Get Your Curb Appeal On! Part 2.

 

In a Day - You Can > Renew planter beds

Get garden beds into shape by pruning growth, pulling weeds, planting flowers, and adding new mulch to restore colour that was taken away by sunlight and harsh weather. If stone or brick borders your bed, consider cleaning and resetting any pieces that are soiled or dislodged. If your border is old or tired-looking, try upgrading to stone or a decorative cast-concrete edging system. Shortly I will post on Garden Bed Edging Ideas to help you achieve a sympathetic and fresh new look for your garden beds.

 

In a Weekend You Can - Add arbours or fence panels

Arbors, garden gates, and short sections of decorative fence panels will enhance your garden and the value of your home. These amenities can be found in easy-to-build kits or prefab sections you simply connect together. For best results, paint or stain these items with colours already on your house.

 

 

In a Weekend You Can - Add outdoor art

Give your yard a little spunk by adding weather-resistant artwork. Choose pieces that complement your home's natural palette and exterior elements. Birdbaths, metal cutouts, sculptures, and wind chimes are good choices for outdoor art. Water sculptures not only function as yard art, but the burbling sounds soothe and make hot days feel cooler. Place fountains on level ground in optimum hearing and sight vantage points. Avoid spots in leaf-dropping range.

 

 

 

In a Weekend You Can - Add shutters or accent trim

Shutters and trim add a welcoming layer of beauty to your home's exterior. Shutters also control light and ventilation, and provide additional security. Exterior shutters can be made of wood, aluminium, vinyl, composite, or fiberglass. New composite materials, such as PVC resins or polyurethane, make trim details durable and low maintenance.

 

 

 

In a Month You Can > Renew paint, siding, and trim

An exterior facelift (new paint, siding, or trim details) automatically transforms the look of a home. Periodic maintenance of that exterior surface is the surest way to keep your house looking its best. Any obvious defects, such as cracked or rotting material, can downgrade the aesthetic and quickly turn away potential homebuyers. Once defects are repaired, look for ways to add personality with colour, trim, or shingles

 

 

In a Month You Can - Dress up the driveway

If your driveway is cracked or stained or has vegetation sprouting from it, you can upgrade it without doing a complete redo. First repair the cracks and stains (and kill the weeds), then dress it up by staining the concrete or affixing flagstones. If you need more room to move your car or park, add stone, brick, or pavers to the sides of the drive to widen it with flair.

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Following from my initial post on Palatial Living Get Your Curb Appeal On! Part 1, true to my word - here is the follow up with Part 2 on specific areas and ways you too can get your home ready as a property ready to sell meeting market expectations....

Enjoy,

 

 

images & subtext via bhg, pinterest, country living,

tumblr, house beautiful.

 

Palatial House Love...

 

House on Oyster River (Cape Cod). Polhemus Savery Dasilva.

 

Incredible setting. Aquidneck Properties  

 

 

Atherton residence, Utah. Markay Johnson Construction.

 

 

Scott Currie’s Hamptons home in Elle Décor.

 

 

 

Vineyard farmhouse, VA. Barnes Vanze Architects.

 

 

Amongst my increasing addiction to pinning - great to do when waiting for pretty much anything... I recently came across a couple of wonderful Pin boards that I have now started following, see pinterest for 'Alex Corvin' pin board - 'Home', and Suzanne Boy,  and wanted to share these stunning Palatial Homes with you that I have added to my 'House Love' Pin board HERE Palatial Living Pinterest - you can also follow my pins via Twitter @PalatialLiving

 

I'm sure if you too subscribe to the Palatial Living aesthete and ethos that you'll fall in lobe with these houses too!

Enjoy,

 

 

 

images via pinterest - alex corvin, Suzanne boy and elle décor, tumblr.

Wardrobe Love...or Edit.

I'd like a colourfully organised wardrobe like this... especially the clear front drawers, very nifty indeedy! Having working in the fashion industry for many years I have been privy to some substantial discounts and great samples. Needless to say I am wardrobe real-estate poor... but contents rich, and continually edit through various stages & changes in my life!

What do you think of your wardrobe? Love the content - Hate the housing, or Hate the contents - Love the Housing? Or do you just need to de-clutter & edit,edit, edit??

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Think about the 3 Main Piles When Editing...
1. Keep It - ONLY It Fits you, is flattering and isn't out-of-date - remember that 'old n'daggy' is not vintage! 

2. Sell It on EBay -Clothing Flea Markets, or Give to Charity - well kept clothing without tears or stains donate it to your favourite clothing charity.

3. Toss It - if it doesn't fit - doesn't suit you - out of date - stained or unable to be mended and not worthy of charitable means > Get rid of it!

Et Voila - done!

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Sometimes easier to write than do... but think of it this way if you're holding onto old stuff that isn't adding anything to your wardrobe life then you're preventing newness and fabulous items that will suit into your life. If the wardrobe is one area this is happening - what other areas in your home or life could this apply to.... Hmmm something to ponder.  

Enjoy,

images via coastal living, mark burstyn, decorpad, house to home, home beautiful, sarah gilbourne design, bh&g, robin bell designs.

Mid Week House Snoop... A Christie's Great Estate

You certainly do know when you have stumbled upon a truly 'Palatial Living' home when it's listed by realtor Ken Jacobs who is an affiliate with Christies Great Estates [giving the discerning buyer the greatest choice in luxury properties in Australia].

Need I say more - except that this might be [one] of my dream estates located in one of my favourite areas on Sydney's Upper North Shore, in a devine little suburb Warrawee. Take a look...But keep your jaw up! Enjoy,

Agent's Blurb.... Ken Jocobs - an affliate of Christies Great Estates.
One of the most spectacular properties you will encounter in Sydney, Bremon is a magnificent 6,400sqm estate discretely located in an exclusive, leafy Upper North Shore enclave. This breathtaking home was designed by renowned architect Espie Dods who took inspiration from colonial-era architecture, in particular Elizabeth Bay House. Surrounded by magnificent sculpted gardens, it presents an irreplaceable offering designed for luxurious family living and entertaining on a grand scale.


Timeless elegance - Completed in 2000 after a lengthy construction period, the 2,700sqm (approx) mansion achieves a timeless appeal. At first glance it could quite easily be a revived residence from a bygone era, with its stately proportions and classic façade. Originally built for oil magnate Pat Burke, the home is breathtakingly beautiful without ostentation. No detail has been overlooked and no expense spared in the creation of a home of incredible aesthetic impression and immense functionality.

Majestic grounds  - Bremons grounds are a magical highlight. The impeccably manicured meandering gardens are divided into a variety of private areas by sculpted box hedges. Designed for effortless alfresco entertaining, the covered terrace features an integrated gas barbecue, pizza oven and wall-mounted heaters. It gazes over the heated pool, Jacuzzi and championship-sized Astroturf tennis court complete with a courtside pavilion. An expansive area of level lawn incorporates a formal rose garden, a vegetable patch, an aviary and a dedicated children's play area with swings and a cubby house. Soothing water features are also dotted around the grounds.

Extensive accommodation - Accommodating the largest of families with ease and complete privacy, this world-class home contains eight ensuite bedrooms, a study, 10 full bathrooms and two powder rooms. Located in its own wing overlooking the garden, the master suite features a luxurious Carrara marble spa bathroom. An enormous self-contained apartment with its own entry creates the perfect haven for guests or staff, while a private two-bedroom teenagers level features its own kitchenette.

A regal entertainer - A grand formal entry foyer welcomes you into the home, presided over by soaring double height ceilings with a domed skylight and sweeping staircase. An extensive selection of entertaining spaces cater to formal and casual occasions, all enjoying level access to the surrounding gardens and terraces. Formal lounge and dining rooms are palatial in their stature while a refined office creates the perfect environment for those working from home. Casual living space incorporates an elegant Carrara marble gas kitchen. There is also a dedicated children's playroom. The homes crowning glory is a rooftop terrace capturing 360-degree district views.
A dedicated recreational level...


Property ID: 2008284483

images & sub text via Domain.com.au



Mid Week House Snoop....Palatial with Personality.

A stunning, Palatial, elegant & contemporary residence located on Sydney's Lower North Shore suburb of Balmoral - a stone's throw from the City, and view across Middle Harbour. I was drawn to this home for a number of reasons - firstly it's elegant yet on-trend style with use of unexpected wall treatments, furniture pieces & art work; the confident use of wall colour throughout different spaces, and the relaxed feeling of inside to out - with an emphasis on family lifestyle. I also thought of a new client when spying the blue felt pool table, and the plantation shutters in the bedroom [if they are reading this they know exactly what it's all about!]....

I think this home although located on the Lower North Shore it presents predictably for the area on the outside it definitely has a stylish & fun personality of it's own on the inside... Take a look - Enjoy,

Agent's Blurb... R&W Neutral Bay & Mosman
The Best of Balmoral ... Aspect, Sunshine, Views ... Minutes to the Beach



Understated style, space and privacy ... this is a home for today, an entertainer's paradise, designed to meet the expectations of a modern family wanting the perfect Balmoral lifestyle.
Maximising northerly light and sunshine, cooling prevailing summer breezes with the sparkling blue of the bay framed by palms and trees, this is a home that feels like a resort, it's the ultimate beach house packed with style and sophistication. Ultra spacious with a free-flowing floorplan that offers multiple living areas that merge with the deep full width verandah that over looks the pool and the Travertine-tiled terraces or open to the quiet privacy of the rear courtyard. The kitchen interacts with the casual living and casual meals area, plus there's a magnificent dining area with double height glassed window-wall. The generous rumpus on the lower level is the family's "club house" with a fireplace, bathroom and direct access to the pool area. A level rear lawn area is a popular feature for families. All bedrooms are upstairs plus study/TV area, newly renovated main bathroom and large parents retreat with private terrace, 2 WIRs & ensuite. Double garage, security access, home theatre with drop-down screen, sound system, gas central heating and Cat 6 cabling throughout.
With the beach and The Esplanade's cafe scene just minutes away, this is one of Balmoral's finest.


Expressions of Interest close 7/12/10 (if not sold prior)
Inspect: Saturday & Thursday at 11am - 11.45am.
Features
Balcony / Patio / Terrace
Built in Wardrobes
Close to Schools
Close to Transport
Ensuite(s)
Fireplace(s)
Formal Lounge
Modern Bathroom
Modern Kitchen
Polished TimberFloor
Quiet Location
Separate Dining Room
Swimming Pool
Views


Property ID: 2008674210

images & agent sub text via Domain

Mid Week House Snoop - A Smith & Cabban in Mosman.

 Apologies that the 'Mid Week' House Snoop takes places on a Thursday - I had terrible trouble with blogging last night - trying to log on and load images! Enough said, here's your Palatial Living - Sydney Real Estate fix for the week and gee have I found a stunning Palatial home!

Take a look at this truly Grand Palatial home set in the leafy streets of Sydney Lower North Shore, Mosman...

Originally built by Smith & Cabban who were in the [1880's onwards] late 19th & early 20th century were speculative builders. After purchasing a large portion of the Silex Estate, they built about 170 houses along Bradley's Head Rd and Prince Albert Street. The Silex Estate - in 1839 James King purchased 150 acres which he named Silex Estate. 200 acre grant of Joseph Newton subdivided as Park Gate Estate in 19 marine plots. And in 1853 Archibald Mosman sold his property to John Stirling. The Silex Estate was subdivided into 25 allotments of from four to seven acres. Initially 18 lots were sold and sites were set aside for a school, church, school of arts and a library.

Later further subdivisions eventuated in the plots being the size of the present day - such as the one of 'Glen Osmond'. There is a DA by Urban Architects Tzannes & Associates and landscaping by the talented Peter Fudge I love that children are also catered for amongst this very stylish setting! Enjoy x

 

Agent's Blurb... Richardson & Wrench Mosman.

“Glen Osmond" - An Iconic Mosman home. Stately, Grand - a Superb Federation Family Estate, C 1901

A magnificent merge of Federation grandeur with 21st Century family informality and functionality sees this land mark Smith & Cabban residence, C 1901, emerge as a true Mosman thoroughbred.

Dominating a prized dress circle estate in one of Mosman’s most highly esteemed streets, where over 1400sqm of superbly landscaped and manicured lawns and gardens and an impressive 35m frontage forge perfect first impressions. The elevated, stately and fully renovated home with expansive and uninterrupted views that lead the eye from the North Sydney Skyline to the Bridge, Sydney Harbour and the Eastern Suburbs from both levels, has the space and elegance you need for entertaining on a grand scale with the practicality & warmth required for easy day to day family living.

Polished floors, original fireplaces, high 12ft decorated ceilings and formal archways enhance the airy spaciousness of the huge dining room and the vast living room that both open to the deep sheltered verandah … perfect for year round entertaining – absolutely ideal for New Years Eve. With family living in mind, a casual living area with loft library and computer nook is conveniently placed next to the...show more generous eat-in kitchen where French doors open to the private terrace with auto awning … your all-weather, al fresco casual living area that’s great for younger children. The lower level reveals another dimension to the pleasure of living here, with a vast rumpus room with kitchenette that leads to the 12m heated pool and surrounding lawns and terraces. A bedroom with ensuite, guest bathroom and large, fully cabled study make this a great, semi self contained area for teens or guests. The large fully insulated, temperature controlled, 4500 bottle capacity, walk in cellar is a feature that will really impress discerning buyers.

Six bedrooms in total, four on the main level, the master suite with views, opens to the verandah and has a walk in robe and ensuite. Carefully designed fruit garden with many fruit bearing citrus, olive and mango trees, kitchen herb garden and enclosed children’s play lawn with commercial grade equipment and painting/play gazebo. Plenty of well designed storage throughout, large utility room & triple garage. The state-of-the-art security system includes back to base alarm and selective CCTV. There is a DA by Tzannes & Associates and landscaping by Peter Fudge to extend the garaging to four cars, create internal access to the home by lift, plus additional entertaining terraces and landscaping.

This impeccable home is perfectly placed within walking distance to the cafes and shops of Mosman Village, local schools, parklands and transport .... it’s a unique opportunity to own one of Mosman’s finest heritage homes.

images via Real Estate.com.au