Above: The first level at 25 Riding Club Road in Wilton includes a formal living room with a fireplace. Below: The backyard features a brick terrace and a swimming pool with stone diving platform.

Above: The first level at 25 Riding Club Road in Wilton includes a formal living room with a fireplace. Below: The backyard features a brick terrace and a swimming pool with stone diving platform.

Updated colonial sits on more than 2 bucolic acres in Wilton

The Thomsons came to be Wilton residents organically, according to Susan Thomson. She and her husband, Trent, originally hail from Australia, but relocated to the area in 2014, when they fell in love with Wilton and a certain four-bedroom colonial at 25 Riding Club Road.

It had been friends in New Canaan who introduced the couple to the area. We immediately fell in love with Wilton after driving between Westport and Ridgefield looking at properties, she recalled. The old, antique homes and barns that line the streets, the stunning natural surroundings, the privacy and space were only available here. We feel so lucky to have found this town, and particularly our street. It is a special part of Wilton, and we have great neighbors.

The home they chose suited the needs of their family including three children and also offered the floor plan and style theyd become accustomed to in Australia. The appreciated having a kitchen at the heart of the home, with rooms along the rear of the home that open out to the backyard.

This is one of the few properties we looked at that had that design, Thomson recalled. We also immediately fell in love with the grounds, the fruit trees apple, peach and pear trees the pool and tennis court.

Details

Address: 25 Riding Club Road, Wilton

Price: $1.365 million

Number of Rooms: 11

Features: This 1975 colonial has been renovated, appended and updated. It affords 4,452-square-feet of living space, with four bedrooms, three full baths and one powder room. The master suite is located on the first level, which also comprises the chefs kitchen, family room, formal dining room, living room and mudroom. Three additional family bedrooms are located on the second level. The 2.26-acre lot is located on a cul-de-sac, down the street from The Riding Club. The grounds have lush plantings, gardens, fruit trees, a heated pool and Har-Tru tennis court.

Schools: Miller-Driscoll Elementary, Middlebrook Middle, Wilton High

Previous homeowners had installed Pella windows, put in a new kitchen, added living space and renovated the master bedroom. When the Thomsons moved-in, they embarked on redoing the hardwood floors, so that they had a consistent color dark espresso throughout the home. They contrast beautifully with the otherwise neutral and light dcor.

We were happy with the layout of the house, so it didnt need any renovation structurally, she said. However, we did transform the look of the home by having the hardwood floors sanded and stained. We painted the entire home, both inside and out, and added crown molding. We have replaced all the gutters and installed gutter guards. We have installed an irrigation system for the grass, which we found essential in the summer heat.

However, our favorite addition is the 16-by-20-foot kitchen garden we had built by Homefront Farmers, Thomson added.

The kitchen is beautifully equipped with lots of white cabinetry and storage space. A large island with an arch overhead provides surface space, a cooktop and room for informal seating. The kitchen opens directly to the family room a cozy space, warmed by a stone fireplace.

The first level also includes a formal living room with a fireplace, the formal dining room, a sunroom, office (with built-ins and a fireplace), mudroom and the master bedroom suite. A wet bar is conveniently tucked away to better serve guests during intimate or more formal gatherings.

For the Thomsons, there were several spaces here that were among their favorites. The dining room was spacious enough to accommodate a big table, and theyd gather there for meals and conversation.

The master bedroom has become a sanctuary, Thomson noted. It is very large, with beautiful natural light, high ceilings, a large walk-in wardrobe, spa bath, steam room, and yoga and meditation space. We couldnt have asked for more.

Three additional family bedrooms are located on the homes second level.

Walking out to the backyard, terrace and pool area, its not hard to understand why this was the familys favorite outdoor spot among the 2.26 acres.

When the weather permitted, they would enjoy breakfasts and dinners outdoors, and naturally theyve entertained friends and family here, too. Whether it was time spent enjoying the heated pool or lounging in the backyard hammock, reading books together, Thomson said, Weve created a lot of beautiful memories here. I also love the proximity to the kitchen, which is fantastic for entertaining and quick summer snacks.

Theres a Har-Tru tennis court amidst the grounds, as well.

The location of the property is compelling. Wilton, New Canaan, Ridgefield and Westport are all within easy reach. Plus, there are plenty of great local establishments to enjoy, as well.

Thomson noted that there are some great local establishments nearby, including a sourdough bakery, organic farm stands, coffee shops, a movie theater and restaurants. She also suggested nearby Woodcock Nature Center and Norwalk River Valley Trail for beautiful walks. And just down the street is The Riding Club, she added, which has amenities like heated pools and tennis courts. It hosts community activities throughout the year.

Listing agent: Katie Nugent, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, New England Properties; (917) 374-1581 cell; katienugent@bhhsne.com

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Updated colonial sits on more than 2 bucolic acres in Wilton - Thehour.com

Dating to 1887, TwelveTrees is a perfect blend of rich heritage, modern conveniences, lush gardens and outdoor spaces. A major restoration and expansion from 2004-2008, by the present owners, preserved the grandeur of the homes patrician origins while adding the finest features of todays lifestyle.

Poised on 2.5 acres, stone pillars mark the entry to the private road and larger acreage originally associated with TwelveTrees. Elegant columned verandas at each end of the homes long horizontal span point to its initial intention as a summer residence.

The Tennessee Sandstone terrace with outdoor kitchen, deep tree-shaded lawns and pool and spa area framed with an array of plantings, maintain the estates aura of leisure and ease. Indoors the foyer continues straight to the sunroom, its wall of glass allowing for further enjoyment of the serene private grounds.

Preserving the homes architectural heritage has been paramount. The roof is cedar shingle. In the living room, once the ballroom, the eye is drawn to artfully detailed plaster crown molding its intricate design replicated in the mantel of the fireplace.

In the library, a handpainted mural depicts scenes from the works of Charles Dickens painted by an earlier resident. Original plaster walls, carved panel doors, center cut oak floors, leaded-glass panes, crafted baseboards and high ceilings maintain the homes legend. Carefully chosen dcor including Osborne and Little Drapery, Brunschwig and Fils wallpapers, and plantation shutters complement the period style.

Though located in Mendhams historic district, the home is not listed on the Historical Register, allowing for unencumbered renovations. Rebuilds include the spacious country kitchen sporting custom beadboard cabinetry, Pietra Verde limestone countertops, large island with maple counter and commercial-grade appliances. Radiant heat warms the center cut oak floor here as well as in the family room (an addition) with distinguished arched entry, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and French doors opening to the patio.

Upstairs the voluminous master suite has French doors opening to a cedar deck. The bath is elegantly updatedas are all in the home, and the dressing room is a custom-fitted organizational delight. There is a guest suite with sitting room and an in-law suite with kitchen/living/dining room. Two additional bedrooms are each en suite with bath.

Though seemingly tucked away in place and time. TwelveTrees is moments from Mendhams historic, vibrant town center and daily conveniences.

Founded in 1960, Turpin Real Estate is an independent, family owned agency with offices in Somerset, Morris and Hunterdon counties. The outstanding, full-time sales staff is dedicated to providing the highest quality service with uncompromising integrity.

Strategic network alliances and extensive web-based marketing provide us with unsurpassed coverage for clients regionally, nationally and internationally. Global reach, unparalleled local expertise and the flexibility of an independently owned agency are the hallmarks of the organization.

For more information, contact the Turpin Real Estate Office in Far Hills 908-234-9100.

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Restored, expanded and enhanced in Mendham - New Jersey Hills

Homes at the Bidwell Village 55+ community in Coventry offer easy one-floor living and a sense of space enhanced by open floor plans and nine-foot ceilings. There are many upscale features such as crown molding and hardwood floors in the living areas, and granite counters and stainless steel appliances in the kitchens.

The deciding factor for many residents, however, is the sense of community at Bidwell Village, including the warm welcome residents extend to newcomers.

I dont think I would have been as involved with people if I had still been in my old home," says Ginni Tewksbury, the community associations president. "You walk outside here and people see you and they come out to talk to you.

When completed, Bidwell Village will have 37 homes. Twenty-one have either been built and sold, or have a sale pending. Seven houses were sold within the last year.

Most of these will be free-standing ranch homes, all with two-car garages, says Tom Boyle, the broker handling sales. Many of the lots allow a walk-out basement. Of the seven recent sales, almost half chose to finish either all or part of their basements, most often to accommodate hobbies, crafts or an additional living area for guests.

The model home has a walk-out finished basement. Access is gained by using an open, wide and welcoming stairway. Enhancing the lower levels appeal is the ample natural light from large windows and the door that leads outside. Boyle notes that this area could easily accommodate a third bedroom and a third full bath with plenty of room left over for a family room, storage and a craft area or workshop.

The main floor offers easy access throughout with the option to specify a no-step garage and front door entry. Doorways are wide to accommodate handicapped accessibility.

While the floor plans are open, they still afford privacy. The kitchens, for example, are open to the living areas but are shielded from view at the front entryways.

A sunroom is a popular option, made even more appealing by the thoughtful layout of the community that takes maximum advantage of southern exposures. Unlike at other communities, opting for the sunroom at Bidwell Village means that buyers end up with a fully livable addition built over a full basement and integrated into the floor plan.

The master suites in the three available models are inviting and spacious. Features include a full bath with a dual sink and a cultured marble vanity, an easily accessed, oversized step-in shower with grab bars, and a walk-in closet.

Each house includes a second bedroom, which could be used as a den or a study, and a second full bath with a soaking tub. Bathrooms and the first-floor laundry room have tile floors while the bedrooms feature high-quality carpet.

The communitys Coventry location is a draw for buyers. Bidwell Village is just 2.5 miles from UConn. Its two minutes from Coventry Lake where you can boat, fish, swim and kayak, and where a parking pass for residents is just $10 a year. The towns senior center is also nearby.

There are walking trails, including one that is being expanded at Bidwell Village. When the community is completed, this trail will encompass the housing area and border a conservation easement that abuts the property. A centrally located gazebo has been completed recently.

Tewksbury rates the freedom from yard work, which the association handles, as another advantage of living in this 55+ community. I like the fact that I dont have to work outside if I dont want to, she says. This also makes it easier for people who like to travel. Residents need only lock the door and leave, says Boyle.

He adds that Bidwell Village is a true condominium;, all exterior maintenance of the homes is handled by the association. "If a storm rolls by and damages some roofing or siding, the association steps in to handle the matter very unlike many planned development communities where this responsibility is that of the homeowner.

Spring Hill Properties is the builder, which is another advantage for buyers, according to Boyle. Spring Hill builds high-end custom homes and buyers here enjoy that level of workmanship. The buyers are very satisfied and they also have the option to customize their home plan. Buyers can move windows, adjust walls, expand garages and finish basements, among other options. There is no take it or leave it here, Boyle says. Further easing the transition to Bidwell Village, potential buyers needing to sell a current home can secure a site for 60 days with no obligation.

The builder, who finishes these homes to Energy Star standards, follows up with new owners after they have been in their homes for a month to make sure there are no problems. He then follows up again after three months and on the first anniversary.

Even with all this, it is still the sense of community that Tewksbury values most. "Bidwell Village is a great place to live," she says.

The model home at Bidwell Village in Coventry is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. or by appointment. For more information contact Tom and Janet Boyle of Bidwell Village at 860-649-4800.

Year Built: New construction

Builder: Spring Hill Properties LLC

Price: Starting at $319,900

Style: New England village

Rooms: 5 or more

Bedrooms: 2

Baths: 2

Square footage: 1,473 to approximately 3,000

Acreage: 14

Mill rate: 31.20

Best features: Welcoming community and quality workmanship

Contact: Tom and Janet Boyle, Bidwell Village LLC, 860-649-4800

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Property of the Week: Bidwell Village, Coventry - Hartford Courant

Clients and community members joined Accent Creative Group (ACG), a Lawrenceville-based marketing and design firm, on Thursday, June 15th for an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the firm's new location at 365 South Perry Street.

Accent Creative Group Celebrates New Location with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House Lawrenceville-based Marketing and Design Firm Relocates to Historic Home at 365 South Perry Street

LAWRENCEVILLE, GEORGIA (June 21, 2017) - Clients and community members joined Accent Creative Group (ACG), a Lawrenceville-based marketing and design firm, on Thursday, June 15th for an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the firm's new location at 365 South Perry Street.

City of Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson, Gwinnett County Commissioner Jace Brooks and Gwinnett Chamber President & CEO Dr. Dan Kaufman joined owner, Pam Ledbetter and her staff in the ribbon cutting honors. The move represents ACG's continued commitment to marketing and design excellence and meeting the needs of clients and the local community.

According to ACG President Pam Ledbetter, the historical 1907 office is the perfect environment for the creative team. "The ambience and outdoor garden space lends itself to great brainstorming sessions as does the spacious downstairs parlor, dining room, sunroom and game room," commented Ledbetter. "Providing a source for inspiration, the new offices allow for the continual flow of creativity and ideas, along with the perfect space for collaboration with our clients."

During the ceremony, Gwinnett County Commissioner Jace Brooks presented a proclamation of congratulations on behalf of Chairman Charlotte Nash. City of Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson offered her words on the importance of ACG's creative presence in the downtown community that is undergoing tremendous renovation and growth, followed by well wishes from Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Dr. Dan Kaufman.

With its headquarters located in Gwinnett's county seat, ACG's growth coincides with the city's flourishing downtown. The talented and growing team is currently comprised of 10 staff members. In addition to celebrating the new location, this month also marks the 10-year employment anniversary of Lead Designer Ashleigh James who has been instrumental in the growth of ACG with her award-winning designs.

Following the ceremony, distinguished guests were treated to a "Mad Hatter" themed soiree reception that featured cocktails, live entertainment, games and more. The open house provided the opportunity for clients and community members to explore the whimsical new offices that incorporate fun elements and encourages creativity.

Formerly Accent South Media, ACG was founded in 2004, and has since expanded its reputation for outstanding marketing and design across the Southeast. ACG's specialties include custom publishing, branding and marketing campaigns.

"In addition to serving our clients, ACG is committed to giving back to the community of Gwinnett where most of our team also live," says Ledbetter. "Our doors are open for both the community and our clients to visit, create and be inspired."

Winner of numerous national and international awards, Accent Creative Group is an innovative design and marketing company that helps our clients stand out from the crowd. We've worked on creative projectsforclients including Gwinnett County, Lanier Islands, City of Lawrenceville and Gwinnett Medical Center. Our specialties include custom publishing, branding and marketing campaigns. Learn more about us ataccentcreativegroup.com.

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Accent Creative Group Celebrates New Location with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Open House - Gwinnett Citizen

A sunroom can be a peaceful, valuable addition to a home. Or it can turn into a disaster.

Asking the right questions upfront and hiring an experienced, qualified contractor will help people avoid many common mistakes.

"You've got to do your homework to get what you want and not go down a bad path," says Robert Criner, president of Criner Remodeling in Newport News.

The first step is to decide if a full sunroom is better than other options, such as a partial structure for shade, a screened-in porch or an expansion or remodel of an existing room, possibly with new windows or skylights to add brightness.

Many sunrooms are built off porches, decks or patios, but that's not as simple as it sounds, says Dan Bawden, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers, a trade group, and a longtime Houston-based contractor.

Existing slabs and decks usually are too thin and weak to support a room with floors, walls, roofing, windows and doors, and original patios are designed to slope away from a home for drainage. Without replacing those structures with a flat, sturdier foundation, sunrooms will settle, pull away from a house and develop cracks and leaks. "Big problems can start happening within two years," Bawden warns.

A sunroom's roof should slope, he adds, because flat roofs will be vulnerable to leaks, mold and ice damage. Good-quality insulated doors, windows with energy-efficient glass and ceiling fans can keep a room from becoming too hot or cold, while having a door to the backyard is important for fire safety.

Another frequent issue is that the room behind a sunroom, often a den, can get darker; well-placed windows and skylights in an addition can help move light back into that space. Homeowners also should consider where they'd put furniture including televisions in a sunroom before they make final design decisions, Criner says.

Not surprisingly, the right contractor can simplify what can be a complicated process, from meeting local zoning and permit requirements to picking the right materials for a particular home, climate and budget. Check for licensing and designations such as Certified Graduate Remodeler or the higher Graduate Master Remodeler, both awarded by NAHB. Ideally, a company also should offer three-dimensional computer modeling to showcase exactly what a new addition would look like.

More tips: Ask about a contractor's experience with the specific project selected, look at pictures of past work, and check with at least two references. Previous customers will have important insights on timeliness, responsiveness, cleanliness and any bad habits such as playing loud music or smoking. Finally, be sure to have a start and completion date in any contract.

"Done right, a sunroom can really be a great investment," Criner says. "It will look like it was always part of a house, ready to be enjoyed."

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Sunrooms a great investment for a home if done well - Daily Press

Quartz

Long before iPhones, this 19th-century gadget made everyone a mobile addict Quartz In addition to the society's annual convention, this group of vendors, artists, and collectors swap stories and techniques, and buy each other's work. ... In her home, scopes could be found everywhere from the dining room table to the Jacuzzi. I like ...

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Long before iPhones, this 19th-century gadget made everyone a mobile addict - Quartz

For many years, patients walked into the large, Colonial Revival-style house at 1820 Monument Avenue and sat down in what had once been the front parlor, waiting to be called back to the dermatologists office. Many of them probably noticed that the rooms on the first floor were beautifully detailed, with coffered ceilings, high wainscoting and intricate dentiled molding.

For a doctors office, the architectural features might have been unusual. Its not unexpected in a house built for a successful businessman at the turn of the 20th century, though.

Garrett B. Wall, the original owner of 1820 Monument Avenue, was an executive with the C & O Railway, and when the house was built in 1906, it stood among a growing inventory of outstanding properties on a street which, in time, replaced West Franklin Street as Richmonds grandest avenue.

So how did the 6,664-square-foot Wall house, which is on the market as a single-family residence for $1,695,000, go from an executives private residence to a doctors office and back to a private residence again?

The answer charts the history of the Monument Avenue Historic District itself.

Planning for Monument Avenue began in the late 1880s, but the Panic of 1893 slowed down residential construction nationwide. Work on Monument Avenues first houses began in 1901, when public utilities were extended to the street, said Chris Novelli, an architectural historian with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

Most of those early houses were built in the Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque styles, both of which were popular in the late 19th century. The streets first example of the Colonial Revival style was built in 1905 at 1831 Monument Avenue, one year before the Wall house. By then, the Colonial Revival style had been established nationally, and it would become the most popular style for residential building in the United States during the first half of the 20th century.

The Wall house, with its classical columns, red-brick faade and light-colored interior, was a fairly pure, early example of the style for Monument Avenue, Novelli said.

He added: It has the aesthetic richness the Victorians and Edwardians were fond of, but expressed in a new, classical architectural language.

The architects sophisticated use of bowed walls in the entry hall and back parlor references the oval shapes popular in the Adam-style houses built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, for example. They give a dynamic elasticity to the space, Novelli said.

Likewise, the houses dentiled molding and wainscoting are striking. The amount of dentiled molding in particular and the wainscoting height in the dining room is unmatched on Monument Avenue, said Jeannette Mock, a real estate agent with RE/MAX Commonwealth and the listing agent for 1820 Monument Avenue. Even the coffered ceilings have dentiled molding. Its the crowning glory of the house.

From 1901 to roughly 1930, some of the citys most successful residents built homes in the Monument Avenue Historic District, which runs from North Lombardy Street to Roseneath Road. But the street began a slow transformation as the rise of midcentury suburbia drew city residents further west. In the wake of that westward expansion, a number of houses in the historic district were converted to apartments and medical offices.

A part of the reason for the conversions was economic. These were large, old houses, and no one in the 1950s and 1960s considered them particularly historic, said Joseph F. Yates, president of Richmond-based Joseph F. Yates Architects and a Monument Avenue resident. So the families sold them, and people converted them for income-producing sources.

The large number of doctors offices among the conversions had a practical component, as well. Having two major hospitals Stuart Circle Hospital and the Lee Medical Building as nearby anchors probably encouraged a strong medical presence on the avenue, Novelli said.

The Wall house was a part of this conversion process. By the early 1970s, it had become a dermatologists office, Mock said.

By the 1990s, though, buyers began converting several properties on Monument Avenue from doctors offices and apartment buildings back to single-family homes. And that shift placed Monument Avenue among a handful of U.S. cities that saw prominent, urban housing inventory from the turn of the 20th century return to single-family use, Yates said.

There are still a good number of buildings that are apartments, but very few offices remain, said Yates, who converted his house from a doctors office to a single-family residence in 2000.

The conversions from apartments will continue as those buildings come on the market in the future, he added.

The Wall houses current owners undertook its conversion back to a private residence shortly after buying it in 2009. They removed walls that had been installed during the houses years as a medical office, and they designed and built a new kitchen and sunroom on the back of the house. In addition, they remodeled the houses four full baths and one half bath and installed new electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.

They also finished a 1,100-square-foot section of the basement and built a detached, three-car garage behind the house, in what had been a parking lot for the medical office. The garages southern elevation does double duty as a patio wall, as well as the backdrop for an outdoor fireplace. (A stone slab with the initials G.B.W. presumably for Garrett B. Wall that the current owners found onsite, now rests at the base of the fireplace.)

Yates oversaw the design work, and Clark Glav, a Richmond-based preservation contractor and owner of ARK Construction & Development Corp., was in charge of the construction. On our biggest day, we had 32 people working on the house all at once, Glav said.

The owners used state historic tax credits for the renovation, and tax abatements are in place until 2020.

Despite its transformations over the course of a century, the house is still true to its original character, Mock said. Its an impressive space, but it feels warm and gracious.

______________

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1820 Monument Avenue: A mansion and a history lesson, in 6664 square feet - Richmond.com

The congregation of First Baptist Church of Morganton is getting ready to celebrate a milestone.

Exactly 50 years ago this Sunday, the church held its first service in its current facility at 502 W. Union St.

First Baptist Church has a 138-year history at three different locations downtown, according to the Rev. Dr. Tom Bland, the senior minister. He updated a written church history originally compiled by church members Maud Patton Anthony, Stanley Moore and Samuel Freeman.

The history recalls that between eight to 12 residents organized what was originally called Morganton Baptist Church in 1879 and opened a facility on the corner of North Sterling and Queen Streets, where the Northwestern building now stands. Members met there, eventually calling it First Baptist Church, until a fire destroyed the building on Dec. 13, 1893.

Members received an outpouring of support from the community after the fire, with the local Presbyterian, Methodist and Episcopalian churches offering use of their facilities until a new church could be built.

The congregation met at the Burke County Courthouse from 1894 until a second church building was completed on the corner of South King and Meeting s treets and dedicated on July 14, 1895. It was described as a brick, Gothic-style building, and cost $6,526.70 to construct. The history records that the pastor at the time, the Rev. Robert Logan Patton, and church co-founder Miles Pinkney Hildebrand both mortgaged their homes to pay off the churchs debt the day after its dedication.

Church membership skyrocketed in the early 20th century, going from slightly more than 200 by 1900 to 306 in 1908. The congregation responded by constructing additions to the church building and sending members to plant Second Baptist Church, which eventually became Calvary Baptist Church.

Even these measures couldnt prevent the church from outgrowing its second location, so members began purchasing properties on W est Union St reet in the 1950s under the leadership of deacon chairman R.O. Huffman, with the goal of constructing a larger facility.

The Pearson, Kistler and Milner properties make up the land on which the current church now stands. The Pearson home was demolished to make room for the new sanctuary, but the historically significant Kistler home was retained as a parsonage for the Rev. Rufus Knolan Benfield Sr., the pastor at the time, and his family.

Benfield recently had been called as pastor specifically because he had overseen construction of a new facility for First Baptist Church of Hickory while serving as pastor there.

Church member Bonita Leary, Benfields daughter, was a college senior when her family made the move from Hickory to the Kistler home in July of 1957. She was married the next year at the former FBC location, and her wedding reception was held in the home.

In 1956, I remember sitting at the dining room table while the pastor search committee was in our living room, and I overheard the conversation where they asked Daddy if he would come and serve as pastor (at FBC in Morganton), Leary said. His response to them was, I cannot come unless you will allow me to insist that the churchs mission giving must not drop while theyre raising money to build a building. That was a condition of his coming.

She said her family found some interesting artifacts in the Pearson house before it was torn down, such as an elaborate doll-house that is now in storage at the History Museum of Burke County.

She mourned the loss of what was believed to be about 200-year-old magnolia trees on the property, which had to be removed during construction.

The current church was designed by architect F. Arthur Hazard and built by the W.R. Patton Company. Groundbreaking for the church took place on Nov. 22, 1964, with construction coming to completion in 1967. An elaborate three-manual Reuter pipe organ was designed by Dr. H. Max Smith and installed in the sanctuary that same year, thanks to a donation by Minnie Huffman Reddish. In addition to a sanctuary, the church included a three-story education building.

Church members worked diligently to pay the debt for the church building, which totaled more than $1 million, within five years of the buildings completion. The church held a note-burning ceremony on Jan. 9, 1972.

First Baptist Church has seen many changes both to its facility and the congregation over the ensuing 50 years. A chapel was added in the 1980s, which finally connected the education building to the Kistler home, which members were using to hold Sunday school classes after it was no longer used as a parsonage. The chapel showcases beautiful stained-glass windows from the former church at South King and Meeting s treets.

Leary said she always sits on the right side of the chapel, because thats where the Kistler homes sunroom used to be. She said it connects her to many fond memories of sitting with her family in that room.

That sunroom was one of our familys favorite places, Leary said. Thats where we always had the Christmas tree and where we sat at night. Thats where David (her husband, the Rev. David Leary) and I dated.

A commercial kitchen and fellowship hall were added to the rear of the Kistler Home, and a carillon was added to the steeple in the 80s as well. A carillon is described as "a set of stationary bells hung in a tower and sounded by machinery."

Recent renovations include the construction of a youth suite on the top floor of the education building, the installation of an elevator and updated rest rooms in the Kistler home and construction of a columbarium, a vault to store peoples cremated remains, on the grounds of the front lawn.

Two congregations grew out of FBC in the late 20th century: the First Baptist Deaf Mission, which meets for worship in the chapel, and a Hmong mission that led to the founding of First Hmong Baptist Church at 301 Walker Road in Morganton.

FBC took its ministry into the community in 2004 when it established the Mimosa Christian Counseling Center, a professional mental health counseling facility with a Christian focus that tries as much as funds allow to offer reduced-cost treatment to those in need.

The church invites the community, especially former church members, to join them in recognizing the 50th anniversary at its 10:55 a.m. worship service on Sunday. Leary will share her memories of the transition during the service. Bland said he will reflect back on the past 50 years in his sermon.

In my message, I will attempt to point out some things that have changed since 1967, but also indicate some things that havent changed, including the lordship of Jesus Christ, Bland said.

Visitors will be able to study the many historical photos and artifacts collected by members that are currently on display in the Kistler home and the hallway between the chapel and the education building.

This is a church that prizes its history and is grateful for all the ways in which the Lord has blessed this church, and I believe, made it a blessing in the community and throughout the world, Bland said. We hope and pray, if God sees fit, that well have at least 50 more years on this site.

Former pastor, the Rev. Dr. Bob Shepherd, said the service is a chance to remember all those members who kept the dreams and visions of the church going for more than 100 years.

First Baptist Church has had a significant impact on Morganton and Burke County, Shepherd said. I encourage all those who lives have been touched by the church to come and celebrate those who had the foresight to relocate to this area and made these facilities possible.

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First Baptist Church of Morganton to celebrate 50 years at W. Union St. location - Morganton News Herald

(11:59 a.m. EDT) -- Scenic might not be as familiar to North Americans as other luxury river cruise lines such as Uniworld or Tauck; Crystal also entered the higher end of the river cruise market last year with built-in name recognition.

But make no mistake, Scenic has a worldwide fan base that has been steadily gaining American and Canadian converts. Part of Australian Glen Moroney's Scenic Tours empire (later renamed Scenic), Scenic jumped into river cruising in 2008 with its space ships, all-inclusive vessels featuring signature cabins with sun rooms that turn into partial outdoor spaces with the push of a button.

After a few days on Scenic Diamond, sailing the line's Bordeaux itinerary, we can see the appeal. There's a refreshing casualness onboard that belies the price tag; while service is still professional and prompt, the crew and their management are not afraid to talk to passengers (perhaps that's the Australian influence -- our cruise, which is about three-fourths full, is dominated by travelers from Down Under).

The result is you're more likely to get the kind of vacation you want. Fancy a small nosh in your sunroom? Your butler will bring it to you. Want to skip the guided tour and get a massage instead? Scenic's Tailormade devices (portable GPS locators with commentary) give you the highlights, so you can explore on your own and your cruise director will make sure you have a pass to get into the castle. A fleet of e-bikes make it easier for even the less fit to take them out for a spin.

This season, two of Scenic's space ships in France -- Scenic Diamond and Scenic Sapphire -- received refurbishments to make them more in line with the newer vessels in the fleet. Capacity has been reduced from 167 to 155, while keeping the staff levels the same. Two 506-square-foot Royal Owners Suites were added, as well as a host of other features outlined below.

The most heralded addition to the French ships is Scenic Culinaire, a series of cooking demonstrations available at no extra charge while the ship is sailing between ports. Located in the dining room (where it's used as an omelet/crepe making station during meals), Scenic Culinaire is essentially a large cooking island, where up to 10 passengers can sit and watch the chef make French dishes like merveilles provencales (beignets) with strawberries and dry apricot jam or coq au vin. There's a TV monitor, and eventually the line plans to broadcast the classes into the cabins.

We attended the beignets session. The ship's French chef, Jerome, is fast-talking, and we enjoyed watching him at work. At times, though, the experience felt dry. It's not immersive; unlike similar classes we've taken on Uniworld or Viking Ocean where you actually fill a samosa or chop some veggies, you mainly sit there and watch. Two Australian ladies next to us whispered that they would have liked to have tasted some of the more unusual ingredients the chef was using.

That being said, Scenic Culinaire sessions fill up quickly and since they are the primary enrichment activity on the ship during sea days, it's a worthwhile diversion for those who love to cook -- and eat (you do get a sample at the end).

One of the most welcome trends in river cruising is the chance to be more active and get away from the standard coach-and-walking-tour excursion. We found Scenic to be ahead of the curve with its active options, particularly when it comes to cycling. The ship has a fleet of electronic bikes, and employed them in nearly every port as a guided option (you can also take them out on your own, if you wish).

Our first tour, a bike ride to a wine chateau in Medoc, has been one of the highlights of the trip so far. The guide stopped several times to explain the region's terroir, and history, as well as take photos. Support crew were along to block traffic when necessary and fix bikes if there was a problem. After the winery visit, passengers who had biked were given the option to return on the coach or bike back; the ease of using the e-bikes ensued that almost everyone took the latter option (we noticed a decided increase in the electronic assist on the way back).

There are two more bike tours to come, and we've signed up for them all. While these simple e-bike excursions shouldn't be confused with the larger cycling partnership Scenic has with Trek Travel -- those are fully chartered, bike-intensive trips on the Danube and Rhine -- we love the chance to cover more ground and work off a teeny amount of the French wine and cheese we've consumed.

Another of the biggest changes to the ship is the expansion of the spa and addition of a gym and wellness facility on the bottom deck. There's a check-in desk (unmanned) as you walk down the stairs, as well as a table with herbal teas and flavored water.

Unlike some river ships where the spa is simply a darkened cabin, Scenic Diamond's new facility is larger (two cabins were taken out for it) and more high-tech. There's a sofa in the sign-in area, a shower for full body treatments and two tables in case passengers want a couples' massage. We enjoyed the space, although found our massage a bit uncomfy, as the attendant took a decidedly European approach to privacy (as in he didn't turn around when we were undressing and dressing). Spa treatments are not included in the fare, although they are more reasonable than what you'd find in an European hotel or resort; our 50-minute massage cost 72 euro, tip inclusive.

Across the hall from the spa room, the new gym will definitely please those who want to stay fit when they travel. It's a little bigger than most fitness rooms you see on river ships, with four aerobic machines and some weights. Light streams in from the windows, making it feel open.

We're not quite sure what to make of the Salt Room. While it's truly beautiful -- the walls are lined with bricks made from golden Himalayan salt, and there's salt spread on the floor surrounding the room's three loungers -- there's no aromatherapy or other component to the experience. All in all, it seems to take up a lot of space while not adding a lot of tangible benefit. We were told it was good for allergies and your skin, but we didn't notice anything after our 45 minutes there. It's also a bit noisy, as it's across the hall from the hairdressing salon.

The Vitality Pool on the sun deck is more of a whirlpool/hot tub than a real pool to swim in. Still, it's a decent size for the ship, seating six. We've found bar service on the top deck to be prompt, so if you're the kind of person who likes to soak after a day of touring -- perhaps with a glass of Champagne in hand -- you'll enjoy this new feature.

--By Chris Gray Faust, Senior Editor

Read more:
Live from Scenic Diamond: What's New Onboard? - Cruise Critic

1314 WINDY HILL COURT, CONCORD TWP.

Luxury features accent accessible ranch with lower level

The brick ranch home at 1314 Windy Hill Court in Concord Twp. between Tipp City and Troy presents a fine example of how to create a totally accessible floor plan without sacrificing luxury features.

This home is designed for functionality and aesthetics, said Richard Pierce of Coldwell Banker Heritage Realtors.

My wife and I designed the house, said one co-owner.

As a professional counselor in the field of developmental disabilities, he is well aware of mobility, disability and senior issues that might occur during any lifetime and wanted to build a home that would accommodate anyone at any age.

So while designing the kitchen, a sunroom, a main bedroom suite with a bath, a partially finished full basement, they included extra-wide doorways, hallways and staircases, a roll-in shower, level exterior walkways and an elevator shaft that is currently used as a walk-in pantry.

With more than 4,380 square feet of living space, the home is listed for $638,000.

Leaded-glass sidelights and an arched transom surround the front door. The open floor plan offers a great room, which allows a seamless flow through the sitting area to the dining area, open kitchen and sunroom.

An angled fireplace with a white mantel sits beside a wall of built-ins with space for a large-screen TV flanked by upper bookshelves with backlighting and lower storage areas with cabinets and drawers.

Large vinyl-tile flooring extends through the dining area and into the kitchen, where the work space is framed with oversized cherry cabinets with under lighting and upper moldings. Solid-surface counters with beveled edges include a peninsular counter with an overhang for bar seating. The double sink sits under a boxed window facing the back yard. Stainless-steel appliances include a dishwasher, French-door refrigerator, smooth-surface electric range and two microwave ovens.

From the dining area an open archway leads to the sunroom, which connects to the 30-by-24-foot patio.

Multiple cherry cabinets are installed in the laundry room. The attached, four-car garage, which measures 27 feet by 45 feet, has an epoxy floor covering, finished walls and a pull-down ladder to upper storage space.

Accented by crown moldings and recessed ceiling lights, the bedroom in the main suite has its own fireplace. In addition to a large two-person soaking tub, the adjacent bath offers a roll-in shower surrounded by rectangular tile and a wide border in miniature tile.

This master shower has three shower heads wall standard, ceiling reverse direction and handheld, said the owner.

It has corner seats and grab bars designed to double as towel racks.

Cambria counters and an expanse of mirrors follow the lines of the long double vanity, which wraps around an angled corner at the center and extends along two walls. Wood organizer shelves are installed in the walk-in closet/dressing room.

Off the entry is a versatile room, currently used as an office, which could be a bedroom as it has a closet and a second door into the hallway that accesses a full bath with tub and shower. Nearby, bedroom three has a closet with organizer shelves enclosed by a pocket door.

Wall sconces light the wide staircase to the lower level, which offers two more bedrooms, both with egress windows. This levels full bath has a tub and shower.

There is a third egress window in the long recreation room, where an upper daylight window faces decorative stone work in the back yard. At one end is a luxury-vinyl tile area for dining and/or a future kitchenette.

This lower level can easily convert to an in-law suite with washer/dryer hook-ups in place, said the owner.

Drywall and concrete stained floors give the storage room a semi-finished look. The elevator shaft area is now used as a walk-in storage closet.

Other features include two 50-gallon water heaters, a furnace humidifier, a whole-house generator, a safety room and exterior motion-detector lights.

Directions: Interstate 75 to exit 69, right on South County Road 25A, left on Monroe Concord Road, right on Merrimont Drive, right on Broken Woods Drive, left on Windmere Drive, right on Lincolnshire Drive, right on Windy Hill Court

Highlights: About 4,300 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, ranch with finished lower level, built 2015, open gathering area, 2 fireplaces, cherry cabinets, recreation room, sun room, porch, patio, sound system, attached 4-car garage, whole-house generator, elevator-ready

http://www.coldwellbankerishome.com

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Functionality and aesthetics - Dayton Daily News