Introduction to my Beacon Hill journey

The Beacon Hill is the “flagship” of the Greenleaf line and it’s no wonder. It has a classic looking exterior, Mansard roof, seven room, two hallways, three fireplaces, three bay windows, a winding staircase and no detail has been omitted in this majestic Victorian lady. It measures 33” wide by 17” deep by 40” high when completed, large by some standards and not so large by others.

In comparison to my “grand dollhouse” which is my interpretation of the Westerfeld House in San Francisco, the Beacon Hill is much smaller but equally as impressive architecturally. I won’t compare them since it would be much like comparing “apples to oranges”, but regardless of how much I do love my other dollhouse, the Beacon Hill has always tugged at my heart strings. This dollhouse has always been on my “Wish List” and finally it will become a reality! It will be my “show” home….portable enough to take to a miniature show yet classic enough in design so that it can become the equivalent to that little black dress that every wardrobe should have.

I am not new to dollhouse construction but this will be my first large “kit” assembly. Greenleaf states that this kit is easy to assemble and in just hours. While the construction is “easy tab and slot assembly”, requires no nails, screws or tools, I will have to reinforce the house in order to ensure that it is truly portable. I have also decided that I will not do any structural changes to the design of the house nor upgrades to the windows, doors or stairs but that I will make the kit “as is”. I will add the electrification, flooring, wallpaper and furnishings.

When reading the Greenleaf notes on their various house kits, I noticed the word “easy” seems to be one of their favourite words. Is that so they don’t scare off would-be dollhouse builders, or is it not to intimidate those faint of heart, or is it really true? Time will tell whether this is true or not.

So, in order to control the insanity and prevent procrastination on this construction project, I have given myself one year from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 to build, finish both the interior and exterior, and fully furnish this dollhouse kit. You are welcome to join me and see how it progresses. Encouragement, inspiration, a good kick in the backside from time to time will also be appreciated. I am determined….I fill finish this….and within the time frame I have set for myself and somehow also manage to squeeze in….a life!

So come January 1, 2011 it will be….Day 1 = 364 days to go!