Key West's pink wood-slat siding, haint-blue front porch ceiling, and nautical octagon window exemplify the island's nouveau architecture and welcome you to your own slice of paradise.
The house was built in 1892 for Dr. Thomas Collier Platt, who owned the largest private collection of paintings by Jean-Leon Gerome in the world at that time. The architect was John McArthur Jr., and the builder was Henry Berger. The property was sold in 1901 to Joseph Jenkins Ellicott who had it demolished except for this house which he used as a summer home.
Today, this beautiful home belongs to actor Paul Newman who has restored it with his own hands. He calls it "Monkey Island" because of its resemblance to a small tropical island. Inside, many original details remain including wide-boarded floors, paneling, and wooden ceilings. There are also two fireplaces, one in each room, made with local coral rock and marble tiles. Outside, you will find a white picket fence, a huge mango tree, and a crabapple tree under which Paul often writes. It is believed that he uses the fruit as ink when he takes notes during meetings or interviews.
He bought the house from Elizabeth Taylor who wanted to get away from Hollywood and live in a relaxed environment where she could write books.
The home is built on a classic New England post and beam timber frame that is covered in white painted tongue and vertical groove siding. In the inside entryway, traditional clapboards are employed, although they are put vertically. The most unusual feature of the house is the use of glass blocks as window shutters. They provide light control as well as decoration for the interior.
The Gropius house was designed by Mies van der Rohe, one of the leading architects of the modern movement. It was completed in 1938 by another major figure in modern design, John Peter Benton. The two men were friends who had met while studying at the Bauhaus school in Germany. They decided to create a house that would reflect their ideas about simple elegance without using many expensive or difficult-to-find materials.
In the Gropius house, Mies van der Rohe followed his teacher Walter Gropius's belief that true beauty could be achieved through simplicity, directness, and clarity. He used this concept as the basis for all his designs from then on.
One of the main differences between the Gropius and other popular styles of the time is that the walls are solid instead of having a framed-in opening for a door or window. Also, there are no panels or other decorative features on the exterior.
To complement the texture and give interest to the remainder of the house, irregular shingles in the same color as the lap siding are utilized as a decorative feature. 15. "Beachfront Appeal" Beachfront properties must fit the style and color of their surroundings. If you live by the ocean, your home should reflect that water-friendly attitude. It should not only look good, but it should also serve its purpose well.
The type of siding that you use will depend on many factors such as price, availability, style, and most importantly, your taste. There are several different types of siding to choose from, such as wood, vinyl, aluminum, and composite. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand what they are before making your decision.
Wood is the most affordable option and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. It also adds to the value of your home if you ever want to sell it. The downside is that wood is combustible and can cause fire damage if proper care isn't taken. Wood also tends to fade with time due to the elements, so it's necessary to paint or stain it periodically to preserve its beauty.
Vinyl is the material of choice for most homeowners because of its durability and cost effectiveness. It comes in a wide variety of colors and styles, so you can really customize it to match any home decor.
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