A Question for everyone....

[theachristine]

O.K. everyone, I would like to hear some opinions on a crazy pipe dream I have. Steph and I have talked about how we wish we could do the ORS for a living, perhaps even open a Regency themed bed & breakfast/resort!

Now as far-fetched as this may seem at this time, I still have an idealistic streak that believes anything is possible if you work hard enough. Therefore, I am taking the first step by researching the plausibility of such a move.

Over the next few weeks/months, I am going to be posting many questions to all of you, and I sincerely want any and all opinions/thoughts/suggestions - even from you lurkers out there! I especially want to hear from people outside of Oregon, as there is no way our membership alone could sustain such a venture.

So my first question is: If there existed a Regency resort (not really an 'in character' thing - we would still be ourselves, but more genteel perhaps) where you could stay, take a turn in a lovely garden, dress the period if you want (those without their own costumes would be provided with adjustable garments if they desired, management would always be dressed period-style), learn to dance ECD and attend a Saturday assembly, have high tea, attend a costuming workshop, perhaps even take out a horse - would you spend the time, money and effort to come to rural Oregon to do so?

Thanks to any and all who reply

[lauren]

I would absolutely spend time, money, ect to come. There would, of course, have to be horses and carriages. I think you should make people leave their cars in a specific area and have horse drawn carraiges take them to the resort. No modern technology allowed :-) (within reason)

[savivi]

Aaagh! The answer is YES YES YES... but with a but.

This is going to be so long, and probably far more input than you ever needed yet, but here I go.

SO:

If I had the money, I would absolutely, absolutely love to do it. Having gone to my fair share of "somewhere in time" places (mostly frontier forts and American colonial areas, none of them Regency), I've experienced a lot that I loved as a middle-class girl.

But I've never found a place that made me feel like a Vanderbilt (or in this case, an Emma Woodhouse). And since I live on the opposite side of the country, I would already be spending a great amount of money getting there, I might as well spend a great deal during my stay. And it would have to be SPECTACULAR to go to the West Coast.

I've noticed a few things that never set well with me:

1) Usually the buildings and interiors are painfully obvious as being modern, or incredibly simple.
2) The clothing provided never looked quite right, especially since there weren't any corsets (like really garish colors or terrible fabrics and such... but I completely trust you in this area).
3) The gift shops were always a little disappointing. There would be a specific set they were catering for. Either the EXTREMELY wealthy, or people who only wanted to spend 5 dollars. (Excepted in this area was Mount Vernon - AMAZING gift shop.)

The idea itself oozes money and luxury, and rather than only being half in time, I would want to be completely immersed in it.

The buildings and interiors would have to be completely period (though noone blames one about electricity or a toilet), and the clothing provided would need to be really lovely. Nothing fancy, but a really nice white muslin morning dress would even be better than a lot of the clothes I've seen.

I would be tickled pink to hot glue feathers to a bonnet, as long as I did it in a corset and gown, in a beautiful drawing room with a phenomenal view.

- - -

The other thing is, there's the flip side. I always wanted to know what it was like for a servant. I'd even be willing to PAY to work for a day as an upstairs or downstairs maid. Or take cooking classes in a period kitchen.

Heck, if you do this, I'd be seriously tempted move to Oregon and work for you.

[lauren]

Jun 23, 2008 17:59:42 GMT -5 savivi said:

Aaagh! The answer is YES YES YES... but with a but.

This is going to be so long, and probably far more input than you ever needed yet, but here I go.

SO:

If I had the money, I would absolutely, absolutely love to do it. Having gone to my fair share of "somewhere in time" places (mostly frontier forts and American colonial areas, none of them Regency), I've experienced a lot that I loved as a middle-class girl.

But I've never found a place that made me feel like a Vanderbilt (or in this case, an Emma Woodhouse). And since I live on the opposite side of the country, I would already be spending a great amount of money getting there, I might as well spend a great deal during my stay. And it would have to be SPECTACULAR to go to the West Coast.

I've noticed a few things that never set well with me:

1) Usually the buildings and interiors are painfully obvious as being modern, or incredibly simple.
2) The clothing provided never looked quite right, especially since there weren't any corsets (like really garish colors or terrible fabrics and such... but I completely trust you in this area).
3) The gift shops were always a little disappointing. There would be a specific set they were catering for. Either the EXTREMELY wealthy, or people who only wanted to spend 5 dollars. (Excepted in this area was Mount Vernon - AMAZING gift shop.)

The idea itself oozes money and luxury, and rather than only being half in time, I would want to be completely immersed in it.

The buildings and interiors would have to be completely period (though noone blames one about electricity or a toilet), and the clothing provided would need to be really lovely. Nothing fancy, but a really nice white muslin morning dress would even be better than a lot of the clothes I've seen.

I would be tickled pink to hot glue feathers to a bonnet, as long as I did it in a corset and gown, in a beautiful drawing room with a phenomenal view.

- - -

The other thing is, there's the flip side. I always wanted to know what it was like for a servant. I'd even be willing to PAY to work for a day as an upstairs or downstairs maid. Or take cooking classes in a period kitchen.

Heck, if you do this, I'd be seriously tempted move to Oregon and work for you.

Absolutely and 100%ly agreed.

[lauren]

I think it would be neat to have different levels of authenticity. For example:

Have a wing devoted to authentic everything. No electricity, running water, ect. However, I think to be successful as a business you would have to offer modern convieneces as an option. Let your quests chose their desired experience.

I think it would be awesome to do our own Regency House party :-) Tee Hee

[tess]

Oh!! :: squeal of delight:: ::jumps up and down:: When does it open?! Huh, huh?! I wanna play!!!

I agree with both Lauren and Savvi.
Personally, I'd want the whole Fantasy Island thing where I was completely immersed in the period with few if any modern distractions (ok plumbing is my big exception).

However, I think it would be difficult to be financially viable doing it this way exclusively. Lauren's idea of different levels of authenticity would address that issue.

Coming from the Bluegrass, it would probably be a one-time thing for me . As such, I'd want the real-deal. But if I lived closer I would love to come more frequently and couldn't afford the Fantasy Island experience more than once.

Part of having the experience would be having enough other people there to make it feel authentic. Maybe hosting lots of those ORS events, where guests could plan to schedule stays around a specific event. I know our French Lick Resort and the associated West Baden Springs (VERY cool and historic) have things like Great Gatsby dinner and murder mystery weekends to draw crowds.

I wonder if starting something in conjunction with an existing historic site would work. Sort of like a party planner. They would provide the setting/hotel, and you would coordinate the "experience". It just seems like such a financial investment to get started, I'm wondering if there are ways to takes smaller steps to test the waters (total non-risk-taker wimp talking here!).

[savivi]

Those are dead-on points.

And sorry for going slightly off topic.. Tess: are you a Hoosier?! I went to school in Terre Haute and my best friend lives 15 minutes away from French Lick. Going to the West Baden Springs was sooo amazing, but I went there before the reconstruction, so I didn't get to see it in all it's glory.

...I was even going to have high tea, there, too! But they were closed. I was so sad.

[Val]

*I* would really enjoy it but unfortunately hubby usually accompanies me on any trips, and he would not at all be interested. He puts up with my *obsessions* but will not join in.
And if I was going, it would partly be to see lots and lots of other folks wearing costume, which means it would be more like an event, not a hotel stay.
A Regency House Party sounds fun.

[The Major]

That would be fabulous! All the ideas so far are also great. It may be expensive to buy or build a place with "wings" for different levels of authenticity, but possibly have rooms of different levels of authenticity. Some rooms with their own plumbing, other rooms with a community room like many B&B's I've been to but be sure to include chamber pots for those who want to go ultra authentic (they also had chamber pot toilets, basically a toilet seat with a chamber pot below). Make electricity available but not intrusive so guests can have a choice. However, if there is candle lighting, you will want to price your insurance to see if it is possible or not.

If there were dancing and the possibility of a horse ride, count me in. Be sure to have a place where various events can take place - tea, billiards, sitting room, etc, Regency House Party can give you ideas and you then research what would be financially possible. Keep a mind to have a set up with the ORS and other Regency groups in mind for what they would be most likely to want to use the most. And of course, develop good relationships with every regency group on the west coast.

I have a couple cousins on the west coast and could incorporate stays in this place when I'm out there.

[theachristine]

Thanks to everyone who took the time to answer thus far - I am keeping a file of your replies (I hope you don't mind) for later referral.

BTW - it is funny that one of you mentioned taking a carriage ride up to the resort...this was one of my first ideas for the place! I've even got the carriage style picked out already

As for levels of authenticity, what I had thought might work would be a 'main' house that is period style but has modern amenaties (such as showers, toilets, etc.), but use nifty tricks like 'flickering' light bulbs (made to simulate candlelight) in fixtures where the bulbs cannot be seen, but have candles at the dinner table and in other key areas. This will keep down the fire and other liability risks (someone falls in the hallway b/c poor lighting) down, while still maximizing the experience.

Then, for those die-hards who want to go 'all the way,' have a stone cottage or two on the outskirts of the garden that are 100% period authentic (on a small scale, of course) with no electricity, chamber pots, etc. (and lengthy liability waivers)

Lastly, I really like the idea of offering a 'servants' option - for a greatly reduced price, a person could opt to work in the house or gardens at a specific time. Perhaps even have 'servents quarters' at the top floor of the house.

Like I said previously, this is still in the 'dreaming out loud' phase, so any and all input will be welcome. Just don't go off and try to open one yourselves - this would be grounds for some very unladylike behavior from Stephanie and myself (girlish giggle...with a serious edge!!!!).

Thanks again, and keep the suggestions flowing!

[theachristine]

Oh, and as for events....

I am dreaming of also having an assembly hall on the property where the ORS would hold regular events for guests and anyone else who would like to come.

We've had great attendance at events thus far, so I think if we could find a good central location...not too far from civilization, we could bring in extra cash and ensure that the experience is fantastic for everyone. I am also thinking we could offer period weddings!

Of course, capital is going to be our greatest obstacle - so we would probably have to start out small with a few key offerings and hope that we could get in the black fast enough to make additions to keep clients happy.

The costuming I feel very confident about - if I can get Steph and Lisa on board and let them loose in a well stocked sewing room, the results would, no doubt, be spectacular!

We also have some very talented cooks and dance teachers among our ranks, so the raw talent is there...the one thing that gives me cause for pause is the varying expectations of what would make it a worthwhile vacation spot.

The sad truth is, it would not be a quick, easy - or cheap - venture, and I wouldn't want to put my families' future on the line if people want to step into Pemberly right away.

I will not despair, however, as our events have thus far been wildly successful despite the many obstacles we have faced. People have been very positive, and usually report that their expectations of the event were not only met, but exceeded - so maybe we really could pull off this crazy dream after all

[lauren]

Maybe one of us will win the lottery :-P or have an unknown wealthy relative die and leave all of his/ her money to the one of us. Okay, that was a bit morbid, but it could happen.

[theachristine]

;DLOL!!

Morbid it may be, but I can't help feeling that way too! The only problem is, I haven't any rich relatives...even robustly healthy ones!

O.K., I had best stop this line of thought before the lightening bolts come crashing down...

But I must confess - I do buy a single powerball ticket every week in the vain hope that providence shall smile upon me

[Goblin, esq.]

I would almost certainly attend, if I could afford it. Possibly make it a regular thing every couple of years, especially if there were places for child(ren) to run around.

(I was going to suggest the flickering bulbs, but I see you're already aware of them.)

[tess]

Jun 24, 2008 10:44:11 GMT -5 savivi said:

Tess: are you a Hoosier?! I went to school in Terre Haute and my best friend lives 15 minutes away from French Lick. Going to the West Baden Springs was sooo amazing, but I went there before the reconstruction, so I didn't get to see it in all it's glory.

...I was even going to have high tea, there, too! But they were closed. I was so sad.

I'm not a Hoosier, but I live in Louisville, Ky. so I'm easy driving distance to French Lick, IN.
If you're ever back in the area, you have to go see West Baden hotel. They did a MAJOR renovation and it is unbelievable. Here is a link to the site.
www.frenchlick.com/accommodations/west_baden.asp
Take a look at the rotunda...I'd feel like Cinderella dancing there!

[Miss Credit]

I am completely in love with this idea!
I would definitely come out, all of the activities sound delightful. Would you offer classes? Perhaps like on period crafts like water coloring, silhouettes, and stuff like that?

[iamdiverted]

Its a graet idea and everything, but I don't really think it is realistic to make it with horses and carrages and servants and stuff. It probably will need a huge investment and I can't see a bank dishing out a business loan for regency playtime. I am not trying to rain on your parade or anything but youre relying on a small portion of the population to keep you afloat. it's the kind of crazy investment some rich developer does to make his own play-place, I can'ts ee you making a lot of money on it having to sustain the staff and horses and food and such.

[Mme de Beaufort]

Jul 8, 2008 11:45:38 GMT -5 iamdiverted said:

Its a graet idea and everything, but I don't really think it is realistic to make it with horses and carrages and servants and stuff. It probably will need a huge investment and I can't see a bank dishing out a business loan for regency playtime. I am not trying to rain on your parade or anything but youre relying on a small portion of the population to keep you afloat. it's the kind of crazy investment some rich developer does to make his own play-place, I can'ts ee you making a lot of money on it having to sustain the staff and horses and food and such.

I'm quite sure a good market study and business plan would be completed before any decisions are made. That's sort of Thea's whole point in posting here to begin with.

[aldybuglvr3]

What a fun idea. Lots to think about. I think it would be great if you could hold a weekend party at a building first to see what happens and work out kinks. Draems are meant to be big so just keep going. The set up on something like this would take a huge amount of time, money and effort but who cares! Once you have a place in mind, you could bring in money in LOTS of ways and my brain is reeling with them already. Classes, possibly hosted by your local community college, or way better yet, a senior activity club would keep you open most of the year. And what lady of the older generation wouldnt get a kick outta that? Weddings is a great idea but maybe just hosting the building first and bringing in dres later. Or maybe they would have to provide their own dress for a while. You could rack up a considerable closet in no time im sure.
As for the different levels... heres a suggestion. In my town, we have lots of houses that are older and pretty big, that are coming up for sale. Once in a while theres a great one that would work. An example would be a house not far from downtown that was built oddly. It is basically split in two from the front door. I could talk all day about it but the general idea is that it is possible to find a house built so that the electricity could be shut off on one side to provide the desired effect. Also, these houses are sometimes old enough to have original electrical, encased in pipes, on the outside of the walls inside the house. I love that.

Start small and work your way into this. Its plausible.
BTW, I put together a mean gift shop and have a zillion resourses down that alley. I will be visiting a wholesale show in august and would be willing to look into it for you if you want. My other suggestion in this area would be to visit Coburg if you havent already. There are some stores there that will knock your socks off with jewelry and such.

Ohhh how exciting! I think it would be fun to get a bunch of people together to rent out a house and work it out over a weekend. I have resourses with that too. Anyways, have fun with it and I cant wait to hear what you come up with. Sorry to be so long winded.

[theachristine]

Hello everyone! Please excuse my delay in replying to the boards...life has dealt me some unexpected turns lately, but I am happy to be back and among kindred spirits again.

Thanks so much for your encouraging words aldybuglvr! And to everyone, thank you so much for taking the time to post your thoughts and suggestions...I cannot tell you how happy it has made me to find that there are others in this world who share my Regency obsession, and I look forward to the day when all of us will have a beautiful, peaceful place to convene and indulge our passion for the period.

Until then, please keep your ideas flowing! To those of you who have expressed interest in being a part of creating this dream, please email me and/or Stephanie via the ORS website and let us know how you would like to be involved.

Again, this is still very much in the 'dreaming out loud' phase; however, any and all help/information/resource contacts will be utilized and greatly appreciated!

Perhaps we could even plan a research trip to the JA festival in Bath next year.....