Explore Rountree’s Harry Potter House

A couple in Shreveport, Louisiana, Angie Cason and Jasper Price, transformed their dining room into a "Harry Potter"-themed reading room. This magical retreat was born out of their extensive collection of props and trinkets, initially gathered from themed parties they hosted for each book and film release of the popular fantasy series. Jasper Price, an artist and illustrator, personally crafted many of the unique pieces that adorn the room. These handmade items include flying keys, divination teacups, Cornish pixies, and mandrakes, all meticulously fashioned from paper clay. Cason emphasized that storing these elaborate creations in the attic after each party felt like a waste, leading them to dedicate a space for permanent display. As avid book readers, the couple already utilized their dining room as a reading space, making it a natural choice for their wizarding collection. Their accumulation of "Harry Potter" memorabilia began in 2000, providing them with a vast array of items to fill nearly every corner of the room. The project was completed in December, transforming the space into a truly immersive experience. Among Cason's favorite pieces are the Quidditch case and the Monster Book of Monsters, both of which were handcrafted by Price, requiring hours of painting and sculpting, reflecting a significant amount of dedication. Beyond the handmade items, the room features clever decorative elements like a stained-glass window created from printed decals, sourced from a limited edition Mina Lima print associated with the Wizarding World at Universal. Old books from their existing collection were repurposed by wrapping them with custom-printed covers to align with the theme. The couple also designed and made custom wands and wand boxes, adding to the room's authenticity. In addition to their DIY creations, the room incorporates manufactured items from official sources such as The Noble Collection and Pottery Barn Teen's "Harry Potter" line, blending personalized touches with commercially available merchandise. The enchanting room is not only enjoyed by Cason and Price's friends and family, with Cason's cousins even bringing children for tours during birthday parties, but the couple also shares their impressive decor with local businesses for "Harry Potter" events. This initiative extends the magic beyond their home, allowing others to experience their dedication to the series. Cason noted that their passion for collecting "Harry Potter" items and hosting related events is ongoing, and despite their extensive collection, they believe there is always more to acquire. This continuous pursuit ensures the room remains a dynamic and evolving tribute to the wizarding world, constantly enriched with new additions and shared experiences. The transformation highlights a creative approach to home decoration, where a shared passion for a fictional universe can inspire a unique and personalized living space. The blend of homemade crafts and carefully selected commercial items demonstrates how fans can integrate their interests into their daily environment. The reading room serves as both a private sanctuary and a communal space, fostering a sense of wonder and nostalgia for all who visit, and underscores the enduring appeal of the "Harry Potter" series as a source of creative inspiration. The project also exemplifies how personal hobbies and collections can lead to the development of elaborate and imaginative interior design projects, showcasing the potential for ordinary spaces to become extraordinary through themed decor and artistic expression. #HarryPotter #ReadingRoom #HomeDecor #DIYProjects #FantasyThemed #WizardingWorld #InteriorDesign #FanCulture

Universal Orlando Resort has released new merchandise for Harry Potter fans, including three stationery sets inspired by the Wizarding World and Hogwarts house wall art. These items are available at the Universal Studios Store in Universal Studios Florida and CityWalk. Each stationery set is priced at $29 and is labeled as "From the Films of Harry Potter" and "Artifacts From the Wizarding World." The Travel Magic stationery pack features the Hogwarts Express on its cover and includes a description of Platform 9 3/4 on the back. This set contains over a dozen "artifacts," such as prop reproductions of Harry's Hogwarts acceptance letter, a Platform 9 3/4 ticket, a Hogwarts map, and Luna Lovegood's Spectrespecs. Additionally, it includes stickers, postcards, booklets, and various stationery supplies. The pack also offers "insider facts and insights" from the Harry Potter cast and crew, designed to unfold into different pockets for an immersive experience. The Gryffindor Magic stationery pack focuses on Gryffindor-themed items. It comes with a Gryffindor pennant, a house patch, a reproduction of Hermione’s class schedule, and a replica of Dumbledore’s Army signed parchment. The stationery supplies in this set feature a bookmark, sticky notes, stickers, a notebook, and a pencil, all adorned with Gryffindor motifs. For fans of Slytherin, the Slytherin Magic stationery pack offers similar items to the Gryffindor set but in Slytherin’s distinctive green and silver colors. This pack includes prop facsimiles such as the cover of the Advanced Potion Making textbook and a reproduction of the Black family tapestry. Like the other sets, it also contains set photos from the films. In addition to the stationery sets, Universal Orlando Resort has introduced new Hogwarts house wall art, priced at $24 each. These wall art pieces are wooden squares, each painted with a fresh interpretation of a Hogwarts house crest. Available designs include Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw, allowing fans to display their house pride. The wall art was found in the Universal Studios Store in CityWalk, complementing the stationery sets found at Universal Studios Florida. This new collection offers fans a variety of ways to bring a piece of the Wizarding World into their homes. #HarryPotter #UniversalOrlandoResort #WizardingWorld #StationerySets #HogwartsHouse #WallArt #Gryffindor #Slytherin #Hufflepuff #Ravenclaw

Ponden Hall, a historic country house in Yorkshire, which is widely recognized as the inspiration for Emily Brontë's renowned novel, *Wuthering Heights*, has recently been listed for sale. This significant property is situated near the Brontë family parsonage in Haworth and holds considerable literary importance. While Emily Brontë drew inspiration from Ponden Hall for elements of *Wuthering Heights*, particularly the interior details that influenced the depiction of Thrushcross Grange, Anne Brontë also utilized the house as the model for the titular residence in her novel, *The Tenant of Wildfell Hall*. The property, marketed by Strutt & Parker at an asking price of £1 million, boasts a rich history, with its oldest sections dating back to 1541, though the majority of the current structure was built in 1634. The architectural integrity of Ponden Hall is evident in its authentic beams, walls, floors, ceilings, fireplaces, and windows, which have been preserved over centuries. The current owners have enhanced this historical ambiance with period-appropriate furniture, which is also available for separate negotiation. Ponden Hall is substantial in size, featuring eight bedrooms and a two-bedroom annex, making it suitable for a large family, staff accommodation, or as a potential holiday rental, appealing especially to literary tourists. The annex offers two en-suite rooms on the ground floor with an open-plan living space above. The main house includes a large living/dining room, a kitchen/breakfast room, two downstairs bedrooms, and six upstairs bedrooms, two of which are en-suite. The property also encompasses four acres of land and a paddock, and is accessed via Scar Top Road, a lane with a fittingly Gothic name. For many years, Ponden Hall has operated as a bed and breakfast, indicating its versatility as either a commercial enterprise or a private family residence. Its continued availability on the market offers an opportunity for a new owner to immerse themselves in a piece of literary history. The article playfully suggests that while it may inspire another famous book, future generations of A-level students, who may share the author's past struggles with *Wuthering Heights*, might not appreciate the connection in the same way. #PondenHall #WutheringHeights #EmilyBrontë #LiteraryLandmark #YorkshireProperty #HistoricHome #CountryHouse #RealEstate #BrontëSisters

The article highlights a specific property located just off Hawthorne Boulevard in Portland, Oregon, showcasing a blend of historical charm and modern updates. The house, built in 1913, is identified as a 'Portland Bungalow,' a unique architectural style described by historian Thomas Hubka. This particular type of bungalow, distinct from those found in other regions, is characterized by its perfectly symmetrical front facade, featuring a centered porch flanked by windows on either side. Hubka notes that this design, while common in Portland, is rare elsewhere. The historical context of Hawthorne Boulevard is provided, detailing its transformation from 'Asylum Avenue' in 1888, following the establishment of a streetcar line and its renaming after Dr. James Hawthorne. The streetcar facilitated the growth of shops and residential development, particularly after the Lewis and Clark Exposition in 1905, which spurred a population increase and subsequent construction boom in Southeast Portland. The house in question emerged during this period of significant urban development. The interior of the featured bungalow is described as a harmonious combination of original features and contemporary renovations. It retains its original hardwood floors, crystal doorknobs, five-panel doors, a wood-burning fireplace, and original moldings and trim, preserving its early 20th-century aesthetic. These historical elements are complemented by a recently refreshed kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen boasts modern amenities such as quartz waterfall counters, Schoolhouse hardware, and newer appliances, while the bathroom features a marble-topped vanity, new penny floor tile, and updated lighting. The house offers 1,596 square feet of living space spread across two floors, which is noted as being generous for this style of home. The upstairs includes two bedrooms with angled ceilings, the updated bathroom, and a dedicated office space, which might have originally served as a sleeping porch. The main floor is designed with a circular flow, connecting the entry foyer through arched doorways to the kitchen and a small sunroom at the back. Additionally, the property includes a side yard for outdoor activities. Thomas Hubka's observation that the Portland Bungalow was the most sought-after house style in the city before World War II underscores its enduring appeal. The article concludes by noting that this specific property's desirability persists, evidenced by it going under contract within five days of listing, highlighting its continued popularity in the local real estate market, especially given its proximity to the vibrant Hawthorne area. Details such as the address, size, list date, price, and listing agent are provided, along with information about the staging and styling of the home. #PortlandBungalow #HawthorneBoulevard #RealEstate #HistoricHomes #ArchitecturalHistory #HomeDesign #PortlandOregon #PropertyWatch

This article details the transformation of a 1910 shingled farmhouse in Watermill, NY, into a serene weekend retreat for a young Manhattan family, undertaken by designer James Huniford. The renovation aimed to modernize the property while preserving its original character, focusing on opening up spaces to natural light and views, and incorporating a subtle color palette enriched by diverse textures and rustic elements. Key structural changes included knocking down walls and converting three smaller rooms into a cohesive, multifunctional loft-like area. Huniford enhanced the architectural interest by removing sheetrock from the ceiling to expose existing beams and adding more to create a more integrated design. The living room features reclaimed wood and plumbing piping bookcases, providing warmth and rustic texture. Furnishings in this space include the designer's Morton Chairs, a custom sofa upholstered in Nobilis linen, and a Huniford Collection ottoman covered in one of his Lee Jofa fabrics. The existing mantelpiece was refined with a slimmer profile, and a Sullivan Square Table, also designed by Huniford, serves as the cocktail table. The dining area showcases a custom table paired with vintage chairs, which were reupholstered in Pierre Frey fabric. A vintage light fixture illuminates the space. To further enhance the farmhouse aesthetic, the original door to the mudroom was replaced with a sliding barn door, contributing additional warmth and texture. The wood flooring throughout the home, sourced from a Vermont barn, was stained a chalky gray, providing a consistent and calming base. In the kitchen, an open-concept design connects directly to the living room. A custom-made sofa was strategically designed to sit below the windowsill, ensuring an uninterrupted view of the outdoors. The kitchen itself features an L-shaped layout with white marble countertops that amplify the natural light. Stools by Industry West and sink fittings by Lefroy Brooks complete the functional and stylish space. An adjacent bar area extends the kitchen's functionality. The master bedroom received an elevated ceiling to enhance the sense of space. A custom bed, upholstered in Huniford’s Bennett fabric for Lee Jofa, is flanked by vintage nightstands, contributing to the room's restful ambiance. The bathroom includes a vintage claw-foot tub and a ceiling light from Circa Lighting. For the daughter’s bedroom, a vintage daybed was upholstered in Zimmer & Rohde embroidery, complemented by a Swedish cabinet and a 1940s rocker, which was re-upholstered in a romantic floral fabric. The window shade fabric is by Pindler. Overall, the design emphasizes comfort, natural elements, and a harmonious blend of old and new, creating an inviting and tranquil environment ideal for a family getaway. #HamptonsFarmhouse #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #RusticModern #WeekendGetaway #JamesHuniford #WatermillNY #ShingledFarmhouse #CustomFurniture