Many kids dream of owning their own castle, but John Lavender – owner, designer and builder of the Highlands Castle in Bolton Landing, New York – made his son Jason’s childhood fantasy a reality. After telling his (then) 3-year-old son
7 Perfect Kitchen Upgrades for a New Look Without Remodeling
Kitchen renovations require time and money, often taking several months to complete and costing tens of thousands of dollars. If you don’t have the financial resources for a full-on renovation, there are a variety of ways you can give your
Enter If You Dare: Inside a Real-Life Haunted House
With no city lights for miles, The Pillars Estate stands alone in the darkest of nights. Inside, guests are greeted by dim candlelight, a windy staircase and a gentleman from Scotland. Tony McMurtrie purchased the Civil War-era estate in Albion, NY when it
How to Throw the Perfect Pumpkin-Carving Party
Nothing says Halloween like carved pumpkins, festive treats and fun costumes. Try these tips for throwing the perfect pumpkin-carving party with all your friends. 1. Create a casual atmosphere Head out to the backyard, set up a few long folding
This Studio Came From a Feed Store
A California couple decided to move east and preserve this Tyringham, Massachusetts, studio. Decades before that, it was a studio of a different kind. In the 1920s, a local sculptor converted his backyard silo – originally purchased as a kit
Is Your Home Trying to Kill You?
Home is where you feel comfortable and safe. It’s where you tuck your kids into bed and lazily watch hours of Netflix on the couch. Without your care and vigilance, however, your home may develop conditions that can make you
What Kind of Bugs Are in Your House?
Pests are everywhere, and having a few in your home is pretty much inevitable. But knowledge is power when it comes to critters, says Dr. Nancy Troyano, director of technical education and training at Rentokil Pest Control. When you know
Getting Your Home Ready for Trick-or-Treaters
As we settle into fall, many of us start looking forward to Halloween. It’s a holiday adults can enjoy as much as kids. But, homeowners do have one serious obligation on this fun night: If you expect trick-or-treaters, you must
12 Tasks to Tackle This Fall
The days are getting shorter, and the nights are getting cooler. The kids are trudging off to school again with their backpacks, and leaves are falling from the trees. Yep, it’s official: Fall is here. Now’s the time to finish
Buying a Home? Plan for These Hidden Costs
You’re excited because you just found the perfect home. The neighborhood is great, the house is charming and the price is right. But the asking price is just the beginning. Be prepared for additional – and often unexpected – home-buying
This Sky-High Water Tower Doubles as a Rustic Beach Retreat
In the 1940s, this Huntington Beach water tower – which stands at around 100 feet tall – serviced the local trains that came through town, connecting the inner city to the beach. Today, it’s a 3,500-square-foot high-rise with unmatched views
5 Reasons to Buy a Home This Fall
Real estate markets ebb and flow, just like the seasons. The spring market blooms right along with the flowers, but the fall market often dwindles with the leaves – and this slower pace could be good for buyers. If you’re
11 Fall Maintenance Tasks to Do This Weekend
By Shannon Ireland The scent of pumpkin spice has begun to fill the air, sweaters are moving toward the front of the closet, and leaves are changing from their summer green to the vibrant hues of fall. But before you
7 Retro Trends Making a Comeback
Each year, fashion leaves a strong impression on the design industry and its offerings for the season. For 2020, the vibe includes handmade organic details paired with the sparkle of the ’70s disco club and the velvety softness of the
8 Minimalist Homes That Are Big on Style (Not on Stuff)
Stunning. Sleek. Neat. Feast your eyes on eight simple, yet sophisticated homes so serene, they might just have you decluttering in no time. Open and airy – up, down and around Photo by PLUSH Image Corporation. High ceilings and a
