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Chargement... Downton Shabby: One American's Ultimate DIY Adventure Restoring His Family's English Castle (original 2022; édition 2022)par Hopwood DePree (Auteur)
Information sur l'oeuvreDownton Shabby: One American's Ultimate DIY Adventure Restoring His Family's English Castle par Hopwood DePree (2022)
   Aucun Actuellement, il n'y a pas de discussions au sujet de ce livre.  cathyskye | Dec 11, 2022 |    ) Stbalbach | Jul 9, 2022 | How does a Hollywood actor, producer and more end up England, restoring a ruin? It's all in the name. When he was younger, Hopwood went by his middle name. As an adult, he choose to use his given name, as it was memorable. Whilst researching on genealogical sites, he discovers a past - and the home of his ancestors - in the remains of Hopwood Hall. I quite enjoyed being along for the trip as Hopwood makes connections, makes friends and willingly upends his whole life for Hopwood Hall. His family is just as enthusiastic. As are the supporters of the Hall, who are trying to preserve this historic building. Geoff and Bob are the two core supporters who guide and educate Hopwood on the Hall's past. Their dedication was and is admirable. Hopwood meets many others who are happy to lend a hand. It was fascinating to uncover the historical past of the Hall with Hopwood. The descriptions of the Hall - and included photographs - made me want to come and visit! DePree is enthusiastic and able to laugh at himself. I quite enjoyed his book, but the journey isn't over. Downton Shabby (clever title) was an entertaining, easy read that kept me engaged. (  ) Twink | May 26, 2022 | I did find myself resenting that a lot of what Hopwood is chasing is going to vault him into another range of privilege solely based on his White, British, Male heritage and his ancestors. His Hollywood lifestyle and connections don't help that feeling. Even while he rallies the community and suffers through painstaking restoration, the ultimate goal seems like life in a British Great House on the upstairs side, and it won't be all his money paying for it. I'm not in a great place right now regarding real estate, so take the sour grapes as a personal feeling and enjoy the book. Advanced Reader's Copy Provided by Edelweiss. ( ) jennybeast | Apr 14, 2022 | aucune critique | ajouter une critique
Listes notables
Biography & Autobiography.
Home Design & Déco
Trave
Nonfictio
HTML: HGTV meets Downton Abbey! A ready-for-TV storyâ??with charm and humor in abundanceâ??about a Los Angeles producer who moves to England to save his ancestral castle from ruin. Hollywood producer Hopwood DePree had been told as a boy that an ancestorâ??who he was named forâ??had left his family's English castle in the 1700s to come to America. One night after some wine and a visit to Ancestry.com, Hopwood discovered a photograph of a magnificent English estate with a familiar name: Hopwood Hall, a 60-room, 600-year-old grand manor on 5,000 acres. And with that, Hopwood DePree's life took an almost fairytale turn. Hopwood Hall, in northwest England, was indeed his family's ancestral home. It had been occupied continuously by the Hopwood family for five centuries until the last remaining male heirs were killed in World War I. Since then, the Hall had fallen gradually into disrepair and was close to collapse. When Hopwood visited, he discovered trees growing in the chimneys, holes in the roof, and water sluicing down walls. It would take many millions to save the Hallâ??millions that Hopwood certainly didn't haveâ??but despite the fact that he lived in Los Angeles and had no construction skills, Hopwood DePree came to a conclusion: He would save Hopwood Hall. Downton Shabbyâ??the name Hopwood coined for the glorious ruinâ??traces Hopwood DePree's adventures as he gives up his life in Hollywood and moves permanently to England to save Hopwood Hall from ruin. But the task is far too big for one person, of course. Hopwood discovers that the Hall comes with an unforgettable cast of new neighbors he can call on for helpâ??from the electrician whose mum had fond memories of working at the Hall to gruff caretaker Bob, and the local aristocrats who (sort of) come to accept Hopwood as one of their own. Together, as they navigate the trials and triumphs of trying to save an actual castle, Hopwood finds himself ever further from the security of his old life, but comes to realize that, actually, he's never been closer to home. Supplemental enhancement PDF ac Aucune description trouvée dans une bibliothèque |
Discussion en coursAucunCouvertures populaires
 Google Books — Chargement...GenresClassification décimale de Melvil (CDD)942.7History and Geography Europe England and Wales Northwest England and Isle of ManClassification de la Bibliothèque du CongrèsÉvaluationMoyenne: (3.83)
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3
The history of the house is fascinating, with its secret rooms and passageways, and the work necessary to restore it is daunting. Yet--even though a corner of your mind may think DePree is insane to take on this task-- you desperately want him to succeed. One of the major obstacles to the restoration is vandalism. There are rumors of treasure to be found inside the house, and break-ins have been common. Smashed 17th-century windows and prised-up floorboards sickened me, but I also had to smile at the British knack for a memorable turn of phrase. (One vandal came in too close contact with the razor wire atop the fence... razor wire that the locals call "scrotum shredders".)
There are heartwarming parts to DePree's experiences, too. His learning curve as he learned British traditions and colloquialisms. The coming together of the surrounding community to help him, the friendship and invaluable advice given to him by townspeople, historic heritage groups, and the owners of similar houses. DePree's descriptions of the Victorian Christmas celebrations held in Hopwood Hall made me want to fly over and help him decorate.
All in all, Downton Shabby is an absorbing read about one DIY novice's quest to save a historic house. I hope DePree keeps us informed of his ongoing progress. (