Posted on January 31st, 2008 by Florence Beaton
HGTV has a great article with room-by-room dos and don’ts for your vacation home. Here are some of the tips covered:
Dos
- Create an inviting and eye-catching entrance, inside and out.
- Make sure you can see the entrance of the kitchen when you’re cooking.
- Use white plates, as they allow the natural beauty of the food to be the focal point of the meal.
- Put the TV and other electrical equipment in your living room into a cabinet to be hidden from view when not in use.
- In your office, add healthy plants which are beneficial and counter-balance the effects of electrical equipment.
- Replace bedding at least once a year to add a fresh, positive energy to the space.
- Add fire and earth elements in your bathroom.
Don’ts
- Leave broken steps or items in poor maintenance in your entryway.
- Use fluorescent lights in your kitchen, as they’re harsh and unappetizing.
- Have sharp, pointed edges on tables and chairs.
- Place too many pillows on the couch.
- Paint your home office in drab colors.
- Place one side of the bed against a wall.
- Create clutter on the sink, countertop, tub edge or shower stall in your bathroom.
For the complete list of feng shui dos and don’ts, click here for the original article.
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Posted on January 30th, 2008 by Florence Beaton
McHenry, Illinois: $269,900

2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Waterfront
Egg Harbor, Wisconsin: $259,900

2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1.52 Acres
Kissimmee, Florida: $256,000

4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms
Laguna Vista, Texas: $255,000

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
Hawley, Pennsylvania: $249,900

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 1.09 Acres
Gold Canyon, Arizona: $232,000

3+ Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
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Posted on January 29th, 2008 by Florence Beaton

Manchester, Vermont is located in the southwestern part of the state, between Bennington and Rutland on Route 7, and nestled at the foot of Mount Equinox (the highest mountain in Bennington County). The centerpiece of the village is the Equinox Resort, established in 1769. Summer temperatures average around 61 degrees Fahrenheit and winter temperatures are around 28 degrees.
History
Manchester has a long and rich history. The town was chartered in 1761 and by the mid 1800s it was a popular vacation destination. Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, owned a summer estate there called Hildene (which is now open to the public). The town has seen a variety of industries, including iron mines, marble mills and lumber companies. The Orvis Company (supplier of fly-fishing and other outdoor gear) was founded in Manchester in 1856.
Recreation and Attractions
Manchester Center is home to the Manchester Designer Outlets. Manchester is also convenient to three different ski areas: Bromley Mountain, Stratton Mountain and Magic Mountain. Events include the Hildene Fall Arts Festival (October), Manchester Antique & Classic Car Show (June), Southern Vermont Art and Craft Festival (August), Summer Concerts on the Green (July & August), and Winter Wonderland Tours (January & February). Other attractions include the Frog Hollow Craft School, Southern Vermont Arts Center, American Museum of Fly Fishing, West River Farmers Market, and the Dutton Farm Stand & Sugar House. There is also plenty of fine dining available in the Manchester area.
Real Estate
Single family homes in Manchester start at around $450,000 and top out at about $2.5 million. Condos generally range from $400,000 to about $700,000.
Photo of Hildene by dbking.
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Posted on January 28th, 2008 by Florence Beaton
With the wide variety of factory-built homes now available (everything from tiny, modern structures to huge historic reproductions are available), it’s no wonder that second home owners across the country are considering a modular or other systems-built home. After all, when you live hours away from your second home site, it’s difficult to supervise construction and make sure things are getting done on schedule. With a pre-built home, there’s less room for things to get off schedule, and more security in knowing that you’re getting what you’ve paid for.
The New York Times has a great article on performing due diligence when buying a factory-built home. With the wide variety of styles, options, finishes, and costs associated, it’s a good idea to become as well-informed as possible.
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Posted on January 25th, 2008 by Florence Beaton
The most popular property on 2ndhome.net for the past week was this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 410 acre ranch in Crawford, Nebraska. It’s listed at $1,950,000 by Mason & Morse Ranch Company.

The second most viewed second home was this 2+ bedroom, 1 bathroom waterfront home in Onalaska, Wisconsin. It’s listed at only $199,500 by RE/MAX First Choice.

The third most viewed property was this home with a barn and orchard in Freeman, Maine. It’s listed at $189,000 by CSM Real Estate.

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