KathieB Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 I'm going to take the Beacon Hill kit to New Orleans to work on over the winter. I got to thinking that it would be nice be able to keep it flat against a wall in our small condo, close up the back to add a 4th wall to each room, and open the front. Has anyone thought about or tried this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 I hadn't thought about it, but that's a very good idea and I expect it wouldn't be difficult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sexyfeet Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 I hadn't really thought about it, however it would be quite a challenging job! It sure would help in saving space though!! Good luck!! I hope it works out for you, I can't wait to see pictures of the finished product!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skittiescat Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Yes! I would love a front opening Beacon Hill. It's my only issue with mine. I love it but I have a small house in RL and front opening is just so much easier for me to live with. I actually considered selling my BH, buying another kit and bashing it to be front opening and got intimidated, so I bought the Tennyson to practise on. The basics of making the Tennyson front opening were simple enough, I built the base and sides first, then built and attached a solid back, and used hinges and small square framing dowels to attach the front in three parts, but the plans I had for the roof - to make them lift up the way some of the RGT front opening houses do, just doesn't work for me. I'd love to see you try it with a Beacon Hill, I'm just not brave enough! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Not tried or thought about it for that one, but certainly doable I'd say! Will take some bashing and thinking, but a great project I think Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madhatter Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Great idea!!! Whish i had thought of that!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted November 2, 2010 Author Share Posted November 2, 2010 Stop that! I was hoping y'all would tell me I'm nuts to even think about it, but looks as if I'll have to try it. Looking at the front, it appears that the left front section with the bay window could be hinged, but can't tell how it relates to the porch. The center and right sections could be hinged along the right front corner, which would open up the foyer, which would be nice. And what about the roof sections; hinge them to flip upward? Or connect the front of each tower roof to the panel that opens? When we get to New Orleans, I'll have to pull out the instructions and schematics and a big pad of scratch paper. This one is going to take some planning, but I love to bash, so ... here goes nothing! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparklepuppies Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 Sounds intriguing Kathie! If anyone could pull that off, you can. My Beacon Hill is still in shell form, so while you're in Atlanta for Thanksgiving, you're welcome to stop by and see it "raw" in person if you think that would help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted November 2, 2010 Author Share Posted November 2, 2010 Tracy, thanks for the invitation. To see it in person would be helpful, I'm sure! I'll PM you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pin1056 Posted November 2, 2010 Share Posted November 2, 2010 OMG woman what a fabulous idea!!! i've looked at mine and it would definately be do-able!!!! the roof would take some tweaking but not too hard also what about opening the sides instead? although this wouldnt let the hall be seen...hmmmmmmmm maybe a combo of both? wow this is a great idea Kathie! i will be following with baited breath!! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minis On The Edge Posted November 4, 2010 Share Posted November 4, 2010 OH No!!! Stop that right now Kathie okay, now that I said that I have to tell you the truth.... I think that is a Splendid idea!! I am looking at the one I have here and I think it can be done and will look fabulous! I think I would have loved that better too because then their is no need to turn this big house around. Can't wait to see you do it Kathie and I hope you take LOTS of pictures of it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted November 5, 2010 Author Share Posted November 5, 2010 Okay. I'm committed. Or ready to be committed. There's a fine line ... Probably won't begin the bash until after the first of the year but you can believe it will be in the front of my mind all through the travel, the move, the holidays, and whatever else life throws at us. Although in another thread I said I don't really plan ahead, just think the end vision and go for it, in this case I believe I'll be making some preliminary sketches and maybe even a mock-up in cardboard. I'll blog it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minis On The Edge Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 Fabulous! I can't wait to see you building it Kathie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pin1056 Posted November 5, 2010 Share Posted November 5, 2010 how excitement! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just One More Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 The first thing I thought of was you would finally being able to see the pretty stairs. All the work it takes to make them nice and they can't even be seen from the back of the house. Good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted November 6, 2010 Author Share Posted November 6, 2010 I like the idea of being able to see into the foyer ... but the stairs are now going to block part of the dining area, which is another challenge. I'm thinking of a new stairway, one that isn't quite so solid ... or a large mirror on the back wall to reflect the backside of the stairs ... or both. The wheels keep turning ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pin1056 Posted November 6, 2010 Share Posted November 6, 2010 love the mirror idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muriel Posted November 7, 2010 Share Posted November 7, 2010 I like the idea of being able to see into the foyer ... but the stairs are now going to block part of the dining area, which is another challenge. I'm thinking of a new stairway, one that isn't quite so solid ... or a large mirror on the back wall to reflect the backside of the stairs ... or both. The wheels keep turning ... B) Was trying not to cover up the view of the front door in the Willow with the stairs, so I made a new stair case with just the treads, leaving out the risers, so you can see through to the front door Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted November 7, 2010 Author Share Posted November 7, 2010 I remember, Muriel. That may have given me the idea for opening up the stairway. I think no risers would be a bit too modern for a 19th c Victorian, but I could replace the ballusters/handrail pieces that come with the kit with individual ballusters, handrail, newell post. Or possibly use a curved stairway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparklepuppies Posted November 7, 2010 Share Posted November 7, 2010 Ooh, yes, a curved stairway! Someone did that once, looked beautiful. Who was that? Hmmm... Let me go look... Okay, it was cjme63. Her Beacon Hill is beautiful! http://www.greenleafdollhouses.com/forum/i...r&user=4385 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted November 9, 2010 Author Share Posted November 9, 2010 Oh, Tracy, I hadn't seen that one. It is beautiful! I love the warm colors and the woodwork is so elegant! I wonder if the curved stairway could face the front door ... something more to ponder. B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparklepuppies Posted November 9, 2010 Share Posted November 9, 2010 Isn't it beautiful? I just love her exterior, that stonework and the colors are to die for! And I'm guessing you could have the stairway face the front, you might have to move the hole, and also the 2nd floor staircase you could turn around. This will be interesting! B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
havanaholly Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 Kathie, maybe Don could give you some ideas for a better stair... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathieB Posted November 16, 2010 Author Share Posted November 16, 2010 I've been thinking that maybe the original stair would work if moved to the new back wall (assuming the front is opening) as Tracy suggested. It would open up the foyer/dining area. The door to the kitchen could be moved to the front of the house. I'm looking forward to seeing Tracy's BH up close and personal week after next. I'm sure it will help jell some of my fleeting thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparklepuppies Posted November 16, 2010 Share Posted November 16, 2010 I'm looking forward to seeing Tracy's BH up close and personal week after next. I'm sure it will help jell some of my fleeting thoughts. And it's looking forward to being seen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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