architect to help with this process.

Besides the use of glass doors and windows, as well as skylights, sunroom additions and solariums frequently include ceramic tile floors to help absorb the suns rays.

The roof pitch and its position towards the suns track are also important considerations. For example, if you live in a northern climate the roof pitch needs to be steep enough so that snow can quickly melt off of it. Likewise, there is no point of having a sunroom addition or solarium if the roof surface is facing the north.

Once you have a set of sunroom addition plans, you can then begin the process of finding a contractor to build it. Selecting a qualified and professional sunroom addition contractor can be challenging. It is important to find the right one for your sunroom addition project to ensure that it is built correctly and to your budget and timeline.

One great way to locate a qualified sunroom addition contractor is to use a national home building contractor referral company. They have pre-screened and qualified home addition contractors all around the country and maintain their names and contact information in a database.

In addition, their services are free to the homeowner. The homeowner simply fills out a free online form for their specific home addition requirements and they will forward the information on to 3 or 4 sunroom addition contractors in your area. The contractors will then contact you to set up a time to meet with you and review your sunroom addition or solarium plans.

Obtaining Solarium or Sunroom Addition Contractor Price Quotes

When obtaining sunroom addition price quotes from contractors it is important to make sure that they provide you with a complete sunroom addition cost breakdown list of every phase of the project. The more detail in the sunroom addition cost breakdown list, or bid sheet, the more likely of an accurate sunroom addition cost proposal.

When interviewing potential sunroom addition contractors make sure you check their references. Usually a good litmus test for evaluating a home building contractor is to see how long the reference list is.

The longer this list is, the higher the likelihood that he has a solid reputation. A long reference list also helps to get a feel for how long the contractor has been in business and his level of pride in his work. Regardless of the length of the reference list, it is still important to contact at least 3 or 4 of the references.

Contact a couple of more recent projects completed by the contractor and a couple 2-5 years out in the past. This way you can see how he has been trending with his work, as well as to see how his work holds the test of time.

Finally, it is also important to note that glass sunroom addition construction costs are typically higher than building a new home. The reason for this is that a room addition requires additional effort to tie it into the home. In addition, a new home construction project offers economies of scale. With a sunroom addition, you may be adding only a few hundred square feet of area, whereas with a new home construction project you may be building 2,000 to 4,000 square feet of living area. In addition, windows are expensive and will represent a significant cost in the construction of your sunroom addition.

A glass sunroom addition or solarium is a great addition to any home and is well worth the investment. Just make sure you plan accordingly before breaking ground. By doing so you will increase your chances of a successful sunroom addition. Good luck with your sunroom addition project!

For more help on building a sunroom addition, see HomeAdditionPlus.coms Home Addition Bid Sheets. OurHome Addition Bid Sheets provide you with the knowledge and information on how to plan a home building project, and what to look for when hiring contractors. They also include detailed cost breakdown tables and spreadsheets for estimating your own new home construction building costs.

Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and receive a free price quote on a house addition from one of our prescreened and licensed home addition contractors. This process is free and there is no obligation to continue once you receive your home addition price estimate.

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Sunroom Additions | Solariums - Home Addition Planning

By Pam George, contributing writer Published 1:21 p.m. ET April 14, 2017 | Updated 1:22 p.m. ET April 14, 2017

An exemplarily contemporary(Photo: Victoria Dickinson & Associates, Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate)

It was love at first sight. As soon as the current owners saw the wooded 5-acre lot on Twaddell Mill Road, just off Route 52 in Centreville, they had to have it. Initially, they planned to take their time before building. But they were so enchanted that the custom contemporary took shape nearly right away. Their labor of love is a remarkable 5,000-square-foot that offers stunning views of protected land in every direction.

An exemplarily contemporary(Photo: Victoria Dickinson & Associates, Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate)

Nestled in a valley, this impressive residence has the open, innovative floor plan that has long characterized a contemporary. Its only recently that architects have borrowed this element for Colonial designs.

The foyer includes a floating staircase that gives guests a full view of the living room beyond. Because the living room has a bank of picture windows and a vaulted ceiling, you can also glimpse the stunning scenery outdoors. This room also boasts a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace that soars to the apex. The beamed ceiling and wood-trimmed balcony above lend a chic, rustic element that suits the landscape.

Both the entrance hall and the living room flow into the dining room, which seamlessly adjoins the sunroom and renovated kitchen for a continuous light-filled space. Owners cleverly put a formal two-door closet with shelves in the dining room for serving dishes, good china and other items needed for entertaining.

Storage is also a hallmark of the updated kitchen, which has granite countertops, a five-burner cooktop and wraparound counters that provide double duty. For instance, one holds a wet bar with sink and icemaker, which is accessible from the family room. This warm space, which has sliders to the wraparound deck, features the second stone fireplace.

The kitchen adjoins a laundry room that is so large it can easily hold a home office in addition to a built-in desk in the kitchen. Because the laundry room has a door to the two-car garage, it can serve as a mudroom.

An exemplarily contemporary(Photo: Victoria Dickinson & Associates, Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate)

All these features are impressive, but it is the step-down sunroom addition that will give most visitors pause. This welcoming space is easily visible from the kitchen, thanks to a breakfast bar (which has shelves on the sunroom side) and the open dining room.

The sunroom holds a spacious seating area and a dining area, both of which have stellar views two ponds stocked with trout, bass and koi and the private slope of protected land.

In another nod toward the future, this contemporary has a first-floor owners suite with a dressing area complete with his-and-her closets and a makeup table a sleeping area and an en suite bathroom with a soaking tub, linen closet and shower. It even has its own balcony.

Upstairs, there are three secondary bedrooms with a full hall bathroom and access to two attics for a generous amount of storage space.

The finished area of the lower level has a fireplace, space for billiards and additional space for a playroom or recreation room. Theres even a full-size stove, sink and fridge. Double doors in the unfinished section open wide, so a canoe, an inflatable dingy or a riding mower can come through. This section also has a workroom, which is perfect for woodworking, gardening or another hobby.

An exemplarily contemporary(Photo: Victoria Dickinson & Associates, Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate)

The covered lower deck on this level will entice visitors to pull up an Adirondack chair for a meditative moment. The well-landscaped beds, glistening ponds and gently swaying trees are instantly calming. Stress will melt off your shoulders.

To be sure, the phrase idyllic retreat will come to mind when you tour this home. But keep in mind that it is five minutes from the heart of Centreville. Greenville and Chadds Ford are a quick drive from home.

Located in one of Delawares most desirable zip codes, this property is a rare find for the nature-lover who prizes convenience and the modern lifestyle.

An exemplarily contemporary(Photo: Victoria Dickinson & Associates, Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate)

The Home

LOCATION: 66 Twaddell Mill Road, Centreville STYLE: Contemporary, 4 BR, 2.2b; car garage PRICE: $1,185,000 SCHOOL DISTRICT: Red Clay Consolidated NEARBY SHOPPING LOCATIONS: Centreville, Greenville, Chadds Ford, Route 202 DIRECTIONS: Kennett Pike (Route 52) to Twaddell Mill Road.

For more information, call Victoria Dickinson at (302) 463-4720, Victoria Dickinson & Associates, Patterson-Schwartz Real Estate. Or, visit dickinsonassociates.com.

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Centreville Home space & style in tranquil setting - The News Journal

By Eleanor Boschert, Correspondent

Lantern Lane - the name itself conjures up the idea of classic New England tradition and charm. As a quiet cul de sac in Needham, it is home to a stately Garrison colonial at 48 Lantern Lane that well represents the timeless appeal of its namesake.

Tucked away on more than an acre of land, this four-bedroom, three-full and one half-bath home with 3,380 square feet of living space over two levels, as well as an additional 832 square feet of space on the lower level, is on the market for $1,299,000. Maureen McCann of Louise Condon Realty is the listing broker.

This cocoa brown-colored home with maroon shutters enjoys a prime location close to Needham Center, mere steps to the Commuter Rail, Chestnut Street and is easily accessible to I-95. Greenery abounds with a canopy of mature trees, bountiful rhododendrons and a host of shrubbery enveloping its private, professionally landscaped grounds.

Follow a side driveway to arrive at the pebble walkway across the home leading to both a covered side, as well as the front, entrance. Granite steps connect to the white front door flanked by sidelights and two elegant diamond-pane windows.

Once inside, sleek, refinished hardwoods, recessed lighting and freshly painted rooms accentuate the overall warmth of the home. A wide, marble foyer connects to the carpeted family room on the left. Rustic in style, it features a beamed ceiling, floor-to-ceiling brick panel surrounding the wood-burning fireplace, and a large bay window.

Beyond the family room, the back of the home stretches lengthwise and encompasses an oversized mudroom, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room and a sunroom.

The mudroom is a centralized access point connecting the two-car garage, the side entrance, backdoor to the patio, and half-bath to the kitchen.

Elegant cherry cabinets serve as the defining element in the kitchen. They add simple elegance to this hub of the home that is ready for the personal touches and updates of a new owner. The bright eat-in area opens to large covered deck/porch. This is the perfect place for enjoying a cup of coffee while looking out over the backyard and lush woodland.

On the other side of the kitchen, the dining room serves as the heart of formal entertaining with its classic crown molding, chair rail and large window overlooking the backyard.

As a stunning addition to the home, the nearby heated sunroom showcases French doors, three walls of oversized windows, corner built-ins and a gas fireplace.

In the elegant living room at the front of the home, sunshine splashes through a bay window and another diamond-pane accent window to create an inviting space for gatherings.

Returning to the foyer, the front staircase winds up to the second floor fit with crown molding over the landing. Two carpeted bedrooms with closets occupy the front and back corners while a third bedroom overlooks the sprawling front landscape.

The family bath features a double vanity and a tub/shower combination. It sits off the landing and next to the laundry room with sink.

At the other end of the home, the carpeted master suite provides a quiet place to retreat from the world. It features a walk-in closet plus his-and-hers closets that line dressing room/sitting area. The beautiful master bath is built-out to feature high ceilings, tiled walk-in shower, and two separate vanities connected by a Hollywood-glamour-style make up table.

As one of the homes most desirable features, the bright, yet private, bathing area opens behind a French door entry to feature a deep free-standing soaking tub set underneath a peaked ceiling.

The partially finished lower level includes a wet bar, playroom, full bath and storage. There is also unfinished storage and utility space. Systems include gas heat, central a/c and vac.

Please contact Maureen McCann of Louise Condon Realty at 617-909-8716 or maureenm@condonrealty.com for information or to schedule a showing.

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Needham Homefront: Location, style define Lantern Lane colonial - Wicked Local Needham

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April 12, 2017Kevin Benefield

The Cardinal Hotel

When it opened its doors in April 1929, the Reynolds Building was the tallest skyscraper in the South, and Winston-Salem the largest city between Washington D.C. and Atlanta. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company constructed the twenty-two-story Art Deco stunner as its headquarters, heralding the success of the company, which had introduced the incredibly popular Prince Albert pipe tobacco and Camel cigarettes earlier in the century. The building became a beloved local landmark, as well as the inspiration for New Yorks Empire State Building.

But gradual changes in attitudes toward smoking and the subsequent downsizing of the company led R.J. Reynolds to put the iconic building on the block in 2009. Without a buyer willing to gamble on such a behemoth during the recession, it stood vacant for years. In 2015, a year after the tower was named to the National Register of Historic Places, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants announced it would repurpose it as a boutique hotel. In April 2016, on the eighty-seventh anniversary of the Reynoldss opening, the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (thecardinalhotel.com) welcomed its first guests.

This evolution is only the most recent example of Winston-Salems tobacco-to-tourism trend. A number of local attractions, from Reynolda to Graylyn, trace their beginnings to the makers of some of Americas top tobacco products. But none illustrate this on quite so grand a scale as the Cardinal.

Jay Sinclair

Named after North Carolinas state bird, the hotel occupies the buildings first six floors. Interior spacesfrom the sleek, modern guest rooms to the rec room outfitted with a bowling alley, basketball court, and adult-sized spiral slidewould be unrecognizable to the Reynolds execs who once worked there, but the grand elevator lobby maintains its original splendor. Marble floors and walls, gleaming brass and nickel elevator doors, and a ceiling studded with gilded tobacco leaves evoke the buildings glorious past.

Kimpton contributes its own nods to yesteryear in notable design elements and artwork. The living room, where guests gather for complimentary coffee and tea in the mornings and local wines in the afternoon, features a framed likeness of a longleaf pine (the state tree) rendered in matchsticks. Portraits of city namesake Colonel Joseph Winston and R.J. Reynolds are woven into the mezzanine carpets.

Off the lobby, Reynoldss wife, Katharine, is remembered in an eponymous French brasserie, which includes a polished dining room, lively bar, and large terrace. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant offers a mix of traditional brasserie items and Southern standardscroissants and biscuits, baked escargot and fried chicken.

Reynolda House Museum of American Art

Learn more about Katharine and the Reynolds family on a visit to Reynolda (reynoldahouse.org), the thousand-acre family estate and working farm a few miles northwest of downtown Winston-Salem. Completed in 1917, the sprawling bungalow, along with the carefully designed grounds and agricultural village, was Katharines passion. In addition to working with an architect to create the residence and dozens of support buildingsbarns, silos, schools, a post officeshe introduced new agricultural methods and livestock breeds, such as Jersey cattle, to local farmers.

Jay Sinclair

The estate remained in the family until 1964, when the furnished house and nineteen acres became part of a nonprofit institution dedicated to the arts and education. In 1967, that institution opened the home as the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Celebrating the estates centennial anniversary this year (as well as the museums fiftieth), Reynolda showcases a large collection of American art from 1755 to the present, plus the homes original furniture and the familys vintage clothing. The surrounding farm and support buildings now serve as boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.

Across the street from Reynolda stands another grand estate, Graylyn (graylyn.com), the former home of Bowman Gray Sr. Once president and chairman of the board of R.J. Reynolds, Gray was responsible for the construction of the Reynolds Building. He and his wife, Nathalie, followed the Reynolds family to the countryside on the outskirts of town, purchasing eighty-seven acres of land on which to build a great manor house in the Norman Revival style. Completed in 1932, the home remained in the family for only fourteen years before a widowed Mrs. Gray and her sons donated it to Wake Forest Universitys medical school, which ran a psychiatric hospital on the grounds.

Art-o-Mat

Today, the university operates a hotel and conference center on the site and welcomes both daytime and overnight guests. Not to be missed is a butler-led tour of the property, which showcases an impressive range of European design styles and architectural elements, from the Georgian living room to the Italian Renaissance sunroom to the library featuring circa 1680 Louis XIV paneling from Paris. (Call ahead to reserve a time.) Another great way to experience Graylyn is the monthly Tour Pour Du Jour, which pairs a Sunday afternoon tour with a reception featuring the estates select house wines and cheeses.

Just up the road from Graylyn looms yet another former home of an industrial titan, the English manorstyle residence of James G. Hanes, president and chairmanof the board of Hanes Hosiery Mills Company. Though Hanes doesnt have ties to the citys tobacco heyday, his old estate currently does: Now the SoutheasternCenter for Contemporary Art (SECCA) (secca.org), it is hosting an exhibition this spring that explores cigarette machines turned art dispensers. Art-o-mats weredeveloped twenty years ago by Winston-Salem artist Clark Whittington, who stocked the first such machine with small black-and-white photos mounted on blocks and installed it at local restaurant Penny University Cafe. So popular was this un-usual piece of conceptual art, the restaurants owner asked if she could keep it. Whittington agreed and began working with other artists to create pieces for the vending machine. Today, the original Art-o-mat resides at Marys Gourmet Diner(the successor to Penny University), and more than 130 others have been installed at galleries, shops, and restaurants across the United States and Europe.

SECCAs retrospective will showcase a host of the machines and the miniature works of art they dispense. Its a wholly fitting end to your exploration of Winston-Salem, a city whose smoky past continues to burn bright.

Winston-Salems willingness to embrace new challenges is nothing new. It dates back to 1766, when Moravians founded Salem, North Carolina. The Moravians, a Protestant denomination whose members fled to America to escape persecution in what is today the Czech Republic, were known fortheir hard work, love of music, and devotion to church and community.

Today, 109 of the historical settlements buildings have been restored or reconstructed. Fifteen of the structures are operated by Old Salem Museums and Gardens, where dozens of craftspeople and re-enactors bring the village to life. Watch shoemakers, tailors, potters, and gunsmiths ply their tradesas they would have two centuries ago. Stroll the numerous gardens showcasing heirloom plants and traditional horticultural practices (such as removing weeds by hand rather than using herbicides). Plan on lunch at the Tavern in Old Salem, which serves traditional favorites such as chicken pie and syllabub, a whipped dessert featuring white wine or sherry and fresh fruit.

A number of shops offer Moravian products made on-site. Pick up handmade baskets and paper ornaments at the book and gift shop. And stock up on sugar cake and cookies at the bakery.

Before leaving Old Salem, pay a visit to the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA). The institution displays one the nations finestcollections of Southern furniture, ceramics, textiles, and other objects from the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries. oldsalem.org

Tags: Kevin Benefield, North Carolina, Southbound, travel, Winston-Salem

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Weekend Getaway: Winston-Salem, North Carolina - Atlanta Magazine

Have a green thumb? As a gardener, you know that when you buy a house, youre also buying a garden. And for some garden lovers, the outdoor area can be just as important as whats inside. Here are 10 things to consider putting on your home-buying wish list if you love to garden.

1. Not-just-for-looks landscaping. Sometimes well-meaning homeowners update the landscaping to boost curb appeal for a sale, without realizing that the plants they put in are far too close together for long-term growth or are inappropriate for the climate. Be sure any new landscaping was done thoughtfully and wasnt overcrowded just to look good for staging purposes.

2. Ample sun, fertile soil. Aim to visit the homes on your short list at several points during the day to get a feel for how the sun reaches each part of the yard. You can also use your GPS to check the orientation of the house and get a better sense of how the sun moves across the property. If there is already a flourishing garden on-site, this is a good sign that the yard gets adequate sun and has rich soil.

3. Garden shed. A sturdy shed with room to store tools and supplies makes a practical addition to any garden. Look for a shed that is in good condition, is large enough to store all your tools and equipment, and has a door that latches to keep out curious pets and kids.

4. Potting area. A shed may be used as a potting area, but sometimes its easier to work out in the open. Look for a sheltered outdoor area with room for a work surface. Does it have easy-to-maintain flooring and an outdoor faucet within reach?

5. Healthy trees. Mature trees are a wonderful feature, improving air quality and providing shade to the yard. But sick trees, or those that have been neglected or improperly pruned, can be costly to treat (and may even need to be removed). Be sure any trees on the property are healthy and have been regularly maintained by an arborist.

6. Well-maintained hardscaping. Retaining walls, patios, decks, fences, water features, outdoor kitchens and fireplaces basically any permanent feature that is a part of the homes landscape should be inspected to ensure that theyre in good condition. These features form the backbone of the landscape, so you should also like the design!

RELATED: Fire Pits to Enjoy Your Landscape Longer

7. Greenhouse or conservatory. Whether its an elaborate conservatory attached to the house or a basic greenhouse in the garden, some kind of protection for young and overwintering plants can be a big boon to a serious gardener. Look for a free-standing greenhouse (or room to add one) if you plan to use the space to cultivate a large number of seedlings each spring. However, even a small sunroom can provide a handy spot for starting seeds and sheltering sensitive potted plants in winter.

8. Working irrigation system. A good irrigation system can save you time and usually uses less water than watering by hand. If the home you are considering has an irrigation system, be sure to give it a thorough test. Just because its there doesnt mean it works!

9. Critter-proof fencing. If the current owners have fencing around their garden, thats a pretty good sign that critters are a problem. Of course, if youre moving to an area where wild animals are prevalent, youll be thankful to have the fencing already installed! See what you can find out from the owners about the types of animals spotted around the property and what methods seem to help keep the critters away from tender plants.

10. A place to enjoy a good view of your handiwork. Whether its a spacious porch or an outdoor dining room, a comfortable area to kick back and relax is the ultimate retreat after a hard days work in the garden.

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The Avid Gardener's House Hunting Checklist - Fox News

Soak up the sun, recline with a book, watch the kids playing in the backyarddecks, gazebos, and porches make perfect perches for these and a number of other warm season activities. If you are thinking of replacing a decaying deck or aging porchor adding one on to your homenow is the time to plan and schedule.

As with any construction or renovation project, your dream outdoor space needs to be designed with both your budget and your expectations in mind.

Decks

To renovate an existing deck that has seen better days, a contractor like Chris Healy of Shoreline Deck Company in Guilford will start by doing a thorough evaluation of the existing deck framing.

If you are replacing a rotting and splintering natural wood deck with maintenance-free man-made composite materials like Trex or Azek, you want to make sure the framing below will hold up to these heavier products to protect your investment.

"If the existing deck framing is in good shape, it costs little to bring that framing up to code," said Healy, "which includes checking how the posts are attached to the footings, the installation of joist hangers if there aren't any, and making sure the ledger board is properly attached to the house. Bringing the existing framing up to code can cost as little as a $100 in extra hardware."

The deck surfacing material is also something to consider carefully and discuss with your contractor. While a natural product like wood, according to Healy, is the lightest material to put over the deck framing, wood has weathering and maintenance characteristics that durable man-made materials do not.

Besides issues of durability and care, the design and over-all look of your deck should be discussed. While many homeowners will have heard about such popular decking products at Trex and Azek, someone building a high-end deck might lean toward what are termed "enhanced composites" or "high-end composites." These decking materials give the homeowner a bigger range of color and hue choices to more closely simulate the look of natural wood species and give a superior look to the surface grain.

Three- and Four-Season Rooms

A similar approach applies to adding a three or four season room to your home, or a stand-alone outbuilding like a gazebo.

"First we determine the homeowner's budget," said Jason Digiandomenico, production manager at Building Concepts in Branford, "and we ask the customer if they see themselves using the room addition for three seasons or year-round."

Prices will vary when building a three-season room verses four-season, and Digiandomenico noted that many people who end up building a three-season porch or porch enclosure end up wanting to upgrade to a four-season solarium, sunroom, loggia, or conservatory. The structure options that Building Concepts provides allow for later upgrades.

The four-season room also becomes a logical choice if you want to maximize its use to justify the expense of adding the room in the first place. Four-season rooms can also be designed to function as porches in the summer, while becoming energy-efficient, cozy, heated enclosures during the coldest of the winter months.

Roof lines also need to be considered when adding a porch or four season room, so that the architectural lines of the room addition are in keeping with the existing house.

The choice of building materials vary too, according to Digiandomenico. When a customer prefers a glass ceiling for a sunroom, various materials can be used including aluminum, vinyl, wood, or a combination of those materials to provide structural support for a glass roof while also addressing the homeowner's aesthetics and maintenance concerns.

If you are thinking of yard enhancement other than decks and sunrooms, companies like Carefree Small Buildings of Clinton specialize in providing such yard enhancements as picnic tables, gazebos, swings, gliders, pool cabanas, gazebos, pergolas, and playhouses.

Most of Carefree's buildings are manufactured on a custom built basis and homeowners are able to create exactly what they want rather than be forced to live with look-alike cookie cutter structures. Carefree offers onsite construction or they will build your desired structure offsite in its warehouse, and then truck the finished product to your yard for quickest install.

Expanding in Stages

When it comes to balancing budget and desire, it's advisable to discuss building your dream outdoor oasis in stagesa new deck this year, a pergola next year, a sunroom the year after that. Based upon your annual budget, a larger backyard oasis can be planned and constructed in stages until your ideal yardscape is realized.

Think about what you want and expect from your outdoor spaces and discuss them fully with the contractors you solicit for estimates.

After you settle on your design, are happy with the price, and sign the construction contract, let your dream yardscape be shaped into reality. Then kick back and enjoy years of fun and relaxation.

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Decks, Pergolas, Gazebos, and Porches - Zip06.com

158Total Views

Around the world and home again The view out the windows of a beautiful sunroom that overlook the mountains and the land farmed by his ancestors and, to the north, the Pocahontas County Country Club must be a bit of heaven for a West Virginia boy who loves to golf and returned home in his retirement. Thats where Jack Gay and his wife, Ellie, are these days. The road to retirement has been a long and serendipitous journey for this couple. Jack was born in Buckeye in 1937, a son of Lewis and Marguerite Gay. He graduated from Marlinton High School, received his Bachelors in Animal Science from WVU and his Masters from the University of Kentucky. From there he planned to enlist in the military because he was tired of school. Out of the blue, he said he got a call from his advisor asking if he would be interested in teaching for a year at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. The college need-ed someone to teach animal science while its usual teacher was on sabbatical. Jack agreed to the one year, short term contract, and it was there that he met Ellie Gibson, who was a senior at Berea that year. The two became engaged, and married in 1962. Again, out of the blue, Jack received a call asking him to be involved in a 2,500 acre experimental station project at Auburn University in Alabama, and the couple began their married life there. It was a good fit, Jack said. He was raised on a farm, had a degree in animal science, and Ellie was raised on a tobacco farm in Ohio. Ellie taught first grade in Alabama that year, and in the fall of 1963, Jack was asked, out of the blue to be a part of a new program, implemented by WVU, which would provide teachers to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. In their early and mid-20s, Jack and Ellie stepped up, and Jack became a teacher at Bukalasa College in Uganda. It was so natural, Ellie said. We loved the people, and they loved us. It was quite an opportunity to see the world. Jack said there was a lot of optimism there at the time a different and very peaceful climate. One of Ellies hobbies in, and prior to, retirement is birdwatching.

ELLIEGAYBIRDWATCHING in Panama. She said it is the couples passion for birds that keeps them traveling. Ellies goal is to see every bird in the world.

JACKGAYPLAYING golf in Jamaica. Jack got interested in the game while working in Uganda. Now that hes retired, he volunteers at the Pocahontas County Country Club.

JACKGAY WITHhis Real Deal Brazil recycled-tarp hat just right for a puttering farmer and Ellie with a book about her favorite hobby, Sumi-e, Japanese Brush Painting. Puttering and painting are just two of many activities that keep this couple busy in retirement.

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Enjoying ~ and staying active in ~ retirement - Pocahontas Times

Phillip Makselan, PNJ.com/HOMES 9:44 a.m. CT April 6, 2017

5058 High Pointe Drive, front view. (Photo: Phillip Makselan/PNJ/HOMES)Buy Photo

A large, well manicured lawn welcomes you to this updated, two story traditional brick home in the Marcus Pointe community. The four bedroom, three bath home boasts over 2,436-square feet with an open kitchen, spacious living area with an adjoining dining space. Additionally, a sunroom offers an additional 240-square feet of living or entertaining space. This home is just right for a family wanting a warm & traditional home feel, says Realtor Pam Heinold. Upon entering the home, the foyer welcomes you with a soaring ceiling and leads into the comfortable and elegant living space. The living area features a fireplace and is open to both the kitchen and the spacious dining area, allowing family and friends at large gatherings to interact seamlessly from space to space. Throughout the home youll find the walls freshly painted in neutral tones, oak hardwood flooring, and updated light fixtures. The kitchen is very inviting with lots of hardwood cabinets and storage space, new granite countertops, a granite sideboard with extra storage underneath, a stone backsplash, a new oil rubbed bronze goose-neck faucet with a pullout spray, oil rubbed bronze light fixtures and hardware, a new garbage disposal, black appliances, a new built in microwave, a window over the sink, and a pantry, says Heinold. One bedroom and a bath are located on the first floor, along with a den/office/game room that could easily be used as a bedroom if desired. Three bedrooms, including the master suite, two baths and a laundry room are located upstairs. The master suite includes a spacious bedroom with a view, a large walk-in closet and a private spa-like bath. The master bath features a double vanity area with a makeup station, abundant cabinet storage and a glass enclosed shower. Two French doors lead to the first floor sunroom where homeowners will enjoy morning coffee, dinner or hosting friends and family. The space overlooks the rear lawn and keeps you close to nature. The large privacy fenced backyard is perfect for children to play, pets to roam, for gardening or a pool, notes Heinold. In addition to the fabulous living space and lawn area, the home includes a side-entry two car garage with a work bench, making it a great space to work on projects. This quiet, friendly neighborhood is convenient to shopping centers, schools, medical facilities and is only minutes from the interstate.

HOME OF THE WEEK

5058 High Pointe Drive, Pensacola, FL

List price: $295,000

Approximate square feet: 2,436, plus asunroom

Bedrooms: 4

Baths: 3 full

Built: 1991

Listing Agent Pam Heinold Main Street Properties, Inc. Office: 850-912-4123 Cell: 850-232-2332 e-mail: Pam@PamHeinold.com

Online: http://www.mainstreetproperty.com

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Home of the Week April 8: Traditional, Updated Home In Marcus Pointe - Pensacola News Journal

Sloss House

Sloss House, pictured in 1944. Students can be seen in period clothing standing around the building.

Sloss House, pictured in Spring of 2017. Gerdin can be seen in the background.

Built in 1883, with an addition in 1903, the Sloss House has not changed a lot in the past hundred years. Sidewalks have been paved, a sign added and decorations are hung in the window.

The original tenant was Charles E. Bessey, who lived there for two years. It was next occupied in 1925by Thomas Sloss, who was the superintendent of buildings. Throughout his tenure, he renovated the house, extending the porch, adding a garage, study, bath and sunroom. Thomas Sloss was the father of Margaret Sloss, who was the first female to graduate with a doctorate of veterinary medicine in 1938.

Margaret Sloss was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1901. She served many roles on campus, including technician in veterinary pathology, associate professor, professor and professor emeritus. She also authored multiple publications on topics such as women in veterinary medicine, a biography over Charles Stange, and she even wrote (and later revised) a textbook called Veterinary Clinical Parasitology. She was awarded numerous awards for her work not only on campus but also for women as a whole.

Margaret died in 1979 and is buried in the Iowa State Cemetery.

Today, the Sloss House is home to the Margaret Sloss Womens Center. The Margaret Sloss Womens Center at Iowa State University is committed to the development of a campus community that promotes gender equity and social justice. Through a feminist lens, the center advocates for individuals and groups; provides support, referrals, community and programming; and maintains a safe space.

The Margaret Sloss Womens Center hosts programs and events for all genders, including the Vagina Monologues, International National Womens Day and the Womyn of Colour Retreat.

For suggestions for further publications of Throwback Thursday, email ian.steenhoek@iowastatedaily.com.

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Throwback Thursday: Sloss House - Iowa State Daily

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Senior Connections is a monthly section of the Greene County Daily World which runs on the fourth Friday of each month, meant to feature elderly members and related events of the entire community. This month, it will run on Friday, April 28.

Ive decided to try something a little different with my contribution this time around.

In addition to writing for the world, I also photograph weddings, portraits and commercial images, as I studied photography at Indiana University in Bloomington.

So, Im intersted in finding out more about the roots of my new community, (Im a transplant Pennyslvania native--I moved here just two years ago!), and I am reaching out to you, the readers--to tell me yours.

Do you have an old photo of a well-known landmark or business in Greene County you would like to share? If you have a some-what lengthy story to accompany it, I will be happy to help you tell it!

Maybe it was at the now ghostly Linton drive-in or the old ice cream shop on Main Street; perhaps you have an old prom photo of you and your friends from the past or maybe you arent quite old enough, but know of someone else who has an interesting tale to tell.

If you are open to sharing your memory, please send me an email via kslavengcdw@outlook.com or call the office and ask for Kelly.

If you are a regular reader, you probably also know I love animals. Maybe you have had a dog or cat for a long time--Im interested in how having a pet at an old age or living alone might enrich ones life? I know how enriching my own has been residing with an exotic bird and yorkshire terrier, and Im 23.

I want to help you tell your story--the only stipulation being that it come from a senior, of course.

Some of my favorite memories when living with my grandmother are simply sitting in her sunroom and reminiscing over a few cups of coffee--its never too late to share.

One of my favorite authors and role models J.K. Rowling once said, Youth can not know how age thinks and feels, but old men are guilty if they forget what it was to be young.

Kelly is a Staff Writer for the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by telephone at (812) 847-4487, or she can also be reached via email at kslavenGCDW@outlook.com.

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Seniors: Do you have a story to tell? - Greene County Daily World (blog)