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River House Condo for Sale

July 28, 2014, 1:59 pm
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Recently, a Visbeen Architects designed condo has been put on the market and this River House condo separates itself with a Tuscan flare. 

This tailor-made luxury home, features original built-ins and custom cabinetry. The 3000 square-foot main level is home to everything from the kitchen to the master suite. The combined dining and living space makes entertaining easy, while a private den and study allow for more privacy. A guest room, complete with its own bathroom and closet space make this the perfect place to host friends and family.

 Enjoy panoramic views of downtown Grand Rapids from the rooftop patio. 
You can read the full listing article online at MLive and find the property listed by Robert Ortiz here. 


Interior Design:  Gallery Interiors
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AIBD American Residential Design Awards

August 4, 2014, 7:08 pm
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This past week, staff from Visbeen Architects attended the American Institute of BuildingDesign’s (AIBD), annual, National Convention in Columbus, OH. During the convention, the winners of the 2014 American Residential Design Awards (ARDA)are announced at a banquet celebration. 
We were honored with 15 awards this year including the prestigious Best in Show and Global Choice Award with thirteen of our projects being awarded in their respective categories.

Georgetown – First Place – Custom Luxury 5001 sq ft – 6500 sq ft
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.
Collaborator:  Sam Liberti
Builder:  Custom Classics
Interior Design:  Custom Classics
Developer:  David Weekly Homes

In addition to winning in its category, the Georgetown Design won Global Choice and brought home this years Best in Show.


Tricklebrook – First Place – Published Design 2500 sq ft & Under
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.
Builder:  Falcon Custom Homes
Interior Design:  Gallery Interiors


Laurel – First Place – Published Design 2501 sq ft - 4000 sq ft
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.
Collaborator:  Sam Liberti
Builder:  Custom Classics
Interior Design:  Custom Classics
Developer:  David Weekly Homes


Sturbridge – First Place -  Published Design 4001 sq ft & Above
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.


Driftwood - Conceptual Design 2500 sq ft & Under
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.
Interior Design:  Gallery Interiors 



Whinton – First Place - Conceptual Design 2501 sq ft - 4000 sq ft
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.


Sheridan – First Place - Model Home 2500 sq ft & Under
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.
Builder:  Mike Schaap Builders
Interior Design:  Benchmark Wood Studio
Developer:  Chad Van Horn


Emmett – First Place - Model Home 2501 sq ft - 4000 sq ft
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.
Builder:  Mike Schaap Builders
Interior Design:  Benchmark Wood Studio
Developer:  Chad Van Horn


Harvey – First Place - Model Home 4001 & Above
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.
Builder:  Falcon Custom Homes
Interior Design:  Gallery Interiors


Breezy Point – First Place - Custom Luxury 3000 sq ft & Under
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.
Builder: Jorndt Builders, LLC


Allenwood – Second Place - Custom Luxury 3001 sq ft - 4000 sq ft
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.
Builder:  Ashby Builders
Interior Design:  Francesca Owings


Heartsworth – First Place - Custom Luxury 6501 sq ft & Above
Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc.
Builder:  Infiniti Custom Homes
Interior Design:  Lauren Greiner of Klingmans Design Studio

We would like to sincerely thank everyone that voted for us we truly appreciate all of your support because without you we could not have won the Global Choice Award. 

You can see full galleries for all of these homes on our website and on our Houzz profile. 
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Introducing Sam Liberti

August 7, 2014, 2:23 pm
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Sam Liberti, AIBD, CGP, HERS
Sam has played an important role in the growth of Visbeen Architects in the South Atlantic Region. Sam attended Augusta State University majoring in business and specializing in residential home design. Visbeen Architects and Low Tide Designs have made it their business to create residential home plans that flow naturally and look beautiful, while fitting the needs of each client's lifestyle. Sam Liberti is a vital local source of expertise, managing the design/ build process of each project from the ground up. 

Our award-winning, low country designs, are the result of the collaboration between Visbeen Architects and Sam. It is a standard of design excellence which inspires and generates a character sympathetic to the context of Southern community. Sam has over 25 years in the building material manufacturing business and a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Rater and is a Certified Professional Building Designer with the AIBD. Sam continues to be a vital part of the growth of Visbeen Architects, Inc. in the South Atlantic Region. Sam lives in Savannah, GA and in his free time he enjoys playing golf, hunting and fishing. 

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Cosmopolitan Home Magazine Home Feature: Ennerdale

August 11, 2014, 1:32 pm
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Featured in the Summer issue of the Grand Rapids Cosmopolitan Home is our home design, Ennerdale.  This Mediterranean inspired home is located in the Wilcox Gardens community in East Grand Rapids and boasts both historical and "new design" appeal. With over 6000 sq ft of living space available this home well suited for a growing family. If you would like to see more photos you can find them on our website and Houzz page.



Architect:  Visbeen Architects, Inc. 
Builder:  Mike Schaap Builders
Interior Design:  Benchmark Design Studio




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Right Sized Cottages

August 14, 2014, 7:46 pm
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In the attempt to create a simpler life, design trends are moving in the direction of the less-is-more philosophy. These lake homes live up to the expectations of having a home that is smaller in square footage but live large in the home by taking advantage of all of the available space. 

 “Breezy Point” is a wonderful example of American craftsmanship. The cottage, with its quaint symmetry and use of authentic materials, is reminiscent of a simpler time. Offering ample outdoor living space, the home is designed to sit comfortably on the water. 
 

Good things come in small packages, as "Tricklebrook" proves. This compact yet charming design packs a lot of personality into an efficient plan that is perfect for a tight city or waterfront lot. This classic, All-American bungalow design, the exterior features interesting roof lines with overhangs, stone and shingle accents and abundant windows designed both to let in maximum natural sunlight as well as take full advantage of the lakefront views.


“Summer Haven” is a wonderful example of American craftsmanship. The cottage, with its quaint symmetry and use of authentic materials, is reminiscent of a simpler time. Offering ample outdoor living space, the home is designed to sit comfortably on the water. 

Much like its inviting name, "Driftwood" brings to mind images of summer getaways by the water. Small and smart, this compact yet cozy design offers many amenities usually found in much larger homes but is perfect for narrow waterfront or tight city lots.

Follow up son Facebook and Houzz to see more of our cottage designs
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Home Entertainment Spaces: In Home Bars

August 18, 2014, 7:06 pm
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A growing trend is in home design is having ample entertainment spaces indoors and out. Having a bar in your home can help bring the party to life by mixing up cocktails. Why go anywhere else for adult fun when you can enjoy a homemade cocktail in the comfort of your own home with a full stocked bar with the ingredients of your choice.

The granite countertops and wood finishes can be seen throughout the home and it created an seamless flow between the levels of the home.


This Craftsman style bar is finished with dark wood cabinets and coffered ceilings for a traditional look.

A built in bar can provide all of the in home fun without increasing the footprint of the home. 

A contemporary take on a home bar with a tile backsplash and mis-matched pendant lights as a unique, artistic feature. 

 This boat inspired bar is decked out complete with a keg tap, wine cooler perfect for the captain of your own ship.

Tap into this wine cellar/ bar and break out a bottle of your favorite wine to make each get together a fun and unique experience. 



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Drafter, Rhyse Altman Published

August 21, 2014, 6:00 pm
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We are very proud to announce that Architectural Drafter, Rhyse Altman, was published in the most recent publication of the Classicist. Rhyse, a Grand Rapids Native, is one of the newest members of the Visbeen Architects team. He studied Architecture at Judson University in Elgin, IL where he received his B.A. After, he worked in Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA for award winning architects before coming to work at Visbeen. 
Grand Rapids, MI City Hall Concept
The Classicist is a publication of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the classical tradition in architecture, urbanism and their allied arts. 

Congratulations Rhyse!


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Bunkroom: A Room for Guests and Kids

August 25, 2014, 6:55 pm
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Bunk rooms add additional sleeping space for homeowners to accommodate guests or growing families. There are many designs unique to homes due depending on space available and number of additional members to accommodate. Lofted, hanging, built-in and bunk walls are among a few of the designs commonly seen in homes. Below are a few custom bunk rooms designed by Visbeen Architects. 

This traditionally designed bunk room saves space with stacked bunks built into the wall to maximize playing room and matching the craftsman style seen through out the home. 
Blaine
These maple hanging bunks have a sleek design that adds a uniqueness to this boys bedroom. 
Stafford
This bunk room is tucked away in the upper level to utilize the additional space for guests in this space conscious home.
Breezy Point
These dark wood, sleigh style beds, give this bunk room a formal feel adding a unique touch with custom painted names to personalize each bed. 
Westchester
In a vacation home designed for two families space is limited. The 4 bed bunk room has enough space for the kids and their guests. The stairs between the bunks eliminates the need for a ladder which maximizes floor space. 
Allenwood
With limited space, built-in bunks allow this home to accommodate additional guests and provide under-bed storage.
Sheridan
The built-in bunks are in the hallway of the guest suite which add additional space for guests while staying on vacation. 
Kearney Hill


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Home Feature: Simonton

August 28, 2014, 4:28 pm
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Our newly finished project Simonton has recently been photographed on  beautiful summer day. Check out the photos of this spectacular home here and on our website.

A home this stately could be found nestled comfortably in the English countryside. The “Simonton” boasts a stone façade, towering rooflines, and graceful arches. 
Sprawling across the property, the home features a separate wing for the main level master suite. The interior focal point is the dramatic dining room, which faces the front of the house and opens out onto the front porch. The study, large family room and back patio offer additional gathering places, along with the kitchen’s island and table seating. 
Three bedroom suites fill the upper level, each with a private bathroom. Two loft areas open to the floor below, giving the home a grand, spacious atmosphere.







 




















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Home Feature: Rosecliff

September 4, 2014, 12:13 pm
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The best of both traditional and transitional design meet in this residence distinguished by its rustic yet luxurious feel. Rosecliff was carefully positioned on a site blessed with spacious surrounding acreage. This tree-filled hilltop home has been tailored to fit seamlessly with the natural contours of the land. The house sits on the crest of the peak, which allows it to spotlight and enjoy the best vistas of the valley and pond below. Inside, the home’s welcoming style continues, featuring a Midwestern take on perennially popular Western style and rooms that were also situated to take full advantage of the site.

From the central foyer that leads into a large living room with a fireplace, the home manages to have an open and functional floor plan while still feeling warm and intimate enough for smaller gatherings and family living. The extensive use of wood and timbering throughout brings that sense of the outdoors inside, with an open floor plan, including a kitchen that spans the length of the house and an overall level of craftsmanship and details uncommon in today’s architecture. The 2,800-square-foot main level includes a central foyer that leads into a large living room with a fireplace. Nearby is an unusual and sunlit octagonal dining room, a 260-square-foot screened porch as well as a handy home office/home management center. The other side of the home leads to the homes personal spaces, including a large first floor master bedroom with fireplace, a large bath and a private studio perfect for crafts or other creative pursuits.
Family spaces are clustered in the 2,300-square-foot lower level, where another octagonal dining area is perfect for games and pizza nights. Also featured is a large exercise area with two bedrooms with bath. The 700-square-foot upper level is home to a mother-in-law suite or apartment, with a sitting area, small kitchen, bath and bedroom.
Highlights throughout include exposed rafters, clerestory windows with plays of light, and an extensive use of stone and timber, all chosen wisely to showcase the fine craftsmanship while making the most of the available budget.








































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Frank Lloyd Wright: Tour the Rookery

September 8, 2014, 2:33 pm
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Summer is drawing to a close and fall will be upon us in no time. If you are looking for something to do on one of the coming weekends we suggest a trip to Chicago to take a guided architectural tour of some of the area Frank Lloyd Wright homes or commercial buildings. 

Apparel Wearers: Visbeen Drafter; Jenelle Baker and husband Randy Baker went on guided tours of some of the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright designs in the Chicago area. The Rookery is one of the most beloved icons in the Chicago financial district. This building is the last, standing, original high rise in Chicago surviving the 1871 fire and architectural experimentation in the rebuilding of the city. This was one of the first building to be built using metal framing with masonry walls on a large scale. 
Jenelle & Randy Pictured in Visbeen swag in front of the Rookery

The Rookery was remodeled in 1905 by Frank Lloyd Wright with iconic design elements;  lowered chandeliers and oversized planters. 
The Rookery:  Exterior details forr which it was named

Lobby of the Rookery

Art Deco Elevator 

View of the ceiling of the "light court"

Jenelle next to an over sized planter to show the size

Close up of the marble with the gold detail 

The staircase on the upper levels is a lookout over the "light court" this was added in 1931

This detailed shot shows the low hanging chandeliers and splits between levels

The original tile work (on the right) had been covered up. In the renovation, Wright had the covering ripped up to reveal the tile below in order to mimic it throughout the building

View from a landing of the spiral staircase


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Kitchen Designs

September 11, 2014, 1:08 pm
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The kitchen... It can be one of the messiest places in your home and at times the cleanest. Whether you spend long hours in the kitchen cooking family meals or you step in quick enough to make a sandwich from compact spaces to a full chefs kitchen there is a style for everyone.

This galley style kitchen is packed with all of the amenities while offering bonus features including a compact bar with wine storage and eat in space for small groups.  

This traditional kitchen was designed to accommodate an efficient chef with the sink in the island across from the stove to make dinner preparation a seamless. 

 This rustic kitchen features exposed beams and stone work along with a raised bar on the kitchen island with extra seating space.

A cool contemporary take on the traditional kitchen with a dash of color from the light green finishes. 

The non-traditional shape of the is octagon kitchen is a unique space for entertaining and is consistent with the design of the rest of the home. 

The pop of blue from the kitchen island brings the colors of the lake into this nautical style home. 

Living large in a small space, this small kitchen offers all of the amenities of a large kitchen in half the size.


Homes designed by Visbeen Architects, Inc.
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Custom Builder, Design Spotlight: Water Features

September 15, 2014, 2:09 pm
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Our project was featured in Custom Builder Magazine in the Design Spotlight for Home Water Features. Old Woods Manor is an expansive home with elegantly sculpted landscaping starting at the entrance and flowing throughout the estate. The most significant features include a pool, hot tub, waterfalls and small ponds with walking paths winding through the lush landscape which are, by design, "promoting intimate interactions between visual and physical experience". 


Water features are not something we are a stranger to at Visbeen Architects. Here are just a few of our custom designed homes which are accented with water in the surrounding nature. 

Old Woods Manor:  One of the many beautiful bodies of water located on the estate

Legacy Woods is situated on a vast pad with a vineyard nearby to complete the Tuscan feel

This design concept features an indoor pool and hot tub

Carlton Shores takes a more contemporary look at water features. This home is situated on the lakeshore with an indoor lap pool and outdoor infinity pool which creates a seamless flow from inside the home out to the lake. 





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Room for Two Families

September 22, 2014, 12:54 pm
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This large yet cozy lake home provides homeowners with a clean, beautiful design, emphasizing comfortable living. However, this is not your typical home, the main level floor plan boasts two full master bedroom suites in a split layout. The two couples that own the home each have their own private retreats on opposite sides of the home with stunning lakefront views. Also found on the main level are an elegant foyer and a large combined kitchen, dining, and living space. The kitchen opens to a spacious screened porch and an adjacent deck for easy access to the patio and outdoor kitchen below. 
The lower level holds four additional bedrooms to accommodate the children and guests of the two families. The remaining square footage of the lower level holds a built-in booth for games, an additional sitting area and a second screened porch with walk-out access to the patio.
The goal was to make the space functional for both families while preserving the integrity of the design. They result is a clean, yet aggressive, design emphasizing comfortable living for parents and kids. 
The "Allenwood" design had new photos taken of it this summer to show more of the details in this two-family home.













  





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Georgetown: Living Large in the Master Suite

July 17, 2014, 1:46 pm
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Located in the Palmetto Bluff community in Bluffton, SC is the the Georgetown. It was designed to fit in with the traditional low country style which dominates the area but has some details that are common in the northeastern region. This 2-story home, although expansive, uses every square foot efficiently in the design.

 The master suite occupies one wing of the home and is packed with all of the essentials for a private getaway. You are welcomed into the master suite through the vestibule with a barrel vaulted ceiling and built in storage for both a grand and functional entrance.  

The master bathroom offers space and functionality for multiple occupants to use at a time. In addition to the dual sinks, this bathroom offers both a claw-foot tub and shower with a water closet for privacy.
The master closet is spacious enough for two to store their clothes and to use as a dressing room.
The master suite has a private sitting area to use as an escape from the rest of the home and features a wet bar on one side and a built in library with a window seat.

The master bedroom is filled with windows to offer an expanse view over the bayou.
The Georgetown is one of the entries in the AIBD's 2014 Global Choice Awards competition. If you like this master suite you can vote for us, Global-04, with the following link. Voting will end July 31st at midnight. 

Georgetown Project Team:
Developer:  David Weekly Homes


Builder & Interior Design:  Custom Classics

Follow us on Facebook and Houzz! 

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Visbeen Team Outing

September 28, 2014, 2:21 pm
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Last week the Visbeen Staff traveled to Detroit to watch the Tigers play the White Sox. We had an amazing day together while cheering for the Tigers to make it into the post season. 
In all it was a successful day, the Tigers won sealing their place in the playoffs and we all had a chance to get to know one another better. We are looking forward to the next team outing!





















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Custom Home Build Progress

September 29, 2014, 2:10 pm
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We have recently seen a lot of progress this summer with the many projects we have in the works. There has been a steady flow of photography coming into the office from completed home and notes from happy homeowners.
We are always happy to see a project move a step closer to completion. 

Thanks to the team at Mike Schaap Builders we can see the progress of one of our custom home designs with a time lapse video showing the progress made this summer. You can watch the video here or you can find it on Mike Schaap Builders website. Things are looking great!


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Unbuilt Gems: Grant Park

October 6, 2014, 1:49 pm
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This intricately designed home has never made it past the paper; feast your eyes on the detailed masterpiece known to us as "Grant Park". 

Diverse rooflines, intricate stonework, and authentic details make the “Grant Park” a stately reminder of the past. This spacious home pays homage to the beauty of the Victorian era, while simultaneously meeting the needs of any modern family.

The layout of the main floor offers many gathering places, including a screen porch, family room and formal dining area. The visual centerpiece of the home is the oval living room, complete with custom-laid wood floors and curved built-ins all around.

There is no shortage of terraces, and even the upstairs bedrooms have access to the outdoors. Each of the three upstairs suites contains a full bath and walk-in closet space, assuring the utmost in privacy and convenience.





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Vanderbilt & Duke Architecture

October 10, 2014, 10:04 am
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The architectural style at Vanderbilt University is an example of the Romantic style with few right angles and lots of curves. The buildings are, primarily, based on a medieval inspiration with uneven roof lines and textured facades. With the exception of Furman Hall, the buildings are covered in a red brick throughout the campus. 

Vanderbilt University Aerial 
Duke University Aerial
Furman Hall was designed by the New York Architecture firm, Snelling and Potter, and was built in 1907. Covered in grey stone, this building does not seem to fit in with the red brick campus. 

WhenVanderbilt University was having Furman Hall designed Duke University was also having a building designed by the same architect. The rumor is that the construction plans and construction materials for Furman Hall were accidentally switched with those for Duke. 
Furman Hall
Photos Courtes of Vanderbilt
After researching a bit there are not a lot of sources to fully confirm or deny this rumor and the question is regularly asked on campus tours. 
What do you think? It it a rumor or is it the truth?




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Haunts: Bowers Harbor Inn

October 13, 2014, 2:30 pm
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With Halloween drawing near we thought it would be fun to learn a little more about some of the haunted houses, hotels and bridges in the country.


The Bowers Harbor Inn is among the finest dining destinations in Traverse City, MI with two restaurants and a state-of-the-art brewing facility. This expansive, two story mansion (inn) sits on top of a hill in a tranquil setting with a view of the bay creating the perfect place for outdoor weddings.

While it seems to be peaceful on the outside, in side has been reported to be haunted by its original owners...

The mansion was built in 1885 by J.W. Stickney, a Chicago millionaire, and his wife Genevieve. She was an obese and jealous woman. She bought a gilded mirror to make herself appear thinner and had an elevator installed to help her go the second level. J.W. hired a nurse to care for his wife whom he eventually made his mistress unbeknownst to his wife until after his death. Upon discovering this about her husband she became very depressed and took her own life. 
Since Genevive's death the home has had many owners, none that have kept it very long. Her presence is said to still be with the mansion; lights have suddenly turned on, mirrors and paintings have fallen off of the walls and the elevated has been said to move on its own. A patron of the Inn had once sworn that she had been looking into the gilded mirror and had seen a woman standing behind her. 

If you have never had a chance to see the Bowers Harbor Inn plan to stop by on your next trip north and maybe venture inside to look into the mirror. 


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