TWO VERY UNUSUAL BUILDINGS IN BARCELONA

 LA PREDRERA

THE MIND HOUSE

Some years ago I went to Barcelona, with one intent being to see the buildings of architect Antoni Gaudi. He became famous for his unique and highly individualistic designs regarded as beyond the scope of Modernism. 

Gaudí, throughout his life, studied nature's angles and curves and incorporated them into his designs and mosaics. Instead of relying on geometric shapes, he mimicked the way men stand upright.  La Predrera has not one corner that is not curved, and on the roof are giant chess-like figures, astonishing to see.

Perhaps you have seen Sagrada Familie, a construction of Gothic towers with endless figures embedded in the exteriors of the whole building.

These were built in the late 1800's.

If any of the readership know who built The Mind House, please let us know.   

THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOUSE IN THE UNITED STATES

AARON SPELLING'S

THE MANOR

The former residence of late television producer Aaron Spelling, the biggest home in Los Angeles County, has over 56,000 square feet and 123 rooms.  It also has an asking price of $150 million, making it the most expensive house in the United States

HOLLYWOOD FLORIDA HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY HOME TOUR

On February 27, 2011 from 1 to 4 pm,  participants will tour homes in the area, including historic homes and mansions.  The tour begins at the historic Hollywood Women’s Club clubhouse at 501 N. 14^th Avenue.

 One of the historic homes to see was built in 1925 in the North Lake section, the oldest home on the tour.   See the original fireplace, pickled cypress beams, hardwood floors, ceramic tiles and hand carved front door along with photos of the house from previous owners.   

 A modern expansive $2MM 4000 sq ft waterfront estate is included in the 6-home tour.  

 A Key West style home, an artist’s retreat with French art deco furniture and peaceful Moroccan-influenced accessories and a backyard lush with native plants, a pond and organic garden.  Antique  cars will also be on display.

 Tea and cookies will be served by members of the historical society in a 1927 Classic Revivial building.  Members will be dressed in 1920’s high tea attire.  Established in 1922, the founding members created the club before they had homes, while they were living in tents on the beach.  Husbands were busy building the community and the wives raised money to establish the city’s first telephone lines and ensure that all children received healthcare.  They also established the city’s first library.

Air-conditioned transportation is available but one can also walk through the 8 block tour and refreshments will be available at several homes.  Admission is $20.  Parking is free at the Women’s Club.  All proceeds go to the Hollywood Historical Society, a 501(c) 3 non-profit cultural organization.  For more information call 954-920-1748.

DELRAY BEACH IS THRIVING

Soon to become Delray Beach’s first bed and breakfast complex, Hartman House sat on a corner, surrounded by almost century-old fruit trees, half-renovated, neglected and empty.  The theme will be, “step back in time to an easier way of life.

With three separate areas, the main house has over 3200 sq ft with 5 bedrooms ensuite (each with its own bathroom) and a 2-story townhouse over 2400 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and another 3-story townhouse/guesthouse with 2600+ sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, the property at 307 NE 7th Avenue was the home of Gustav Hartman, a former assistant postmaster of Delray Beach in the early 1900's.  

 

There are 5 garage spaces, pool, spa, and game room with wet bar.

Purchased for $400,000 in February 2010, the owners are intent on restoring it’s natural 1920’s beauty by re-creating the original crown molding, restoring the Dade County pine floors and building a 75-foot pool surrounded by an oasis of 80-year-old mango, starfruit and avocado trees and native palms.  They are creating an ambiance “of a slower, gentler time.”  Key lime scone scents will awaken you for your homemade breakfast.

Located 4 blocks north of trendy downtown Atlantic avenue with shops, restaurants and local events, it is a short walk to the intracoastal waterway and the beach.  Near I-95 and two major airports.  

In a different mode, Kotler Group of West Palm Beach paid $3.7MM for vacant land just north of the Old School Square Cultural Arts Center, with plans to build a 4-story 134-room hotel.  The hotel will also be adjacent to the livelty Pineapple Grove arts and entertainment center, and prices are planned to range from $100-$200 per night.  

 The tonier British Colonial style Seagate Hotel on Atlantic Avenue is close to the beach, the Marriot and Residence in are old standbys, familiar to many vacationers, and just north on A1A a luxury complex is going up, 4001 North Ocean, on the ocean, with 34 units, ranging from $1.4MM to $3MM.  Almost half the units are sold or “in the works”.

A recent New York Times travel article dubbed Delray Beach as being on the verge of becoming “a national destination".