Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Gravel is a great material to choose for your garden for all sorts of purposes. Choosing gravel for your garden is a cost-effective, natural solution, and it's low maintenance, so long as you lay it over a weed membrane. Create a rustic, relaxed scheme in your garden with gravel but first, learn how to choose gravel correctly.

Find more garden ideas in our ultimate gallery.

Slate from Nustone edges raised beds dressed with a gravel mulch

Gravel is a versatile material that can be used in both contemporary and traditional style gardens. So, whether you want to add touches of gravel around the edges of a patio, create a seaside style garden with expanses of gravelled bedding or use gravel to create a pathway, add it to your garden design shopping list.

Find out how to lay a gravel path in our guide.

But see it as just one hard landscaping element; garden designers tend to stick to a palette of three to four different materials, such as gravel, brick and oak, to avoid a garden design becoming too busy. This makes it easier to achieve design unity, and allows you to break up one expanse of material, such as paving or decking, with gravel edging, for example.

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Ideally, choose your garden gravel to accent or complement what is already present in the garden, especially the fabric of the house and the local natural stone.

Pea gravel in shades of earthy brown, honey, dark grey and deep brick red work well with most materials used in British architecture, especially period homes.

Contemporary glass-clad or wooden exteriors, tend to suit a subtler colour combination in white, pale grey and black.

If your garden gets a lot of shade you might want to choose a pale coloured gravel or paving that has natural light reflecting qualities to brighten your garden up.

Try to view the stone before you buy it; just remember it will look completely different when wet.

If you have several packs of the same gravel to lay, mix them up to enhance colour blending.

This Pavestone Old Black Sandstone is the perfect complement for traditional style pea gravel

For footpaths (and for designing a driveway, while we're at it), use a medium sized gravel that wont move around too much (or get stuck in tyres), but is still comfortable to walk on.

Use cobbles and larger stones or boulders to infill awkward shapes in garden borders, to highlight planting, to add interest in corners, to soften the edges of paved or decked areas and to define separate zones within the garden.

(Image credit: Clive Nichols)

Most gravel stones will cope with general garden use; harder stones, such as granite, cope better with heavy traffic important if your car will be driven on and off it.

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Loose gravel is the best gravel for country gardens, but suits contemporary gardens, too. Water-permeable, it is easy to DIY-lay, too, making it an affordable option. It's the best gravel for pathways, too. Unless your gravel is contained, however, it will wander, so raking stones back into place will become a regular maintenance job. You may also find that the gravel needs topping up every now and then. If your garden is on a slope or regularly experiences heavy snowfall, loose gravel will not be practical. How to keep gravel in place? Use a cellular grid over the weed membrane and lay the gravel directly over that.

Resin-bound gravel is more suited to contemporary gardens, especially urban courtyards. It's not dissimilar in looks to loose gravel but, with the particles totally set in resin, the finish is more streamlined, although still permeable. It comes in a range of colours and textures, and can be laid over new bases and some existing ones, such as asphalt and concrete; it's also suitable for slopes.

Self-binding gravel will work in both traditional and contemporary gardens. It works by knitting together once compacted to form a solid base and surface. This gravel looks more natural than resin-bound gravel, is permeable and can be used on slopes of less than one in 15.

Loose gravel costs around 30m; self-binding gravel costs from 55m; self-binding gravel can cost as little as 10m.

(Image credit: Beauxfort )

You will need to create a good solid foundation for gravel that's to be used as a pathway or seating area; check the levels carefully, too. Before you lay the gravel over soil in a flowerbed, simply level the soil, then apply a weed block fabric to stop perennial weeds taking hold.

You can also use a gravel grid, like the one above, to stop the gravel moving about. This is particularly useful in a driveway where the movement is that much more dramatic.

When using gravel and aggregates, always hose it down before use to clear any small sediment.

Original post:
How to choose the best gravel for your garden - Real Homes

Drivers will encounter traffic disruptions on the following state roads and projects Escambia and Santa Rosa counties as crews perform construction and maintenance activities.

In preparation for theIndependence Day holiday weekend,there will be no lane closures or other activities that impede traffic on state roads beginning at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 3, and ending 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 6.

Escambia County:

oIntermittent east and westbound lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.

oIntermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).

Santa Rosa County:

oIntermittent lane closures on U.S. 98 east and westbound, from North 14th Avenue in Pensacola to 2,000-feet east of the Pensacola Bay Bridge in Gulf Breeze.

oIntermittent lane closures on North 17th Avenue in Pensacola between U.S. 98 and the CSX Railroad overpass (Graffiti Bridge).

All activities are weather dependent and may be delayed or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

Pictured: New entrance and exit ramps recently opened at Nine Mile Road and Highway 29. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Written by William Reynolds Filed Under News

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These Are This Week's Road Construction Trouble Spots - NorthEscambia.com

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Summertime and its time for the lawns to turn brown, cars to get dirty and to water plants and flowers by hand.

And swimming pools? No water for them. Pools should have been filled in spring.

Ipswich water restrictions that limit such water use will be in force for the foreseeable future, said Town Manager Tony Marino.

I dont anticipate it [the water restrictions] will be lifted any time soon, Marino said via text.

The restrictions will continue despite recent showers and predicted rain for Friday, July 10.

Gov. Charlie Baker issued a drought declaration for the region in early July.

Vicki Halmen, water/wastewater director, didnt return phone calls or an email to expand on Marinos statement.

How much rain is needed to lift the restrictions, how much water the restrictions will save, how much water Ipswich needs to save and how much dry weather will force Ipswich to go to the next step, a water ban, remain unanswered questions.

Showers are hit or miss. We need a good 5 or 6 inches of rain to catch up, 2 to 3 inches just to keep from going backwards, Wayne Castonguay Ipswich River Watershed Association executive director, said in a recent article addressing low water flows in the Ipswich River.

Halmen posted a notice on the town website detailing the water use restrictions.

The water restrictions permit irrigating public parks and recreation fields between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. and irrigating lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants, by a hand-held hose also between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Water restrictions prohibit:

Lawn irrigation by any system other than hand held hose or bucket;

Washing vehicles except to meet core function of a business;

Washing the outside of buildings, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement;

Filling or refilling swimming pools.

We urge everyone to comply with the restrictions to ensure an adequate water supply through the summer. If these restrictions are not effective and rainfall is insufficient, a water ban prohibiting all outside water use will be imposed, Halmen wrote in the statement on the town web page.

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Ipswich water use restrictions likely to remain - News - Wicked Local Ipswich

The sun was out in Newport Beach, the skies clear on the eve of July 4 when Bruce Ogilvie plopped down in the sand. But something, he said, felt off.

A lifeguard had chased him out of his usual spot, which seemed puzzling at the time, but then Ogilvie saw the guard sprint into the water and save two girls caught in a rip tide. This wasnt the first rescue of the day, Ogilvie realized, and the guard needed the area cleared to run as fast as he could into the churning ocean.

In hindsight, he said, I shouldve realized: Hey, something bads going to happen.

By 6 p.m. that evening, huge waves were cresting over Balboa Pier and flooding through Balboa Peninsula, an idyllic oceanfront community in Orange County that has increasingly come face-to-face with sea level rise. This thin spit of land is all that stands between the ocean and the bay the first line of defense for the rest of the Newport Beach coast.

There wasnt a large enough sand berm in place to protect this sudden breach, and residents said there was little warning except for the full moon overhead creating extremely high tides, and an angry surf that kept getting bigger and bigger.

It was kind of a triple witching effect, said Ogilvie, who noted that because of the high tide, the peninsulas gate and valves were shut and unable to allow any drainage into the bay.

City officials were stunned by the oceans intensity. One lifeguard said he couldnt help but think of a tsunami big waves are not unusual for Newport Beach, known for epic surf spots such as the Wedge, but what surprised him Friday was how each wave did not break nor dissipate. Each wave seemed to build on top of the next one, moving one large wave farther and farther up the beach until it overtook and eroded the sand berm that had been standing in as protection.

It came in unexpectedly early and unexpectedly large. ... It hit right at high tide, said Mike Halphide, the Newport Beach Fire Departments chief lifeguard. His team that day rescued 100 people overall and prevented more than 2,500 other incidents by warning folks who were about to put themselves in danger.

John Pope, the citys public information officer, said extra crews and machines have been deployed to aggressively build a new, larger and taller sand barrier before the next high tide.

We expected high surf the forecast was about 5 to 7 feet, and as much as 20 feet at the Wedge, but it was just such an unusual confluence of ocean activity, he said.

The water pooled into the beach parking lot, submerging cars up to their wheels and covering the pavement with mud, trash and foam. More seawater rushed past the junior lifeguard training station, through the soccer field and onto Ogilvies street and his neighbors homes and driveways.

Cars and bikers tried to navigate out of the flood as pedestrians waded through calf-high water. Dramatic news helicopter video showed a 40-foot sailboat battered by angry surf and whitewash. Several people and a dog on board had been rescued shortly before the water smashed everything into pieces, according to KABC-TV.

One seasoned lifeguard had been transported to the hospital earlier after making back-to-back rescues, Halphide said. After the first rescue, the guard immediately went back out and had to take another person through the pier, where waves six to eight feet tall were pounding against the pillars.

By the time he got the victim to the shore, he was so exhausted and just about collapsed, Halphide said.

Seriously folks, please please please be careful around the water this weekend, Newport Beach Mayor Will ONeill wrote on Twitter, along with photos of the shattered sailboat washing ashore. We werent kidding when we said this weekend posed public safety concerns.

By Saturday morning, sand dozers greeted beachgoers and those who came to gawk at the scene. A number of cars were still stuck in the mud, and heavy machinery roared and beeped as crews scrambled to build a much bigger sand berm. The flooding had also dumped a large amount of trash and debris that officials said may take up to a week to clean up.

Tita Jaramilla, dressed head to toe in red, white and blue, jogged by with three friends and greeted folks with smiles and a spirited Happy Fourth! Every year, she and her friends celebrate the holiday somehow, and this year was no different.

With so much going on and large gatherings and events canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, she said, we thought wed have our own little parade this year.

On the morning of July 4, Tita Jaramillo runs on Balboa Pier dressed in red, white and blue.

(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

They had planned to run six miles, a Fourth of July 10k, but the flooding had forced them to reroute and run an additional six, almost seven miles. She was a little out of breath by mile 13, but said spending the morning this way meant a lot to her.

The way our society is, with everything so upside down, I think people have forgotten how much they love our country, she said. I havent. I come from a military family. My dad fought in Vietnam and he made sure we have the freedoms that we have now. Were not going to not celebrate today.

As for Ogilvie, he spent much of the Fourth of July searching for sandbags and moving mud and debris out of his yard and driveway. His house was spared from the water, he said, but his neighbors home across the street sits on lower ground and had about an inch of water inside.

He recalled waiting for the city to come help pump out the flood, as he and his neighbors stayed up late and tried to clean up the mess. The first pump they brought was not big enough, they had to get another pump, and then at some point they just rode it out, praying, hoping that the waves would stop coming and that the tide would go back down and they could open the drains back up so that water would drain to the ocean.

Ogilvie watched the cleanup and construction crews Saturday morning and hoped the bigger sand berm will be completed in time. High tide is expected to peak again at 6.5 feet at 9:06 p.m. Saturday and 6.3 feet at 9:47 p.m. Sunday.

They need to pile up sand and create a wall, a barrier, so when the waves crash, and they come in, the water cant breach over and go to the soccer field, he said. Once it crosses over and goes to the soccer field, were hosed.

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Huge waves hit Balboa Peninsula with July 4 weekend flooding - Los Angeles Times

TIGHTLY engineered metres of rectified paving and patio are not for everyone. Once resting on a stable base and levelled for safety, more romantic sylvan choices are both beautiful and, incidentally, more nature-friendly.

If you fancy some of the hard stuff, foot-paths in character flags, reclaimed brick and even cobbles setts are within the abilities of most gardeners. Luscious flags can be surrounded by less expensive materials. Leaving gaps between the chosen paving in soft but packed joints will aid draining. Concrete is not even completely necessary, but get familiar with a useful soft mix of sand and aggregate. Explore tutorials online to understand soft and hard bases and joint choices with a little give under pressure.

We cannot have wobbles or uneven ground. Small slippages and movements underfoot can sprain an ankle or pitch a walker into the cotoneaster. Cuddle the paving in to be self-supporting and use a rubber mallet to "thwack" in level annually. Brick laid on a crushed stone base finished in sand and bordered in wood sigh. Complement any existing stonework, favouring the tones of the quarried stone particular to your area. A colour in your garden lichens, its planting, a thread of icy quartz; look for a lead. Slop a little water on potential paving to see its look in the rain mid-tones can go positively black.

Brick paths can go straight down on a soft base, but should be laid to ensure no dangerous wobbles. Stone setts should be 50mm deep if you intend to drive on them. Picture: iStock

Brick houses are beautifully complemented by a little of the red stuff around beds, walls and BBQ areas. Try concrete paving stones mixed back through traditional brick for raised beds and paths; the colours sit up really well against greenery. Reclaimed, porous brick can be easily damaged and commons intended for walling, is suited to foot traffic only. Prices from 2 per reclaimed or new "rustic" brick, and at least 55 per square metre for limestone sets; choose 50mm depths if you ever expect to drive over them.

Cost-effective, attractive and with a firm foothold in a sharper stone, gravel drains superbly and can be refreshed every three to five years depending on foot traffic. The scrunch of gravel is a useful security measure and its especially good going for gripping the tyres of wheelchairs if not laid too deep. Prepare a good, stone or crushed concrete base in a larger size, compacting with a tamping machine or a lot of stamping flat in heavy boots to allow the sub-strata to lock together. Matching this, look for self-binding, angular gravel of 10mm or less, which will again lock into a stable surface, working down into gaps left in the supporting base. A layer of moisture-permeable fabric weed barrier -or two- lapped up on the edging will dissuade plants from coming up through your gravel.

About 10mm self-binding gravel is cheap and versatile, but will work its way into the ground eventually. Picture: Kilsaren

Inevitably, small weeds will find their way into your path in blown-in material, some carried in on any muck left on unwashed stones. Together with hand pulling, we have found rock salt a good alternative to chemical weed-killers for thuggish invaders. Gravel does shift and flow on inclines, and even on flat going should be well contained with upright boundaries and gravel mats where required a brilliant addition on driveways; prices from 8-10 for 25kg bags of washed slate, pebbles, quartz and flints, and far less if bought by the tonne (22 tonne-27 tonne small lorryloads). Unwashed stone of any kind can carry in Japanese Knotweed be wary. Mechanical spreading costs up to 50 per hour or part of an hour.

In a state of decay, mulch terrifies some gardeners, but its a warm, understated, fragrant, inviting pathway between raised beds and looks beautiful against grass or blousy beds. Play grade mulch blankets around 40 -80mm, are soft enough for children to take a tip on without injury or splinters. Strulch (straw mulch) has a golden, very fine appearance, popular in public gardens and parks, but a lesser life than wood of about 2 years. Any chipped wood will do, and mulch is easy to carry and pour out in bagged form, making it ideal for DIY installations and refreshing of around 2.5cm depth per year as it decomposes into the earth. 5cm deep mulch paths can be laid straight on the ground or by taking the topsoil out with a spade in sections to provide a trench, which is again filled with crushed stone or gravel, battered flat. If drainage is an issue in that area go for a sub-strata to hold and sip it away.

To create a pathway start by marking out the direction, shape and any bends with a length of hosepipe and some wooden dowelling. Add L shaped metal or plastic edging or brick if soft edges nip at your nerves. Mulch will ingest a lot of rain, and it is squelchy under boots in very wet weather. 50l bags of Bord na Mona mulch from 7 (Hanleys, Cork), 1 tonne/850l/750kg bag of mulch, 1.5m3, (delivered) from 120 nationwide quickcrop.ie. Strulch, mineralised wheat straw, 2.x 50l bags from 25, fruithillfarm.com

De-lawning might seem an extreme process, but in many gardens green, turf rivers between beds are the only sward that stays. Mown paths can form conjunctions between planting frothing with flowers or slice through the rich biodiversity of a meadow-style planting or a poetic orchard. The use of the mower puts a clean edge on an otherwise-casual landscaping (carefully curated more often than not).

A little tension between the kept and the apparently lovely but unkempt, works well. Green paths can be set with stepping stones or cut into swirls and Celtic strap-work in larger grassland. Try studding the boundary of your clipped grass going with trees or box hedging for added magic and consider allowing traditional flowering weeds a little room. Very cottage garden and lovely for a run with bare feet. The single caveat for grass between the toes is very heavy use (balding and puddling) not quaint.

If your lawn has unpleasant troughs from kids (or adults) springing up the same route or you want a way to circumnavigate a long bed or even loose gravel, step-stones could be just the thing. If youre putting them in the lawn, keep in mind we want them set fairly low so that the machine will skim over them without dinging the blades. You can use naturally occurring flat stone, or buy in flags or concrete pavers or wood rounds in round or angular forms, theres plenty of choice. Just ensure the surface has a non-slip key.

Pace out the area taking easy steps rather than reaching wildly out with your ankle. Laying stones just entails digging a hole about 2cm-3cm deeper than the shape and size of the stone and filling it with sharp sand. Push soil down around the edges with your gloved fingers and trowel after setting the stone and check those levels before riddling in some grass seed or setting in some small plants. For something unusual try winders crescent-shaped pre-formed concrete step stones that sit into each other to form a stacked style step-stone path, great for complex turns. Single natural stone step stones with tumbled edges from 17-20 at good DIY or garden suppliers. Concrete forms from 8 each.

Originally posted here:
Take the path less travelled to add interest to your garden - Irish Examiner

Astrophysicians have used AI to find 250 new stars within the Milky Method, which theyimagine had been born outdoors the galaxy.

Caltech researcher Lina Necibnamed the gathering Nyx, afterthe Greek goddess of the evening.She suspects the celebs are remnants of a dwarf galaxy that merged with the Milky Method many moons in the past.

To develop the AI, Necib and her group first tracked stars throughout a simulated galaxy created by the Feedback in Realistic Environments (FIRE) undertaking. They labeled the celebs as both born within the host galaxy, or fashioned by means of galaxy mergers. These labels had been used to coach a deep studying mannequin to identify the place a star was born.

They then utilized the mannequin to information collected by the Gaia satellite tv for pc, which was launched in 2013 to create an in depth 3D map of round 1 billion stars.

[Read:NASA enlists AI in the hunt for ET]

We requested the neural community, Primarily based on what youve discovered, are you able to label if the celebs had been accreted or not? said Necib.

The group first checked if the mannequin might spot identified options within the information, akin to the Gaia sausage,the remnants of a dwarf galaxy that smashed into the Milky Method billions of years in the past. The collision ripped the dwarf aside and scattered its stars into the form of a sausage.

Not solely did the AI detect the distinctive sausage form it additionally discovered the brand new cluster of 250stars.

Your first intuition is that youve a bug, Necib remembered. And also youre like, Oh no! So, I didnt inform any of my collaborators for 3 weeks. Then I began realizing its not a bug, its truly actual and its new.

After confirming that the gathering had by no means been found, Necib received to call it, essentially the most thrilling factor in astrophysics, she stated. Shenow plans to additional discover Nyx, and attempt to work out precisely the place the celebs had been born.

Revealed July eight, 2020 13:58 UTC

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How get notification reminders from the LED and flashlight on your Samsung Galaxy phone - Best gaming pro

Astrophysicians have used AI to find 250 new stars within the Milky Method, which theyimagine had been born outdoors the galaxy.

Caltech researcher Lina Necibnamed the gathering Nyx, afterthe Greek goddess of the evening.She suspects the celebs are remnants of a dwarf galaxy that merged with the Milky Method many moons in the past.

To develop the AI, Necib and her group first tracked stars throughout a simulated galaxy created by the Feedback in Realistic Environments (FIRE) undertaking. They labeled the celebs as both born within the host galaxy, or fashioned by means of galaxy mergers. These labels had been used to coach a deep studying mannequin to identify the place a star was born.

They then utilized the mannequin to information collected by the Gaia satellite tv for pc, which was launched in 2013 to create an in depth 3D map of round 1 billion stars.

[Read:NASA enlists AI in the hunt for ET]

We requested the neural community, Primarily based on what youve discovered, are you able to label if the celebs had been accreted or not? said Necib.

The group first checked if the mannequin might spot identified options within the information, akin to the Gaia sausage,the remnants of a dwarf galaxy that smashed into the Milky Method billions of years in the past. The collision ripped the dwarf aside and scattered its stars into the form of a sausage.

Not solely did the AI detect the distinctive sausage form it additionally discovered the brand new cluster of 250stars.

Your first intuition is that youve a bug, Necib remembered. And also youre like, Oh no! So, I didnt inform any of my collaborators for 3 weeks. Then I began realizing its not a bug, its truly actual and its new.

After confirming that the gathering had by no means been found, Necib received to call it, essentially the most thrilling factor in astrophysics, she stated. Shenow plans to additional discover Nyx, and attempt to work out precisely the place the celebs had been born.

Revealed July eight, 2020 13:58 UTC

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Top 10 Best Loaf Pan With Cover Breads 2020 - Best gaming pro

New commercial

OFFICE BUILDING: 117 E. Broussard Road, Lafayette; Asim Baloch, owner; Weiser Realty, applicant; Keith Bates Construction LLC, contractor; $241,000.

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APARTMENTS: 3600 E. Simcoe St., Lafayette; Riverside at Oakridge Apartments, owner; description, reroof; Abshire Roofing, applicant and contractor; $166,901.

GENERAL RETAIL: 600 Lamar St., Lafayette; Doralene Mary Heber Derenthal, owner; William Yeats, applicant; $0.

HOSPITAL: 4811 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, 401 Lafayette; Park Place Surgical Hospital, owner and applicant; description, neurology suite alteration; Carolyn Stansbury Interiors, contractor; $8,500.

HOSPITAL: 4811 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, 401A, Lafayette; Park Place Surgical Hospital, owner; description, pulmonary suite alteration, fourth floor; Pulmonary LPG Specialty Clinic, applicant; Carolyn Stansbury Interiors, contractor; $31,180.

STORAGE BUILDING: 2300 E. Main St., Broussard; Mike's Marine and ATV, $34,766

New houses

2725 Gendarme Road, Carencro; Manuel Builders; $193,500.

206 Gable Crest Drive, Lafayette; Manuel Builders; $229,500.

310 Stanwell Ave., Lafayette Parish; DSLD LLC; $171,000.

328 Woodrich Lane, Lafayette; Savoski Scott; $274,500.

117 Millie Park Drive, Lafayette; South Louisiana Custom Homes LLC; $193,500.

115 Millie Park Drive, Lafayette; South Louisiana Custom Homes LLC; $193,500.

113 Millie Park Drive, Lafayette; South Louisiana Custom Homes LLC; $193,500.

112 Millie Park Drive, Lafayette; South Louisiana Custom Homes LLC; $193,500.

113 Wild Cherry Lane, Lafayette; DSLD LLC; $319,500.

115 Wild Cherry Lane, Lafayette; DSLD LLC; $216,000.

125 Sparrowhawk St., Broussard; DSLD LLC; $220,500.

128 Sparrowhawk St., Broussard; DSLD LLC; $220,500.

409 Atmos Energy Drive, Lafayette; DSLD LLC; $225,000.

413 Starlight Drive, Lafayette; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $225,000.

411 Starlight Drive, Lafayette; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $207,000.

409 Starlight Drive, Lafayette; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $243,000.

403 Starlight Drive, Lafayette; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $216,000.

402 Begnaud Drive, Lafayette; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $247,500.

421 Starlight Drive, Lafayette; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $171,000.

419 Starlight Drive, Lafayette; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $225,000.

415 Starlight Drive, Lafayette; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $306,000.

416 Starlight Drive, Lafayette; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $216,000.

418 Starlight Drive, Lafayette; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $225,000.

420 Starlight Drive, Lafayette; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $270,000.

109 Woodhollow Drive, Lafayette; Shivers Brothers Construction; $256,500.

201 Woodhollow Drive, Lafayette; Shivers Brothers Construction; $283,500.

401 Norman Drive, Lafayette; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $198,000.

101 New Trails Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $301,500.

109 New Trails Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $310,500.

229 Hapsburg Lane, Lafayette; Manuel Builders; $189,000.

105 New Trails Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $270,000.

107 New Trails Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $270,000.

201 New Trails Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $342,000.

119 Deer Lake Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $252,000.

117 Deer Lake Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $270,000.

115 Deer Lake Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $211,500.

113 Deer Lake Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $279,000.

111 Deer Lake Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $234,000.

107 Deer Lake Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $310,500.

105 Deer Lake Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $342,000.

103 Deer Lake Lane, Youngsville; D R Horton Inc. Gulf Coast; $301,500.

902 North Larrivere, Broussard; AM Design Inc.; $246,450.

302 Habitat Ridge, Broussard; Acadiana Dream Homes LLC; $258,162.

625 Easy Rock Landing, Broussard; Hart Homes LLC; $227,479.

104 Snapping Lane, Broussard; E.J. Rock Construction; $316,145.

The Lafayette Police and Fire departments are conducting random checks of area businesses for compliance with coronavirus safety guidelines.

Blue Dog Caf has closed its doors after 20 years of serving Cajun plates in a restaurant that showcased the artwork of George Rodrigue.

Kara Castille is co-owner of Thee Heavenly Donut, which as two locations in Baton Rouge and will soon open a location in Henderson near the Ca

Fenstermaker has promoted Hannah Link to human resource manager.

Judge Jules Edwards, who has served in the 15th Judicial District Court for 27 years and is a candidate for Lafayette City Court judge in Nove

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Who's building where in Acadiana? Here are the building permits issued June 22-26 - The Advocate

With 44 years of experience representing the Gulf Coast's finest and most distinct properties, we are pleased to introduce these stunning properties and homes for sale.

Artfully designed gardens and grounds

6 beds | 6 baths | 7,799 sq. ft.

Breathtaking Gasparilla Sound views showcase this spectacular Mediterranean estate, poised atop 2 acres. A meandering pebble drive through swaying palms and sparkling ponds leads to the impressive courtyard with tiled fountain. Exquisite interiors feature terracotta tile floors, exposed beams, and rustic arched wooden doors while expansive living areas on every level offer many places for family and friends to gather or relax and take in the stunning water views. 4090 Loomis Ave

The style pure Palm Beach

4 beds | 4 baths | 7,003 sq. ft.

Located on sun-soaked Siesta Key, this waterfront estate pays homage to artistry and craftsmanship. Exquisitely constructed and poised on the protected deep boating waters of Cocoanut Bayou, the appealing layout features imported finishes from Europe, including exotic woods, hand-carved travertine, and antique lighting from the great estates of Palm Beach. French doors open to an alluring loggia that overlooks the water and open-air swimming pool and private dock. 4205 Higel Ave

Gulf-front majesty

4 beds | 4 baths | 4,574 sq. ft.

Nothing stands between you and your view at Siestas Keys newest boutique luxury offering, Oceane. Walls of glass, immense living spaces, and the latest in modern design highlight one of the best views on the island. More than 700 sq. ft. of terrace along more than 70 feet of Gulf of Mexico frontage sets the stage for stunning sunsets accented by the distant twinkle of downtown Sarasota. 4750 Ocean Blvd #101

17th Century-style Tuscan farmhouse

3 beds | 3 baths | 5,099sq. ft.

Lavishly embellished with Old-World authenticity, this custom home built by John Cannon blends craftsmanship with panoramic water views.No detail has been overlooked. Walls have been finished to look like aged plaster; terra cotta floors with hand-made tiles have been acid-washed and stained to look like theyve seen centuries of wear; popular frescoes; and ceiling beams were hand-selected. 315 S Shore Dr

For more information about these properties and to view more Manatee, Charlotte, and Sarasota homes for sale, visit michaelsaunders.com.

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This installment's timing? Not great! As an eviction/foreclosure crisis looms and human suffering soars to historic levels across the globe due to COVID-19, showcasing the 1 percent's status-flexing lodging choices feels particularly weird.

But the luxury housing market is immune to thetravails of thehoi polloi, chugging right along with eye-popping square footages and asking prices. It has been something of a transition year according to Ross Melby, our trusted Realtor source on the wheelings and dealings of mega-dollar Twin Cities properties.

"Its safe to say 2020 has thrown us for a loop or several," theLakes Sotheby's agent tells us. "The last few years felt like a gold rush, referring to the legendary sales on Lake Minnetonka where we saw unbelievable price tags and land assemblies to drool over... I will go out on a limb and say tone has changed."

That rush cycle has slowed, Melby says, with high-end homes sitting on the market longer but still fetching record prices.... eventually. Buyers are looking for long-term investments, he says, noting an uptick in renovations instead of new constructions. In the age of Coronavirus, clients are seeking convertible spaces like garages with finished office or den spaces up top for holding work-from-home Zoom calls, Melby adds.

"I dont expect any sharp spikes or declines in our market," he says. "We're experiencing a more 'normal' market in the luxury sector."

So far in 2020, 27 metro homes have been sold at the $2 million-plus tier. Those estates, on average, sat on the market for just under a year and closed for $2.8 million. What do the 10 most expensive look like? You might just say, a little something like this...

10. 6000 Fox Meadow Ln., Edina

Specs: 8 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, 13,326 square feet, 3-stall garage, build in 1920Original asking price: $6.2 million (Feb. 27, 2017)Sale price: $2.8 million (June 1)Days on market: 200Listing pitch: "Grand Edina Lake Estate. Private 4.5 acres with over 375 ft of lakeshore. From the marble flooring to the crystal chandeliers, this home showcases immaculate details throughout! Chef's kitchen with sub-zero fridge, Thermador stove & double oven, granite counters & more. 6 spacious bedrooms on upper level including owner's suite with luxurious owner's bath - spa tub, dual sink & marble vanity. Over 12K finished sq. footage including indoor pool, conservatory, greenhouse & separate guest quarters."

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9. 8 Park Ln., Minneapolis

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 5,950 square feet, 4-stall garage, built in 2002Original asking price: $3.3 million (Feb. 4, 2019)Sale price: $2.82 million (June 12)Days on market: 494Listing pitch: "An exemplary Minneapolis Lakes waterfront home in the style of acclaimed architect Robert A.M. Stern - where every detail is masterfully planned and superbly executed. A luxe calming material palette, warm marbles and stones, rich wood tones, spa bathrooms, exquisite kitchen, two owner's suites with dramatic volume, one-of-a-kind cascading stairwell, unique architectural details, hand-crafted moldings and custom built-ins and creative skylight accents. Designer landscaping includes extensive dry-stacked bluestone walls. Set on one of the most picturesque park-like city lots with sweeping water and nature vistas - and all-things water at your fingertips."

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8. 275 Lake St. E #302, Wayzata

Specs: 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3,125 square feet, 2-stall garage, built in 2019Original asking price: $2.8 million (April 2, 2019)Sale price: $2.97 million (April 27)Days on market: 391Listing pitch: "Contemporary, forward thinking design sets this exciting new condominium community apart! Concrete construction w/steel stud framing for state of the art bldg. Generous room sizes and open design gives you the ultimate reason to check out Wayzata's newest condo development. Experience the Wayzata lifestyle. Enjoy the ease of walking to restaurants, shops, beach. Selling fast!"

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7. 259 E Lake St. #204, Wayzata

Specs: 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2,550 square feet, 2-stall garage, built in 2017Original asking price: $1.4 million (July 1, 2016)Sale price: $2.97 (Jan. 30)Days on market: 801 daysListing pitch:"Wow! Views of Wayzata bay! This corner unit luxury condominium features a huge terrace and pocketing patio doors providing the ultimate indoor/outdoor living. Site is on the corner of Barry Ave and Lake Street across the street from the Boatworks and walkable to all downtown Wayzata has to offer."

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6. 2760 Woolsey Ln., Woodland

Specs: 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 7,373 square feet, 4-stall garage, built in 1941Original asking price: $3.2 million (Jan. 9)Sale price: $2.97 (May 8)Days on market: 120Listing pitch: "Spectacular Lake Minnetonka Estate on 3.61 acres inWoodland with 238 feet of frontage on picturesque Woolsey Pond. A long private tree-lined driveway leads down to the traditional brick and shake home. The gently sloping yard provides easy access to the permanent dock with 3 boat slips, and the yard is large enough for any activities, including a hockey rink. With over $3.5 million in recent renovations by Kyle Hunt Partners and Streeter & Associates, this home is move-in ready. Older touches like a wood-burning fireplace are preserved, while state of the art mechanical and technological systems provide modern convenience. The open floor-plan is focused on casual lake living and views of the yard and lake. There are 5 bedrooms on the upper level, with two master suites. Exceptional millwork and quality is evident throughout, and the home is warm and filled with natural light. Exceptional storage, including a walkup attic plus a garage accessed from the lake side for lake gear and toys."

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5. 990 E Shady Ln., Wayzata

Specs: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 3,249 square feet, 2-stall garage, built in 1982Original asking price: $3.5 million (Dec. 9, 2019)Sale price: $3.2 million (Feb. 17)Days on market: 71Listing pitch: "Nature paints a different view every day from the ceiling to floor windows of this modern styled home. Located along the shores of Wayzata Bay, just minutes from the Wayzata Yacht Club and a short walk to the historic downtown village area. Featuring a great room with wood-burning fireplace, cathedral ceiling and main floor master suite with fireplace. The expansive lakeside deck wraps the home, providing fantastic space for entertaining. A lower level walkout features a den and two bedrooms with a tuck under, heated garage. Perfect for your custom updates or a creative new rebuild!"

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4. 2427 E. Lake Of the Isles Pkwy., Minneapolis

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, 8,474 square feet, 6-car garage, built in 1911Original asking price: $6 million (Dec. 29, 2017)Sale price: $4 million (March 9)Days on market: 801Listing pitch: "Designed by famed architect Frederick Soper, this signature Spanish Revival is one of the most legendary homes of the Twin Cities. Perched on a sprawling corner lot overlooking Lake Of The Isles, multi-tiered terraces wrap the home and offer sweeping lakeside views. Inside, a gallery of signature rooms--including a large owner's suite w/two spa baths, a world-class kitchen, theater rm, elevator, and unique solarium--dazzle with custom details, deluxe finishes, and high-end modern conveniences."

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3. 6472 Smithtown Rd., Victoria

Specs: 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 9,298 square feet, 4-stall garage, built in 2007Original asking price: $4.7 million (May 23)Sale price: $4.52 million (May 29)Days on market:7Listing pitch:"Once in a lifetime opportunity to own the best and most compelling home on 160 ft of west facing Smithtown Bay. Surrounded by water views on both sides, never miss the incredible lake sunsets or morning sunrises that will continually amaze you. This Custom built home has every feature in mind by Stonewood Builders and design by Kathy Alexander. The new gourmet kitchen is spacious, light and bright. The meticulously thought-out floor plan, coffer ceilings and wood trim detail can only be found in the most elite custom homes. Luxurious master suite with panoramic views of the lake. Master walk in closet that will fit every need plus more. Enjoy lake lifestyle from the picturesque screened porch with cozy fireplace. Lower level walk out is just steps from the lake with the best elevation. The house is even outfitted with an Irish pub, wine/tasting room, exercise room and a game room/sport court to be enjoyed by all. Over-sized 4 car garage with heated floors make this a collectors dream."

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2. 3125 Fox St., Orono

Specs: 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, 7,959 square feet, 7-stall garage, built in 1952Original asking price: $6 million (June 20, 2019)Sale price: $5 million (Feb. 28)Days on market: 253Listing pitch:"Only once in a blue moon does a landmark property, forever situated on 8 private acres overlooking nearly 340 feet of Maxwell Bay on Lower Lake Minnetonka, find its way to the real estate market. Welcome to 3125 Fox Street. Perfectly built in 1952 and meticulously brought into today's design and expected standards, flows this south facing home with main floor master, dining, living room, family room and screened-in sleeping porch along with all second floor bedrooms taking in serene pictorial views of the water."

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1. 430 Ferndale Rd. W., Wayzata

Specs: 6 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, 18,649 square feet, 6-stall garage, built in 2003Original asking price: $9.45 million (March 13, 2017)Sale price: $5.5 million (May 29)Days on market: 756Listing pitch: "Hidden Ferndale A+ Lakeshore Estate! A ready to move in custom home within walking distance to downtown Wayzata. This luxury home has every amenity including indoor and outdoor pools, home theater, golf simulator, grand main floor master suite, and the finest finishes. Includes a 1bd/1ba apartment with full amenities including living room, kitchen, laundry, and walk in closet. 2 garages boast a 6-car capacity! Located on 2.61 private acres of prime lakeshore, with 180 feet of commanding southerly views of the main lake."

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(All photos courtesy of property listings)

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The 10 most expensive Twin Cities homes sold in 2020 (so far) - City Pages