Lady Sarah
Officer
"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
Posts: 77
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Post by Lady Sarah on Aug 20, 2011 23:13:20 GMT -5
I didn't really know where to post this, so if it is in the wrong area, please let me know. I have had an idea brewing for a while that I would really like some feedback on. I love the Regency Era and I am a total escapist, but for as many people who love the era, there is no place to go to live the life of the Regency. And I am not talking about retreats that last for a weekend. I have been planning a Regency "Resort" of sorts that involves a little town with shops and an inn, a parish, and some houses. I know that I would love to visit a place like this where rooms are lit with candle light, days are spent doing things those who lived in the regency would do. The Whole Shebang. I am thinking something along the lines of "The Regency House Party". So I guess my question is, would you go to a place like this? And if so, what would you expect? Or am I just hopelessly dreaming...
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Post by crowderhouse on Aug 30, 2011 10:16:35 GMT -5
Lady Sarah,
I think that sounds like a great idea. Most living history museums are only open to the casual visitor. It would be really interesting to have one that is more like a resort. It would be an expensive venture, though. For me it's the dancing and learning, I'm pretty flighty - mention a regency ball and my head is turned.
Alicia of Crowder House
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Post by amandamoose on Aug 30, 2011 11:00:10 GMT -5
Sounds like a business idea to me! Who has money to buy a historic property and turn it into a Regency Resort? I'd save up and go
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Post by ladyirish on Sept 1, 2011 22:37:31 GMT -5
I'm the same! I would definitely be interested! One of my dreams (you know, the kind that will actually never happen) is to buy a bunch of acreage and build my own little historic town. *sigh*
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Lady Sarah
Officer
"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
Posts: 77
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 3, 2011 12:06:46 GMT -5
For me it's the dancing and learning, I'm pretty flighty - mention a regency ball and my head is turned. What kind of things would you all be interested in learning or doing? I have thought about making available the things needed for needle work or bonnet decorating and the such (as well as a list of things to entertain the men). I have such a long list of idea's, I wouldn't be able to post everything on here.
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 4, 2011 11:25:07 GMT -5
I think needle work and bonnet making/decorating, as well as paper rolling, and then essentials, like making perfume or scented powders and other things ladies used to freshen their scent LOL...And though an upper class lady wouldn't likely be in the kitchen I think cooking classes would be interesting too. There is a house here in my town (that's rather on the small side considering a manor house) in the Tudor style, every time I drive by it I think it would be fun to buy it and turn it into a time travel B&B or something.
As for Men's interest, shooting and fisticuffs lol are always a must but then there are the sciences too, lots of discoveries were made during this period...it would be neat to conduct experiments and have night time astronomy stuff.
Off topic, my husband has an idea for a Star Trek themed resort LOL We've got loads of ideas over here
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Lady Sarah
Officer
"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
Posts: 77
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 4, 2011 12:17:42 GMT -5
I used to be a total Trekki. That would be fun place to go:) I may not know the in's and out's of the Star Trek Universe anymore (I was a pre teen), but the idea of being in that world makes me giddy. Like I said, total escapist here.
I wish that there was more documentation of the time period. Finding all the recipes for dishes and even the science experiments that you talked about are hard to find. I did find this one site that talks about the food of the era and it gave recipes, but it's limited.
And thanks for the ideas about the scented powders. I hadn't thought about that. I thought about supplying the different things that made up their toiletry for people to use if they wanted to try it out, but I hadn't made up my mind on that one.
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Post by Mme de Beaufort on Sept 8, 2011 13:01:00 GMT -5
I'm still a Trekkie, I admit this unapologetically. In fact, I just spent an inordinate number of hours rewatching the whole ST Voyager series recently. I'm a geek, and I cannot deny it! I think many of us have this dream. i've heard it expressed from many people throughout the last few years. A real Austenland.
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 12, 2011 9:38:26 GMT -5
Mr G. and I are in the midst of STV. We saw the most bizarre episode recently where Paris rapidly evolves, kidnaps Janeway and they turn into giant pink salamanders and have babies. Weirdest star trek episode ever!
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 12, 2011 9:39:32 GMT -5
Oh yes, and a real Austenland would be super awesome!!! I've been dying to go to Hogwarts since it opened up too...one day!
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Post by celticgoddess81 on Sept 12, 2011 16:40:28 GMT -5
What about candle making and soap making. Laundry service would also be something that would need to be looked into. There is also the need for a general store, fabric... etc. What about an ice house... a tea shop would also be a possibility. You might also need a woman who could be willing to be the Mantra Maker/Dress Maker.
Amandamoose!!! ME TOO I want to go to Hogwarts... but its on the opposite coast as me. >,<
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Lady Sarah
Officer
"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
Posts: 77
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 12, 2011 21:11:22 GMT -5
Oh my Celtic, have you snuck onto my computer and taken a look at my notes? LOL. I have already thought about a genreal store that sells things that you could get back then as well as modern needs. I have a Tea Shop all planned out that sells candies and sweets as well and a Tailor shop that sells...oh the list is so long. I was also thinking of having a ladies maid in each house that will do your hair if you want and I haven't quite decided anything about a laundry service.
I like the idea of candle and soap making and I have been looking into other forms of entertainment/education about the time period. One thing that i really want to put in the "town" is an opera house/theater. It would be small, but in the same style of the houses of the time.
Which just reminds me that I need to get back to my notes and update them. I have so many thoughts that I am afraid I will forget things. Why couldn't I have been born rich instead of needing to find funding?
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 13, 2011 13:42:24 GMT -5
Opposite coast from me too one day though Yes to all those things, Nora and I have been dreaming of a Modiste shop, two sides. One side would be the boutique where pre-made dresses would be hanging for viewing and then the other side the Salon would be where we would do fittings. There would be sofas and at least one cat and plenty of tea and biscuits... I also vote for the rich instead of needing funding LOL Perhaps if one of us wins a mega lottery jackpot?
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Lady Sarah
Officer
"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
Posts: 77
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 13, 2011 15:43:14 GMT -5
In the shop I would have pre made gowns that at really simple that you can put your own trims on (also available in shop), have them put on for you, or wear them as is after the fitting. I would also have all the extra's; shawls, gloves, caps, jewelry and more. I have a whole file on my computer dedicated to pictures of clothes and jewelry from that era, mostly from the Napoleon Empire of Fashion exhibit. Oh, tea and biscuits! That would be lovely. I would probably have two different shops. One for the women and one for the men. After all, men cannot be having fittings in the same shop as the women. Also fencing and shooting and hopefully hunting (X fingers crossed). Staying in one of the houses, would you be fine walking around with only candle light? I have been talking with my sister about all of this and while I know that we would want to live this thing to the fullest, I don't know about others. I would wish for the lottery win not so much because it's fast and easy, but because I am no good at asking for money from people and so I will be rubbish in front of Investors, or even really finding investors. I really need a business partner who will take care of the business stuff and let me take care of all the fun history stuff.
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 13, 2011 17:23:16 GMT -5
LOL good luck with that!! I'm not very good at asking for money from people either. Yes the Modiste shop would have all accessories of course!! The premade dresses would be bare bones and you could pick trims and ribbons and other things too. We've built on the idea of the dream too lol but that's all it is.
If I had the money I do it, but it wouldn't be in a Regency era town it'd be in a modern town and people could come for costumes and prom dresses and wedding dresses or get into the timewarp life style too. If I wont the lottery I could do both!!
As for gentlemen's clothing, I'm sure there are some people out there who are more interested in that arena LOL They can open up the gentleman's clothing shop LOL
As for staying in a house, I think I'd prefer to have modern conveniences like plumbing (hot and cold water, flushing toilets) heating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer...not so much that you need a sweater in the house in winter or wear shorts in the house in winter but enough to be comfortable. I just get to feeling ill when I'm too hot and I'm miserable in super cold weather. But that's me...so for candle light I think, it would be nice to have it augmented by well placed hidden light bulbs too. I have astigmatism in both eyes and candle light while lovely give me a headache after a while.
Those would be draw back to living completely as one would have back in the day, perhaps some houses could be outfited with period looking modernities and other houses being completely period correct? that would be interesting, and of course staying in the modern dwelling would cost more or less depending on the difference of upkeep costs.
There is a medieval village near where I live in Washington, from what I've seen so far it's very true to the period but they do have toilets and wheelchair ramps. It's very very cool.
I think if I had the money and some friends with money for such a venture we'd do a good job of it. A living museum of this sort would be awesome!!
Another thing I think people would be interested in is living in different living conditions LOL like gentlefolk, or working class and below. LOL Imagine having an Inn of ill repute in town or just on the outskirts lol *sigh* gotta get the whole experience!!!
If I had Bill Gate's type money I'd set up a place like this, it would be free for schools to come and visit and learn about that time in history....and it could be a cool place for folks like us to come visit and do work shops etc.
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Lady Sarah
Officer
"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
Posts: 77
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 13, 2011 19:38:36 GMT -5
Oh toilets and running water are a must. I like the idea of hidden light bulbs that give off the same light as candles! There would most definitely be air conditioning of some kind and a heating source, but so far I am planning on keeping the place open only in the summer months. If it gets really popular then I would expand the season.
I had thought about the different stations. I was going to start off with a couple of small to medium sized houses (each with an estate), an Inn like the one in the '95 P&P, but I was also wondering if people would wan't to live in the "poorer" part of the town. They would have no help and may even have to cook for themselves. I was a little hesitant about that one. I know that I wouldn't really want to do that, but others might.
Also, I am really in love with this one aspect of the resort. I have plans for a gatehouse that is the transition point. It's were you change into your clothes and all of your luggage is put into trunks and then you are whisked away in a carriage to your "home".
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 13, 2011 19:59:51 GMT -5
I think that's a neat idea!!! LOL We should poll our friends on here to see what they would prefer, and then go from there. Wish I had the drive to go to school for business so I'd know more how to go about something like this.
it's fun to dream about though.
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 13, 2011 20:02:31 GMT -5
Oh yeah also, i think it should be optional for people to dress in costume while they are at the resort. I'm sure most people would come in costume but also for a casual visitor it would be more inspiring to be able to check things out in Civvies first, if you know what I mean
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Lady Sarah
Officer
"I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more." Mr. K
Posts: 77
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Post by Lady Sarah on Sept 13, 2011 23:26:49 GMT -5
To me part of the appeal of the resort is to be able to look around you and completely feel like you are in England during the late Georgian early Regency era. I would allow people in civvies to come in when there was an event open to everyone, but other than that, I would want to keep it all Regency. I was thinking of making the place available to Reenactors and fairs, maybe two or three per year. It would open the place up to everyone else and let them get a good glimpse into that world.
One question I have is the Alcohol. I have never drunk anything alcoholic (for religious reasons) and so I wouldn't immediately think of having it available, but there are people out there who really do like a glass of wine with dinner and such. After all, the meal times are kinda like going out to eat (in your own home, someone else's home or at the ball) so I don't see why not. Anyone have any thoughts?
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Post by amandamoose on Sept 14, 2011 11:40:40 GMT -5
I could see that as well. As for the alcohol, yes I think it should be available, but there would have to be a way to make sure minors couldn't get any....it it was available people could indulge or not I like the idea of the place being emersive LOL Like one had traveled back in time....I'd just be afraid of losing customers you know?
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