Halliwell Manor Exterior
Around March of 2021, I embarked on an exciting journey: recreating the Halliwell Manor, a project both ambitious and deeply personal.
To begin, I chose a smaller lot (40x30) to draft the rough layout of the house. This early version allowed me to focus on fine-tuning key details and striking a balance between the house’s proportions and achieving screen accuracy.
Once I was satisfied with the results of the initial build, I decided to move the house to its current, larger 64x64 lot. This allowed me to expand the surrounding environment, working on the layout of the terrain, the main garden, the kitchen garden, and other exterior elements that would enhance the property's character.
Designing the terrain and landscaping was a new challenge in itself. I aimed to craft an exterior that not only complimented the manor's charm but also aligned with its late Victorian Stick-style architecture, which features light Japanese influences.
To achieve this, I delved into researching garden layouts from the Late Victorian era. This study offered valuable insights into the use of pathways, fountains, sculptures, plants, flowers, and various outdoor features that would make the manor feel both believable and historically authentic. For reference I used the following texts: A. J. Downing - Cottage Residences (1856) Scott T. Hanson - Restoring Your Historic House (2019) a fundamental book on historical restoration and preservation. Virginia Savage McAlester - A field Guide to American Houses (2014) Frank J. Scott - Victorian Gardens (1870) Frank J. Scott - The Art of Beautifying Suburban Home Grounds (1881)
For now, I wanted to share this update about the exterior of the manor. A follow-up post focused on the interior will come soon—a part of the project I’ve never shared publicly before. I hope you enjoy these glimpses into this ongoing journey!
