Read article : Keir Townsend | Bramham GardenInteriors
Interior Design Studio, Keir Townsend provides a full scope of services from concept design and branding through to design implementation.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Keir Townsend | Bramham Garden
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Haute Pierre - Premier Construction News
Read article : Haute Pierre - Premier Construction News
Haute Pierre Jersey’s new prestigious address
Located on one of Jersey’s most beautiful beaches overlooking Green Island and with exceptional views, Haute Pierre comprises a bespoke collection of just four individually designed, exclusive apartments and one townhouse, which have been attracting considerable public and market interest since construction commenced.
Fitted and finished to an outstanding specification, each apartment benefits from its own private entrance, underground parking, ample storage, and south-facing terraces that make the most of this stunning location.
The development, which is within a single building and will be ready for occupation in March 2017, is being constructed for Catterson Wood, with Best Build as main contractors and MAC Architecture as architects.
Phil Wood, director at Catterson Wood said: “The property is on the beach with absolutely stunning views. I am absolutely delighted with the way the project has gone so far and the superb standard of finish achieved.
“This is actually our first new build development, as the previous projects we have carried out have involved renovation Although we will be introducing the development to the market only on completion, there has already been considerable interest in the scheme from the public and potential buyers right from the start of construction.”
Initial works on the project included the demolition of a house which previously occupied the site, as well as considerable excavation as the new building includes basement car parking.
Ranging from two to three storeys, the building is constructed in blockwork with flat Alvitra roofing and powder coated aluminium framed windows.
The development has been designed to provide each of the apartments with their own private access.
The scheme includes The Garden Apartment, The Duplex, The Townhouse and The Lateral Apartment.
The beautiful one-bedroom Garden Apartment features an open-plan living area with bi-fold doors that open the space up onto a spacious private terrace. The apartment also benefits from a large bedroom, bathroom, utility room, one private underground parking space, and an external storage unit.
Commanding the top two floors, The Duplex Apartment has a floor area of 1,237 sq ft and enjoys uninterrupted views to the south and west across the bay from both floors.
On the first floor is a large master bedroom with en-suite and dressing room, a second bedroom, and generously proportioned house bathroom.
The top floor has an open plan living area with floor to ceiling windows, which open seamlessly on to the terrace.
The apartment also benefits from a utility room, one private underground parking space, and an external storage unit.
The three storey Townhouse boasts almost 1,500 sq ft of living space, crowned with a stunning sun room that opens out on to the south-facing terrace.
On the ground floor are two large en-suite bedrooms, whilst the first floor has a large L-shaped open plan living area perfect for entertaining and with uninterrupted views out to sea. The apartment also benefits from a utility room, WC, two private underground parking spaces, and two external storage units.
With its open plan living area leading on to its own private terrace, The Lateral Apartment offers the perfect place to live and entertain.
The apartment includes is a stunning master suite with its own private terrace and a luxuriously proportioned en-suite. Additionally, there is a guest en-suite bedroom, WC, utility and study area.
The apartment also has one private underground parking space, and an external storage unit.
Like the apartments themselves, the impressive specification is nothing less than exceptional, including British-made Mackintosh kitchens with Silestone work surfaces and utility rooms with laminate work surfaces. Kitchens incorporate Miele appliances including: oven and combi oven, induction hob, fully integrated dishwasher, fully integrated fridge/freezer and 1.5 bowl sink with mixer tap.
Bathrooms and ensuites include Duravit sanitaryware with Grohe and Hansgrohe chrome polished furnishings, a thermostatic shower, a wall hung WC with concealed cistern, a chrome heated towel rail, contemporary matt flooring, wall tiling and a mirror cabinet.
Flooring includes Amtico to hallways, kitchens, and living areas and carpeting to bedrooms and dressing areas.
Heating is via Gaia DEVIflex electric underfloor heating and electrics include polished chrome sockets to living rooms, dining areas, kitchens, hallways and bathrooms, with contemporary double recessed downlights to living areas, kitchens and bedrooms and pendant lighting to bedside table areas.
External terraces are tiled in Italian porcelain and feature contemporary stainless steel balustrades with glass panels.
Catterson Wood are a locally-based Jersey property development company focusing on small, boutique developments with the aim of creating truly bespoke homes.
Best Build have over 30 years’ experience in building and carpentry work, ranging from renovations and extensions through to new builds.
The company has gained invaluable experience in Jersey, the UK, Ireland, the USA and Australia.
MAC Architectural Services Ltd was formed in 2009 by current Managing Director, Matthew Collins.
The company was created to provide a boutique architectural service to its clients, be they private or commercial.
MAC are focused on providing a personal service which will enable their clients’ visions to become reality.
Monday, July 24, 2017
$1.3 Million Homes in Oregon, Michigan and California
Read article : $1.3 Million Homes in Oregon, Michigan and California
TAXES$10,412 a year, plus a homeowners’ association fee of $154 every six months
CONTACTSean Z Becker, Sean Z Becker Real Estate, 503-444-7400; seanzbecker.com
•
Birmingham, Mich.
WHATA 1929 house with four bedrooms and three full and two half bathrooms
HOW MUCH$1.295 million
SIZE3,191 square feet
PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT$406
SETTINGThis two-story house is on a winding road lined with large, well-maintained homes, in a small, affluent city. Linden Park, which has a play structure and trail along the Rouge River, is steps away. The city center, with its cluster of restaurants, stores and movie theaters, is about a mile and a half away. The center of Detroit is about 20 miles southeast.
INDOORSA stone walkway leads to the main entrance, which has an arched wood door with a stained-glass panel. Inside, there are arched doorways, built-in shutters for most windows and hardwood floors. To one side of the foyer is a living room with a fireplace that connects to a study with built-in bookshelves. Straight ahead is the kitchen, updated several years ago with white cabinets and granite counters. Two steps down from the dining room is a sunroom that is a more recent addition, equipped with a dedicated furnace and French doors that open to the backyard patio.
A spiral staircase in a turret leads to the second floor, where the master bedroom has built-in cabinetry with granite counters along two walls, carpeting, a safe and an en-suite bathroom. Three other bedrooms and two full bathrooms are also on this level. Downstairs, the finished lower level has a family room with a fireplace, an office and a wet bar.
OUTDOOR SPACEThe driveway leads to a courtyard at the back of the house, which connects to an attached two-car garage. The 0.49-acre lot has many landscape features, including snaking hedges, numerous gardens, a patio with two seating areas and a koi pond with a stone retaining wall and fountain. There is also a brick garden shed in one corner of the backyard.
TAXES$14,791 a year
CONTACTAnne Hammond, Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel, 248-225-8214; cbwm.com
•
Inglewood, Calif.
WHATA fully renovated 1948 live-work building with two bedrooms and one bathroom
HOW MUCH$1.325 million
SIZE1,599 square feet
PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT$829
SETTINGThis house is in an urban area with a mix of residential and commercial buildings, about 11 miles from downtown Los Angeles and four from Los Angeles International Airport. A few steps away is the 55-acre Edward Vincent Jr. Park, with playgrounds, sports fields and a pool complex. A new Metro station is scheduled to open nearby in 2019, and a football stadium (for the N.F.L.’s Los Angeles Rams and Chargers) with a related entertainment complex is under construction about three miles away and is expected to open in 2020.
INDOORSThe current owner, the founder of the landscape firm Jack Price Design, completed renovations this year, including new electrical, plumbing, roof, windows and doors. Dutch doors at the front of the house open to a studio and office with concrete floors. A doorway leads to a large living room with a high ceiling, skylights and a built-in platform along one wall that serves as both casual seating and a surface for displaying art and objects. Beyond is a kitchen with Ikea cabinets, a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a Thermador range and an Asko dishwasher, and two Dutch doors leading to the backyard.
A hallway with large sliding wood doors leads to the two bedrooms; they share a bathroom with a tiled wet room that has an open rain shower, hand shower and toilet.
OUTDOOR SPACE The 0.26-acre lot has been professionally landscaped, with pavers, citrus trees in planters, tables and a firepit made from weathered diamond-plate steel. There is a pebbled patio with built-in bench seating and a dining area, as well as steps leading down through a terraced garden to a potting area under shade cloth.
TAXESAbout $16,500 a year, depending on purchase price
CONTACTAnastasia Bowen, Benjamin Leeds, 310-994-3003; 404warren.com
Continue reading the main storyMonday, December 11, 2017
USS Fitzgerald Headed to Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula for Repairs – gCaptain
Read article : USS Fitzgerald Headed to Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula for Repairs – gCaptain
Damage to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) as the destroyer sits in Dry Dock 4 at Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka. Picture taken July 11, 2017. U.S. Navy PhotoU.S. defense contractor Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) announced Wednesday that its Ingalls Shipbuilding division has been selected to repair the guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) at its shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi when it returns to United States for repairs.
Earlier this month the U.S. Navy issued a tender seeking a commercial semi-submersible heavy lift ship to haul the damaged destroyer back to the United States for repairs as soon as September.
The USS Fitzgerald has been at Fleet Activities Yokosuka since it was involved in a serious collision with the merchant vessel ACX Crystal on June 17, resulting in the loss of seven sailors. The collision caused significant damage to Fitzgerald’s starboard side above the waterline and punctured a 13ft by 17ft hole below the waterline where the bulbous bow of the significantly larger containership made contact with the hull.
In a statement, Naval Sea Systems Command said the start date, scope, cost and the time required to fully restore the ship have not yet been determined.
USS Fitzgerald was launched in 1993 at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine and is homeported in San Diego.
In the tender for the transport contract, the Navy said that the furthest possible journey could be as far as Maine on the U.S. east coast, leading some to believe that the destroyer would be repaired at the shipyard where it was built.
The Navy’s decision to haul the ship to Ingalls Shipbuilding comes less than a week after Huntington Ingalls Industries agreed to pay $9.2 million to settle allegations that it knowingly overbilled the U.S. government for labor on U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships at the Pascagoula shipyard dating back to 2003.
Regardless of destination, the Fitzgerald will have to pass through the Panama Canal making the Gulf coast shipyard a much closer destination. USS Fitzgerald is expected to arrive in the U.S. as soon as next month, although it could be as late as December.
Bath Iron Works is part of General Dynamics, a direct competitor to Huntington Ingalls Industries. Ingalls Shipbuilding and Bath Iron Works are the only two shipyards building Arleigh Burke-class destroyers for the U.S. Navy.
“The Navy chose this course of action following a review of the capabilities and workload of new construction and repair shipyards,” Naval Sea Systems Command said in a statement. “Given the complexity of the work and the significant unknowns of the restoration, the Navy determined that only an Arleigh Burke-class shipbuilder could perform the effort. Only [Huntington Ingalls] has the available capacity to restore USS Fitzgerald to full operational status in the shortest period of time with minimal disruption to ongoing repair and new construction work.”
In the past, Ingalls Shipbuilding has repaired damaged Navy ships including the frigate USS Stark (FFG 31) and the USS Cole (DDG 67), a guided missile destroyer in the same class as Fitzgerald, after it was targetted in a terrorist bombing off the coast Yemen in October 2000. In the case of the USS Cole it was built at Ingalls Shipbuilding in 1995.
The Navy put the cost to repair the USS Cole at about $250 million in 2002, which some experts say could easily be exceeded by the repair bill for the Fitzgerald.
In 1988, when the guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts was severely damaged by an Iranian mine, it was eventually hauled back to Bath Iron Works in Portland, Maine where it was launched just four years earlier.
Saturday, January 27, 2018
Dream Homes & Development Corporation shows Profitable Results, Expands Business, and Adds Key Personnel in Q2 Report for 2017
Read article : Dream Homes & Development Corporation shows Profitable Results, Expands Business, and Adds Key Personnel in Q2 Report for 2017
FORKED RIVER, NJ--(Marketwired - Aug 22, 2017) - Dream Homes & Development Corporation (OTCQB: DREM), a licensed new home builder and general contractor, has filed its second quarter financial report. The Company reported gross profit of $530,545 and a net profit before taxes of $132,917 on construction revenues of over $1.76 million. The entire filing can be viewed at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/DREM/filings.
Dream Homes is a fully integrated real estate Company specializing in the elevation and moving of homes, new construction of townhouses and single-family homes, as well as development and sale of approved, single-family homes and various residential properties located throughout central /southern New Jersey. Dream Homes had several operational achievements and milestones during the quarter ended June 30, 2017.
- Vince Simonelli, as Chairman and CEO of Dream Homes, proudly announces that the Company was able to deliver profitable results on a net basis despite costs associated with going public.
- The new stock symbol DREM was granted on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 and effectively completed the process to bring our dynamic company public. The Company announced this action on May 5, and discussed how Dream performs full construction and development services, since it is licensed as both new home builder and general contractor and offers the full spectrum of services that a client may need. For this reason, Dream occupies a unique place in the market.
- On May 24, 2017, Dream announced that it would transition from commonly used construction materials to next generation materials over a long-term plan with LIG Assets, Inc.
- On June 1, 2017, Dream Homes issued a significant press release that included the acquisition of a new modular division and showroom in Point Pleasant, NJ. The showroom offers a complete kitchen, bath, flooring and finish design center. The acquisition included four ongoing projects, a new VP of Sales Lou Obsuth, and clear potential for extensive prospects from Lou's contacts / client base.
- Also on June 1, 2017, Dream hired Joe Pascucci as its VP of Business Development. Joe developed and led the elevation, renovation and new home division for a competitor over the last four years and was responsible for $8 million in sales during that time.
Mr. Simonelli stated, "The business of elevation and renovation has evolved tremendously over the last 4 years at the Jersey Shore, and Dream Homes has remained as one of the best builders and general contractors in New Jersey. We've completed almost 200 complete elevation and renovation projects, including 28 that other contractors had abandoned. Due to our reputation and ability to handle varied and difficult construction projects, we're growing steadily and constantly improving our Dream Team. We're proud to be the only public company performing this type of work at the shore and will continue to be the preferred choice for elevation, renovation and new construction needs in the years to come."
Management and Personnel Overview:
Dream Homes is led by Vincent Simonelli, who has been directly involved in the development, construction and sale of over 2000 home and commercial projects since 1993 in New Jersey. In addition to developing and building over 1600 single and multi-family units, Vince developed an additional 1000 units which were sold to other national builders as well as over 200 elevation and renovation projects.
Tim Tennis has over 30 years' experience in both commercial and residential applications. In addition, Tim is or was licensed in all three mechanical trades (plumbing, electric and HVAC) and brings a wealth of structural experience to the table. Tim oversees and runs the busiest Dream region, which is the northern Ocean region and has directly overseen over 80 elevation and new home construction projects for Dream.
Dream Homes has one regional project manager and five project managers who manage construction projects in building regions. Additionally, Dream Homes has five separate carpentry and framing crews, its own plumbing crew, its own dedicated HVAC crew, and a licensed electrician on staff.
About Dream Homes & Development Corp.
Dream Homes & Development Corp. (OTCQB: DREM) is a full-service construction company based in Forked River, New Jersey equipped to complete all aspects of a building project from design, architectural, engineering, and construction. As licensed new home builders and general contractors, Dream Homes is actively raising, renovating and reconstructing homes up and down the New Jersey shore area. In addition to its renovation and elevation division, Dream has several properties in development, comprising 13 new single-family homes and 58 townhomes. Please visit our website at www.dreamhomesltd.com and blog at http://blog.dreamhomesltd.com for more information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "should," "intend," "estimate," "projects," variations of such words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not a forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements are based upon the Company's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are risks are detailed in the Company's respective filings at www.otcmarkets.com.
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Now this is a grand design and it's in Burbage
Read article : Now this is a grand design and it's in Burbage
This beautifully-designed modern home in Burbage hits that perfect point where a striking design doesn’t appear too abrasive.
When the current owners built this contemporary home in Rugby Road two years ago, the main drive was sustainability and low maintenance.
Now this property is on the market courtesy of Fine and Country, for a cool £650,000.
Built to high industry standards, it has exceptional insulation values and is supported by another rarity - an A-grade EPC rating.
With the balance of the warranty still available, this is an extremely economical house, and energy bills can be kept even lower with electricity provided by solar panels on the back of the house.
Additional benefits include an 11 zone gas-fired under floor heating to both the ground and a solid first floor.
A heat recovery whole house ventilation system is in place providing temperature control free from stuffy or stale rooms throughout.
Further modernities include A-rated aluminum powder-coated windows and doors, an alarm system, and a commercial quality Sarnafil single ply roof.
Quietly tucked away on the street it still manages a double garage and a south west-facing private landscaped rear garden with a fishpond.
For living space, the property offers three to four reception rooms, four, possibly five bedrooms and four bathrooms, of which three are en suites.
Double doors open to the spacious open-plan hallway which has Amtico flooring that flows through most of the ground floor.
From here, an internal hardwood door gives direct access to the garage and there are full height windows and double doors overlooking the private courtyard.
A little further on a central oak staircase rises to the first floor with two stainless steel handrails.
Heading first in to the smart open-plan kitchen one can see an extensive range of cream-fronted base units including twin-pan drawers and an integrated Smeg dishwasher.
Cooks can enjoy a Bosch electric fan-assisted double oven with a five-ring gas hob and a bespoke extractor above.
There is plumbing for an American-style fridge/freezer unit - just what is needed for those hot days - and three full-height spice racks and storage cupboards.
There are Quartz work surfaces with a built-in drainer and an inset Blanco sink unit and mixer tap.
Heading back out into the hall way, and to the right of the staircase, doors lead to the cloakroom which has a close-coupled toilet and a contemporary washstand.
The well-fitted study offers shelving, cupboards and a work station and is tucked away with a telephone point and two windows.
In here an open doorway and curtains lead into the versatile media room which has black cabinets and wired for a large screen and surround sound.
It could provide a second office or a small sitting room for children if preferred.
On the other side the stairs, another door gives access to the private ground floor guest bedroom which has double doors overlooking the courtyard.
There are fitted quality wardrobes and an en-suite shower room, with a Grohe shower unit, pedestal wash hand basin, low-level toilet, quality ceramics, fitted mirrors, and an opaque window.
But the real selling point is the stunning open plan combined living, dining and morning room.
This bright area provides flexible living space.
The main lounge area is double height with bi-fold doors overlooking the back garden and glazed windows above make it a very well-lit and impressive area.
The dining area is ideal for regular entertaining while the morning room has a side window overlooking the terrace and double doors to the garden.
This light and versatile area is designed for modern living and makes the ground floor extremely versatile and the space flows freely into the attractive garden.
Upstairs, the first floor landing has a large picture window with an inset roof window making this a visually stunning and bright area.
With full-height windows there is a fine vista from the galleried landing over the living area and the rear garden.
The master bedroom has engineered wood flooring with smart reading lights with TV and telephone points and two discreet slit windows with shutters allowing views of the ground floor.
Bi-fold doors (and insulated shutters) give access to the balcony which has a stainless steel and glass balustrade.
The en-suite has a double-width shower enclosure with sliding doors and a Grohe shower unit along with quality ceramics, a washstand with an oval basin and a close-coupled toilet.
A door leads to a dressing room with wardrobes, cupboards and drawer sets.
Naturally, this could provide a child's bedroom or nursery if required. It has engineered wood flooring with a window to the courtyard.
The second bedroom has a triple wardrobe along with storage cupboards. There are two windows and downlighters. The spacious family bathroom can also provide an en-suite to this bedroom.
There is a double-width shower enclosure, again with a Grohe shower unit, a white oval bath with freestanding monoblock tap a white washstand, and another close-coupled WC with fitted alcoves and storage.
There are porcelain floor tiles, wall ceramics and two full height opaque side windows allowing light to flood in.
The third double bedroom has a double wardrobe with downlighters and two windows.
The en-suite has a close coupled WC, contemporary washstand and a shower enclosure with shower unit, porcelain floor tiles, wall ceramics, downlighters.
The convenient first floor utility room has plumbing facilities and houses the heating controls.
Like the ground floor, the first floor has low-level concealed lighting, downlighters, smoke alarm and an alarm sensor.
This property is nicely tucked off the road via a private driveway.
The garage to the front is at the end of a block-paved driveway providing ample parking for two large vehicles while the garage has an automatic up and over insulated sectional panel door.
There is light and power connected with a rear personnel door and a work bench.
To the side of the house is a well-stocked border with grasses, lavender and some colourful annuals.
There is a lockable side gate to the left of the garage leading to a deep storage shed for garden machinery.
On the far side of the house there is a private courtyard area with stone chippings and multi coloured paving slabs.
A wide gravel pathway leads round to the main garden.
The rear garden has been thoughtfully-landscaped and is a very low maintenance.
Facing south west it offers a good degree of privacy.
There is a sunny private terrace directly behind the house and a pathway leads to a seating area which offers the best view of the rear elevation.
The substantial fishpond was a feat of engineering with a raised viewing area, pump and filtration system.
It is raised above the garden and retained by a well-stocked rockery and some large pieces of local stone.
To the right of the path is high-quality astroturf with Welsh slate borders and two ornamental trees. There is a further slate border with a raised rockery planted with a colourful selection of grasses, heathers and specimen trees.
The garden is enclosed on all three sides by wooden close boarded fencing, a neighboring garage wall, established conifer trees and a buddleia.
The elevated balcony is ideal to catch the last western rays of sunshine after a typical busy day.
Homes of this quality are rarely available so an early viewing is advised.
As the current owner, Gabriella said: “My husband and I had always wanted to build our own home, and when the opportunity arose in 2013 we jumped at the chance and we are absolutely thrilled with the result.”
For more details, and to make a viewing contact Fine and Country Rugby on 01788 820062.
SELLING POINTS
Number of bedrooms: 4 to 5;
Reception rooms: 4 to 5;
Bathrooms: 4;
Garden: Small, but beautiful;
USP: Amazing, unique contemporary home
Price: £650,000
Read More
Sunday, August 20, 2017
California Dreamin' Part II: From San Jose to Big Sur, Spending Only $51 a Day
Read article : California Dreamin' Part II: From San Jose to Big Sur, Spending Only $51 a Day
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
Getting away from the big city isn't always easy, but the proximity of the magnificent beauty of Big Sur to the major metropolises of California makes it an ideal and popular weekend drive.
Getting There
There's no point in poking around San Jose, so speed on down to the Monterey-Carmel area on US 101 to Prunedale, then westward on 156 to Seaside, where you join the Pacific Coast Highway, Number 1. If you can tear yourself away from the delights of those two cities, start on down the highway, taking your time and stopping at as many turnouts or vistas as you can.
If you have time, return on the same marvelous routing, catching different views and vistas, the better to see the mist creeping in, or a sunset, or a day when the fog bank sits along the horizon like a very thick futon, creating an amazing wall a few miles out to sea. Should you be in a hurry, however, go on down Route 1 to Cambria, and then turn eastward on State 465 to Templeton, where you pick up speedy US 101 for your return trip north.
Highlights
The best weather here is in the spring and fall, the former being the time when wildflowers abound (especially lupines and poppies, as well as the tall purple cones called "the Pride of Madeira"). May is still peaceful, as the big summer season and the crowds begin in June, with warm weather and a chance even to dip into the rivers here. Indian summer and it's requisite marvelous fall colors, with poison oak showing deep red, the maples, sycamore, and cottonwoods their golden yellows and oranges, dutifully comes along late in September and throughout all of October. In mid-November, the season for fishing steelhead rainbow trout opens. Best of all, from the end of December through the entire month of March, you can watch migrating gray whales offshore as they traverse the route from sunny Baja California northward.
All the way down along scenic PCH1, the 90-mile stretch of Big Sur affords great views of the awesomely beautiful and rugged coastline between Carmel to the north and San Simeon to the south. The highway was completed in 1937 after 18 years of hard work, partly with the aid of convict labor. (They didn't even have electricity in these parts until the 1950s!) And although Highway One is well maintained, it has plenty of sharp curves and steep hills, so take it easy. Besides, if you drive too quickly, you won't have a chance to see the most beautiful coastline in the world, in the opinion of many experienced travelers.
If it's beach time you want, bring a blanket and a jacket, as it can be chilly, even in summer. You can get down to the Andrew Molera State Park beach, 23 miles south of Carmel, easily on a mile-long path paralleling the Big Sur River.
A cultural highlight of the drive is the Henry Miller Library, just one-fourth of a mile south of the Nepenthe restaurant on the mountainside of the road. Henry, who wrote his best-known work, Tropic of Cancer, in 1934, settled down in Big Sur (not at this building) in 1944, and wrote many other books here. This is not a library of books he collected, but of books by and about him, as well as other highly literary and experimental works for sale by other authors. It's open Thursdays through Sundays, 11 to 6 or by appointment. Phone the library at 831/667-2574 or visit the Web site, www.henrymiller.org.
Although Big Sur is as close to nature as you can get in America and still be on a highway, costs are typically high, thanks to the distance and scarcity of population. But with some digging, I've come up with lodging and three meals costing only $50.70 per person per day, sharing a double room.
Lodging
There are only 200 hotel rooms in all the Big Sur area, so pickings are slim. Except during winter, you might consider camping out when you get here. After all, that's what the whole region is about, getting back to nature in a meaningful manner. Should you decide you want to live in a tent or rustic cabin, check out the Big Sur Campground & Cabins, 26 miles south of Carmel on Route 1, phone 831/667-2322. In addition to empty sites, there are a few cabins, the tent variety costing only $12, the all-wood version going for $89 and up. The all-wood cabins have their own country-style furniture, woodburning ovens and complete kitchens, not to mention private patios.
The best-priced commercial lodging in the area is at the modest Ripplewood Resort, where there are cabins costing as little as $65 (double bed), $70 (queen), $75 (queen and double), up to $105 (queen and double, kitchen, deck, and fireplace). The cheaper cabins overlook the redwoods and the hills, while the more expensive are along the Big Sur River itself. All units have private bathroom with shower or tub. Just 27 miles south of Carmel, the resort is also the site of a wonderful cafe (breakfast and lunch only), a gas station (you can't imagine how helpful that is) and a grocery store (ditto). For reservations, phone 831/667-2242. Their Web site is www.ripplewoodresort.com.
The best little hotel in the region, in my opinion, is the Big Sur River Inn on Highway 1 at Pheneger Creek, Big Sur 93920. There are 20 rustic and cozy rooms with private baths ranging in price from $80 in winter, $90 in spring and fall to $100 in July and August. That's for a room with one queen bed. On weekends throughout the year, you pay the summer rate of $100. What's fun here is to sit in Adirondack chairs in the shallow river, dangling your feet in the water, and drinking a beer. Above the iris and calla lilies along the banks, on the lawn between river and hotel, people relax over their food, and a jazz band plays on weekend afternoons. A throwback to the 1930s, the River Inn was once known at the Apple Pie Inn, having started as a restaurant back in 1934. It has been run by the same family (Pfeiffer and Ewoldsen) ever since. Contact the Inn at 831/557-1700 or 800/548-3610, fax 831/667-2743, Web site www.bigsurriverinn.com.
You can have your adobe hacienda and not pay big bucks for it if you stay at Glen Oaks, in the Big Sur River valley. All rooms are in single story structures, and each has a private bath and walk-in shower. You also have a patio, surrounded by flowers in season and a view of the valley. There's a good restaurant on the premises, too (see listings on the next page). A queen bedroom here costs $89, queen and twin $94, two queens $99. You can have a whole cottage to yourself for $125, with a kitchen $140, beyond our price range but doable if you have four persons sharing the costs. Contact the Glen Oaks at 831/667-2105, Highway 1, Big Sur 93920.
Moderately priced during the winter (at $89), the rooms at the Big Sur Lodge rise precipitously during the rest of the year, so I can recommend it only in the November-March period, when the weather can be wonderful. There are 61 huge cottage style units, each with deck or balcony. Some units can sleep up to six persons. Nestled among the marvelous towering redwoods and oaks inside the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, these units are a perfect place to get away from the apparent world and enjoy the real realm of nature. There are no phones, TVs, radios, or alarm clocks. There is a restaurant on the grounds, as well as a general store, and a seasonal heated pool. They're on Highway 1 at Big Sur, 93920, phone 831/667-3100 or 800/424-4787, Web site www.bigsurlodge.com. Rates here include the admission fee not only to this park but also to four others in the immediate area. That, in turn, allows you free use of the parks, including hiking and firing up the barbecue if you feel like it.
Alternatively, if you are really into nature, and want to stay at a Catholic monastery where you get absolute peace and quiet, you might like the New Camaldoli Hermitage, about 25 miles south of Big Sur Village at Lucia, where rooms go for a suggested donation of $45. You usually need to book six months in advance here! You need not participate in the liturgical worship, but you may if you wish. All rooms are single occupancy, each with half bath and a personal garden overlooking the ocean. There is also a room with several showers and a common kitchen where you pick up your mostly vegetarian meals, to eat by yourself in the garden or room. If you want a retreat house trailer, these, too, are available, with a full bathroom (shower, not tub!), small refrigerator, small countertop gas burner, and a sun deck. Suggested donation is $55. To keep the place quiet for the Benedictine monks, you cannot use radios, typewriters, or musical instruments, nor can you bring a pet. Phone the monks at 831/667-2456. They ask that you phone them, not e-mail them (unless you live overseas). Their Web site, however, is www.contemplation.com.
Restaurants
This is the perfect place to have a picnic, down on the beach or up above, just looking at the coastline. You can stock up on everything you could possibly need at Big Sur Center Deli, located at the Post Office Center, phone 831/667-2225. Open daily from 8 AM to 8:30 PM, the deli has takeout selections of prepared food items for all three meals (including fresh pizza on Monday and Friday evenings), as well as a good selection of groceries, wine, beer, and soft drinks.
Big Sur River Inn, part of the hotel of the same name (see previous page), is a marvelously un-chic place, with quiet corners, tables out on the patio overlooking the river, or near the bar and its big sports-saturated TV screen. Breakfast starts at $5.75 for two eggs, hash browns, and toast; lunch menu items hover around $9.95 (the cheapest sandwich is $8.25), and dinner courses cost from $7.95 (omelets) through $8.95 (fish & chips) up to $17.95 for ribs. Open daily. Phone 831/667-2700.
At the Ripplewood Resort (see previous page), you can have two eggs with a potato casserole and a homemade muffin for just $5.75, or pay another dollar and have the same thing with sausage, bacon, or ham. At lunchtime, a grilled cheddar sandwich will set you back $4.50, a delicious grilled jack cheese and green chili one $5.75. All sandwiches (your choice of bread) come with tomatoes, sliced red onions, sliced pickles, lettuce, and mayonnaise, along side your choice of a green salad, marinated bean salad, or shoestring-cut french fries. They don't serve dinner. Phone 831/667-2242.
The Glen Oaks Restaurant is also part of the hotel of the same name (see previous page), with a copper fireplace and works of local artists, serving dinner only, open year round, but closed on Tuesdays. Dinner items start from $12.95 and range upward from there. Several entries on the otherwise standard menu are Asian inspired, and the pastas and bread are homemade. Wines from the California Central Coast are featured. Phone 831/667-2264 for reservations.
Deetjen's restaurant is in the hotel of the same name, with a cozy, country-inn feeling about the place. Two meals are served daily, with basic breakfasts at about $7.95, comfort-food dinner main courses from $12.95. Chicken with garlic is a local favorite. Phone the restaurant at 831/667-2377. The location is about 30 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, Big Sur 93920.
Cafe Kevah is located just a level down from famed Nepenthe (see below) and owned by the same family. Its prices are slightly less than those up the stairs, a fajita dish costing 7.95, for instance. The view is almost as good that on the level above, but the ambiance is more utilitarian, the food (with several Mexican items on the menu) is as good, if not better. Since you'll be outside, even on a sunny day in fall, winter, or spring, be sure to bring a coat. In summer, never mind. The address is the same as Nepenthe, but the phone is 831/557-2344.
Nepenthe is not just a restaurant, but also the emotional center of Big Sur, almost since its beginnings back in 1949. It's at the top end of our price range for budgeters, but is well worth the visit. The ambiance is better than the high-priced and celebrated Ambrosiaburgers ($11.95), in fact. After you climb the long flights of stairs, you'll find the views magnificent. You may, if you are lucky, find seats at counters on the edge of the cliff, so that you look right out on the valley and ocean 808 feet below. This is the perfect place to have lunch, if only for the view. The restaurant, formerly owned by Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth, is a celeb favorite. Recent visitors include Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, as well as Bill Gates Jr., and Oakland mayor and former California governor Jerry Brown. Movie fans will want to know that Liz Taylor and Richard Burton frequented this restaurant a lot when they filmed Sandpiper in the neighborhood way back in 1962. Location: On California 1, 28 miles south of Carmel, phone 831/667-2345.
Sunday Brunch
If you make it as far as the Hearst Castle, at the southern end of Big Sur, you might enjoy the Sunday brunch at the San Simeon restaurant in town, costing $12.95 for adults, $5.95 for children under 12. You can eat as much as you want at the salad bar, waffle bar, or omelet bar, partaking of country biscuits and gravy, roast beef, seafood, beef Stroganoff, and the like with a glass of champagne, too. Phone 805/927-4604.
Friday, March 16, 2018
Again, a great cruise on Adventure of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Review
Read article : Again, a great cruise on Adventure of the Seas - Royal Caribbean ReviewThis is our 2nd cruise on Adventure of the Seas (AOS) as we did another cruise last summer.
Even though this was a second cruise in a row we have been super satisfied.
Room: Junior Suite 9248.
Same type of room as last year. We love Junior Suites as they offer lots of space and a full size bath and shower. You do not get all the perks of a full Suite, but we find the compromise to be good for us. Room 9248 was located FWD of the ship very close to the elevators and staircases. I was afraid this could be noisy, but it was not. Essentially you are way behind the elevators. We had much more noise at the La Concha Renaissance Resort in San Juan for our two nights pre-cruise stay (nice resort but super noisy... could not sleep). Room 9248 was super clean and our Room Attendant (Lizbeth) did a great job maintaining it. Lizbeth was great with the room, but real nice and friendly. Always a smile on her face and giving us some insights into our ports of call. Her More presence really contributed to our enjoyment of the cruise. Only one very minor issue, there was a mildew smell when we first entered the room. Lasted 2 days and then was gone. The room did not show much wear and tear. Nice view from the balcony.
Embarkation:
Super smooth. We got to the pier at at about 1h15 pm. 20 minutes later we were on the ship. We did take advantage of the Crown and Anchor queue at embarkation. But even for folks without this, the line was not that much longer. We got our luggage before the Muster Drill.
Overall Ship:
Apart from the watersports additions (flow rider, water slides, mini putt) and Chops Grille we did not notice huge changes following the AOS dry dock. We did see that some public areas had seen refurbishments (new carpets, signage,etc.) such as in Windjammer. Even though the ship is starting to be "old" (circa 2001) it is still in very good shape and well maintained. The Royal Promenade is still a greta place to hang out. If one wants to nit pick and identify little places or items that show wear and tear, you will find some. But it is definitely not a general feeling you get when boarding that ship.
Food:
Ate all our diners at the Main Dining Room (except for one night at Giovanni's). Food was delicious all of the meals. We had lobster tails on the seconds formal night (Thursday night) which were very good. The waiters brought each of us two plates even though we did not ask for it (we had never asked for a 2nd serving of anything earlier during the cruise... I guess it is quite common to get people going for two lobster plates). The menu was similar (if not identical) to last year, but we tasted new plates (miam miam) and classics we liked last year. The Dining Room is still very good. Our waiter was Freddy and his assistant was Stephen Benjamin. Impeccable and great service. Always smiling, attentive to all the details and our tastes. Their presence and work make a real difference in the experience. We were so happy to have Mr Benjamin again as we had him last year and loved him so much. We did My Time Dining and had made reservations for 6h45 pm. We never had any issue getting a nice table, thanks to Maria (hostess of Sapphire Dining Room Deck 3) who made sure all went smoothly. The head waiter for the section was Murat. Great man! Always smiling, going around talking with guests and inquiring about their experience. You could often hear him sing happy birthday. Murat was everywhere on the ship (dining room, Windjammer, corridors) and really making sure everyone enjoyed themselves. Both Mr Benjamin and Murat we had remembered from last year cruise, and again they managed to surpass themselves and keep on leaving a good impression.
One night we went to Giovanni's (for our 20th anniversary). This is incredibly good italian food. And a lot of food if you go for all the 5 courses. Bring your appetite with you and try to avoid going for too much bread ;-) Freddy was our waiter. Such a lovely and friendly gentleman. Very good at his work and so nice in sharing stories and pearls of wisdom with us. Again, a great contribution in making this meal memorable.
Breakfasts and lunches were taken at Windjammer. It is a buffet, not a Michelin 3 star restaurant. But a good buffet. A good portion of the offering is constant (the usual fares that one would expect to see at breakfast or lunch), but a variety of other items was rotated throughout the week. I cannot see how someone cannot find something satisfying in the buffet. For sure, if one only feeds on burgers and fries it can get a bit boring. But here is one's chance to try new stuff. Windjammer is indeed busy, but we always managed to find a table for two. What I am always amazed at is the amount of waste. People go and take mountains of one item and eat only a 1/4 of it. Come on ! They always replenish the food so one is better just getting some more...
We did not try Chops Grill so we cannot comment.
Shows and Activities:
We did attend some shows during our week (1st night, dancers, ice skaters, comedian (adult version), hypnotist). The shows were good and quite professional. Comedy is very subjective. We did like the comedian in his general show, but did not appreciate much his adult version. But this is very personal. The ice skating show is still spectacular... considering you are on a moving ship in the middle of the caribbean ocean. We loved the "dancing under the star" event at 11 pm the night we left Aruba. Lots of people of all ages and all styles dancing outdoors. It was great. The cruise director was real funny.
Ports of Call:
St-Thomas: we did an excursion we booked ourselves (Brenda and Franko). Great tour of the island with many vista points. Nice beach break at the end. See our TripAdvisor review if you are interested.
Curacao: very nice island. Much richer than the other caribbean islands. We took a sightseeing+beach tour with the ship. The sightseeing portion included the Curacao liquor factory (ok) and some driving around residential areas (a bit disappointing). We finished at the Mambo Beach. A nice modern beach club with a lot of amenities. But the beach was crowded. A nice break, but not the most "natural" or "typical" experience. Felt very commercial. But once back on the ship we walked back to the old Curacao area. Very very nice.
Aruba: we did an excursion we booked ourselves (EL Tours). Great tour of the island with numerous stops that were very interesting. We finished at the Arashi beach. See our TripAdvisor review if you are interested.
St-Kitts: we had been to St-Kitts last year on our previous cruise so we had nothing planned. We ended up on a 4x4 Safari tour we booked through the ship. That was a very nice surprise. It was given by Greg's Safari tours including beach break at Carambola Beach Club. See our TripAdvisor review if you are interested.
Disembarkation: it went very smoothly. We used the porters in the terminal which really speeds up your passage through customs. Again, 20 min and we were out boarding a taxi to the airport.
I guess we were right in the middle of Puerto Rican school break as there were a lot of families with kids. We did not see this last year when we travelled one week earlier. Overall the families were good, but you always get a few exceptions that seem to attract all the attention. But you just ignore them and the cruise is great.
So overall, a great cruise again. Great staff that makes a big difference. Less
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
REVIEW: Accor Hotels in Hong Kong: Novotel Century and Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon
Read article : REVIEW: Accor Hotels in Hong Kong: Novotel Century and Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon
I’m packing my bags for Korea, Japan and Penang. The last 2 weeks of October promised to be stimulating, fun and busy.
From bulgolgi to sashimi to Penang char koay teow, I’m ready for the ride! 😀
I took out my stuffs from my luggage (yes I don’t unpack much, I have a travel set of everything, blame it on the frequent travels I do) last week since I’m packing for the cold, with Korea and Japan at 16-25 celcius. As I dug out Hong Kong instant noodles, HK dollars and maps memories came flooding back.
Oh, the craziness of the Hong Kong es-capers Scavenger Hunt by Accor Hotels! Fun, adrenaline packed and an experience like no other!
We were hosted in 2 Novotels in Hong Kong, 1st night at Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon and the next night at the Novotel Century Hong Kong.
Oh the comfy beds. The clean and functional accommodation. Bliss!
Accor group of hotels in HK are the ibis and the Novotel, the former leans towards economy but never sacrificing comfort and the latter is contemporary and practical. One thing is for sure, locations of these hotels are faultless; situated right in the middle of a busy/popular part of Hong Kong or in the case of Novotel Citygate, merely 5 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport.
On my first day I only managed to check in NovotelHong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon at 6pm after day 1 of the Hong Kong es-capers race. I have uploaded a video weeks back (here it is in case you would like a 3-D presentation of the room) and now let’s get into details of my one night stay.
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Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon is a modern 4-star hotel centrally located in the heart of Kowloon’s famous shopping and commercial district.
In Hong Kong, it’s crucial to be near a MRT station, especially for those who are here to explore the rich cuisine and innumerable shopping districts. The Jordan station is 5 minutes away, and attractions such as the Temple Street Night Market, Ladies Market and Jade Market are all within walking distance.
Since I only had one night here (yea, pretty much a night stand LOL!), I’m able to tell you that the WIFI is strong, the bed is comfortable (in fact I was so tired I was dead as a fossil the moment I hit its sheets), a pillow menu is offered, the amenities and the bathroom were fine and the view was well, the city.
The fact that I only managed to check-in so late didn’t help for photography, but here’s the standard 24 sq metres room.
Space is narrow, as expected of Hong Kong. But thoughtful details like a full length mirrors, overbed table and ample powerpoints makes up for it. Yes, I need powerpoints. Hotels with 2 powerpoints per room and none near the bed gets negative points from me!
See my phone (red colour, on the floor) next to my bed? I would need another for the laptop. The overbed table is just marvelous. I don’t have to pile up a mountain of pillows over my legs as a shaky make shift table.
One powerpoint near the bed means I need a 3 way plug/adapter. Which was supplied as well, in this drawer right beside the Pringles (sorry late in the evening and I was really tired by the time I started taking photos of the room, didn’t think of including it in this picture!).
Now, how’s that for convenience? 🙂
Another powerpoint was conveniently located at the drinks making counter. I didn’t make any drinks, but used it instead for charging my battery pack.
As you know we were tweeting, Instagram-ing, FB-ing, taking pictures throughout the day during the race. An iPhone has only that much juice.
The mini bar, which no hotel guests in their right mind would ever touch unless of course, they aren’t the one paying for the items.
The work desk has more powerpoints. Thank god. These were for my camera and spare battery, which takes about 4 hours for a full charge so these were pretty much occupied for that sole purpose. So you get me when I said I need MANY powerpoints in my hotel rooms right?
Other than electricity (and O2), I breathe and live on internet connectivity. Thankfully WIFI wasn’t any issue here.
Here’s how the internet works:
Via the cable – provided as pictured below. Or via WIFI.
Under the desk I spied 2 waste baskets; one on either end of the desk. The green one is for recyclable materials/wastes and the brown one is for normal waste.
An environmentally friendly hotel? More brownie points from me! 🙂
Other standard amenities include the iron, safe, laundry bag, slippers and dress robe.
The 2-seat sofa bed in the room can double up as a bed for a small child, which in this case was me. Anyhow I only had time to sit on it and pose for this picture.
Trust me, I barely warmed the seat.
In case you haven’t noticed, each side of the bed came with an overhead reading light. Again a nice touch. If you’re traveling with someone and he/she decides to snooze earlier, he/she can turn off the light on his/her side.
I had the room to myself (even better!) so there wasn’t a problem. I stayed up late for updating my social platforms, work matters and some pictures transferring and back up (sigh, the life of a blogger) so the overbed table and the powerpoint at the bed side was god-sent.
Fully automated controls makes life simpler. Everything at the touch of a button.
I love pillow menus. Not many hotels offers this and if they do my choice would always be for the firm pillows. I have a perpetually nagging neckache.
I requested for additional Pressure Relieving Pillow and it was delivered to my room promptly. And ah, now I know what are those orange pillows in the wardrobe earlier – they are medium soft feather pillows.
Next, the washroom.
Small, clean, everything works as it should be and I have no complaints for a hotel of this standard. Again, environmentally friendly packaging plus quality bathroom amenities deserves brownie points.
The amenities – soap, sanitary bag, nail file, cotton pads and cotton buds, gel scrub, body milk, shampoo and shower gel.
You can drink straight from the tap.
Hairdryer. A good powerful one too. I’m sure there are some of us who had stayed in hotels that provides hairdryers with as much energy as a battery operated fan, which then you’ll probably have better luck drying your mane next to the kitchen oven than via using that piece of useless equipment.
Towels – hand towels, body towels, face towels. And a towel for the floor, which is to me is a very important detail.
A separate shower stall for the shower with a choice of rain shower (top) or the usual showerhead from the wall. There’s heater of course.
The welcome fruits, a bottle of wine and the chocolates was much appreciated. Thank you Novotel. Nothing like a personalized message to make you feel welcomed.
That, and some freebies. I can’t complain.
After a good night’s rest I woke up the next morning looking forward to breakfast. Hotel breakfasts are one of my favourites – the variety, the ability to eat as much or as little as you wish for hours (not that we have hours during this trip) and the opportunity to sample (hopefully) quality or uncommon food/drink.
The Square, the coffeehouse is located on the 1st floor and serves daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, healthy options for kids, as well as an ala- carte menu with options of organic produce.
NOTE: You do not need to touch your keycard to any sensor at the lift to access your room floor.
And consider it a good start to the day when you meet some ‘happy’ people.
While the quality is there, there were nothing out of the ordinary here.
Novotel Hong Kong, Nathan Road Kowloon is a popular hotel with both leisure and business travelers. The morning buffet was bustling with kids to teens in K-Pop attire to businessmen in suits.
Food was decent and well, there’s plenty of pork.
Breakfast is priced at HKD140.80 (RM70) after taxes. Thank goodness it was complimentary.
If you have access to the Premier Lounge, then you have another option for breakfast. Selection are understandably less, but it is also more private and less busy.
Free internet access through 7 iMacs in lobby are available for guests. There is also a 24-hr gym and a play area for kids with Xbox games. Yes, for kids. Thought no one is going to drive away if you were to plant your butt here.
Lobby.
No hotel is complete without a bar yes?
Whew. All that photos for one night stay.
I barely had time to see the pool or the gym (inBalance). I don’t even know where are the meeting/function rooms are. According to their site, there are massage services as well.
Well, there’s always a next time. Our next night was at Novotel Century, Hong Kong. Click to read/view the pictures –> HERE.
Oh, say hi to the GM of Novotel Nathan Road, Mr Olivier Moies-Delval! 🙂
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Novotel Nathan Road Kowloon
No.348 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China (Jordan)
Hotel Manager : Mr Olivier MOIES-DELVAL
GPS: N 22° 18′ 25.73” E 114° 10′ 18.13”
I must thank the wonderful sponsors for this trip again – Cathay Pacific, Accor Hotels and Hong Kong Tourism Board for the experience and hospitality.
Next, please read about the Novotel Century in Hong Kong.
**Photos + video taken with the Sony NEX 5T.