Let's build a palace

[IvanVII]

Nobody builds them anymore. They may update, restore, or renovate current ones, but nobody actually builds a palace from the ground up anymore.

What would it take. What would you innclude, exclde, exterior design, interior design. What is a must and what is a bust. State rooms, apartments, offices, kitchens, butlery.

So lets start compilying then maybe we can start sketching.

Don't be afraid, speak up and tell us what you would like to see.

[Kalafrana]

Definitely good showers. A gym, and stables with good horses.

Ann

[Maria the Beautiful]

Now, this is a topic I could sink my teeth into.  Perhaps we once we "build" this palace we might auction it off and donate the proceeds to the AP restoration fund?   

I'd like to see it built in a mountainous region with lots of different levels - not boxy.   In this case I'd think an infinity pool would be a great amenity - enclosed with retractable roof and sides.   Beautiful gardens/fountains.    A small lake/pond with a "Childrens Island" complete with a little play cottage and footbridge.

Overall, I'd like to see simplicity (not unlike AP) - not too ornate but elegant.   I'd like it to be bright, cheerful from the outside (Livadia) rather than cold, gloomy, depressing stone like so many current royal residences.

[Ortipo]

It's always struck me as odd that the IF had an upright piano.  тяв?  C'mon, the Romanovs were the wealthiest family of Europe; possibly of the world...
The music room should be filled with enough instruments to equip a full orchestra.  And large enough to seat it.  And a full grand piano (or two) is a must.

[Duchess Hydrangea]

 What would we name the palace? What country is it in?
I think it needs tall windows. This would not only be pretty but it could help keep the place cool with less electricity, then again the whole thing could be solar powered. lol. I can imagine the windows providing a lovely vista of the gardens mentioned by Maria the Beautiful. I also think the gardens should be named, maybe after the four winds. I can just see someone giving a tour now.
"in the North Garden you will find..."
or "The South Garden is a favorite because of the 'Children's Island'. In the summer months the cottage is crowned with wisteria donated from Japan."
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aNUvsdh9mrM/Tlau-gl_PaI/AAAAAAAADk0/xUUwtcsZ34I/s1600/3.jpg

I don't know why I think it should be four gardens but I imagine it would look nice.
Personally I'd call them this way:
The North Garden
The South Garden (a.k.a the Children's Garden)
The East Garden
The West Garden( the largest of the four) Evening glories could be the main flowers grown here.

When we have it all worked out I'd love to write a short paper on it describing all the rooms and gardens.

[Jen_94]

That is a good idea Duchess Hyrdrangena. I like the idea of different gardens. I think maybe the palace should have some balconies? What colour will the palace be?

I think there should also be a grand ballroom in the palace too?

[TimM]

Let's not forget a nice big kitchen, for the cooking staff.

[Jen_94]

True! Oh, and a dining room?

[TimM]

If this palace is supposed to be existing now, in 2012, we should include an entertainment room, television, computers, the such.

[Maria the Beautiful]

We already have a stable and horses, but we will also need a garage - 10  car capacity, is that large enough?   And heated, of course.  Maybe it can be built into the mountainside so not to detract from the beauty of the palace itself.

[Jen_94]

I'd say a 10 car capacity would be enough.Also, in the Children's garden, if there will be one, how about a big tree house for them?

[Ortipo]

Jay Leno would laugh so hard he'd die from an embolism.  Go all out and build an attached multi level parking garage with an elevating turntable up the center.

[Kalafrana]

We also need a grand staircase. One inside and one outside, perhaps?

Ann