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Kris Kringle The Musical has announced the full cast for its upstate New York production in Schenectady next month featuring celebrity narrator Eve Plumb. Kris Kringle The Musical is created by Maria Ciampi (original story, book and additional lyrics), Tim Janis (music, lyrics and original orchestrations), Angelo Natalie (music and lyrics), and Frank Galgano and Matt Castle (orchestrations). The Schenectady production is directed by Frank Galgano and choreographed by Jaimie Selke, with Matt Castle serving as music director. Kris Kringle The Musical will be performed December 14-15 at Proctors (432 State Street) in Schenectady, NY; Proctors.org.

In addition to Eve Plumb ("The Brady Bunch") as Aunty Sugarplum, the show will feature a standout cast of Broadway regulars and industry veterans, including Ashley Chiu (Off-Broadway's KPOP) as Garland Pie, Vivienne Cleary (Off Bway's Once Upon a Mattress) as Ms. Horn, Ron DeStefano (Lincoln Center) as Sky Banner, Elizabeth Ward Land (Broadway's Memphis) as Grandma Kringle, Aveena Sawyer (National Tour of Something Rotten!) as Tinselle Splade, Kyle Sherman (Off-Broadway's Ordinary Days) as Kris Kringle, Christopher Shyer (Broadway's Mamma Mia) as Roy G. Reedy, Jason Simon (Lincoln Center's Show Boat) as Santa Claus, Gerianne Prez (Broadway's In Transit) as Evelyn Nol, Nick Varricchino (Atlantis Theatrical's Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) as Elmer Elf, and Rema Webb (Broadway's The Color Purple, The Lion King) as Mrs. Claus.

The ensemble features Quentin Avery Brown, Marjorie Failoni (Broadway's Escape to Margaritaville), Melissa Jones (Beauty and the Beast National Tour), and Jose Luaces (Broadway's A Christmas Story).

In addition, Kris Kringle The Musical will boast an all-star creative team, including puppetry by Rick Lyon, who created puppets for the Tony Award winning "Best Musical" Avenue Q; lighting design by Tony Award-winner Jeff Croiter; sound design by Emmy Award-winner Matt Kraus; and projections by Drama Desk nominee John Narun.

Kris Kringle The Musical is a brand-new, wholly original Christmas musical for the whole family that reveals the untold story of Kris Kringle. Discover what happens when an evil toy company CEO crosses paths with a young, jobless toymaker whose family name carries a curse with the power to destroy Christmas. From the top of the world in the North Pole, Kris Kringle teams up with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the beautiful Evelyn Nol, a band of hilarious Apprentices and Elves, and magical Toys to remind us what Christmas is really all about - love, hope, and finding a family in the most unlikely of places.

Kris Kringle The Musical has a magnificent score and memorable songs (including "Unwrap the Christmas Magic," "Beautiful," "My North Star," "Something Wonderful in You" and "Green Suede Shoes"), destined to become holiday classics. In February 2018, a Studio Cast Recording was released, starring Andrew Keenan-Bolger (Newsies) and Nikki Rene Daniels (Porgy and Bess; The Book of Mormon), with Janine La Manna (Seussical), Kim Crosby (Into the Woods) and Mary Stout (Beauty and the Beast).

Kris Kringle The Musical made its New York City debut at The Town Hall in November 2017, and was originally narrated by Tony Award nominee, Cathy Rigby.

Eve Plumb started her acting career at age 6, performing in many commercials en route to epic stardom in the 1970s. She is most known for television roles including recent appearances on Crashing, Blue Bloods, The Path, Grease Live, Army Wives and, of course, as the iconic middle sister, Jan Brady, on The Brady Bunch. Plumb has also had key roles in TV movies such as Dawn: Portrait of A Teenage Runaway and Little Women.

Also an accomplished painter, Plumb's stage credits include off-Broadway appearances in Nora and Delia Ephron's Love, Loss, And What I Wore, Unbroken Circle and Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating & Marriage as well as regional theatre work throughout the United States. Recent film appearances include Blue Ruin (Winner Cannes Directors' Fortnight, Sundance Spotlight Festival, Independent Spirit nominee) and Monsoon. TV audiences saw a new side of Plumb - who studied improv comedy at The Groundlings School in Los Angeles - when she shared her love for home renovation and restoration on A Very Brady Renovation on HGTV.

Keenan-Bolger called Kris Kringle The Musical "[a] holiday musical for a new generation-a gorgeous score paired with a heartwarming tale of family and forgiveness." During the 2019 holiday season at Proctors, Kris Kringle will further attest that it is indeed a holiday treat for a new generation by the use, for the first time, of enchanting projections to heighten the storytelling experience.

Tickets for Kris Kringle The Musical range from $20-$60 for Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and Sunday, December 15 at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available at the Box Office at Proctors, 432 State Street, Schenectady; by phone at (518) 346-6204; and online at proctors.org.

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Eve Plumb to Star in KRIS KRINGLE THE MUSICAL at Proctors Theater - Broadway World

It started with a couple of spots on the ceiling.

Just dirt, they thought, dust collecting near a couple of air ducts on the ceiling of the sanctuary.

But it proved more insidious than that: mold, black mold the visible sign of a disease that had invisibly infected the historic Greene Memorial United Methodist Church for years. The 130-year-old Roanoke church was slowly rotting.

By the time all of the problems were identified and solutions planned, the price tag for treatment reached $1.3 million a dangerous amount for a small congregation, but one the church decided was worth it.

The problems are just about all cleared up now. The sanctuary is spot-free and gleaming under new LED lights.

On Sunday, congregants will return to their old wood pews beneath soaring vaulted ceilings for the first time in a year. Services had been held in the church social hall and even in a large lobby in the meantime.

But the cost of saving the church has strained Greene Memorials coffers. Church leaders decided that preserving the historic building was important in itself, but also crucial to maintaining the congregations mission work, much of which focuses on downtown issues and organizations.

I think were on the edge financially, said Debbie Brown, director of programs and outreach ministries for Greene Memorial.

The church dipped into its endowment to pay the growing bill for the repairs. That means its on the brink of being unable to maintain support for all of its mission programs.

We know that in order to do any more repairs, that is definitely going to cut into anything we can do for the community, Brown said.

So theyve launched a Go Fund Me campaign that aims to raise $300,000.

The hope is that the community the church serves will help revive it financially.

It kind of escalated

Once a closer look revealed in October 2018 that the spots on the sanctuary ceiling were mold, the bad news kept coming.

The more they looked, the worse it got, Brown said.

Mold experts found the stuff not just in the sanctuary but all over the building.

Cracking and peeling wallpaper in the sanctuary indicated water was coming in. Water damage was found in the churchs educational wing.

Experts took two passes to identify and remove all the mold, Brown said. Then it was time to address the root causes.

Death by a thousand cuts, restoration contractor Colin Waters said. His company, Huntly-based Waters Craftsman, which works almost exclusively on historic churches, was brought in to assess the problems.

They were many, and typical.

Over the sanctuary, for example, a previous contractor had installed new modern guttering over the top of the original built-in gutters. It leaked and destroyed the wood structure beneath.

You get some guys who mean well but a lot of those times those modern techniques dont really mesh with a historic building, Waters said. You need a real craftsman to do that metal work. Otherwise youre just doing more harm than good.

Roof flashing was beyond its useful life all over the slate roof, and over the educational wing, faulty original construction and multiple past repairs allowed water to infiltrate the churchs exterior walls. That meant disassembling the walls to put in a functioning barrier to keep water out in the future. Subcontractor Blue Ridge Restoration of Lexington is handling the roof repairs.

Greene Memorials problems are a familiar story for Waters: Theyre common to historic churches.

Unfortunately, a lot of these churches are up against a pretty steep maintenance curve, he said. Youve got a building thats a real monster to maintain, and if you let it get away from you, you can really lose your butt.

Brown said church leaders were glad to identify the problems.

However, that came with a price tag, she said, and it kind of escalated.

As the list of problems grew, the churchs governing council and building trustees were faced with a decision: Should they spend the money to fix the building, or move?

Brown said church leaders had set a cost they could tolerate for the building repairs. But then the actual costs blew right past that limit by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Church leaders asked themselves what the corner of Second Street and Church Avenue would be like without the church.

No one liked the answers they envisioned. Leaving downtown never got much consideration, Brown said.

The thinking went well beyond the building itself and landed on how strongly the churchs downtown location was connected to its mission.

Greene Memorials outreach programs often focus on issues connected to the citys center, such as homelessness, and it partners with other nonprofits nearby. The church renovated the buildings educational wing about 10 years ago to enhance those partnerships.

Dozens of organizations use the church for meetings, and some city staff who serve the homeless have their offices there.

The citys annual point-in-time count of the homeless population is headquartered at the church.

Theyve kind of been the hub of a lot of the social change and a lot of the dynamics that have taken place in downtown, said Vice Mayor Joe Cobb. Theyre very mission-minded, and to me the mission is not other places its really focused in the heart of downtown.

Greene Memorial was a founding member of Congregations in Action, a group of churches that stepped in to support Highland Park Elementary School when it had no PTA.

The churches provide snacks and meals for students in poverty, hold clothing and school supply drives, and host the schools annual Fun Day, Principal Mark Crummy said.

That relationship happened because the school is so near downtown.

Theyre all great churches, Crummy said of the CIA members, but Greene has really been the touchstone for us.

The church was a charter member of Family Promise of the Greater Roanoke Valley, through which congregations use church facilities to provide housing and meals for homeless families, while the organization helps them find jobs and permanent housing.

Marie Muddiman, executive director of Family Promise, noted that the church also hosts the annual memorial service for the homeless people who died during the year.

And congregants knit hats and scarves that they leave in bags on the fence around the church for those in need.

If youre cold and walking by, theres a hat for you. Thats a small ministry but an important one, Muddiman said.

And then there are the bells that toll the hour, which can be heard across a large swath of downtown.

Who doesnt recognize the chimes? Cobb asked. They may not know where they come from, but they come from Greene Memorial.

The thought of not having Greene Memorial in downtown Roanoke is devastating, said Laura Stockstill, a second-generation member there.

She was married in the church and her three children were baptized there. One son, John, built the platform where musicians set up during services as his Eagle Scout project. She remains friends with people she met in church youth group decades ago.

But the congregation, like many older churches, is shrinking and aging. Its collection plate is not deep.

Members gave generously for the educational wing renovation just a decade ago. Many dont have the wherewithal to give so much again.

The hope is that the larger community will fill the gap.

Its a historical building and it means a lot to not only members of our congregation but so many people in the community, Brown said.

While the fundraising campaign continues, so does the work on the roof. Other jobs, such as repairs to the steeple, will be left undone for the near future.

But at least the congregation will return to its grand sanctuary on Sunday.

Since the mold was discovered, services were held in the basement social hall. A few weeks ago, an exterior drainage problem forced another move into the welcome center a large lobby.

Congregants have tired of the makeshift settings.

Its hard when somebody comes, who is a visitor, Stockstill said. You want to say, this is not what we normally do.

But, she said, holding a single Sunday morning service instead of two and cramming the congregation into smaller spaces has brought members closer.

Still, getting back to their old Sunday morning digs is much anticipated. Last week, musical equipment was moved back in, and hymnals and Bibles were returned to pews.

After the Sunday services, members will decorate for Advent.

Last week, Brown grinned at the thought of members finding their old pews Sunday morning.

I think everybodys going to be blown away when they go in.

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After a year of prayers and repairs, downtown Roanoke church returns home - Roanoke Times

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U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, applauded the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which announced Thursday the award of a total of $3,584,865 in grants funded distributed via the GLRI, or Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, on efforts to address issues facing the Great Lakes region, including several focused on Lake Erie specifically.(Photo: Jon Stinchcomb/News Herald)

WASHINGTON - Both state and local officials are lauding the more than $3.3 million in grants recently announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

On Thursday, the EPA announced the award of a total of $3,584,865 in grants distributed via the GLRI, or Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, for efforts to address issues facing the Great Lakes region, including several focused on Lake Erie specifically

According to a news release from Sen. Sherrod Brown, the awards this year include:

$285,000 to Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to improve wetland function in a coastal marsh and the Moxley Wetland Area on Lake Eries Sandusky Bay.

$374,865 to Ohio EPA and Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC) to stabilize 1,950 feet of streambank on the West Branch of Euclid Creek using native plants and to enhance 10.7 acres of existing forest through invasive species treatment.

$1 million to Ohio EPA and OLEC to reduce approximately 515 to 715 pounds of phosphorus runoff per year and to protect and restore streams and wetlands by working with farmers.

$1.125 million to Ohio EPA to develop and implement lakewide action management plans for Lake Erie and remedial action plans for Lake Erie AOCs.

$800,000 grant to Northeast Ohio Four County Regional Planning and Development Organization (NEFCO) to remove the canal diversion dam and the resulting impoundment from the Cuyahoga River.

The GLRI received a total of $2.56 billion in fundingfrom its initial year in 2010 to 2017.As of March 2019, that had led to the funding of 4,858 projects throughout the region, including more than 200 projects in Ohio. Most of those projects are related to Lake Erie.

Lake Erie provides drinking water for 11 million people, Brown said. We must do all we can to keep it healthy for them, and for the businesses, families, boaters and anglers that rely on the lake.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown said the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative needs to kept operating at full strength.(Photo: Jon Stinchcomb/News Herald)

Brown said that is done by keeping the GLRI operating at full strength.

The GLRI has continued to receive bipartisan support in Congress, despite several budget proposals from President Donald Trump that would have cut its funding significantly.

Historically, the U.S. Congress approved $300 million each fiscal year for the GLRI. Trumps proposals would cut that funding by 90%, reducing it to $30 million, which effectively would gut the program, according to lawmakers.

Both Brown and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, have supported the full funding of the program, as have several members of the U.S. House of Representatives from the Great Lakes region, such as U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, and U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green.

The GLRI makes possible key federal investments to improve the health of our beloved Great Lakes, Kaptur said following the latest GLRI bills passage by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in September.

More: Proposed Great Lakes funding cuts called 'cruel' and 'unacceptable'

The version passed by the committee actually proposes increasing the federal funding of the GLRI from $300 million to $475 million annually through 2026.

As a critical economic and environmental resource to our region on which millions of Americans depend for everything from drinking water and recreation to fishing and shipping goods, the Great Lakes need our full attention, Kaptur said.

Citing the various series issues facing Lake Erie, such as harmful algal blooms and invasive species such as Asian carp, Kaptur applauded the bipartisan support the new bill has received.

The recent awards announced Thursday, which include several projects that are close to home, have also received vocal support from state lawmakers.

All of these grants will make such a positive impact not only for Lake Erie itself, but for all of the individuals and communities surrounding it, including Sandusky Bay, said state Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, whose district includes Erie and Ottawa counties.

jstinchcom@gannett.com

419-680-4897

Twitter: @JonDBN

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Great Lakes Restoration Initiative awards $3.5 million in grants - Port Clinton News Herald

Seedstars has announced Ethiopias Zafree Papers, South Africas GreenFingers Mobile and Ivory Coastss Lono as the finalists of its DOEN Land Restoration Prize.

The Swiss investor and emerging market startup organisation launched the prize in August in co-operation with the DOEN Foundation (Stichting DOEN) to find and award the best innovative solutions in the land restoration and land degradation space.

The two organisations said in a joint statement earlier today that over 220 applications were made for the prize.

The DOEN Land Restoration Prize winner will be awarded a $10 000 grant

Addis Ababa based Zafree Papers manufactures a 100% tree-free unbleached paper pulp and paper products using agro-waste. Every year, the company saves more than half a million trees from being cut as well as 30 000 tons of crop-residue from being set on fire.

Cape Town based GreenFingers Mobile is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology platform that enables organisations working with smallholder farmers to meet the criteria of food corporations and provide a transparent value chain.

In partnership with reforestation projects, the startup enables the tracking and monitoring of the disbursement and planting of trees by small holder farmers to counter the depletion of forests that small scale farming causes.

Abidjan-based Lono improve soil fertility through the development of an affordable, solar-powered composting box for smallholder farmers.

The three startups will be awarded a nine-month access to the Seedstars Investment Readiness Programme.

The hybrid programme challenges traditional acceleration models by allowing entrepreneurs to create their own personalised curriculum with online and on-site sessions, creating a unique mix to improve startups performance and get them ready to secure investment.

The DOEN Land Restoration Prize winner will be announced on 5 December at The Fox Junction during the Seedstars Africa Summit that will be held in Johannesburg between 3 and 5 December where they will take home a $10 000 grant.

Featured image: GreenFingers Mobile CEO Natalie Miller (GreenFingers Mobile via Facebook)

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Seedstars announces finalists of the DOEN Land Restoration Prize - Ventureburn

On one of the most attractive streets in the market town of Brecon stands this handsome Grade II listed house.

Predominantly a Georgian property boasting large, symmetrical windows and tall, diamond chimneys, the house has made a valuable contribution to the town, having been used as a school or convent for most of its life since the 1940s.

According to the Cadw website, the former stable blocks and accommodation that joins the main Georgian house and is now used as the chapel is thought to date back to at least the year 1619.

A fireplace lintel from this area of the property can be found in the Brecknock Museum saying 'Harvard Arms' as well as the date. So maybe this convent used to be a coaching inn.

More recently, this property in Powys has been a 14-bedroom convent called Harvard House. Inside, as you might expect, the decor is simple and practical and thankfully an abundance of original features remain.

Many rooms still boast wood wall panelling, ceiling beams, original flooring, windows and coving that have been well maintained.

These surviving features would be the cornerstone of a period restoration of the property by a new owner either into a large family home or apartments, subject to achieving planning permission and bearing in mind that the house is listed.

The Cadw listing for the property dates back to 1952 and includes the main house, featuring the forecourt wall, railings and gate, plus the former stable blocks to the east and west of the house.

Regarding the internal decor, the listing describes the house as having 'exceptional 18th century interiors and these include panelled dado, shutters, fireplace with lugged architrave and pediment and an iron grate with Gothic detailing".

The hallway sets the 'old world' atmosphere for the whole building, with a grand oak and mahogany staircase at the centre, flanked by Doric pillars, and original tile flooring and coving adding to the period charm.

The classic arched fan window above the front door and the large and solid internal doors are a joy to see still in place, looking as exactly as they did more than 100 years ago.

The original floorboards and large sash windows are the backdrop for the every day life of the convent, with rooms dedicated to studying, reading and meeting.

There's a school room, classroom, library, dining room and, of course, a chapel.

The chapel is actually located adjacent to the main Georgian house within the two-storey former stable buildings and features a stained glass window dated around the 1960s constructed by the monks of Prinknash Abbey near Gloucester.

Being a typical Georgian property, there is a basement area where the original kitchen and servants' working quarters would have been but in this present time this lower floor offers even more space for whoever buys this unique home.

And a house with history and links to an Inn, education and religion in its past has surely got to come with a quirky secret that gets the local rumours going, and Harvard House is no exception.

According to the website coflein, the house is rumored to have a secret and hidden passageway running below the rear garden.

But as the garden is completely covered in concrete, you're going to need a very big digger to discover it.

Take a look at this secret tunnel in Swansea

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The kitchen is basic and functional but very spacious.

A new owner, should they decide to restore the house to a single family home, could definitely make this room the heart of the home with some creative interior design skills and a sledgehammer to the units.

There's room for a statement island unit and a dining table for family meals.

The TV room, in particular, is a Georgian gem just waiting to be polished.

Wall panels, coving and a fireplace hiding behind a sideboard are just a few of the noticeable features in this space.

Under the carpet there may well be more beautiful, original Georgian wood flooring.

One room that probably needs little updating or restoring to return it to its former glory is the sitting room.

Clearly the 'posh' parlour where in the past visitors would be entertained, the room is dominated by the period fireplace and large window.

The floors, coving and dado rail are all looking lovely and the choice of wallpaper creates a light and calming period atmosphere.

Also on the ground floor are a number of practical rooms that a convent or school requires including a large laundry room, office, numerous storage cupboards, a pantry and an appropriate number of cloakroom facilities.

Up to the first floor of the main area of the house and there are 12 bedrooms to discover and four full bath or shower rooms, as well as additional toilets.

A new owner could easily combine a number of these bedrooms to create some exceptionally spacious bedrooms, with much of the plumbing in place for some ensuites too.

On this level there is also a large classroom that spans over nine metres in length.

Up to the second floor and there are three further bedrooms and a study.

There are also two extra attic rooms that offer a new owner extra space to convert, again subject to planning consent.

The home is for sale for 450,000 with James Dean Estate Agents, call their Brecon branch on 01874 624757 to find out more.

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14-bedroom convent that's believed to have a secret tunnel is for sale in a Welsh market town - Wales Online

ValuEngine upgraded shares of Restoration Hardware (NYSE:RH) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note published on Thursday, ValuEngine reports.

Other equities analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Restoration Hardware from $138.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 11th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on shares of Restoration Hardware from $196.00 to $202.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 19th. Loop Capital downgraded shares of Restoration Hardware from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $190.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Thursday. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Restoration Hardware from $148.00 to $163.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Finally, Barclays started coverage on shares of Restoration Hardware in a research report on Tuesday, November 12th. They set an overweight rating and a $198.00 target price on the stock. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. The company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $164.88.

Shares of NYSE RH opened at $195.54 on Thursday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $180.34 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $139.90. Restoration Hardware has a 52-week low of $84.11 and a 52-week high of $199.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.90, a PEG ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 1.79.

Restoration Hardware (NYSE:RH) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, September 10th. The company reported $3.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the Thomson Reuters consensus estimate of $2.70 by $0.50. Restoration Hardware had a negative return on equity of 230.09% and a net margin of 6.05%. The firm had revenue of $706.51 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $698.00 million. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Restoration Hardware will post 10.93 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other news, insider Demonty Price sold 23,900 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $171.27, for a total value of $4,093,353.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 56,949 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,753,655.23. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Eri Chaya sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $167.56, for a total value of $3,351,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 79,337 shares in the company, valued at $13,293,707.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 60,790 shares of company stock worth $10,312,127. 36.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Restoration Hardware stock. Tiverton Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Restoration Hardware Holdings, Inc (NYSE:RH) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 487 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $56,000.

About Restoration Hardware

RH, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer in the home furnishings. It offers products in various categories, including furniture, lighting, textiles, bathware, dcor, outdoor and garden, tableware, and child and teen furnishings. The company provides its products through its retail galleries; and Source Books, a series of catalogs, as well as online through rh.com, restorationhardware.com, rhbabyandchild.com, rhteen.com, and rhmodern.com, as well as waterworks.com.

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Restoration Hardware (NYSE:RH) Stock Rating Upgraded by ValuEngine - TechNewsObserver

Sunday, 24 November 2019, 1:07 pmPress Release: Master Builders Association

Best Kiwi Homes and Renovations Announced for 2019at Registered Master Builders House of the YearAwards

Spearhead DevelopmentsCromwell Hawk House takes out Supreme New Home,Craftmanship, and CARTERS $1 1.5 million New HomeawardsSpice Builds LowerHutt 135-year old church restoration takes out SupremeRenovation and Bunnings Renovation over $1 millionawardsCelebrating buildingexcellence in New Zealand, the prestigious Registered MasterBuilders House of the Year competition awards the besthomes, builders and craftsmen across our country for2019.Supreme House of theYear and CraftmanshipAward First-timecompetition entrant, Spearhead Developments of Central Otagotook the top award for their work on the Hawk House. The newbuild also took out the Craftmanship and CARTERS $1-1.5million New Home awards.

Judges acknowledged thishome to be a technical challenge in every respect. TheHawk House is an architectural masterpiece that sits high inthe hills between Cromwell and Wakaka. Mimicking nativehawks, the unique form and use of natural material hascreated an incredible home that peacefully nestles into itsstunning surrounding landscape.

This is noordinary bach. It is a home that surprises you at everyturn, says this years 2019 judges.

Supreme Renovation of the YearAward Spice Build has wonthe Supreme Renovation Award with the restoration of ahistoric 135-year old church in Petone, Wellington. Theproperty was also runner-up for the Craftsmanship Award.

Judges said the renovation Demonstrated a vision thatis nothing short of exceptional.

The buildprocess saw a fantastic collaboration between the owner andbuilder, with a result that can only be described as amasterpiece. It has perfectly retained the originalcharacter of the building, all while breathing new life intoit with a stunning apartment conversion.

Special AwardThe Special Award category was introduced lastyear to recognise outstanding projects or buildelements.

Highly worthy of this accolade, UrbanHomes claimed this award for its home in Kaipaki, Cambridge.Tasked to create a home reminiscent of a DOC hut, hiddenaway on an idyllic riverside site, the judges said Theunassuming yet sophisticated home has managed to blend itsbeauty appropriately with the neighbouring naturalenvironment.

Both the consideration given to thisproject and the owners dedication to preserving thenatural beauty of this site are absolutely commendable, andmakes this home strongly deserving of this years SpecialAward.

An additional 15 category and fourlifestyle awards were also announced at a gala dinnerattended by over 520 people from the building andconstruction industry.

Registered Master BuildersChief Executive David Kelly says the organisation is proudto showcase the best of New Zealand residentialbuildings.

Master Builders have been building NewZealands homes and communities for nearly 130 years andthe House of the Year competition has recognised the verybest of these homes for almost 30 years.

As thebuilding boom continues, we must ensure our focus is onbuilding quality homes, quickly and efficiently across allprice brackets. As New Zealands leaders in residentialbuilding it is exciting to see innovative approaches comingthrough in the homes showcased at this years awards. Thiscompetition sets the standard of what is possible and is aninspiration to others across the sector.

MasterBuilders congratulates our Supreme Award recipients,Spearhead Developments and Spice Build, and all the 2019winners. It has been another year of outstandingbuilds.

The Awards are made possible through thesupport of PlaceMakers, Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, GIB,CARTERS, Plumbing World, Altus Window Systems, Resene andBunnings Trade.

For more information about thecompetition, visit http://www.houseoftheyear.co.nz.

ENDS

Scoop Media

Scoop Citizen Membership ScoopPro for Organisations

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Master Builders House of the Year Awards - Scoop.co.nz

Scan any property portal online and you will find numerous rural properties for sale that offer a tantalising escape from the 9-to-5 grind, urban pollution and commuter gridlock.

Ultimate 'escape to the country' opportunities can be found throughout Wales.

At any time there are a variety of country homes for sale that come with empty barns and outbuildings yearning to be renovated into income-generating holiday lets.

But how many people actually take the plunge and give up city living to take on a restoration project in rural Wales as a new way to live and a new way to earn money?

Sam Measom visited Anglesey, fell in love with the island, packed up her life in Leicestershire and escaped to live her country work /life dream.

Sam, now 53, said: "After visiting South Stack lighthouse with a friend I was blown away by its stunning location. I fell in love with its rugged coastline and breath-taking scenery."

On the way back from the visit Sam happened to see a 'For Sale' sign outside a derelict barn complex called Ty Nant.

She remembers: "The vision and dream of owning a holiday let was immediately born when I set eyes on Ty Nant, the original barn.

"I made the decision right then that I wanted to buy it and couldnt wait to make an offer!"

This might sound rather impulsive to many people but after 18 years of raising her children, they had recently flown the family nest to go to university and Sam was ready to dive into a new project.

She was just unclear what this might be, until her fateful visit to Wales and the chance encounter with the barns.

It was 2013 and the smallholding consisted of three buildings in various stages of dereliction.

Sam says: "The original barn hadnt been occupied for over 30 years and the other two barns were covered in ivy and brambles.

"But it just felt as if it was the right place for me to live. I cant explain it any other way, it was an inner sense of knowing.

"Waking up to an ocean view everyday seemed like the perfect retreat - if I felt that way, then I was sure future guests would feel exactly the same."

After six long months of negotiations, Sam finally secured the 4.5 acre plot and collection of rundown buildings for 340,000.

The renovation plan was simple - start with the original barn called Ty Nant and live in this property whilst renovating the second holiday let called Ysbryd y Mynydd.

Eventually both of these renovated buildings became holiday lets that then funded the rescue of the final derelict property, which is now her home.

Sam says it was a tough and challenging time for her.

"The pressure was on to get Ysbryd built, as the income from both holiday homes was very much needed to help towards creating and building my own home. It was a slow build.

"But I had been so consumed with Ysbryd y Mynydd and everything being perfect for my first guests, that when I eventually moved into my own home, it was a complete mess and half built!"

But the state of her eventual home at the time of moving was not the biggest unforeseen challenge that Sam encountered on her 'escape to the country' journey.

The lowest point was losing her builders from the project.

She says: "After three years of working with the same team of builders every day they suddenly left me to build somewhere else.

"My home wasnt finished and theyd barricaded me in with MDF board because half of the house was still open to the elements. It came completely out of the blue and after years of building up trust with the builders, it was a complete shock.

"The project was then on hold for 12 months."

Despite the setback, Sam kept going with the transformation of the buildings themselves but when the time came for her to think about the interiors of the holiday homes for her guests, her vision was clear.

She says: "From comfy sofas to tranquil artwork, great care was put into creating the perfect setting for visitors to relax in after a day of exploring Anglesey. I spent hours looking at interior design websites to get inspiration."

And there is one special spot within the whole complex that always completely captivates Sam.

She says: "I love the upstairs floor of Ysbryd y Mynydd.

"The views from the floor to ceiling windows towards Holyhead mountain are stunning, hence the cottages name which translates to spirit of the mountain.

"Up here Ive also left the steel girder that runs from one end of the building to the other visible because its the backbone holding it up and therefore should be appreciated."

Ysbryd y Mynydd sleeps up to four people and has a large living space and garden with an in-ground trampoline, making it ideal for a family getaway.

The contemporary upside-down format and floor-to-ceiling windows also make the most of the wonderful views on offer.

One of the most popular areas of the holiday home with guests is the large deck area accessed from the first floor accommodation, a perfect place for al fresco dining surrounded by sweeping views of the coast and country.

Now Sam has become not only an experienced property developer but also a recognised holiday host with the announcement of one of her properties becoming an award-winner.

Ysbryd y Mynydd has won this year's 'Best in North Wales' category in the Sykes Gems Awards, a national awards programme celebrating excellence in holiday cottage accommodation.

And Sam is absolutely thrilled.

She says: "I've put so much into making both Ysbryd y Mynydd and Ty Nant a success and now work with a brilliant team of people from the local community who help to keep the properties running smoothly.

"The award for Ysbryd y Mynydd really does mean a lot and the trophy will, of course, have pride of place in the property itself."

The Sykes Gem Awards celebrate the best people and properties in the UKs growing holiday cottage sector across a number of categories and are judged by a panel of industry experts.

Sykes Holiday Cottages, who launched the awards three years ago, received 2,500 entries from throughout the UK and Ireland across 30 categories this year.

However, the judging panel were impressed by the style and facilities on offer at Sam's property, along with guest feedback on cleanliness, comfort and value for money.

Sam has definitely been bitten by the property renovation bug, as she is now in the throws of renovating another old ruin into another holiday home.

None of the budget, builders or blustery Welsh weather challenges have deterred Sam, she believes she now has all the experience she needs to continue her rural retreats sucess.

Sam couldn't be happier that she followed her escape to the country dream and now has a life and work balance that is perfect for her.

She says: "I definitely have a passion for my work, Anglesey has gorgeous scenery and for many it is love at first sight it certainly was for me seven years ago.

"And letting the cottages out to families and couples has been really fulfilling. I love getting to know the visitors who come to stay, there is no denying that Ive got a taste for holiday letting now.

"Its been quite a journey but Ive seen it through."

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How mum transformed derelict Welsh barns into her dream home after her children went to university - Wales Online

Believed to have once been owned by King Henry VIII, the truly unique Grade II* Llanthony Secunda Manor in Caldicot is back on the market and looking for a new king or queen to crown it as their new home.

Believed to date back to the 1200s, the five bedroom property was last on the market in 2017 with an asking price reported to be 800,000.

The manor is now for sale with a 875,000 price tag.

According to property portal Zoopla the house was last sold in October 2005 for 435,000.

Over many years the house has been thoughtfully restored by its previous owners (unlikely Henry was one of them though) to create an authentic medieval manor house experience but with modern day additions and conveniences.

The house is currently run as a holiday let by owner Becky Adorjan.

In 2017 The Mirror quoted Becky as saying: "In 1972 it was actually scheduled for demolition as it had been empty for a number of years and had fallen into a terrible state of disrepair.

"It was only a hurried listing of the building that saved it and then in 1978 a lady by the name of Mrs S M McLeod began the painstaking process of renovation, which has carried on ever since.

"It has only had four private owners in its history. After years of hard work and dedication I'm proud to say that the house is now in excellent condition and has been transformed into a really beautiful home."

With a building of this age, a new owner might find that not all of the previous owners or past visitors have actually moved out or moved on.

Although unproven, the manor is reported to be haunted. Local paranormal groups have previously run investigations that the public have paid to join, including a spooky overnight stay.

According to the website ghostlygoingson.com this group of ghostbusters say they once captured a full bodied apparition on a photograph during a vigil in the great hall.

But actually this is an aspect of the house that a new owner might want to investigate themselves - the variety of business usage this home offers.

Of course, a new owner might decide that the historic home is not for sharing and will be their private abode, buy they could continue renting the house out as a holiday let and ghost-hunting location.

According to the website medievalaccommodation.com, the house began life as a grange estate, directly linked to the monks of Llanthony Prima in Monmouthshire and Llanthony Secunda Abbey in Gloucester.

These grange estates were usually outlying centres located away from the main religious centres, owned by monasteries and independent of the local manor house system.

It is thought that Henry acquired the site as part of the dissolution of the monasteries during the period 1536-1541 but no evidence has been unearthed to prove he ever visited.

What is in evidence is the rather remarkable restoration that the previous owners have lavished on this characterful abode, to a standard that surely even Henry would have approved of.

Original ancient stonework and gnarled beams are exposed throughout; reach out and actually touch the centuries of history oozing out of the walls.

Prepare to enter medieval times, take a quick video tour around the manor:

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The current owner's clever interior design skill has created a masterful recreation of a medieval world by exposing and restoring all the beams, fireplaces, heavy wooden internal doors and stone floors.

Colours chosen are muted yet fresh and the furniture, for the most part, is as a visitor might expect within such an old house.

And, of course, a house of this stature has a great hall, a characterful space for enjoying the most medieval of dinner parties that will surely turn into a raucous banquet involving flagons of mead and eating chicken drumsticks with your fingers.

But the banquet food does not have to be conjured up in a kitchen from the Middle Ages.

The current kitchen is actually a great example of how the owner's has restored the past but installed the present.

Described by the estate agent as a gourmet kitchen, there are of course beams, flagstone floors, candle sconces and a huge fireplace housing an original 15th century bread oven.

But there are also all the integrated appliances a modern chef requires plus a substantial range oven.

The modern kitchen is constructed in wood with arched detailing on the doors, a cool medieval version of a shaker style.

This room epitomises the care and attention that has been given to the restoration of this home to blend original with new.

Exploring the manor house will take time. The ground floor has a drawing room, dining room, study, snug, scullery and utility, as well as the kitchen/breakfast room.

Up one of the numerous staircases brings you to the great hall on the first floor. The wall beams within this room are a joy to behold, joining with the ceiling beams to wrap you in history.

The wooden floors, small wooden doors and fireplace, complete with years of soot stains on the mantle, create a perfect visual reference to the past.

Off the great hall is a library and this floor also has a bedroom, bathroom and a handy store room.

Up a spiral stone staircase to the second floor and there are two further bedrooms and a stylish bathroom complete with roll top bath and the continuation of the fabric of the building being the most mesmerising feature of each room.

It's a relief to discover that the bathroom facilities are definitely not based on plumbing from medieval times.

The master bedroom is a pretty paradise, with a feature wooden four poster bed as a classic addition to the stone and wood based decor.

The stonework has been treated to a paint wash to create a relaxing atmosphere that will gently ease any king or queen into a good night's sleep.

The top floor also has its own spiral stone staircase and leads to two large rooms that might make the coolest of games rooms.

Live here or work here, the manor is arguably one of the most historic and unique homes with royal links currently available to buy in Wales.

The manor is for sale for 875,000 with estate agent Moon & Co, give them a call on 01291 629292 to find out more.

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A Welsh medieval manor that once belonged to Henry VIII and has barely changed inside is on the market - Wales Online

Written by Reginald Frontispiece Ltd

On this day, November 25 in 1865, 'The Illustrated London News' carried the above woodblock engraving of the newly restored interior of Guildhall.

Located off Gresham and Basinghall streets, in the City wards of Bassishaw and Cheap, it is home to the City of London Corporation.

Built on the site of a Roman amphitheatre, Guildhall has been the 'town hall' of 'the City' for some 800 years.

Dating from 1440, the current building suffered damage during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and was partially restored in 1670 and in 1788 the present south entrance was added by architect George Dance.

Another major restoration was undertaken by City of London architect Sir Horace Jones in the 1860s, which included the 'Great Hall,' the subject of today's antique print.

Jones added a new timber roof in keeping with the original hammerbeam ceiling, which survived until 1940.

A Luftwaffe incendiary raid on London on the night of 29/30 December destroyed the hammerbeam ceiling, leaving only the walls of Guildhall intact. On the same night, eight churches designed by Sir Christopher Wren were destroyed.

The Guildhall roof was replaced in 1954 during works designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, but the original hammerbeam design was not retained.

View our woodblock engraving from the Frontispiece Ltd collection here

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Guildhall restoration by the Victorians in 1865 - In Your Area