Latest news with #Georgian-inspired
Irish Daily Mirror
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Inside one of the world's biggest doll houses at The Little Museum of Dublin
Visitors from all over the globe are travelling to The Little Museum of Dublin to see one of the world's largest and most astonishing dollhouses. After a year-long, €4.3 million makeover, the quirky and award-winning museum reopened last month. A new addition is Tara's Palace, a 2.5-metre by 4-metre miniature doll house modelled on three great 18th-century Irish mansions: Leinster House, Castletown House and Carton House. No detail has been overlooked in the making of the not-so-miniature home. With little mice made from bone carvings and tiny plates meticulously handcrafted from porcelain, any adult would love to play with this masterpiece. The "Tara's Palace" dollhouse which is on display at the Little Museum of Dublin. It's a large, Georgian-style dollhouse, inspired by Irish houses, that took master craftsmen over 20 years to build and furnish (Image: SAM BOAL/COLLINS) The little mice in Tara's Palace dollhouse made from ivory (Image: SAM BOAL/COLLINS) Of course, to preserve this delicate piece it can't be handled - but it is extraordinary to look at and admire the thousands of tiny details. The incredible structure took over a decade to create by Tommy Clancy, Paul Geoghegan, Con Lee and Michael Walton. It came about after Titania's Palace - a dollhouse made in the early 1990s for the owner of Merrion House, Sir Nevile Wilkinson - was sold to England. President of the Irish Antique Dealers Association, Ronnie McDonnell, tried to buy it when it went up for auction in 1978. However, he was the underbidder and Lego in Denmark bought it for £130,000. Mr McDonnell was so upset that he formed Tara's Palace Trust and set out to build a new magnificent dollhouse for Ireland. Tara is a fairy inspired by Irish folklore and projections put in place for the house show a shadow-like creature frolicking around her massive mansion. The gorgeous structure now sits in the Little Museum of Dublin. Before last month, it had been in storage for years after its departure from Powerscourt House. Deputy curator of the museum, Dr Daryl Hendley Rooney, said it's an incredible addition, as miniature enthusiasts travel from all over the world to see Tara's Palace. He said: 'I took a call last week from a lady in Memphis in America and she said: "I heard through the grapevine, do you know anything about Tara's Palace?" Deputy curator of the museum, Dr Daryl Hendley Rooney, showing off the gorgeous dollhouse (Image: SAM BOAL/COLLINS) 'And I said it's here so she is going to visit this summer. There are people around the world, miniature modelling enthusiasts, who have gone out of their way just to see Tara's Palace here in Ireland, so it is a draw. 'It's a museum in itself when you know the details and you have a sense of the history of the rooms and different elements. You could do an entire guided tour just on Tara's Palace.' There are 25 rooms in the Georgian-inspired dollhouse that encapsulate every part of life in the 18th century. From the grand entrance hall to the men's sitting area and games room, it encompasses the high-flying life of the upper class. The library is one of the most fascinating rooms, with cabinet-makers Lenehan Brothers of Drogheda making the bookshelves and the floor. Every miniature book is also readable with a magnifying glass, as the makers were adamant that all elements of the house were usable. Books in the "Tara's Palace" dollhouse, which is on display at the Little Museum of Dublin (Image: SAM BOAL/COLLINS) There are over 1,500 individual pieces in the room, as Thomas Ryan painted an exquisite Georgian-inspired ceiling. The Ivory Room is one of the most exquisite and fascinating rooms in the house. It has miniature Ivory furniture from Goa in India - some of which was made by French prisoners of the Napoleonic period. Prisoners made these pieces from small bones recovered from their food rations. At the back of the structure, visitors also get a sense of how the 'other half' lived. The housekeeper's rooms and the servant's kitchen show quainter rooms with more modest furniture and decoration. Mr Hendley Rooney said: 'The great thing about Tara's Palace is it gives you not just a sense of the great and the good and how they live but how life was for the staff with the kitchens and the workshops and the garage. 'It is a great example of Irish craftsmanship. When you really think about the detail and the effort that went into this, that's when you really get the appreciation, it's not just cobbled together with plastic.' The historian said visitors should take the time to look at all the tiny details in each room, because it's extraordinary. The "Tara's Palace" dollhouse (Image: SAM BOAL/COLLINS) He continued: 'The games room really captures the imagination with the billiards table, it is really great and it gives you that idea of the gentleman, the good and great of Georgian society and the way they lived their life with such grandeur. 'I am fascinated by the tiny little forks, they are individual prongs and the crystal glasses are real crystal and the plates are porcelain. 'The level of detail is extraordinary, it's not just making something look like a chair or plate or candlesticks, they are actually working candles, you could light them, there are wicks in them and they are made of wax. And the little bottle of champagne actually has a drop of champagne in it.' Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. 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Irish Independent
27-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Independent
See inside the lavish €4m Kildare home overlooking world-famous golf course
This lavish Georgian-inspired home is a five-bedroom, five-bathroom mansion with panoramic views over the K Club's world-famous golf course. A gated tree-lined driveway leads the front of the house which is surrounded by manicured lawns. Through the front door, guests are greeted by an opulent foyer with an overhead skylight basking the room in natural light, while a bifurcated staircase commands the attention of the room. The south wing of the house features an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area with direct access to the gardens, ideal for entertaining or unwinding. The kitchen/utility is finished in solid wood and includes a Belfast sink, granite countertops and backsplash, an oil-fired AGA, high-end Miele appliances, and ceramic flooring. The opposite wing offers additional reception space, a home office, a guest WC, and a storeroom. Upstairs, there are four generously sized bedrooms, three with en-suite bathrooms and the fourth served by a family bathroom. The second floor offers a fifth bedroom accompanied by two additional storerooms, ideal for conversion into a studio, gym, or extra living space. The exterior of the property is equally impressive, featuring limestone patio areas that provide multiple options for outdoor seating and entertaining, all set within fully enclosed grounds and extensive, mature gardens. Additional highlights include a substantial back-up generator, a comprehensive security and camera system, a large car garage, separate storage shed, solar panels, a three-phase wind turbine, and a geothermal heating system. Built 25 years ago, Ladycastle House is located in one of Ireland's most exclusive residential enclaves beside the renowned K Club. 'The K Club, famed for hosting the 2006 Ryder Cup, offers championship golf, a luxurious spa, fine dining, and five-star amenities, all just moments from the doorstep of Ladycastle House,' said the estate agent. "This area is defined by its peaceful countryside beauty, mature landscapes, and the discreet elegance of neighbouring estates, making it a highly sought-after location for those who value both privacy and luxury.' Ladycastle House in Ladycastle Lower, Straffan, Co Kildare has been placed on the market by Lisney Sothebys International Realty – Country Homes and Estates for €4,000,000.
Boston Globe
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
A salute to Quincy's quadricentennial, and a Back Bay hotel turns 100
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up The Eliot Hotel, a neoclassical boutique hotel on Commonwealth Avenue, celebrates its centennial this year with all newly renovated guestrooms. Handout Advertisement Back Bay hotel hits 100 A landmark Boston hotel celebrates its centennial with a renovation of all 95 guestrooms and suites — now complete and ready for visitors. The Eliot Hotel, a neoclassical boutique hotel on Commonwealth Avenue, was built by local philanthropist Charles Eliot to serve as a residential hotel for retired academics from Harvard University. The property changed hands in 1939 and has been run as an independent hotel by the Ullian family ever since. Local interior designer Alix Keating of AK Design oversaw the renovation, which adds a contemporary touch while maintaining the cozy yet sophisticated residential feel. Geometric lamps are juxtaposed with Georgian-inspired wood furnishings, and custom artwork — including Boston-inspired intaglios — complement the original crown molding. Enjoy cocktails and small bites at the onsite Uni Restaurant, an izakaya or Japanese-style bar where you can try the new 'C' cocktail (with Roku gin, Lillet Blanc, blood orange, makrut lime leaf, and cilantro topped with sparkling wine) or a tasty mocktail. Book the Centennial Escape package and get two nights' accommodations at regular price (starting at $475 per night, double occupancy) and the third night for $19.25, two 'C' cocktails served in-room, complimentary daily breakfast for two, and a 2 p.m. checkout; available through Dec. 31 (rate code '1925'). Advertisement 'Mandela: The Official Exhibition' opened at Seattle's Museum of History & Industry this week and runs through Sept. 7. Handout THERE Seattle museum opens Mandela exhibit Learn about the accomplished life of Nelson Mandela — from his years as an anti-apartheid activist to his eventual rise to power as the first democratically elected (and first Black) president of South Africa — at Seattle's Museum of History & Industry. 'Mandela: The Official Exhibition' was produced in partnership with the Royal House of Mandela and runs through Sept. 7. This poignant exhibit chronicles racial injustice in South Africa during the 20th century and Mandela's efforts throughout his life to end apartheid, championing education as a vital tool for making change and putting forth the notion of 'unbutu' (a concept of common humanity or a mutual caring for all). The exhibition includes rarely seen footage, images, and personal artifacts (such as the white leopard skin once draped over Mandela's casket). It starts with the rise of Seattle's anti-apartheid movement in the 1970s and Mandela's visit to Seattle in 1999 to meet with supporters, then takes you on a journey through Mandela's life, chronicling his activism, prison years, marriages, and time as president and peacemaker. The exhibition includes elaborate beaded clothing from the AbuThembu ancestral group, some of Mandela's handwritten letters and diary entries from prison, the suit he wore for his inauguration, his favorite sheepskin slippers, and one of his trademark batik shirts. A bench in the middle of the exhibit has the words 'Europeans only' on it. The museum hosts Seattle's Solidarity Against South African Apartheid June 10, a talk dealing with global issues of justice. Museum admission is free under 15 to $25 for 15 and older; discounts for students, military, and 65 and over. Advertisement An image from an Outdoor Research Sun Collection catalog shoot at Soap Lake, Wash. Mike Borchard EVERYWHERE Sun coverage for travel and adventure Stay covered and cool this summer with a sun shirt made by Outdoor Research. The ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie has built-in technology that helps keep you at a comfortable temperature, whether you're walking your dog at a local park, going for a beach run, or climbing a mountain (the proprietary ActiveIce feature essentially uses the moisture from your sweat to help cool you down). The shirt comes with built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, a full-coverage hood that protects your head and neck from the sun, and thumb holes for keeping your sleeves in place and your arms and wrists covered. It also makes a great travel piece: This comfy layer is quick-drying and made with a stretchy and breathable polyester-spandex blend — perfect for throwing on during long-haul flights or sightseeing adventures. The ActiveIce Spectrum Sun Hoodie comes in men's sizes S to XXXL, women's sizes XS to XL, and women's plus sizes 1x-4X. Outdoor Research's ActiveIce collection also includes a hoodless long-sleeve option for men and women, a short-sleeve sun shirt (men only), sun gloves, sun sleeves (in three different styles), a neck gaiter, and a sport hijab. $55-$90 for short-sleeve shirt to hoody; $20-$39 for accessories. Advertisement KARI BODNARCHUK
News.com.au
25-04-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Mornington Peninsula: Power couple Jinah and Christian Johnston put luxury retreat up for sale
Business power couple Jinah and Christian Johnston have listed their sprawling Mornington Peninsula estate for a $8.2m-$9m sale. Ms Johnston is a business improvement manager at cosmetics giant Mecca. She previously worked for The Just Group which owns clothing chains including Just Jeans, Jay Jays, Portmans, Dotti and Peter Alexander Sleepwear. Mr Johnston served as chair of investment bank and financial services firm Goldman Sachs Australia and New Zealand from 2020 to 2023, following 14 years as the company's head of banking. He's now an advisory director to the business, a Melbourne Cricket Club Committee vice president and a member of the Australian Takeovers Panel, a federal government authority. The Johnstons are selling their Georgian-inspired house in Main Ridge featuring a pool and cabana, tennis court and orchard. Kay & Burton executive director Tom Barr Smith declined to comment on the five-bedroom home's owner but public documents show that it is held in Ms Johnston's name. Mr Barr Smith said the 2.83ha property had been extensively renovated in addition to offering privacy and a low-maintenance, landscaped outdoor area. 'I love the garden, as you're driving in you get beautiful deciduous trees and the swimming pool,' he said. A separate studio that was built in the last 18 months would serve as the ideal work from home spot, he added. The two-storey house has an open-plan living space with an open fireplace, kitchen centred around an island bench and French doors. Other highlights include a main bedroom suite with a double-vanity ensuite and dressing room, plus a media room, gym, powder room and double garage. Mr Barr Smith said most of the interested buyers were based in Melbourne and seeking a home to use as a city retreat. Expressions of interest close at midday on May 13.
BBC News
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Ayscoughfee Hall in Spalding to recreate pleasure garden
A Lincolnshire visitor attraction is to recreate an 18th Century "pleasure garden".Spalding's Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens will undergo the transformation on the evenings of 21 and 22 of the Ayscoughfee Enlightenment event said visitors would experience the "elegance and excitement of the Georgian era" through theatrical performances, lantern-lit pathways, period music and artistic Elizabeth Sneath said it would be unlike anything seen before in South Holland, while "pushing the boundaries of storytelling to create Ayscoughfee's own little world to bring our fascinating local heritage to life." Organisers said the event was inspired by pleasure gardens like Vauxhall and Ranelagh in to London Museum, they were the "height of fashion and culture" in the 1700s and 1800s, before earning a "shady" reputation. All had closed by the late 19th Ayscoughfee Hall and Gardens, there will be activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, with performances from opera singers and a quartet, as well as a dance troupe giving the chance to try Georgian court dances. In addition, there will be fire displays, art installations and illuminated nightscapes including glowing pathways and a grotto. Families will be invited to take part in a storytelling trail and character-based scavenger hunt based around Spalding's Georgian history, organisers said. Visitors are encouraged to dress in Georgian-inspired outfits, with a prize for the Enlightenment will run from 18:00 to 21:00 GMT on both days, with visitors able to book a one-hour slot. Pre-booking is required. More details can be found on South Holland District Council's website. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
