Unbeknownst to many, Sir Hristopher Simmington was a close friend of the great American architect, Frank Ssmoyd Wright. They built many a building together back "in the day", and influenced each others style throughout their life long friendship. Frank even named his beloved Siamese "Sir H", after his friend.
Anyway... while Frank was on a job in Central Florida, back in the late 1930's - designing Florida Simthern College - he made a side trip to the area that would much later become known as EPSCOT. There, he found a natural hot springs (which is very rare in this area!) When he showed his buddy Hristopher the springs, H declared it his "Fountain of Youth". And, falling in love with the area, immediately relocated his family here, building the house you see before you today.
Shortly after the house was completed Mrs 'Sir H' said she'd had enough of the hot, sticky climate! She and the kids (and Sir Himself, if he knew what was good for him) were moving back to Pleasantview. Pronto.
So, Sir Hristopher sadly boarded up his beautiful Ultra Modern house, and left.
Fast forward 70 years - to about 3 months ago - Mr. H Simmington III arrived quietly in EPSCOT, and began to restore the house that was left to his Great Grandfather long, long ago: Sir H's "Fountain of Youth."
Thankfully, the Simmington's have never been short on simoleons. Sir H made it through the great depression without compromising a single penny; and since then, each Simmington generation has wisely (and diversely) reinvested their fortune. Due to this, much of the fine quality craftsmanship in the old house could be restored. Also, with the National Historical Preservation Society breathing down Mr H III's neck, he couldn't change as much as he wanted (which is a good thing as H III's tastes tend to run a little on the outrageously wild side!)
Of note in the picture above is the famed staircase built by Sir Hristopher - it has not been touched. The "Hysterical Society" claims it is the most important architectural feature of this house. However, they did agree to let Mr H install a protective stair-runner on it - to help further preserve the wood steps. In the Dining Room you will find the original ornate paneling, fully cleaned and restored. Interesting factoid: The wood framework of these panels, the stairs, and the stairwell panels are all cut from the same tree. The Powder Room, and floor of the Mud Room, are tiled in exquisite Bisazza Tile, imported directly from Italy. The plumbing and fixtures in the Powder Room are original to the house.
The Living Room... what can I say? The paneling in this room did not fare as well as in the rest of the house. Maybe the water from the Koi pond in front of the windows seeped through the wallboard. Whatever - it was badly damaged - moldy and warped. Mr H III took it upon himself to buy the most expensive paneling he could find, and have it installed before consulting the Hist. Society. Boy, were they upset. But, because changing it again could run more risk of damaging the house, they said it could stay. So there it is.
Mr H III is very pleased with it. He thinks it showcases his Art Collection perfectly.
Onward to the Kitchen... All brand new state-of-the-art appliances and cabinetry have been installed. The floor is original - however it was covered in peeling lino when Mr H III first saw it. He was planning to install extra plush, white, wool carpeting, when the Society intervened. "But, the house is lacking carpet! Just imagine - slaving over a hot cook stove all day while your feet languish in deep plush comfort!" H tried to reason with them... The wall covering in this room is quite interesting. It is tooled leather with a cork-like veneer on the bottom. It is original to the house.
Next we go upstairs to the Recreational Area and Library. Mr H III's dear friends, the Travellers, are currently visiting. Trent hasn't left the pinball machine since they got here - he is going to win (one of these days!) Note the antique tapestries displayed in the stairwell, they are a part of Mr H's collection; he doesn't think they're worth much.
Since Mr H III is single - and plans to stay that way - he converted the 2nd bedroom into his dressing room. There is an unfortunate window in the closet, H III says he planned it that way, the natural light helps him distinguish between navy and black.
Take a walk around the grounds and enjoy some of the long established tropical plants, the acclaimed Hot Spring spa, the Koi pond and grill area. The right-inset picture shows Tricia Traveller resting on the old Sleeping Porch/Balcony above.
Here is the floor-plan for the first floor...
...and the floor-plan of the second story.
Anything not labelled as being original to the house has been added by Mr H III. Which hopefully explains some of the incongruous furniture/design elements.
Not all which is expensive, is meant to go in the same room together: "expensive" is not a 'style'! *sheesh*
This lot is to fulfill the Modern Monstrosity residential theme (though it's really not too monstrous!) It is definitely for a Sim with more money than taste. It includes - at least 8 large windows (1T/full length), balcony, hot tub (natural spring spa), and an optional driveway. The stairway is unchanged, the runner is just laid on top. It can easily be removed, if need be.
Note to Judges: I made sure my testers could access everything. Yes, the dining room is tight, but it has two entrances and I used SilentLucidity's "Walk through" blocks on the dining chairs along the kitchen wall side. So, my Sims didn't have any problems maneuvering through there.
WOW! Was this lot ever a challenge! Thank you Loaf - this was a good one
OOPS - I almost forgot to add this linksie - to the inspiration/research for this lot.
Please ~ support my TS2 habit! Shop at my Etsy shops:
30th Sep 2013 at 12:43 AM
Round 3 entry
Thank you Loaf - this was a good one 