The Brownstone - a pictorial review

by brae  

I'm starting the overview post so I can keep adding the "best of" photos along the way.  :D  This post will change as the build progresses.

Many images in this post can be clicked to view larger.  To see a list of posts showing details on how I made things or what materials I used, as well as more pictures, click this link.

The back story for The Brownstone is that it is the home of a world traveler.  I toyed with the idea that this occupant is the grandson of The Haunted Heritage's grandma, and it stuck.  :D  Our world traveler likely won't have a name, but I'll have to figure out something to call him.  He is a collector of interesting items and lives in an upscale neighborhood.

The Brownstone is a modified version of The Golden Gate view kit from American Craft Products.  These kits are no longer in production, but they show up on the market from time to time.


kit photos from the box

The first dry fit shows the kit's original configuration of two rooms with a dead space underneath the first floor.

Below is my modified version in the latest dry fit.  I added height to the bottom to add a garage.

The vintage 1950 Beetle will be housed here.

I also added a side extention to add three more rooms.

Mike was gracious to lend me his Sketchup drawing so I could try out some colors.  I decided on a Tudor inspired exterior (shown here without the height addition and garage).

I love the colors and textures.  :D

Testing the bay window stained glass inserts.

The security gate under the stairs is a work in progress -- just needs paint.

I used the kit door but built the custom frame to get the door to function, adding a transom window in the process.  Why 85 as the house number?  I love the number 8, so that was automatically in.  I also liked the way the 5 looked in this particular font, so that was in, too.  So, 58 or 85?  I was trying to think of some historical figure, and Edgar Allen Poe popped into my head.  I found this article on one of his residences at 85 West Third Street in Greenwich Village, so 85 it was!  :D

Roland Sneakypants, made by Steve Panner, will skulk about the city block in search of food.  :D

Too cute!

Stay tuned...

9 comments

Comment from: Susan Korman [Visitor]  
Love the overview, Brae! I am absolutely in love with Roland Sneakypants and your other critters! They add such a realistic element to the whole project and give it some really fun backstories too :-) Susan
04/19/14 @ 16:42
Comment from: 12Create [Visitor]
Oh, I am so going to love this build. So many architectural features I love in full sized buildings as well as minis.
04/19/14 @ 17:18
Comment from: April [Visitor]
*beep beep* Oh noes, someone's left a hoard of papers in the garage &#59;) The golden gate is a such a wonderful kit, I loving what yours has evolved into.
04/19/14 @ 18:17
Comment from: Barbara [Visitor]
The overview serves as a wonderful visual recap for the reader, although I can't quite get over how much you have accomplished to date! I love the back story of the world traveler - wouldn't it be fun if readers all over the world contributed to the collection of interesting items..
04/19/14 @ 20:06
Comment from: Andrea [Visitor]
It will be such a beautiful house. But I don't know what the neighbours will think about Roland.... Happy Easter for you and the rascals:) Andrea
04/20/14 @ 02:52
Comment from: Susan [Visitor]  
I love your mods to the original plan - can hardly wait to see this develop.
04/21/14 @ 00:56
Comment from: Sarah [Visitor]
This house is going to be spectacular, I think you are building my most favourite of your houses to date. Not envious at all, is a big lie!! :D
04/29/14 @ 06:29
Comment from: amy [Visitor]  
hi this is looking great. what did u use for the frosted glass?
04/05/15 @ 19:00
Comment from: brae [Member]
Thank you! :D Sorry -- forgot to add the link back to the door. Here's the specific one for the glass: http://www.otterine.com/blog/blog1.php/the-brownstone-front-door-part-2
04/06/15 @ 08:19


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