The little cottage on Turnip Field Road in Eastham had been owned by the same couple since 1940, until they built a new, adjacent house on the property. The cottage was then handed down to the next generation, who began spending more and more time at the cottage. It was then that they contacted Cape Associates to construct a more livable home in place of that little cottage. It was crucial to the owners however, that the home keep with the understated charm and Cape Cod-feel of the neighborhood. The primary challenge was to keep it humble, while building the owners their well-deserved vacation retreat. The original cottage had no air conditioning, and renovating was quickly dismissed because of the inadequacies and the cost of modernizing. Building new allowed the team to relocate the house further back from the street, and it meant meeting the owners’ needs without compromise. Cape Associates’ project manager Lance LaLone said the owners expressed their desire to incorporate lots of wood and the types of materials that were in the old cottage. Most of the interior is pine, which was used on the flooring, the walls, and wrapped around the ceiling’s beams, giving the owners what they desired on a grander scale – a beautiful, modern dwelling that still held the personality of that little cottage that held such cherished memories. The front of the home has a two-car garage and breezeway entrance, while the rear reveals an entertainer’s paradise, with an enormous mahogany deck with an outdoor shower, a stunning Connecticut-fieldstone fireplace with a chimney that reaches around 30 feet in height, and multiple sliders to access the home. The finished basement opens to the ground level, and above the entrance breezeway is another small deck with a great view. It’s the best of indoor/outdoor living. Movement patterns from beach to house to bedroom were an important consideration. The site also provided an excellent opportunity to visually connect the basement level patio visually to the main level deck and finally the master bedroom deck. The finished home provides year-round living, with a summer-getaway atmosphere.

This North Inglewood guest house in Nashville underwent a full gut renovation and addition, resulting in a luxurious and functional retreat. The project included a custom-designed home gym, a remodeled bedroom, and a stunning bathroom renovation featuring a walk-in shower with unique tile work and modern finishes. The kitchen renovation showcases custom cabinetry design, modern countertops, and clean lines, blending style with efficiency. Throughout the guest house, durable hardwood flooring and modern storage solutions were incorporated, along with recessed lighting to create a bright and inviting atmosphere. The addition emphasizes thoughtful architectural planning and high-quality custom construction, seamlessly integrating the new spaces with the existing structure. The guest house also features custom millwork and a focus on contemporary interior design, with every detail crafted for comfort and elegance. As Nashville’s trusted general contractors, we specialize in kitchen and bath remodels, luxury homes, eco-friendly renovations, and design-build projects, delivering tailored solutions for high-end homes that combine innovation and functionality.

Design-Build Bathroom & Walk-In Closet Remodel in Frederick, Maryland By Talon Construction Inc. Talon Construction Inc. recently completed a full design-build primary bathroom and walk-in closet remodel in Frederick, Maryland, transforming the space into a functional, spa-inspired retreat with custom storage solutions and timeless finishes. This renovation was thoughtfully designed to enhance daily comfort, organization, and long-term value while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. Custom Bathroom Remodel – Frederick, MD The remodeled bathroom features a luxury freestanding soaking tub as a focal point, paired with brushed brass fixtures for a warm, elegant touch. A custom glass-enclosed walk-in shower includes classic white tile, built-in shower niches for organized storage, and modern plumbing fixtures that balance style with functionality. There is also a large custom bench in the shower that is perfect for shaving. The half-wall with beadboard detailing adds architectural interest while maintaining an open, airy feel. The double vanity offers ample storage with custom cabinetry in a soft, neutral finish, topped with a durable and refined countertop. Updated mirrors, wall-mounted lighting, and a statement ceiling fixture provide layered illumination, enhancing both functionality and ambiance. Large-format tile flooring and a neutral color palette create a calming, spa-like environment ideal for everyday use. Walk-In Closet Design & Build Connected seamlessly to the bathroom, the custom walk-in closet remodel maximizes storage and organization with built-in shelving, drawers, and hanging areas. Natural wood finishes bring warmth and continuity to the space, while thoughtful layout planning allows for easy access to clothing, shoes, and accessories. Dedicated shoe shelving, folded storage, and integrated drawers ensure everything has its place, reducing clutter and improving daily routines. To complete the functionality of the closet there is a stackable washer and dryer to provide easy laundry care close to the main bedroom. Recessed lighting and natural light from nearby windows brighten the space, creating a clean, welcoming atmosphere. The result is a highly functional walk-in closet designed specifically to fit the homeowners’ lifestyle. Expert Design-Build Services in Frederick, Maryland This project showcases Talon Construction Inc.’s expertise in design-build remodeling, managing every phase from concept and layout to construction and finishing details. By combining custom craftsmanship with high-quality materials, this bathroom and walk-in closet remodel delivers both beauty and practicality. If you’re searching for a bathroom remodel contractor in Frederick MD, a custom walk-in closet, or a full design-build renovation, Talon Construction Inc. delivers tailored solutions built to last.

This contemporary conservatory located in Hamilton, Massachusetts features our solid Sapele mahogany custom glass roof system and Andersen 400 series casement windows and doors. Our client desired a space that would offer an outdoor feeling alongside unique and luxurious additions such as a corner fireplace and custom accent lighting. The combination of the full glass wall façade and hip roof design provides tremendous light levels during the day, while the fully functional fireplace and warm lighting creates an amazing atmosphere at night. This pairing is truly the best of both worlds and is exactly what our client had envisioned. Acting as the full service design/build firm, Sunspace Design, Inc. poured the full basement foundation for utilities and added storage. Our experienced craftsmen added an exterior deck for outdoor dining and direct access to the backyard. The new space has eleven operable windows as well as air conditioning and heat to provide year-round comfort. A new set of French doors provides an elegant transition from the existing house while also conveying light to the adjacent rooms. Sunspace Design, Inc. worked closely with the client and Siemasko + Verbridge Architecture in Beverly, Massachusetts to develop, manage and build every aspect of this beautiful project. As a result, the client can now enjoy a warm fire while watching the winter snow fall outside. The architectural elements of the conservatory are bolstered by our use of high performance glass with excellent light transmittance, solar control, and insulating values. Sunspace Design, Inc. has unlimited design capabilities and uses all in-house craftsmen to manufacture and build its conservatories, orangeries, and sunrooms as well as its custom skylights and roof lanterns. Using solid conventional wall framing along with the best windows and doors from top manufacturers, we can easily blend these spaces with the design elements of each individual home. For architects and designers we offer an excellent service that enables the architect to develop the concept while we provide the technical drawings to transform the idea to reality. For builders, we can provide the glass portion of a project while they perform all of the traditional construction, just as they would on any project. As craftsmen and builders ourselves, we work with these groups to create seamless transition between their work and ours. For more information on our company, please visit our website at www.sunspacedesign.com and follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/sunspacedesigninc Photography: Brian O'Connor

The little cottage on Turnip Field Road in Eastham had been owned by the same couple since 1940, until they built a new, adjacent house on the property. The cottage was then handed down to the next generation, who began spending more and more time at the cottage. It was then that they contacted Cape Associates to construct a more livable home in place of that little cottage. It was crucial to the owners however, that the home keep with the understated charm and Cape Cod-feel of the neighborhood. The primary challenge was to keep it humble, while building the owners their well-deserved vacation retreat. The original cottage had no air conditioning, and renovating was quickly dismissed because of the inadequacies and the cost of modernizing. Building new allowed the team to relocate the house further back from the street, and it meant meeting the owners’ needs without compromise. Cape Associates’ project manager Lance LaLone said the owners expressed their desire to incorporate lots of wood and the types of materials that were in the old cottage. Most of the interior is pine, which was used on the flooring, the walls, and wrapped around the ceiling’s beams, giving the owners what they desired on a grander scale – a beautiful, modern dwelling that still held the personality of that little cottage that held such cherished memories. The front of the home has a two-car garage and breezeway entrance, while the rear reveals an entertainer’s paradise, with an enormous mahogany deck with an outdoor shower, a stunning Connecticut-fieldstone fireplace with a chimney that reaches around 30 feet in height, and multiple sliders to access the home. The finished basement opens to the ground level, and above the entrance breezeway is another small deck with a great view. It’s the best of indoor/outdoor living. Movement patterns from beach to house to bedroom were an important consideration. The site also provided an excellent opportunity to visually connect the basement level patio visually to the main level deck and finally the master bedroom deck. The finished home provides year-round living, with a summer-getaway atmosphere.

Indulge in the epitome of luxury with this master suite addition project in Nashville, TN. This captivating image captures the essence of a serene bedroom retreat, featuring sliding glass double doors that open to reveal a picturesque view of the pool. The contemporary interior design palette of soothing whites and grays creates a tranquil atmosphere, complemented by abundant natural light that fills the room. The space is grounded by rich hardwood flooring that adds warmth and elegance, while luxury furnishings, including sophisticated sconces and a plush area rug, invite relaxation and comfort. Every detail, from the choice of materials to the arrangement of decor, reflects our commitment to quality craftsmanship and sophisticated aesthetics. Explore our portfolio to discover more of our meticulously designed high-end residential projects and contemporary interior designs. Whether you're envisioning a smaller handyman or carpentry project, a similar master suite addition, or exploring new home renovation ideas, our team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life with personalized service and expertise. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey towards transforming your living space into a sanctuary of luxury and style. Interior Design: Kevin Corn Design Photography: Joseph Bradshaw

In this welcoming family ski chalet designed for entertaining, the Great Room on the main level is the heart of the home. All areas access this hub easily. Vaulted wood ceilings with timber beams, and windows stacked 25 feet high, create an expansive atmosphere in this Great Room which is open to the kitchen. The stunning hand scraped logs are the focal point with the staircase leading the eye upwards to the upper foyer. This magnificent interior feature showcases the hand craftsmanship. Created for function and connection, traffic from the lower and upper levels enters the great room and flows smoothly, easily managing larger gatherings.

This North Inglewood guest house in Nashville underwent a full gut renovation and addition, resulting in a luxurious and functional retreat. The project included a custom-designed home gym, a remodeled bedroom, and a stunning bathroom renovation featuring a walk-in shower with unique tile work and modern finishes. The kitchen renovation showcases custom cabinetry design, modern countertops, and clean lines, blending style with efficiency. Throughout the guest house, durable hardwood flooring and modern storage solutions were incorporated, along with recessed lighting to create a bright and inviting atmosphere. The addition emphasizes thoughtful architectural planning and high-quality custom construction, seamlessly integrating the new spaces with the existing structure. The guest house also features custom millwork and a focus on contemporary interior design, with every detail crafted for comfort and elegance. As Nashville’s trusted general contractors, we specialize in kitchen and bath remodels, luxury homes, eco-friendly renovations, and design-build projects, delivering tailored solutions for high-end homes that combine innovation and functionality.

We’re so thrilled to share the after photos of a recent kitchen renovation in Rensselaerville. The owners were looking to breathe new life into the space and wanted to focus un updating the kitchen and maximizing storage. Project Manager, Tony Cicchino, and Designer, Sarah McDonald, rounded the team together and got to work. The team kicked off by saying goodbye to dated paneling and a drop ceiling. The result? An open and refreshed vibe that instantly transformed the entire atmosphere. Thanks to the brilliance of Sarah, we revamped the layout to optimize storage and enhance accessibility to the peninsula cabinets. Built-in storage options ensure every inch of space is utilized efficiently. New windows were installed, welcoming natural light to illuminate every corner. The choice of cherry cabinets brought a touch of timeless elegance to the kitchen. The rich, warm tones add a luxurious feel amplified by the artisanal, handmade tiles used for the backsplash. We can’t wait to see what our clients will let us get our hands on next!

There are many challenges in Milwaukee commercial exterior painting. With such a wide variety of building fascia materials requiring different coatings, materials and application equipment, there are varying environmental and atmospheric conditions to deal with and elaborate equipment required to complete many of the jobs. Hi-rise buildings need staging, weatherproofing, special machinery and applicator lifts to reach all surfaces. One of the toughest challenges is the requirement to complete the Milwaukee commercial exterior painting project while the business or government office is in continuous operation. All of this requires professionalism, experience, expertise and knowledge that can only be gained by years of work with the diverse coatings and equipment that is necessary to complete large exterior commercial painting projects. Richmond Painting is regularly selected by facility owners and general contracting firms. For the right commercial exterior painting job, we’ll travel as far south as Libertyville, IL and as far north as Mequon, WI. From where we are centrally located in Racine, WI, Richmond Commercial Painting dispatches professional crews and equipment to paint commercial building exteriors throughout the area. Commercial Exterior Painting ServicesAt Richmond Commercial Painting our professionals are available to assist with every aspect of the exterior commercial painting project, from planning, to design, to budgeting, to application and completion. With a solid record of projects completed on time and within budget, our expertise will make any job move like a well-oiled machine; smoothly and quietly. Whether the job requirements are for using elastomeric coatings to weatherproof masonry exterior walls, applying two-part epoxies, spraying high-solids paint for protecting exposed metal, or any of the other specialty architectural coatings, we have the experience, equipment and highly trained personnel to satisfactorily complete the project. We can also tap a network of competent tuck-and- point subcontractors to repair any joints, corners or sprawls in brick or masonry. Our experienced project managers provide their years of background in all types of exterior coatings jobs to make every commercial painting project a successful joint venture with the owner, architect-designer and/or general contractor. We effectively dovetail our portion of the project with those of the other trades, contributing to a smooth “critical flow” on the job. Our portfolio of successfully completed projects includes all types of commercial exterior painting projects: hotels, hi-rise office buildings, factories, warehouses, industrial parks, schools, churches, apartment buildings and just about every other type of commercial facility you can find around Milwaukee. Our clients have learned that with the professional, commercial exterior painting services provided by Richmond Painting, Inc., a job done right the first time saves money over one that requires a number of return visits to the job to touch-up or correct flaws. Keeping that in mind, we’ve found that it really costs no more in the long run to hire the very best.

Design-Build Bathroom & Walk-In Closet Remodel in Frederick, Maryland By Talon Construction Inc. Talon Construction Inc. recently completed a full design-build primary bathroom and walk-in closet remodel in Frederick, Maryland, transforming the space into a functional, spa-inspired retreat with custom storage solutions and timeless finishes. This renovation was thoughtfully designed to enhance daily comfort, organization, and long-term value while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. Custom Bathroom Remodel – Frederick, MD The remodeled bathroom features a luxury freestanding soaking tub as a focal point, paired with brushed brass fixtures for a warm, elegant touch. A custom glass-enclosed walk-in shower includes classic white tile, built-in shower niches for organized storage, and modern plumbing fixtures that balance style with functionality. There is also a large custom bench in the shower that is perfect for shaving. The half-wall with beadboard detailing adds architectural interest while maintaining an open, airy feel. The double vanity offers ample storage with custom cabinetry in a soft, neutral finish, topped with a durable and refined countertop. Updated mirrors, wall-mounted lighting, and a statement ceiling fixture provide layered illumination, enhancing both functionality and ambiance. Large-format tile flooring and a neutral color palette create a calming, spa-like environment ideal for everyday use. Walk-In Closet Design & Build Connected seamlessly to the bathroom, the custom walk-in closet remodel maximizes storage and organization with built-in shelving, drawers, and hanging areas. Natural wood finishes bring warmth and continuity to the space, while thoughtful layout planning allows for easy access to clothing, shoes, and accessories. Dedicated shoe shelving, folded storage, and integrated drawers ensure everything has its place, reducing clutter and improving daily routines. To complete the functionality of the closet there is a stackable washer and dryer to provide easy laundry care close to the main bedroom. Recessed lighting and natural light from nearby windows brighten the space, creating a clean, welcoming atmosphere. The result is a highly functional walk-in closet designed specifically to fit the homeowners’ lifestyle. Expert Design-Build Services in Frederick, Maryland This project showcases Talon Construction Inc.’s expertise in design-build remodeling, managing every phase from concept and layout to construction and finishing details. By combining custom craftsmanship with high-quality materials, this bathroom and walk-in closet remodel delivers both beauty and practicality. If you’re searching for a bathroom remodel contractor in Frederick MD, a custom walk-in closet, or a full design-build renovation, Talon Construction Inc. delivers tailored solutions built to last.

The landscape enhancements depicted in the photos showcase a beautifully designed entry garden that harmonizes with the surrounding Santa Fe mountainous setting. Generous, wide flagstone walkways create inviting access to the home, guiding visitors through the garden and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Natural stone retaining walls add both structure and visual interest, helping to create terraced levels within the landscape while managing soil erosion and contributing to the earthy, rustic charm typical of Southwestern design. A thoughtfully designed natural style fountain serves as a focal point, providing a soothing sound of flowing water that enhances the tranquil atmosphere. The garden incorporates a variety of native and drought-tolerant plants, which thrive in the arid climate, conserving water while supporting local wildlife and adding vibrant color and texture. Overall, this elegant design functions as both an inviting entryway and an outdoor living area, encouraging outdoor enjoyment and making it a perfect space for relaxation and gatherings while seamlessly blending with the natural environment.

Step into this beautifully renovated kitchen and breakfast nook in Nashville, expertly designed to blend functionality with luxury. Centered around a spacious kitchen island with quartz countertops by Southern Stone, the space is illuminated by Pottery Barn pendant lighting and a Visual Comfort chandelier, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The contemporary design is highlighted by custom maple cabinetry and sleek Sherwin Williams paint, providing a modern yet timeless appeal. The kitchen boasts high-end stainless steel appliances from Kitchen Aid, including a gas stove and a wine fridge, ensuring a state-of-the-art culinary experience. A standout feature is the Rohl farmhouse sink, perfectly complemented by a Bradstreet II Apron Front Undermount Farmhouse sink, adding a touch of rustic charm. Large windows offer panoramic views of the outdoors, enhancing the breakfast nook's cozy setting with a custom maple bench seat, complete with bench drawers for innovative storage solutions. This renovation not only optimizes space but also incorporates eco-friendly elements, appealing to those searching for green home builders and custom construction solutions on Houzz. From the durable hardwood flooring to the luxurious bathroom renovations with Grohe and Delta fixtures, every detail in this kitchen is meticulously crafted to cater to contemporary tastes and functionality, making it a prime showcase on Houzz for those seeking a blend of luxury and practical design in home renovations. Photo by fenwickhome.com

Design-Build Bathroom & Walk-In Closet Remodel in Frederick, Maryland By Talon Construction Inc. Talon Construction Inc. recently completed a full design-build primary bathroom and walk-in closet remodel in Frederick, Maryland, transforming the space into a functional, spa-inspired retreat with custom storage solutions and timeless finishes. This renovation was thoughtfully designed to enhance daily comfort, organization, and long-term value while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic. Custom Bathroom Remodel – Frederick, MD The remodeled bathroom features a luxury freestanding soaking tub as a focal point, paired with brushed brass fixtures for a warm, elegant touch. A custom glass-enclosed walk-in shower includes classic white tile, built-in shower niches for organized storage, and modern plumbing fixtures that balance style with functionality. There is also a large custom bench in the shower that is perfect for shaving. The half-wall with beadboard detailing adds architectural interest while maintaining an open, airy feel. The double vanity offers ample storage with custom cabinetry in a soft, neutral finish, topped with a durable and refined countertop. Updated mirrors, wall-mounted lighting, and a statement ceiling fixture provide layered illumination, enhancing both functionality and ambiance. Large-format tile flooring and a neutral color palette create a calming, spa-like environment ideal for everyday use. Walk-In Closet Design & Build Connected seamlessly to the bathroom, the custom walk-in closet remodel maximizes storage and organization with built-in shelving, drawers, and hanging areas. Natural wood finishes bring warmth and continuity to the space, while thoughtful layout planning allows for easy access to clothing, shoes, and accessories. Dedicated shoe shelving, folded storage, and integrated drawers ensure everything has its place, reducing clutter and improving daily routines. To complete the functionality of the closet there is a stackable washer and dryer to provide easy laundry care close to the main bedroom. Recessed lighting and natural light from nearby windows brighten the space, creating a clean, welcoming atmosphere. The result is a highly functional walk-in closet designed specifically to fit the homeowners’ lifestyle. Expert Design-Build Services in Frederick, Maryland This project showcases Talon Construction Inc.’s expertise in design-build remodeling, managing every phase from concept and layout to construction and finishing details. By combining custom craftsmanship with high-quality materials, this bathroom and walk-in closet remodel delivers both beauty and practicality. If you’re searching for a bathroom remodel contractor in Frederick MD, a custom walk-in closet, or a full design-build renovation, Talon Construction Inc. delivers tailored solutions built to last.

This dining area stands as the central gathering space of the office, embodying a creative and functional approach to commercial interior design. A bold abstract mural serves as a captivating focal point, drawing attention and encouraging conversation. The pairing of ribbed fabric benches with sleek wooden chairs strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. Modern pendant lighting elevates the atmosphere, creating an ideal setting for informal meetings and team discussions.

The Wisteria House is named for a robust wisteria vine that managed to endure an extensive remodel of this Brentwood hillside home. A large new primary bedroom window offers a close-up view of this thriving plant, as well as a deep connection with the garden. Reconfigured interior walls and new glazing yielded a more coherent spatial flow through the residence. Hemlock ceilings, oak flooring, Carrara marble, and linen drapery together create a warm atmosphere for sleeping and bathing within the primary suite.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours The second-largest and most developed of Georgia's barrier islands, St. Simons is approximately twelve miles long and nearly three miles wide at its widest stretch (roughly the size of Manhattan Island in New York). The island is located in Glynn County on Georgia's coast and lies east of Brunswick (the seat of Glynn County), south of Little St. Simons Island and the Hampton River, and north of Jekyll Island. The resort community of Sea Island is separated from St. Simons on the east by the Black Banks River. Known for its oak tree canopies and historic landmarks, St. Simons is both a tourist destination and, according to the 2010 U.S. census, home to 12,743 residents. Early History The earliest St. Simons Island Village record of human habitation on the island dates to the Late Archaic Period, about 5,000 to 3,000 years ago. Remnants of shell rings left behind by Native Americans from this era survive on many of the barrier islands, including St. Simons. Centuries later, during the period known by historians as the chiefdom era, the Guale Indians established a chiefdom centered on St. Catherines Island and used St. Simons as their hunting and fishing grounds. By 1500 the Guale had established a permanent village of about 200 people on St. Simons, which they called Guadalquini. Beginning in 1568, the Spanish attempted to create missions along the Georgia coast. Catholic missions were the primary means by which Georgia's indigenous Native American chiefdoms were assimilated into the Spanish colonial system along the northern frontier of greater Spanish Florida. In the 1600s St. Simons became home to two Spanish missions: San Buenaventura de Guadalquini, on the southern tip of the island, and Santo Domingo de Asao (or Asajo), on the northern tip. Located on the inland side of the island were the pagan refugee villages of San Simón, the island's namesake, and Ocotonico. In 1684 pirate raids left the missions and villages largely abandoned. Colonial History As Fort Frederica early as 1670, with Great Britain's establishment of the colony of Carolina and its expansion into Georgia territory, Spanish rule was threatened by the English. The Georgia coast was considered "debatable land" by England and Spain, even though Spain had fully retreated from St. Simons by 1702. Thirty-one years later General James Edward Oglethorpe founded the English settlement of Savannah. In 1736 he established Fort Frederica, named after the heir to the British throne, Frederick Louis, prince of Wales, on the west side of St. Simons Island to protect Savannah and the Carolinas from the Spanish threat. Between 1736 and 1749 Fort Frederica was the hub of British military operations along the Georgia frontier. A town of the same name grew up around the fort and was of great importance to the new colony. By 1740 Frederica's population was 1,000. In 1736 the congregation of what would become Christ Church was organized within Fort Frederica as a mission of the Church of England. Charles Wesley led the first services. In 1742 Britain's decisive victory over Spain in the Battle of Bloody Marsh, during the War of Jenkins' Ear, ended the Spanish threat to the Georgia coast. When the British regimen disbanded in 1749, most of the townspeople relocated to the mainland. Fort Frederica went into decline and, except for a short time of prosperity during the 1760s and 1770s under the leadership of merchant James Spalding, never fully recovered. Today the historic citadel's tabby ruins are maintained by the National Park Service. Plantation Era By the start of the American Revolution (1775-83), Fort Frederica was obsolete, and St. Simons was left largely uninhabited as most of its residents joined the patriot army. Besides hosting a small Georgia naval victory on the Fort Frederica River, providing guns from its famous fort for use at Fort Morris in Sunbury, and serving as an arena for pillaging by privateers and British soldiers, the island played almost no role in the war. Following the war, many of the townspeople, their businesses destroyed, turned to agriculture. The island was transformed into fourteen cotton plantations after acres of live oak trees were cleared for farm land and used for building American warships, including the famous USS Constitution, or "Old Ironsides." Although rice was the predominant crop along the neighboring Altamaha River, St. Simons was known for its production of long-staple cotton, which soon came to be known as Sea Island cotton. Between Ebos Landing the 1780s and the outbreak of the Civil War (1861-65), St. Simons's plantation culture flourished. The saline atmosphere and the availability of cheap slave labor proved an ideal combination for the cultivation of Sea Island cotton. In 1803 a group of Ebo slaves who survived the Middle Passage and arrived on the west side of St. Simons staged a rebellion and drowned themselves. The sacred site is known today as Ebos Landing. One of the largest owners of land and slaves on St. Simons was Pierce Butler, master of Hampton Point Plantation, located on the northern end of the island. By 1793 Butler owned more than 500 slaves, who cultivated 800 acres of cotton on St. Simons and 300 acres of rice on Butler's Island in the Altamaha River delta. Butler's grandson, Pierce Mease Butler, who at the age of sixteen inherited a share of his grandfather's estate in 1826, was responsible for the largest sale of human beings in the history of the United States: in 1859, to restore his squandered fortune, he sold 429 slaves in Savannah for more than $300,000. The British actress and writer Fanny Kemble, whose tumultuous marriage to Pierce ended in divorce in 1849, published an eyewitness account of the evils of slavery on St. Simons in her book Journal of a Residence on a Georgian Plantation in 1838-1839 (1863). Another Retreat Plantation large owner of land and slaves on St. Simons was Major William Page, a friend and employee of Pierce Butler Sr. Before purchasing Retreat Plantation on the southwestern tip of the island in 1804, Page managed the Hampton plantation and Butler's Island. Upon Page's death in 1827, Thomas Butler King inherited the land together with his wife, Page's daughter, Anna Matilda Page King. King expanded his father-in-law's planting empire on St. Simons as well as on the mainland, and by 1835 Retreat Plantation alone was home to as many as 355 slaves. The center of life during the island's plantation era was Christ Church, Frederica. Organized in 1807 by a group of island planters, the Episcopal church is the second oldest in the Diocese of Georgia. Embargoes imposed by the War of 1812 (1812-15) prevented the parishioners from building a church structure, so they worshiped in the home of John Beck, which stood on the site of Oglethorpe's only St. Simons residence, Orange Hall. The first Christ Church building, finished on the present site in 1820, was ruined by occupying Union troops during the Civil War. In 1884 the Reverend Anson Dodge Jr. rebuilt the church as a memorial to his first wife, Ellen. The cruciform building with a trussed gothic roof and stained-glass windows remains active today as Christ Church. Civil War and Beyond The St. Simons Island Lighthouse outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 put a sudden end to St. Simons's lucrative plantation era. In January of that year, Confederate troops were stationed at the south end of the island to guard the entrance to Brunswick Harbor. Slaves from Retreat Plantation, owned by Thomas Butler King, built earthworks and batteries. Plantation residents were scattered—the men joined the Confederate army and their families moved to the mainland. Cannon fire was heard on the island in December 1861, and Confederate troops retreated in February 1862, after dynamiting the lighthouse to keep its beacon from aiding Union troops. Soon thereafter, Union troops occupied the island, which was used as a camp for freed slaves. By August 1862 more than 500 former slaves lived on St. Simons, including Susie King Taylor, who organized a school for freed slave children. But in November the ex-slaves were taken to Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Fernandina, Florida, leaving the island abandoned. After the Civil War the island never returned to its status as an agricultural community. The plantations lay dormant because there were no slaves to work the fields. After Union general William T. Sherman's January 1865 Special Field Order No. 15 —a demand that former plantations be divided and distributed to former slaves—was overturned by U.S. president Andrew Johnson less than a year later, freedmen and women were forced to work as sharecroppers on the small farms that dotted the land previously occupied by the sprawling plantations. By St. Simons Lumber Mills 1870 real economic recovery began with the reestablishment of the timber industry. Norman Dodge and Titus G. Meigs of New York set up lumber mill operations at Gascoigne Bluff, formerly Hamilton Plantation. The lumber mills provided welcome employment for both blacks and whites and also provided mail and passenger boats to the mainland. Such water traffic, together with the construction of a new lighthouse in 1872, designed by architect Charles B. Cluskey, marked the beginning of St. Simons's tourism industry. The keeper of the lighthouse created a small amusement park, which drew many visitors, as did the seemingly miraculous light that traveled from the top of the lighthouse tower to the bottom. The island became a summer retreat for families from the mainland, particularly from Baxley, Brunswick, and Waycross. The island's resort industry was thriving by the 1880s. Beachfront structures, such as a new pier and grand hotel, were built on the southeastern end of the island and could be accessed by ferry. Around this time wealthy northerners began vacationing on the island. Twentieth Century The St. Simons Island Pier and Village opening in 1924 of the Brunswick–St. Simons Highway, today known as the Torras Causeway, was a milestone in the development of resorts in the area. St. Simons's beaches were now easily accessible to locals and tourists alike. More than 5,000 automobiles took the short drive from Brunswick to St. Simons via the causeway on its opening day, paving the way for convenient residential and resort development. In 1926 automotive pioneer Howard Coffin of Detroit, Michigan, bought large tracts of land on St. Simons, including the former Retreat Plantation, and constructed a golf course, yacht club, paved roads, and a residential subdivision. Although the causeway had brought large numbers of summer people to the island, St. Simons remained a small community with only a few hundred permanent residents until the 1940s. The St. Simons Island outbreak of World War II (1941-45) brought more visitors and residents to St. Simons. Troops stationed at Jacksonville, Florida; Savannah; and nearby Camp Stewart took weekend vacations on the island, and a new naval air base and radar school became home to even more officers and soldiers. The increased wartime population brought the island its first public school. With a major shipyard for the production of Liberty ships in nearby Brunswick, the waters of St. Simons became active with German U-boats. In April 1942, just off the coast, the Texas Company oil tanker S. S. Oklahoma and the S. S. Esso Baton Rouge were torpedoed by the Germans, bringing the war very close to home for island residents. Due in large part to the military's improvement of the island's infrastructure during the war, development on the island boomed in the 1950s and 1960s. More permanent homes and subdivisions were built, and the island was no longer just a summer resort but also a thriving community. In 1950 the Methodist conference and retreat center Epworth by the Sea opened on Gascoigne Bluff. In 1961 novelist Eugenia Price visited St. Simons and began work on her first works of fiction, known as the St. Simons Trilogy. Inspired by real events on the island, Price's trilogy renewed interest in the history of Georgia's coast, and the novelist herself relocated to the island in 1965 and lived there for thirty-one years. St. Simons is also home to contemporary Georgia writer Tina McElroy Ansa. Since Epworth by the Sea 1980 St. Simons's population has doubled. The island's continued status as a vacation destination and its ongoing development boom have put historic landmarks and natural areas at risk. While such landmarks as the Fort Frederica ruins and the Battle of Bloody Marsh site are preserved and maintained by the National Park Service, and while the historic lighthouse is maintained by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, historic Ebos Landing has been taken over by a sewage treatment plant. Several coastal organizations have formed in recent years to save natural areas on the island. The St. Simons Land Trust, for example, has received donations of large tracts of land and plans to protect property in the island's three traditional African American neighborhoods. Despite its rapid growth and development, St. Simons remains one of the most beautiful and important islands on the Georgia coast.

A celebrated actor couple’s relaxing Hudson Valley retreat stands at the highpoint of a spectacular east-facing slope. The house boasts sweeping views of the Berkshires and surrounding hills and fields. Nestled amongst 14 acres of managed meadows and mature, mixed woodland, the garden’s rustic hardscaping, sitting walls, steps and paths, spirals, terracing and benches are constructed from rough hewn slabs of local New York fieldstone and granite reclaimed from the site excavation. Durable swaths of deer resistant native plants explode with color throughout the season. Simple, yet thoughtful detailing sets the tone for a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere, where pollinators can thrive and creative minds can be set free.

We can't help but love the Hollywood glam vibe of this newly renovated master bath. Despite the small space, we managed to create a light and airy atmosphere. By removing an unused stairway closet, we added an enclosed water closet. With the addition of a built-in makeup vanity and new custom cabinetry, this master bath is now highly functional.