SKANEATELES, N.Y. A sign sits beneath Tom Scrivens television in the living room of his Skaneateles home.

Do not be afraid of change, it reads. Be afraid of not changing.

That statement perfectly encapsulates both Scriven and his historic home.

It was Christmas Eve 2014 and Scriven, a native of the village, his wife, Lindsay, and their two children were all set to move to Florida.

Their realtor was with them to sign the papers when suddenly the sale fell through.

We went into panic mode, he said. We had two little children and we needed to buy a house. My wife, We have to do something!

So, I bought a schoolhouse!

The red brick, one-room Willow Glen schoolhouse at 936 Old Seneca Turnpike, just north of the village, was on the market.

It was built in 1872 and educated students from the first to the sixth grade. A previous owner had bought it and had started renovating it but left it largely unfinished.

Scriven called the previous attempt a hodge-podge.

We knew we were in for a project, he said of the almost six-year undertaking to turn the school into a modern open-concept, four-bedroom, two-bathroom house.

Scriven would be up to the task. His family had called Skaneateles home for generations and now he was doing something to preserve a piece of its history.

He said he came from a jack of all trades family and was a pain in the butt kid, who watched his father carefully while he did home improvement projects.

(Scriven also said he had a lot of assistance and during this interview thanked family, friends, and the community who have helped us through the process.)

The school was updated from top to bottom, with fresh paint, new flooring, and new fixtures throughout.

The kitchen features new floors, counters, backsplash, and Samsung Smart appliances. There is also a new pantry and laundry room.

The spacious master bedroom is large enough for a California king-sized bed and two walk-in closets.

Scriven had a great deal sensitivity for this historic property.

We tried to preserve and renew as much as possible, he said.

The coat rack at the front door was made from an old wooden shipping box and the top of the island in the kitchen was made from a canning table found in the basement.

(He has the large original shudders and hinges and thinks they could make one-of-a-kind closet doors.)

An old wooden ladder which was used by children more than 100 years ago to climb to the cupola to ring the schools bell now adorns a master bedroom wall.

I wish we had the bell! Scriven said.

He found other items from the schools early days, maps, textbooks, and composition notebooks, and held on to these treasures which he plans to give to the homes new owner.

He even kept the schools traditional red color.

When we first started the work, he said. Curious people would come up and ask if they could take a look.

Many would tell him stories of when they attended school there.

The backyard has been updated as well.

We love to be outside as much as we can, Scriven said. We try to take advantage of the room he had.

They built a barbecue patio with built-in furniture and storage in their private backyard.

A small koi pond, with a waterfall and underwater lighting, was this summers coronavirus quarantine project.

Scriven said much of the home is finished but not everything.

The COVID pandemic meant that the home ironically reverted back to a school for his son and daughter this year which meant he could not be hammering and sawing away.

It has been a lot of fun, Scriven said, looking back at what he accomplished. It certainly is not a cookie cutter home.

He says he wants to find a new adventure someplace with a warmer climate.

For more information about this property, contact the owner who is selling the property himself. His information is below.

THE DETAILS

Address: 936 Old Seneca Turnpike, Skaneateles, N.Y. 13152

Price: $399,000

Size: 1,773 square feet

Acreage: 8,276 square feet

Monthly Mortgage: $1,325 (based on this weeks national average rate of 2.88 percent, according to Freddie Mac, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20 percent down payment. Fees and points not included.)

Taxes: $1,852 (Based on assessed value of $95,000)

Built: 1872

School District: Skaneateles

Kitchen: The new kitchen has plenty of new counter room and cupboard space. Owner Thomas Scriven updated the kitchen with a new travertine backsplash, new flooring, and new Samsung Smart appliances. The island was made from an old canning table found in the basement. Through the kitchen is a new laundry room and pantry.

Living areas: Scriven said that he renovated this historic one-room schoolhouse into an open-concept modern home. The place is like a bomb shelter, he said. It is built and insulated well. Forget the idea of the drafty old one-room school, this is an extremely warm and highly efficient home. The owner has updated paint, flooring, and fixtures throughout. There is a nice dining room off the kitchen and a spacious living room. There is plenty of room for a new home office and workshop in the detached garage. The office is heated and air-conditioned and was very useful during the COVID pandemic. All of the treasures from the buildings previous days as a school found during the renovation will be staying with the home.

Bedrooms: There are four bedrooms in the house. The first-floor master bedroom is big enough for a California king bed and two walk-in closets.

Bathrooms: There are two bathrooms in the home. The full bathroom on the first floor has new tile flooring and new fixtures.

Outdoors: Scriven and his family enjoys being outdoors and he has done his best to take advantage of the room we had. The private backyard has been updated with BBQ patio with built-in seating and storage. During the coronavirus pandemic, his project was creating a koi pond with waterfall and underwater lighting. There is an area for bon fires. The owner says that the property is close to everything, and mentions that it is within walking distance to the heart of Skaneateles, a nature trail, and Skaneateles Creek.

Sold by: Owner Tom Scriven

Address: 936 Old Seneca Turnpike, Skaneateles, N.Y. 13152

Phone: (315) 439-1883

Email: socalscriven@yahoo.com

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If you know of a beautiful or interesting house currently up for sale, please consider sending a nomination for it to be featured as a future House of the Week. Send an email with the listing to home@syracuse.com.

Do you know of any older homes in Central New York which have fallen on hard times but have a lot of potential should they be restored to their original grandeur? A fixer-upper with a lot of potential? Consider nominating them to our new feature, Save this Home, in which we will spotlight grand houses of the past around Central New York that need to be saved. Send nominations to home@syracuse.com.

Read more from the original source:
House of the Week: Own a piece of Skaneateles history with this renovated one-room schoolhouse - syracuse.com

Bars in Toronto we had to say goodbye to this year are among some of 2020's most heartbreaking closures. These businesses relied on large gatherings and often sold more alcohol than food, making it difficult for many to stay afloat. At least we'll always have the memories of all the fun we had at these spots.

Here are 30 bars in Toronto we had to say goodbye to this year.

West Queen West's queer haven for karaoke and drag showshad to close this year, but not before having a final blowout virtual party to say farewell.

Theme parties, open mics and live shows are no longer at this kitschy Kensington staple that's been around forever in one form or another, but closed this chapter in the fall.

The Danforth location of this self-described pizza pub closed down this year, leaving the community without one of its main hubs for a casual hangout and pint of beer. An unaffiliated Little Italy location still operates.

This queer club on Church St.known as a "pansexual playground" had to close down this year after 14 years in business.

Kensington sadly couldn't hold onto this popular bar for drinks and DJ nights that was something of an open secret in the city.

Long lineups for this popular bar in the Entertainment District have disappeared from the streets now that it's permanently closed after 30 years in business.

Drinks flowed on busy nights at short-lived spot The Delaware. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

This eclectic cocktail bar with a side patio in Bloorcourt was around for a good time, not for a long time, shuttering its doors after only around a year of operation.

Dundas West was home to this soul food spot and venue that was great for a bite of fried chicken, a stiff drink and live music, but the concept wasn't able to survive the pandemic.

This Little Italy venue and bar that boasted lots of space and pool tables closed in 2020 after 13 years in business that even included a change in location.

Gamers in Toronto are missing this esports bar near Yonge and St. Clair, though they were able to bid farewell to the spot one last time with a closing party in September.

Riverside will sorely miss this cute and cheeky bar owned by a pair of sisters known for its cocktails and bar nibbles. Doors closed in October after 5 years.

This spacious bar for live music and wings shut down this year, but it's already being replaced by another spot for drinks.

At Friday Roots and Vibes, you could eat fried chicken, drink andlisten to music. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Unfortunately, disputes with a neighbour andlandlordplayed a big part in the closure of this Kensington Caribbean restaurant and bar serving dry ice cocktails.

King West wasn't able to hold onto this classic establishment where you could hear jazz play and get a drink, which announced its closurein the summer after 25 years.

Both King East and Entertainment District locations of this pub closed this year due to an uncooperative landlord demanding $156,000 in rent.

This pub ended its 15-year reign on the Danforth this year as the second wave of the pandemic hit, leaving the community with one less space to gather and listen to live music.

Poets, comedians and storytellers will no longer be performing in front of the brick wall at this Ossington watering hole that was around for 12 years.

Little Italy lost this cocktail and snack bar this year, but the people behind it are still filling bellies through other avenues.

Pretty Ugly was a moody environment for creative drinks. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Innovative cocktails can no longer be had at this moody, slightly hidden bar in Parkdale. The landlord changed the locks in the spring.

Dundas West has one less after party destination for late night bourbon now that this intimate spot has closed down after 11 years.

Ascending the stairs to the rooftop patio at this bar near Yonge and St. Clair was arduous but rewarding, and it's sad to see another outdoor spot for pints in the sunshine go.

This kitschy cocktail spot was one of the first places to be locked out by its landlord early into the pandemic, notices on the door appearing in April.

Dundas West may not be home to this brewpub anymore, but it's already been replaced by a very similar concept by the people behind a popular Ontario brewing company.

A loose Rolling Stones theme, live music and dancing are sadly no more at this Parkdale bar that closed its doors this year after 20 years in business.

Supernova Ballroom specialized in low waste cocktails. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

The magic of this high-ceilinged bar for low waste cocktails in the Financial District sadly faded away with its closure this year, though the business is survived by a cocktail delivery service.

Parkdale saw this boozy bar for heavy Eastern European food transform into a more COVID-friendly pizza and burger joint by the same people this year.

The landlord locked owners out of this multi-level party spot this year after almost 20 years in operation.

Steampunk fans and plain old drinkers alike were fans of this quirky bar in Scarborough where there were always puzzles laying around, but sadly it announced its closure in October.

Though it's sad to say bye to this Dundas West pub that made for an amazing late night hangout spot for wine, bourbon and comfort food, it's already being transformed into a cool new pizza place.

A hidden back patio and amazing cocktails distinguished this Little Italy bar that had to close its doors in 2020 after almost five years.

Hector Vasquez at The Beaver

See the article here:
30 bars that closed in Toronto this year - blogTO

The formal entry opens from the covered front porch through a leaded-glass front door into a foyer with hardwood flooring. Formal areas are to the left and right. The living room, which could also be a study, is to the left while the formal dining room to the right has crown molding, a chair rail and access to the kitchen.

Straight off the foyer is the great room which has a corner gas fireplace and four rear-facing windows. The fireplace has a wood mantel and ceramic-tile hearth. Neutral carpet was installed in the formal areas and great room earlier in 2020.

Hardwood flooring offsets the breakfast room, kitchen and morning room from the great room. The kitchen has oak cabinetry that includes an island, a buffet counter and a double pantry within the laundry room.

A double sink is below a window. The stainless-steel appliances include a range, dishwasher, microwave oven and refrigerator. A short hallway from the kitchen ends at the formal dining room and provides access to a half bathroom with pedestal sink.

The morning room is open to the breakfast room and has a cathedral ceiling with ceiling fan. Sliding patio doors open to the rear deck and back yard.

A staircase is accessible from the breakfast room and leads up to a loft family room with a vaulted ceiling. Several windows fill the room with natural light and speakers are built-in for the surround-sound system. Three bedrooms are off a short hallway from the loft. All three bedrooms have walk-in closets. There is also a full bath with tub/shower and single-sink vanity.

The main bedroom has a vaulted ceiling with plant shelf and is large enough to have a sitting room area. The bedroom has a large walk-in closet and a private bathroom which has a dressing area, a soaking tub, a walk-in shower with glass doors and a double-sink vanity.

The basement is accessible from the great room and has been finished into a recreation room. There is a third full bath with tub/shower and single-sink vanity. Unfinished space is divided, offering a possible exercise room, storage and mechanical room. The furnace and central air-conditioning systems were updated in 2011.

DAYTON

Price: $309,000

No Open House

Highlights: About 3,250 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1 half bath, great room, gas fireplace, loft family room, morning room, oak hardwood floors, finished basement, recreation room, large rear deck 2018, roof 2015, furnace updated 2011, carpeting 2020, oversized 2-car garage, homeowner association includes swimming pool and covered picnic areas

Directions: Ohio Route 4 to Bath Road, left on Kitridge Road to right on Heritage Park Boulevard, or Route 202 to east on Kitridge to Heritage Park

For more information:

Emily Tith

Irongate Inc. Realtors

937-947-0895

Website: https://emilytith.irongaterealtors.com

A large wooden deck was added to the back of the house in 2018. The two-story has four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a finished basement and an oversized two-car garage. Recent updates have been made to the roof and furnace and new carpet was installed in 2020.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS BY KATHY TYLER

See the rest here:
Brick-and-vinyl 2-story offers use of pool, picnic shelters, common areas - Dayton Daily News

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Patio Door Market By Key Players, Product And Production Information Analysis And Forecast To 2026 - LionLowdown

A two-bedroom flat where you can wake up to stunning sea views every day could be yours.

The top floor home overlooks the popular Langland Bay, as well as the surrounding golf course, and comes with undisturbed views out to sea.

It boasts a spacious balcony with plenty of room to unwind and admire the coastal view below.

With both beach and cliff walks directly on your doorstep, the flat comes with a 450,000 price tag.

Heading into the flat you'll be welcomed through the hallway and into the open plan lounge and dining area.

Your attention will quickly be grabbed by the sliding patio doors that lead out onto the balcony with uninterrupted coastal views, including Langland's infamous green beach huts.

There's plenty of space to invite guests over, with a six-seater dining table and two sofas dotted throughout the room.

While the kitchen comes with a range of fitted wall and base units, tiled walls and has an integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine.

The master bedroom offers floor to ceiling fitted wardrobes and has spotlights in the ceiling as well as a marble effect tiled floor.

You are then guided into the en-suite bathroom where you'll find a shower and built-in wash basin complete with a vanity unit.

The second bedroom, at the back of the property, also comes with floor to ceiling built-in wardrobes and shelves.

In the main bathroom you'll see the Jacuzzi style bath, as well as a vanity unit and built-in wash basin.

It comes with tiled walls and flooring, with spotlights in the ceiling and a wall-mounted chrome heated towel rail.

If that's not enough, the flat even has underfloor heating right the way through.

Find properties for sale in your area:

Outside, there are two allocated parking spaces and you'll even have access to a well-maintained communal garden area.

It is described by estate agents Dawsons as an "attractive" and "spacious" apartment "situated in the prestigious, sought after area of Langland".

The property is on the market for 450,000. Call Dawsons on 01792 293102.

See original here:
The two-bed flat a stone's throw from Langland Bay with the most amazing sea views - Wales Online

As families spend more time at home and decorate earlier this holiday season, AAA East Central reminds residents to protect their homes and themselves from holiday dangers like fires and break-ins.

Roughly three-quarters of Christmas tree fires occur in December or January, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Between 2013 and 2017, the latest figures available, fire departments across the country responded to an average of 160 house fires each year that started with Christmas trees, according to NFPA statistics. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 15 injuries and $10 million in property damage annually.

Fires are unfortunately common this time of year, and burglaries and robberies are particularly emotionally scaring, says Mark Sisson, vice president of Insurance, AAA East Central. Even something as simple as not leaving empty online shopping boxes outside prior to trash day can go a long way.

AAA East Central tips to reduce the likelihood of fire:

Trees and Menorahs

Make sure your holiday tree is fresh and green when you buy it. Water daily as dry trees are a fire hazard.

Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to flip over.

Use battery-operated candles, not wax candles, in holiday decorations. Candles start almost half of home decoration fires.

Do not overload electrical outlets.

Place menorahs on non-flammable surfaces.

Do not let children play with wiring or lights, and teach kids about fire safety.

Exterior decorations and safety

Outside the home, inspect all outdoor lights and decorations for damage. Do not use if lights are damaged or wires are frayed.

Do not block the front door entrance or patio doors with decorations.

Do not store firewood against the home or other structures. Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your house.

Make sure your home is accessible to emergency vehicles.

More fire safety tips:

Be particularly careful when using heating items such as space heaters.

Smoke alarms are a key part of home fire safety. Make sure to have smoke alarms in bedrooms as well as main living areas of the house.

Remain in the kitchen while holiday cooking or baking. Fires in the kitchen occur frequently during the holidays.

Home security:

?Home burglaries spike during the weeks leading up to the holidays, when thieves are tempted by homes full of gifts. A homeowner loses an average of $2,416 in possessions and damages in a home burglary, according to U.S. Dept. of Justice statistics.

Holiday home break-ins are easily preventable by locking all doors and windows. But according to home security surveys, 64 percent of homeowners and renters dont lock their doors and windows before leaving home. Additional devices like window locks and sliding door rods block burglary attempts. Pet door locks also block entry via small pet entrances.

AAA tips to prevent home burglaries

If you shop online, dont leave the empty boxes outside prior to trash day. This can signal to potential thieves that a treasure trove awaits them inside your home.

Make sure holiday gifts, expensive electronics, and other valuables are not visible from outside your windows.

Lock all doors and windows before you leave to shop or run errands, including your garage and side doors.

If possible, install a monitored alarm system in your home with visible signs. You may be eligible for a discount on your insurance premium after the system is installed.

Video cameras, driveway motion detectors and smart home doorbells can be theft deterrents.

Make sure your dog or pet door is locked and cannot be used by a thief to enter your home.

Home Insurance tips

Make sure your home insurance is up to date and provides adequate coverage if you own luxury goods, jewelry and electronics.

Check to see if you need an additional rider or floater insurance policy for those items from the Auto Club or other insurance representatives.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 73 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.

Continued here:
AAA: Protect your property this holiday season - The Highland County Press

Construction on Turlocks new and expanded library has been zooming along and is expected to be completed by early spring of 2021.

Also nearing completion is an equally important fundraising project that aims to make sure that come the grand opening the new library is a truly stunning and innovative facility for the community.

The library project is renovating the old building and expanding the footprint at the current location on Minaret Avenue. In November 2019, the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors approved the project with a budget of $12.7 million and construction began in March.

Once completed the new library will be 16,530 square feet and will include larger collections for adults, teens and children, as well as new technology for the public to use. Additionally, the library will have several specialized rooms like a quiet reading room, a makers space, and a community room.

Currently, the insides are being readied for plumbing and electricity and by January the drywall will be installed.

As construction began the Friends of the Turlock Public Library launched a fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $1 million for architectural embellishments, furnishings, technology upgrades and long-term funding for the library. Taking up the lions share of this effort was a group of community members who volunteered their time and formed a fundraising committee that has been chaired by John and Jeani Ferrari.

The efforts have proven successful with the committee securing naming right donations for seven of the nine rooms.

Kent Johnson, a Turlock resident, said his family selected the quiet reading room to bear the familys name because it honored the role the library has played in their lives. Johnson is one of five boys raised by Dr. Everett and Lillian Johnson, who inspired their sons to be curious, to pursue academic endeavors, and to be community supporters.

I vividly remember the basement of the old library that housed the childrens books, Johnson said of visiting the original Carnegie Library in Turlock. It was an austere room that met its purpose. I chose my first books based upon the pictures and fewest words on each page. The new library opened as I was entering high school. It became a quiet spot for evening homework or honestly, a valid excuse to meet up with friends to visit where homework was the last thing on our minds.

One new room in the library will be the Imagination Station, which is an area adjacent to the Childrens Library that will be used for creative expression and learning. The space caught the attention of the Machado family.

Our family has utilized the library since our children were young, said Mary Machado. We look forward to continuing to make memories there. Were very excited to have our name as part of the Imagination Station. It is a perfect space for our energetic and creative grandchildren.

The two spaces that still have naming rights available are the adult reading area and the community room. The community room will provide space for lectures, programs, and expanded Story Time. Additionally, the room includes a kitchenette and restrooms and will be available for rental. A series of patio doors can be opened to extend access into the large enclosed courtyard.

The new library also will feature a Founders Wall and a Community Wall. The fundraising committee has already secured $765,000 in pledged donations for these permanent structures.

FOTPL President Pat Portwood said the group has been humbled by the communitys response.

Donations of $100 or more will secure a spot on the wall and can be used to memorialize family and friends.

The fundraising campaign will come to a close Feb. 14. Those interested in making a donation can contact FOTPL at P.O. Box 1260, Turlock, CA 95381-1260 or FriendsoftheTurlockLibrary2020@gmail.com.

Continued here:
Turlock Library renovations in full swing - The Turlock Journal

Marsha Fottler| Correspondent

Situated in Sarasotas South Poinsettia Park amid leafy streets named for flowers, a chateau-like compound at 1807 Oleander Street is setting a neighborhood standard for curb appeal while offering 9,492-square-feet of European sophistication and outdoor areas that are lavish and beautiful. This property, which was built on three adjacent lots, has a separate guest house and garage bays for five cars. Its is on the market for $4,399,000 through Anita and Frank Lambert of Premier Sothebys International Realty.

Homes in South Poinsettia Park date back to the 1920s and its always been a desirable residential neighborhood, today significant for its West of the Trail cache. There is no homeowners association in South Poinsettia Park and no neighborhood fees. But, there are multiple stately homes on these flower streets named orchid, tulip, magnolia and jasmine and owners are conscientious about maintaining their investment.

The 1807 Oleander Street residence was built in 2006 by a local builder as his family home. The present owners, retired bankers who wish to remain anonymous, bought it in 2013 and immediately began a massive remodel that took about two years during which they collaborated with an interior designer, landscape designer and a pool designer.

We started with an overall design and did the master bedroom suite first, said one on the homeowners Next up was the master bath and then closets. The remodel was total involving nearly every space in the house with changes in wall surfaces, lighting, custom cabinetry and flooring, everything. We paid extreme attention to tiny details because we wanted it exactly right both in the main house and in the guest house. Then we moved to the outside and the pool. I think we ended up with one of the most beautiful outdoor living areas that anyone could dream of. But, through the whole process we were conscious of balancing style with comfort and livability. This is our year-round home and we wanted it to function perfectly besides being lovely to look at.

The multi-level manse and guest house have a total of five bedrooms, seven full baths and two half-baths. On opposite sides of a handsome paver motor court are garage bays for five cars. The doors look like barn doors, not conventional garage ones. The floors throughout the house are wide-plank walnut and the high ceilings are coffered or beam. The double-volume living room, with its impressive raised-hearth stone fireplace, is open to an upper wrought iron gallery where there is a library and sitting area. The kitchen is separated from a formal dining room (beam ceiling) that opens to the outdoors with a double set of French doors. Two highly ornamental wrought iron and crystal chandeliers are suspended over a dining table that seats fourteen.

The kitchen is the heart and soul of this house, said the homeowner. The section with the bar/island works well for kitchen cocktails or for cooking dinner for two or twenty-two. And, its honestly a pleasure to cook there. We put in a six-burner gas stove with two ovens, plus a wall oven, microwave drawer, two refrigerators, upright freezer in the walk-in pantry, two dishwashers and two sinks. The counters are quartz and there is more than enough storage in the white cabinets. But, what people always notice are the custom mosaic backsplash and the range hood. Over the years weve found that this kitchen is amazingly functional and totally pleasant to work in.

Natural light, views to the outside, coffered ceiling and two glamorous chandeliers make the room refined but also comfortable. The homeowners carved out space in the kitchen for a desk nook and a flat-screen TV.

In the vicinity of the dining room and kitchen is a wine room that features a unique floor. The brick was rescued from a smaller house that originally stood on the lot. The space is for temperature-controlled wine storage but its also fitted out as a tasting room. The home also has a big home office with a separate entrance.

French doors in the owners bedroom open to the patio and swimming pool part of the property. Theres a handsome fireplace in the master bedroom, a beam ceiling and two more of the homes signature chandeliers. The bath features a free standing marble tub and a large walk-in shower.

Upstairs off the gallery is a library sitting room. A two-bedroom guest suite, private and separate from the rest of the living quarters, is above the garage.

Additionally, there is a two-story detached guest house on the property. It faces inward to the pool pavilion and covered outdoor spaces. The guest house has two bedrooms, two baths, full kitchen, laundry, and a living/dining area.

The unique T-shaped, 45-foot-long lap swimming pool weaves through the property bringing the three segments of the compound into harmony. The architecture was a joint effort among Artistic Pools, a landscape designer and an interior designer, said the homeowner. When we bought the house there was no pool, just a patio. So we had all the lush landscaping removed, transported and planted temporarily in a nursery where it was stored for the entire year that we created this new outdoor expanse. It seemed like a monumental task while we were at it, but when we look at it now or are outside enjoying it all, we know it was worth the effort. Its something special with stretches of patio, loggia, covered garden rooms, an al fresco dining area with a huge stone fireplace, ivy covered walls, and everywhere plants and flowers. The main house has eight sets of French doors that open wide to the natural environment.

To furnish the home and guest house, the two owners brought with them family pieces as well as American and European antiques and art they have acquired over the years. We worked with an interior designer to make the rooms more current, said the homeowner. We added some Asian accents throughout the whole property. We think the Asian artifacts blend nicely with what we already had and they add even more character to the outdoor rooms.

This French-inflected estate is the culmination of what these homeowners envisioned when they first saw the property seventeen years ago. And yet, they have decided to part with it.

Were retired now, said the homeowner, and I think we are ready to downsize. We intend to stay in Sarasota and make this our year-round home, but we both want to take the time to explore new and different vacation destinations. This home is ready for people who like to entertain, enjoy being outside, or plan to host out-of-town friends and relatives.

Lucky guests.

Read more:
Elegant French chateau in Sarasota on the market for $4,399,000 - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

2020 has been a rollercoaster ride for many businesses. Some having to close their doors for good.

News Channel 3s Caitlin Thropay brings us a look back at all the ups and downs.

It has been a roller coaster," co-owner of Beer Hunter, Kevin Steele told News Channel 3. "Weve been up and down, several closures and back open again, he said.

The ride started in March with the California stay at home order; limiting restaurants to take out. Gyms and theaters closed their doors.

Soon, changes were underway to safely reopen.

We want our businesses to reopen and we know theyre going to need help reopening, Nona Watson with the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce told us.

Businesses got innovative to stay afloat. Read article: Palm Desert spa owner invents unique device as they prep for new normal to keep clients safe

Now with the restrictions of just having the patio open we are down to way less than 25 percent of what we would normally be doing right now, Steele said.

To help restaurants expand outdoor dining, Palm Canyon in Palm Springs was closed to traffic in September leading to mixed reactions.

Businesses that are in the closure area concerned that they might lose or are going to lose their parking and lose their foot traffic, president of Main Street Palm Springs, Joy Meredith said.

We visited Zobo and Meesters in Cathedral City as they made their final meals. Read article: Draughtsman, Evzin and Zobo Meesters announce closures; are other restaurants not too far behind?

Were missing about half our customers ever since the COVID-19 restrictions went into effect," owner of Zobo & Meester's Bart Groendycke told News Channel 3. "Were just losing money every month so there was really no other choice, he added.

Now they are closed for good.

Its horrible that its happening to so many people," Groendycke said. "Ive watched a lot of businesses not even just restaurants go under around here in the plaza and its really unfortunate to see all these dark building spaces that used to be full, he said.

Meanwhile, hair and nail salons met changing restrictions. Same with gyms; many moving workouts outdoors.

Early fall brought hope as Riverside County moved to red tier.

Im getting a lot of comments saying thanks for opening up, thanks for surviving, Jerry Sanders said, the owner of British Invasion.

One month later, the county reverted to the purple tier and restricted even more on November 19 with a 10 p.m. curfew.

We had just started to get our feet back under us sort of, Mindy Reed, owner of Zin American Bistro said.

Having to close at 10 oclock, its just going to kill our business, Steele said.

In the final month of 2020 one more drop on the roller coaste, a regional stay at home order.

If the pandemic is going to last longer were going to have to work harder," Orn Chotiyanonta, the owner of Le Basil in Palm Desert said. "One day its going to be over," she said. "The rest is history. We look forward to the better future, she added.

The hope of a new year is something some of these business owners are holding onto.

Throughout it all, KESQ has worked to support local businesses. Right now, through cvlocal links.com we have a free and easy to use tool to find local offerings and see how businesses are ensuring a safe customer experience.

Link:
A look back at 2020 and the impact it had on local businesses - KESQ

THIS four bedroom renovated bungalow on the banks of the River Wheelock is our property of the week.

This spacious family home in Chester Road, Middlewich, is being marketed by Reeds Rains for 500,000.

Wrought iron gates provide access to a generous driveway with parking for a number of vehicles

Wrought iron gates provide access to a generous driveway with parking for a number of vehicles

The property has been recently redecorated and has a newly fitted kitchen.

The newly fitted kitchen

The newly fitted kitchen

The bungalow is nestled in a beautiful, tranquil spot, with the River Wheelock gently flowing between the garden and the open countryside fields to the adjoining bank.

The accommodation comprises an entrance hall, bathroom, cloakroom, living room, dining room, newly fitted kitchen, utility room, four bedrooms, bathroom and en-suite wet room to the master bedroom plus generous off road parking and a double garage.

A spacious lawn with an array of plants and shrubs

A spacious lawn with an array of plants and shrubs

Well-maintained lawns include an array of floral splendour and spacious patio.

The plot had historic planning permission for a further bungalow.

The newly fitted breakfast kitchen is light and airy

The newly fitted breakfast kitchen is light and airy

The newly fitted breakfast kitchen includes a range of wall, drawer and base units with marble effect preparation surface and upstands with peninsular breakfast bar. Appliances include a top of the range four ring hob, extraction hood and splashback, oven, grill. and dishwasher, fridge and freezer.

Chester Road, Middlewich

Patio doors lead out into the garden

The living room has PVC double glazed sliding doors leading out to the garden. There in an inset electric fire with tiled display shelves and traditional brick elevation.

The master bedroom has an en-suite wet room

The master bedroom has an en-suite wet room

The master bedroom has an en-suite wet room.

The plot measures approximately 0.68 acres and offers plenty of privacy in wonderful grounds with lawn areas, patio areas, an array of shrubs, plants and trees.

The bungalow is nestled in a beautiful, tranquil spot

The bungalow is nestled in a beautiful, tranquil spot

To the front wrought iron gates provide access to the generous driveway with parking for a number of vehicles. The gardens provide views across open countryside.

Read the rest here:
Property of the week: Renovated bungalow on banks of River Wheelock - Winsford Guardian