Renovating a Haver Style home.

[MissMelissa]

Wow, thanks for the nice compliments! I say this on Ben's behalf since he did everything you see to our old house except for cutting down the grapefruit tree and removing the shrub... the low lying grid landscape was all Ben.
Personally.. I didn't realize removing some greenery would bring a house to a new level... ... but it is all a matter of opinion, I guess.
Speaking of Generation Renovation.. they are re-airing our episode in March. I recommend any DIY'er to apply for the show.
Although Allison let us know they were coming out here (thank you) we still had to apply. The pre-production process is quite lengthy.. you have to write a personal bio on your background and your project, submit photos, there are loads of phone calls and interviews over the phone and if they like you they have to pitch your story to the HGTV panel and that is who decides which applications are chosen for the show. It is also a lengthy post- production wait as well.. we filmed in Feb. and the show did not air until November (I think.) Overall it was an interesting experience and one for our kids to laugh at when they are older. Ben and I cringe at the footage.. especially me since I was 9 months pregnant and MASSIVE!
Melissa

[Mr. Natural]

She's right. As it's been said several times before, most of the later modifications to the landscaping were merely conducted to make things more practical and durable and to minimize the need for maintenance. When I purchased the house, there were some significant 'unfinished' areas of the yard. We tried to refine those areas and have them mesh with the overall look of the property. I credit Allen's creativity and expertise in accomplishing this -- many times it's harder to start with someone else's design than to start fresh with one's own. We made every attempt to embellish or preserve Ben's design rather than contradict or diminish it.

Irrigation and lighting upgrades, debris and tree removal, and changing some plants here and there were, for the most part, subtle refinements to Ben and Melissa's existing work. Some of the work Allen and his crew did would probably have been done had the Allisons stayed in the house (ie: the tree removal). Some might not have (ie: the hedge removal).

I have a lot more leeway with the interior decorating. Problem is, I have a lot less money now.

[MissMelissa]

YOU are right, Mr. Natch.. the yard would have definitely been tended to in the areas you made better had we stayed in the house. The back yard was actually one of the very last things to sort of get done by us. I was in my ninth month of pregnancy sitting cross-legged on the back concrete patio lifting large river rock from their pile into the beds.. one by one. I had to try and be useful to Ben somehow. We had some big ideas for that space.. lap pool.. etc.. but when we realized we were ready to move on to a bigger space (sooner than we anticipated) we knew that was not going to happen. I do like *some* of the yard upgrades.. the raised bed in the back.. much better than than what we threw together. That was done in a mad rush to have the yard presentable for the HGTV filming.
I am curious to see what you have done with the interior decorating. That always changes the feel of the place. Last time we saw you.. before we handed the keys over... you still had 2 apartments and not much furniture. Have you been able to change that yet? I am sure you are a bit reluctant to show off your interior online especially with burgulars lurking in the midst but details please! Black leather couches?? A true symbol of being a bachelor, fo' sure.
Melissa

[Mr. Natural]

Hopefully I didn't sound like super bitch up there.. if so I blame the pregnancy hormones

Interesting theory, how long have you been pregnant?

[PixelPixie]

Oh just PPPPP Natch.

Don't you know to never, ever question a woman's sanity during pregancy? Its equivalent to long-term Temporary Insanity. In which case I think Melissa should emblazon her everchanging icons for the next 6 months or so with a Scarlet P.

;-D

[MissMelissa]

Interesting theory, how long have you been pregnant?

Touche... Although I am not a Psychiatrist by profession, as you are.. I do have my own theories.
Maybe you can p.m. me with your ideas and experiences on what it is like to be pregnant. Better yet... can you quit changing your response to my last post. I can't sit on the computer all day you know.... I missed the repsonse about your lack of decorations.. *luckily* Ben was able to fill me in.
Melissa

[Mr. Natural]

PM sent!

Sorry you missed my earlier deleted post. Basically, it said that I've not done anything with the interior of the house because I'm low on cash. It also said that I would probably enlist help in having the place furnished/decorated.

No, I've never been pregnant. I was just trying to establish how long you've been pregnant so I can determine which of your previous posts can be interpreted in this new light.

[lavardera]

Such is the razor's edge of historic designation!

If you look at the Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation there are 10 basic guidelines. Two of the points are as follows:

9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment.

10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.

So the screen wall in the former example is quite in keeping with the intent of how historic properties should be treated. The screen wall complements the existing house, and if someday it is discovered that George Washington slept there, the screen wall can be removed and the house restored to its historic state.

Now the golden wonder in the latter photo is contrary to many of the points:

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.

http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/tps/tax/rhb/stand.htm

[MissMelissa]

...if someday it is discovered that George Washington slept there, the screen wall can be removed and the house restored to its historic state.

Lol...
Melissa

[modernenthusiast]

I began to wonder following the porte cochere dialog how long Mr. Natural was going to graciously tolerate the gaucherie from those with "lots of opinions" (sic).

Geez...finally.
[/i][/quote]

[MissMelissa]

I began to wonder following the porte cochere dialog how long Mr. Natural was going to graciously tolerate the gaucherie from those with "lots of opinions" (sic).

Geez...finally.
[/i]

[/quote]

Yes.. how did he do it?

[modernenthusiast]

the definition of tolerance:

digest: to put up with something or somebody unpleasant; "I cannot bear his constant criticism"; "The new secretary had to endure a lot of unprofessional remarks"; "he learned to tolerate the heat"; "She stuck out two years in a miserable marriage"

to have a tolerance for a poison or strong drug or pathogen; "The patient does not tolerate the anti-inflammatory drugs we gave him"

to allow: allow the presence of or allow (an activity) without opposing or prohibiting; "We don't allow dogs here"; "Children are not permitted beyond this point"; "We cannot tolerate smoking in the hospital"

to be able to put up with: " A plant may be able to tolerate shade", meaning it can live under other plants. "A tree that tolerates drought can go a long time without water."

I think Mr. Natural practiced restraint whereas, if I were the buyer of that particular home, may not have been so polite and would have addressed posts concerning my recently purchased home.

Definition of restraint: discipline in personal and social activities; "He was a model of polite restraint"; "She never lost control of herself"

It was a compliment to Mr. Natural for his behavior and polite demeanor.

[MissMelissa]

Yes, definite pat on the back, indeed.
You should add these definitions to the Modern Dictionary Post.