THE GOTHIC VILLA DIARIES A Bashed RGT Thornhill by Marie Wendt (click on thumbnails for larger image)

Saturday - October 30, 2004

Here is the first floor and foundation.  I've used a bottle of Ceramcoat paint to show size perspective.  The width is 54" and depth is 26".  I decided to not use the first floor that came with the kit because I'd have to add so many pieces to it to come to the dimensions needed.  Instead, I just cut the entire floor from a large sheet of 3/8" baltic birch plywood.  Being in one piece is much better.  The pieces from the Thornhill kit I don't use can be used for modifying walls, etc.  I am using Titebond Wood Glue and finishing nails.

Sunday - October 31, 2004

The grand staircase starts to take shape!  Also, the wall dividing the foyer/hall from the livingroom is up.  You will notice the niche just in front of the stairs as well as the real walnut paneling going up.  Once its all up, I'll be adding more trimwork as well as staining and varnishing all the surfaces.  This section of the house is going really well so far.  I even added 2" to the height of the wall so that I can have 12" ceilings.

Sunday - November 7, 2004

Here is a picture of the foyer/hall floor.  The tile insert is cut from a piece of real life floor tile.  Luckily, the floor tile was the same thickness as the hardwood floor insert.  It wasn't until AFTER I put it in that I noticed I had some wallpaper on hand that matched it perfectly!  Gotta love those happy accidents!  All in all, I think the look is very elegant.

This picture shows the other wall of the foyer/hall as well as the dividing wall between the formal diningroom and kitchen.  I cut the same gothic style arch into the hallway niche and as a result, I have a tiny bit of wallpaper patching to do but it's an easy fix!