The
Violet Barn
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AFRICAN VIOLETS
OTHER GESNERIA |
The 'Violet House' A 'guest stay', available for rent to our customers, guests, and visitors to the 'Violet Barn'. Fully furnished home, centrally located in the Village of Naples, walking distance to local shops and restaurants, 4 miles from the 'Violet Barn' shop and greenhouse. Completely remodeled, with all modern appliances and conveniences. Rental rates:
Guests receive a 10% discount on all purchases made at the 'Violet Barn' during their stay. Advance reservations, with deposit, are necessary. All dates subject to
availability. Making a reservation.
The story behind the house.
It is a charming, nearly century-old home that needed to be "rescued" from its former owners. It had suffered through years of neglect, abuse, and ill-conceived and poorly done "remodelings". Hidden behind the "do it yourself" carpentry and tacky decor we could see its original charm and elegance. Having watched to many HGTV and "This Old House" programs, we felt compelled to "save" it. Since then, we've spent at least as much renovating the building, beginning with pouring a new cement floor in the basement, installing a new furnace, and completely gutting and remodeling the upper floor and lower lobby and entrance. Of course, there's much more to be done. Much of the (unseen) lower level has yet to be remodeled and presently serves as an overflow (from the 'Violet Barn') growing area for plants under propagation. Accomodations and amenities.
Shown at left is the living room containing full-length sofa and reclining chair. The space is small, yet comfortable. This room has a large, wide-screen plasma television with cable and DVD player. At present, there is only minimal artwork and decorations, as this is something we have only been slowly been adding as our funds and time permit. Still, having kept the home's original wood trim, with wood floors, and abundant light (most of which is on dimmers) it has a comfortable, warm, feel.
The kitchen includes refrigerator and freezer, electric range and microwave oven. It also has all of the most needed small appliances, including a toaster and coffee maker. The dining area is small, but the table is expandable and can seat four, if necessary. For a small kitchen, there is surprisingly ample cupboard and counter space, making food preparation easy and convenient during your stay. Solid Corian countertops, a one-piece, seamless one-piece sink and ample supplemental lighting above work areas make your time in the kitchen even more pleasant. We only ask that you "clean up" before you leave. The kitchen is also fully supplied with all the necessary cookware, cutlery, service and table ware--pots, pans, utensils...everything! Should you want to "eat out", the home is centrally located in the village, not more than a (very) short walk from a number of restaurants--everything from a traditional full breakfast or coffee and bagels, to pizza, Chinese food, Italian cuisine, or traditional "family style" fare. More choices, and "fine dining" are only a few minutes drive away.
If a second bed is needed, there is a small office/study room across from the master bedroom. The convertible loveseat can be pulled-out into a twin-size bed. This room also includes a small secretary's desk. A convenient space to catch on unfinished business or write a postcard. High-speed (Road Runner), wireless internet access is free and is accessible from any room. A land-line phone is available for local calls, should you not have, or cannot use, a cell phone, or you need to receive a call from home or elsewhere. In addition, the master bedroom has a second, smaller television. Maid service is not provided (i.e. you'll need to make your own bed).
Lastly, you'll have complete privacy during your stay. We only rent the home to one guest (couple, family) at a time--i.e. there's nobody "across the hall" or in the "next room". Entry to the home is made by keypad--you'll be provided with your own entry code upon arrival, and this will be deleted upon your departure. While there it will be your "home away from home". We only ask that, when you leave, you leave it clean and lock the doors behind you! |
The
'Violet House' is a (former) rental property in the Village of Naples, that we
purchased in 2005. Our plan was (and is) to (gradually) renovate it, rent
it out when possible and, years from now, move into it and live there ourselves
when we "retire". The photo at right shows it as it appeared in the fall
of 2005 (realtor in front, as well as a sign left over from the just-concluded
"grape festival").
The
space being rented is the upper level of a two-story home. It is a
fully-furnished "home away from home". The space is clean and modern with
new furnishings and appliances. Everything you could possibly need or want
during your stay is likely provided for you. 
A
fully functional kitchen and small dining space makes this very
convenient for those wanting to make a snack or their own meals and "eat in"
while away from home. At left is the view from the living area, looking
towards the kitchen, with a small dining table and chairs located between
(partly hidden from view). 
The
master bedroom includes a queen-size bed and easy access to the
attached bathroom. A full size dresser, and ample closet space as well.
Large bay windows overlooking the village's tree-lined Main Street make this a
bright room during the day. Wooden window blinds provide privacy when
needed. Heating and cooling controlled from this room--either
central heat or in-wall air conditioning. For
those wanting "fresh" air the large number of (all new) windows makes this easy.
The
small bathroom connects both the kitchen and the master bedroom, and includes
the toilet, tiled shower (sorry, no bath tub), sink and vanity, and closet.
Because there is no maid service, you are provided enough clean towels and
linens for the duration of your stay. All laundry will be cleaned and linens
changed after you've left. Basic toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste)
are also provided.