More Awesome Than You!

A deliciously thin lot that's practically useless in its current form!

The lot is 111 Stratford Strip in Veronaville.

(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/111StratfordStreet.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/111st.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/1112nd.jpg)

Rules, copy-pasta'd from last month:

1. No CC.  Please indicate needed expansions and stuff packs so people who wish to download your lot know what to expect.  Pictures are required, either available for download, on a slideshow, or posted in this thread.

2. By entering this challenge, you agree to take constructive criticism.  If you wish to judge someone else's entry, you should be respectful but honest.

3. Your lot does not have to be Awesomespec, although it is encouraged.

4. You may move internal walls and add external walls but you may NOT move original external walls.

5. Lots may be furnished, unfurnished, or partially furnished.  You can even upload both furnished and unfurnished versions.

*PLEASE NOTE* Since this is an Eaxis-designed lot, it may or may not have level edges.  Place at your own risk.

New for this lot:

1. Though it may be remodelled, the plaza out back must remain in-tact. This is lenient, but as a general rule, keep it the same size and have some central feature such as a garden, pool etc. It may be expanded, but NOT made smaller.

2. The tower at the west end may be removed, but definite bonus points if it remains.

Mirrored here; (http://www.box.net/shared/h826sc0ttt) download generously provided originally by jim.

Flat version here (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,13816.msg394219.html#msg394219), installation instructions here (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,13816.msg394432.html#msg394432).

Note: Though it looks like it, the lot is NOT completely flat. Please use the flattened version above.

Would you mind telling us the 'hood and lot name?

@Annan:  It's 111 Stratford St. (Veronaville).

I believe jim has the lot available for dl on the November thread (last page).

Here's the base game compatible 111 Stratford St. from Veronaville with flattened edges.

Here's what I did:

1) Run the base game starter to create a base-game-compatible version of the maxis-made lot.
2) Run the LotAdjuster to flatten the edges.
3) Run the game to flatten the rest of the lot.
4) Remove most of the jpgs to reduce the size of the lot package.
5) Run dbpf-recompress to re-compress lot.

Thanks Mootilda!

I'm not looking forward to making over this lot. I've done it before, but I made everything bigger last time :D

Is the original lot not flat around the edges? Only because I already started playing with it last night.  ::)

Oh noes, witch!  :-\

I hate it when I do that.

It looked flat around the edges. I turned it round and round. /whine

To test whether it is flat or not, use the flatten lot tool. If the edges go all wonky it isn't flat. You can undo the flattening.

oh wow, that house was my Lunatic Asylum.

Did it involve EMMA TORTURE? Have you made any new Goopy-themed EMMA TORTURE items? Make me MOAR EMMA TORTURE and you can haz title.

Ta Emma.

Bugger. It's got a wonky bit at the back.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/wonk.jpg)

I haven't started furnishing yet at least, I think I'll redo the renovations on the flat lot.

UGHHHHHHHHHH. I saw the wonky bit only after I near completed it. DAMN.

And I did a check, the mirrored house.. ITS NOT CLEAN! Horrors.

oooooohh! *evil grin*

So, how do I install it? CleanInstaller doesn't open the package.

Sorry, everyone. I didn't notice that it wasn't flat at the back. I'm too far along to ditch mine, and I'm liking the way it looks anyway, so I'll carry on and just keep it for my hilly hood.

You can put it in the LotCatalog folder and rename it to for example cx_00000500.package or whatever number sequence not already present in that folder.

Yeah, I've renovated this one as well at one point, and I recall expanding the tower significantly.  The "don't change existing exterior walls" rule is gonna be a bugger on this one.  On the other hand, we do really have a "house of fail" to improve this month.

If people would prefer, I can package the lot for the clean installer.


Install the LotAdjuster and flatten the edges yourself.  There's nothing magic here.

I built this lot on the flat lot uploaded by Mootilda. I don't really have much to say about it...

Two double-bed bedrooms, two single bed 'cells' (that could be converted into cauldron rooms if needed) and a two cot nursery. Five bathrooms - two off the nursery with bathtubs, three with showers. (Plus toilets in the cells.) I converted the center of the courtyard to a simple pool. The exterior walls are all in place, and mostly still external, though I did wall in the front porch area.

Cost: ~$105,000 (Unwanded)

Exterior:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/DecFront.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/DecPool.jpg)

Upstairs:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/DecSecondFloor.jpg)

Some upstairs areas of note:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/DecLounge.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/DecDesk.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/DecCell.jpg)

Downstairs:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/DecFirstFloor.jpg)

Dining room:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/DecDining.jpg)


Download it HERE (http://www.4shared.com/file/74154218/37ea09e0/Dec-Faizahs111StratfordStreet.html) (Note: I have all EPs. AL required.)

Ah, thank you! I've updated the original post with more info.

Faizah, that house looks like it would be excellent for torture. A nice, colonial suite for the masters and some small cells for the Plebians. I approve.

I was pondering 'hidden' rooms the other day, and then this house was posted. The tower was perfect! In fairy tales, if there's ever a tower, it's because there's a princess locked up in it. Why not lock sims in towers? (If you use macrotastics, and prepare inventory food, prisoners can hypothetically macro>eat within the cell, and get by. Though, dishes would have to be disposed of somehow...)

I haven't playtested the cells yet...

quick question, are the store stuff and/or pre-order stuff allowed? sorry to ask but I noticed when I packaged a lot that some of the stuff was showing up like custom content. could also be me having issues packaging lots

I have a question also... it's a technicality, really, but I would still like to know. The rules say that we may not (RE)MOVE original exterior walls, but what about changing them? Say I wanted to replace the very top of the west tower with greenhouse walls, but not make the room bigger or smaller... would it still count as removing the exterior walls or not?

That's been done, as well as 'shrinking' the walls to foundation height. I say go for it!

I know I've replaced some exterior walls with greenhouse walls, I did that in the July challenge. (My entry is here (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,12353.msg357951.html#msg357951), if you're curious.)

---

The real reason for my post, which I'd somehow forgotten: I playtested the cells a bit, and they seem to work well. Lock the door once the Sim is inside, of course. There's room for a sink/shower if you'd rather not the sim stink up the joint, they can read/dream in bed to raise fun, and social bunnies pop by now and then to raise that. The only real issue seems to be food, which is solved by macro>eat and inventoried meals.

I left my test sim mostly on free will, though I queued up the occasional macro>eat to keep the sim alive, and the sim lived long enough to be fired for not showing up to work, with no signs of an early demise yet. Aspiration is low, but seems to need a fear fulfilled to drop below the final line into failure, as it's been holding steady for some time now. Sim keeps whining about stuff, and occasionally stares wistfully out of the window. I didn't actually expect the sim to realise they were trapped in a 3x3 cell...

Faizah - damn, there goes my idea for this month! Oh well, back to the drawing board. :D

That would be fine, in my reading of the rules.  As long as the original "footprint" of the house remains, what the walls are then made of is immaterial.

STATUS
Price: $124,503
EP Needed: University Nightlife OFB Pets Seasons
Furnishes? Yes
Features: Living, Garden Deck, Kitchen, Bath, Bed, Phone, Greenhouse
Feature Detail View http://i37.tinypic.com/33ac9c9.png (http://i37.tinypic.com/33ac9c9.png)
Map Ground Floor (http://i34.tinypic.com/2mcsh1.png)|2nd Floor (http://i38.tinypic.com/2dgkcgx.png)

DOWNLOAD LINK (2mb)
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?myjomrd21yd

That looks gorgeous nanacake.

Yeah.  Really nice, nanacake.  Gives me some ideas, which I may implement if I ever finish the apartment block I'm building.

I did like Faizah's as well - ladderless pool went well with the prison theme.  Was that intentional?

That is gorgeous, nanacake. I'm definitely yoinking it.

Intentional in that I didn't forget to put a ladder in, but rather opted not to, as it spoiled the look a little. Shiny blue ladders, in that house? No. (Though, drowning sims is a long standing favourite of mine. I've never really been fond of the lock-them-in-a-room death, which is funny, considering my entry.)

I didn't make many changes, I added a hall to the second floor. Gave it a little bit of the morrocan theme.....
3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms

Front:
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/Front.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/FrontSide.jpg)

Back:
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/Back.jpg)

First Floor:
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/Overhead1st.jpg)

Second Floor:
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/Overhead2nd.jpg)

Terrace:
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/Terrace.jpg)

Garden:
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/Garden.jpg)

Kitchen & Dining Room:
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/Kitchen-1.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/DiningRoom.jpg)

Living Room:
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/LivingRoom-1.jpg)

Upstairs Hobbies:
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/UpstairsHobbies.jpg)

First floor Hall:
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/DownstairsHall.jpg)

Second Floor Hall:
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/Sims/UpstairsHall.jpg)

I have all EP's including AL and all SP's including M&G

Can be found here: http://www.mediafire.com/?fufyzojrmnz

@Mystik -- RAWR! I'm so jealous! I was trying to do a Morrocan/Mediterranean feel in my house and I haven't gotten my M&G stuff pack yet! I love the windows and the feel of the house in general. *insert jealous emoticon here*

mistyk, the house looks very nice. I really like the garden!

Thanks
I just picked up M&G yesterday, I couldn't wait to get it after I saw pictures of what people were doing with the new garden stuff, now if I could only be more creative...I am still trying to get the hang of it all

I wondered where those windows came from, M&G is it? Sweet. Torrenting this weekend. :)

Well, I got surprised last night when my boyfriend handed me a copy of Mansion and Garden Stuff. Yay! So, I went a *little* wild with all the new pretties and added them to my house. I would greatly appreciate any feedback you all have. I'd have to say that so far, this is my favorite revamp of any of the houses of fail that I've remodeled. Please scan this lot again with CleanInstaller. I've scanned it myself, but I'm paranoid when it comes to things like this. Hacks and CC can be sneaky.

I've remodeled 111 Stratford Street into a five bedroom, five bathroom house. I forgot to take pictures of it, but there is a spawn containment area that's equipped for twins. I couldn't take pictures of the bathrooms because they're tiny. The teen room, spawn room, and master bedroom all have their own private bathrooms, and the boy's and girl's room is actually a Jack and Jill suite (meaning they share a bathroom). I believe that the house is fully awesomespec, and there is, of course, room for a driveway.

The Front
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Front111Stratford.jpg)

The Back
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/BridgePatio111Stratford.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Pool111Stratford.jpg)

Aerial View
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Aerial111Stratford.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Aerial111Stratford2.jpg)

Front Entry
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Entry111Stratford.jpg)

Two-story Conservatory/Greenhouse
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/SunroomGreenhouse111Stratford.jpg)

Living Room
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Living111Stratford.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Living111Stratford2.jpg)

Kitchen
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Kitchen111Stratford.jpg)

Dining Room
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Dining111Stratford.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Dining111Stratford2.jpg)

Lockable Stairwell
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Stairwell111Stratford.jpg)

Hallway
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Hall111Stratford.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Hall111Stratford2.jpg)

Angsty Purpley Teen Room
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/AngstyTeen111Stratford.jpg)

Girl's Room
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Girl111Stratford.jpg)

Boy's Room
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/Boy111Stratford.jpg)

Master Bedroom
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/MstrBdrm111Stratford.jpg)

Private Office/Balcony
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/starrystarrynight03/MstrOffice111Stratford.jpg)

ETA: Sorry everyone. I thought that I had edited this earlier to include the link, as I realized that I forgot it. I guess it didn't take! Here's the link though, so that you all can download it. http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=af7da9293f7a2857d2db6fb9a8902bda

I'm looking, but I can't find a link to download?  It looks fabulous from the pictures, though.

That looks gorgeous! Beautiful garden, too.

Starlady, wow, nice house! I likes.


Something like this? *giggles*
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims2%20pics/GoopyTutu.jpg)
 ...It's work in progress, just a test shot. I will have time for making moar in a couple weeks. ;)

No. It needs to be for torturing EMMA. No biscuit.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/111%20Stratford%20Street/4056.jpg)

Here is my remodeling effort. As you can see, I decided to go with a castle theme.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/111%20Stratford%20Street/4053.jpg)

Here's a view of the courtyard in the back.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/111%20Stratford%20Street/4055.jpg)

Here is another view from the back. Notice the moat that surrounds the property.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/111%20Stratford%20Street/4052.jpg)

This is the downstairs living area.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/111%20Stratford%20Street/4050.jpg)

Dining room

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/111%20Stratford%20Street/4044.jpg)

Upstairs there are games and creativity-building.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/111%20Stratford%20Street/4059.jpg)

This is one of the two double bedrooms.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/111%20Stratford%20Street/4035.jpg)

Upstairs

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/111%20Stratford%20Street/4036.jpg)

Main floor

Lot Details:
§358,958 (expensive, but castles are supposed to be, right?)
4 bedrooms
double nursery on main floor
3 bathrooms
pond
greenhouse
hot spring

Requires:
All EPs + Family Fun and Celebration

Custom Content:
"windkeeperian" mailbox cover and recolors used
Maxis - Missink Point Mystery Topiary
Sims 2 Store - Castle window (on the towers)

Download Here: (4.3 MB) (http://www.box.net/shared/yaovtyry0l)

I really like the castle, the inclusion of the moat makes it seam worthy of the title.

I'm definitely snagging this

Twoflower and starlady, you've both made nice lots. Isn't it funny how different the lots can look, with just the choice of theme? The castle was an original idea - I suspect we're going to get quite a few Moroccan type lots.

Not that I'm building a Moroccan type lot, oh no, mine's more , um, like, Mediterranean, yes, that's it, Mediterranean!  :D

 When I saw this house it made me think of a house I'd seen in a video game I'd played, so the basic shape came from that...and an Asian theme just seemed to fit. I apologize in advance for my lack of decorating ability!

Please note - I apparently FAIL at taking pictures this time, so I also apologize for the lack of 'close ups'.

Aerial view of the house;
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/Pictures/111%20Stratford%20Street/House.png)
Front of the house;
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/Pictures/111%20Stratford%20Street/Frontofhouse.png)
2nd Floor
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/Pictures/111%20Stratford%20Street/TopFloor.png)
1st Floor
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/Pictures/111%20Stratford%20Street/FirstFloor.png)
View of the Courtyard from 2nd Floor balcony
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/Pictures/111%20Stratford%20Street/courtyard.png)


House is here;
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=c6d09d9a6bb6c22bab1eab3e9fa335ca53df296e50ead8a7

ajcrawly, that is so nice. And I now need a new idea. Damn. :P

That's really nice, I love the inner courtyard with little bridges and stone lions and all.

Why, were you thinking Asian, Emma?  :P

No...


 :'(

I don't believe you ...

I agree with Emma. Except about the back to the drawing board bit. Well, back to the lot to give it it's finishing touches & upload mine. I've not seen anything like it yet, thank fuck. :D

Awesome lot, ajcrawly

Faizah, love the cell rooms in the towers, and the furnishings are in keeping with your overall feel. Nice job!

Wow, nanacake, you've really made an awkward layout look inviting! Hell, I'd love to live there myself. ;)

mistyk, your house has convinced me to arrquire M&G soon - you've done a lovely job using the Moroccan theme to make this originally weird layout feel inviting and stylish.

Starlady, that's just lush as hell. :D And twooflower, I am so farting hearts at the job you've done with your castle!

ajcrawly, it's gorgeous. I love the ornate, grand scheme of it, and the pool is an inspired highlight.

Every entry so far is unique - so many varied takes on this lot! Sheesh, if I'm gonna enter this month, I'd better hop to it before I lose my nerve completely.

The Sugarcube Gallery (http://www.4shared.com/file/74557937/101274ea/Sugarcube_Gallery.html) is currently holding three exhibitions in it's three gallery spaces.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/Exterior4.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/Exterior2.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/Aquarium.jpg)


In the Duggar Room is the Peter Brock Memorial Exhibit, replete with racing memorabilia and a few of the late racing star's favourite paintings on loan for this exhibition. This exhibit runs through until 23rd October.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/PeterBrockMemorialExhibit.jpg)


"Pop-Art - A Journey" is on display until 3rd May in the Garden Gallery, which can be reached either via the Hall of Reflection, or the Garden Cafeteria.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/Pop-ArtExhibit.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/HallofReflection.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/Gardenfromcafeteria.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/Viewthroughgardentocafeteria1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/Cafeteria.jpg)


Seating for the Garden Cafeteria can be located in Gallery 3, which is currently displaying the gallery's abstracts.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/AbstractExhibit.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/AbstractExhibition2.jpg)


Forums on the life and art of Andy Warhol are scheduled for 3pm and 7.30pm in the lecture theatre.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/Lecturetheatre.jpg)


We kindly ask that all partons kindly refrain from touching the artworks, and that children are under constant supervision in the Bamboo Garden.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/Bamboogarden.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/Bamboogardenatnight.jpg)


Please remember to get a receipt from the cloakroom, as abandoned personal items will sold to fund future exhibits.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/Cloakroom.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/cloakroomdecloaked.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/AntiquityDisplay.jpg)


Getting around the gallery(changes due to recent renovations - thankyou for your kind support):

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/SGFloorplan-groundlevel.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/SGFloorplan-level2.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/SGFloorplan-level3.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/floopyboo/maty%20comps/SGfloorplan-roof.jpg)


Probably needs: UNI, NL, OFB, FFS, GLS, PETS, SEAS, CELEB, TSS, BV, K&B, FT, IKEA, AL.

Brilliant concept, floopy, and the execution is superb. Love it!

Thankyou. :D

I agree with Liz, that is amazing! Well done Floopy ;D

Yup, that's an art gallery.  I recognize the stark white walls.  It's a really nice job, floopyboo.  Hard to believe it started as 111 Stratford.

I may just have to yoink this.  I'm really tired of the old Maxoid gallery that I have been using.

Will definately snatch up the art gallery. Great work floopyboo!

Floopy, that's fantastic! I'm in awe...

Gorgeous art gallery, floppyboo!

Everyone who has posted so far has done such a great job with the lot, and I'd download them all. Unfortunately, my computer would die of shock. It can barely handle the lot that I submitted.  :'(

Maybe I can get an upgrade for Christmas!  ;D

I have a question, regarding the courtyard. Where does it begin? For example, would it be okay to add a further corridor on the building side of the columns?

The proposed corridor is the pinkish area in this picture:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/DecQuestion.jpg)

So much for my prediction that everyone would go Moroccan!  :D

Faizah, you can add anything you want as long as the original walls are untouched. You could add extra corridor space and have arches in between the two, or whatever, as long as the actual wall is still there.

Floopy, that is really different and you've done some fancy-work with the levels to stop it being too blocky looking. It's a great lot.

The original walls stay, I know. I was enquiring more about one of this month's special rules, to keep the courtyard. I'm just wondering what's 'courtyard', and what's not.

As I understand it, the courtyard can get bigger, but not smaller. Some of the others have covered it in completely and changed the configuration. I see a corridor as a partial cover and fine. Maybe just extend the courtyard out by two squares if you're concerned?

I took it to mean the dirt patch and perhaps the stone around it?

Hope not, I've moved my feature off-centre.  :D

Personally, I interpreted the spirit of the rule being that there had to still be a large centralised courtyard with either plants or water in it somewhere.

I don't suppose we need to be too rigid, we'll get more variety if not.

So, I actually wound up extending the courtyard, instead of shrinking it. I think it works.

I should have the lot done and uploaded in the next day or two.

Thankyou. I have to admit I got a lot of advice from my husband during this part. (his idea for the particular way I did the contrast) And the skylights on the gallery garden were a bitch right up until I figured out how to do it. I've been showing the comments to my husband who also says thankyou.

I hope mine isn't too frilly  :D

(http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/1264/fronttu0.jpg)
Whole View

(http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/8058/bottomfr3.jpg)
Bottom floor

(http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/8797/topdn5.jpg)
Second Floor

The lot was too big for me to zoom out all the way.

(http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/1849/screenshotqt3.png)
Front View

(http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/3372/sidero4.jpg)
Side View


It's an apartment with three blocks, ranging from $2,000-$4,000 a week

If anyone actually wants it just ask, I'm testing it right now for any problems.

Wow, that is gorgeous! I love what you've all done with the place. Of course, I'll never forgive you all for stealing my ideas. I think I have one that no one will take, though.

Well I thought I would try my hand again. However, I am having a small issue that I can't seem to iron out with the package file, will explain with a snapshot of the problem. I do have the snapshots of the new improved 111 Stratford Street though so I thought I would post them, and also see if anyone can help me figure out the weirdness of my package file.



Edit: Sorry and thank you for the help. However, I ended up doing a complete reinstall of all my Sims 2 games last night. So the first house no longer exsist. If no one has any objections I would like to try again.

This lot has two versions: A house, and a dorm. The house runs to about 250,000 simoleons, unwanded. There really is only one difference between the house and the dorm (apart from the obvious) and that's the gym/nursery. The dorm has a double sized gym, while the house has a gym and a nursery. That's really it.

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Dec2Roof.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Dec2Upstairs.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Dec2UniGym.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Dec2Downstairs.jpg)

Get the House. (http://www.4shared.com/file/74682745/f219e826/Dec2-Faizahs111StratfordMansion.html)
Get the Dorm. (http://www.4shared.com/file/74682611/89c1b24d/Dec2-Faizahs111StratfordDorms.html)

Note: Lot was created in the main hood, exported, and then relocated to uni for converting to dorm.

AL definitely required (and Uni for the dorm)

You may also need these EPs: Uni, NL, OFB, Pets, Seasons, BV and FT, and SPs: FFS, GLS, Celebration, H&M and K&B

This month's efforts look like some of the best yet; it seems the more yuck the original lot, the more inspired we get. I've gone modern again with mine and am kind of wishing I had M&G so I may do a second lot once I get it installed. I just need to finish the garden and test it.  I love what Floopy has done with the gallery, especially the little bits of indoor garden so will try that in the future.

wow all of the houses look amazing. Hard to believe they started off as that horrible house of fail.

Oooh, I need more dorms! Nice one, Faizah.

@realmscat: That house looks good, almost like an abandoned warehouse.

I agree with eevilcat.  The bar is set pretty high already this month.

Perhaps I'll go for something squalid, just to be different.

Well, from the picture, it does look like Clean Installer is recognizing it as a lot.  Don't know why it insists on taking its LBD with it, though.  Perhaps just clean that stuff out of the package, then re-open it w/ Clean Installer to make sure there aren't any more mysterious tagalongs?  It's a bit more work but at least you could make sure there wouldn't be random CC packaged with the lot.

Well, it's been a few months since I felt inspired to do another House of Fail, but this one looked interesting. And like some others have mentioned, I thought it'd be a good opportunity to mess around with the new stuff in M&G. :)

111 Stratford Street - Roux
Price: 192,861 (drops to 118,354 with Magic Wandage)
3BR / 4BA + twins-ready nursery
Theme: "Roux wanted to play with M&G stuff." Architectural stuff was taken almost entirely from the Third Empire collection. Interior doesn't really have a theme, so I suppose I'll call it contemporary.

(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_111StratfordSt/ScreenShot007.jpg)

EPs/SPs required:
Everything, including the kitchen sink.

Custom content used, but not included:
Invisible driveway recolor (rdrglx_invisibledriveway.package)
I keep all bonus, Stories, and EA Store objects in my Catalog\Bins folder so I can't delete them in-game. I do not think I used any of them, but there is a chance I accidentally did. If so, just let me know and I'll correct it.

Features:
Anti-pest perimeter
Ground floor nursery
Lockable kitchen and stairwell
Spacious dining/caffeination area
Covered patio with hot tub, grill and dining area
Stairwell has room for hack objects (batbox, macro launcher, etc.)
Large unfurnished room on 2nd floor that could be converted for nearly any use
Greenhouse
Fishable pond

Pictures:
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_111StratfordSt/ScreenShot009.jpg)
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_111StratfordSt/ScreenShot010.jpg)

(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_111StratfordSt/ScreenShot011.jpg)
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_111StratfordSt/ScreenShot012.jpg)
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_111StratfordSt/ScreenShot026.jpg)
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_111StratfordSt/ScreenShot027.jpg)
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_111StratfordSt/ScreenShot028.jpg)
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_111StratfordSt/ScreenShot029.jpg)
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll303/Roux_28/Roux_111StratfordSt/ScreenShot030.jpg)


Notes:
Use CleanInstaller, as this lot was packaged with the Phone - Line Controller.

I really didn't want to expand the house too much, since it's already pretty massive. So, I only added space on the left for the kitchen and stairwell, and while I was at it I built a second tower.

The garden-ey part of the courtyard was enclosed to make a greenhouse, and along the right side of the courtyard there's now a covered patio area. (Love the fences that also function as columns, and the architectural decor with working windows!)

Briefly playtested to ensure the study layout worked and the house was generally navigable. However, I think I neglected to add a creativity skill object. Also, there is no desk yet, so you can place The One Desk wherever you desire.

Be warned: the Third Empire windows are a bit screwy. The double ones aren't letting in light the way they should be, and the small round ones don't seem to properly reflect light at night. Hopefully, someone more awesome than me will make a fix for them at some point. (That is, if it hasn't already been fixed and my Google-fu was lacking.)

Lastly, a nit-pick at EAxis: the new green tile roofing doesn't quite match the Third Empire architectural decor. Grrrr.

Download from 4shared (http://www.4shared.com/file/74806095/c7e03d08/111_Stratford_Street_-_Roux.html?dirPwdVerified=98179a81)

Stunning. I love the green and cream together. This house has a lovely clean look.

Really great lots everyone!

I have an apartment building this month. Four apartments, all in different sizes, and a communal area that is a book cafe/hangout. Also has a small playground.
It's meant to go on a street corner.

Front:
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EAxisHoFDec/bb530f0c.jpg)

(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EAxisHoFDec/8fa065f7.jpg)

Back:
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EAxisHoFDec/cdb29d25.jpg)

(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EAxisHoFDec/ad8e6306.jpg)

Cafe, where sims can have a cup of coffee, play som chess, or arrange an open-mic night.
I used the cafe as a restaurant, however this can slow the game down quite a bit, so I packaged it with a regular kitchen and without the podium.
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EAxisHoFDec/31638bcd.jpg)

Overview:
(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EAxisHoFDec/d76657fc.jpg)

(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EAxisHoFDec/cf9fcd6f.jpg)

(http://i354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EAxisHoFDec/8dd6a20d.jpg)

Rents range from 1507 - 8831 (unwanded). I sort of got tired of furnishing, so while all rooms are furnished there's no deco stuff in the bed/bathrooms.

All pics with some interior shots (http://s354.photobucket.com/albums/r427/Goggalor_Pics/EAxisHoFDec/)

Download (http://www.box.net/shared/bdvfnqk1l1)


EDIT: Forgot to say I have all EPs and SPs installed but out of the stuff packs I think I only used K&B and M&G. At least that's what I tried.

Goggalor, that is really clever.

What eps/sps does it require?

All the houses here are awesome.

Then again, anything is an improvement on that horrible thing.

I loved your museum btw. I find it very difficult to make clean modern buildings like that, and still have them look interesting and not just weird.

How do you make a restaurant in an apartment? I tried, but couldn't find the items.

Also for a tip, I found the new M&G placement code can be used on wall objects without borking them.

Thankyou. I have a vested interest in art-related stuff.

Have you tried the zoning cheat? it's handy.

Okay, this month I will try, too. Feel free to point and laugh. I promise I'll learn :-)

Stratford Hall:

Front

(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/vraiment_ravissante/snapshot_d6489e8c_36489f63.jpg)

Back

(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/vraiment_ravissante/snapshot_d6489e8c_76489fe4.jpg)

Patio

(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/vraiment_ravissante/snapshot_d6489e8c_16489fc4.jpg)

Floor plans

(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/vraiment_ravissante/snapshot_d6489e8c_1648a01c.jpg)

(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/vraiment_ravissante/snapshot_d6489e8c_5648a031.jpg)

Music room

(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/vraiment_ravissante/snapshot_d6489e8c_1648a276.jpg)

View from dining room through kitchen to toddler skilling area

(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/vraiment_ravissante/snapshot_d6489e8c_d648a16a.jpg)

Master bedroom

(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/vraiment_ravissante/snapshot_d6489e8c_b648a08d.jpg)


Features:
Bedrooms: 4 (2 with own bathroom, one with large dressing room)
Bathrooms: 5
Nursery with extra toddler skilling room
Kitchen, dining room, living room, music room, fitness/wellness room (hot tub)
Patio with barbecue (if you want sims to eat outside, remove flowers from table. During play testing I was annoyed that they'd ALWAYS eat outside and not in their dining room) and swimming pool
Fences (repel wildlife), "one-desk"
Fishable pond, fruit trees, greenhouse

Requires: everything (all EP/SPs) except M&G

Can be found here: http://www.4shared.com/file/75035837/c223b9f1/Stratford_Hall.html
 (http://www.4shared.com/file/75035837/c223b9f1/Stratford_Hall.html)

@Froggysim:
You did a good job! I like the modern and the not-so-modern feel of it. Although, it might be a smidgen more interesting in the back if you put a variety of windows there instead of having them all the same kind. The greenhouse solution is nice. I didn't think of that myself. I am actually starting to miss Glamour life!

@Goggalor:
Oooh, I love the whole European feel of those buildings. I must snatch that later. Great work.

What do you mean by that? I know you can't change it to community, or else you won't be able to get the mailbox back.

I have tried, it does work

Doesn't it overwrite the mailbox with the pay phone?

Why don't you experiment with a clone if you're sure.

Make the lot residential first, build the apartment, then change it to community. The mailbox shouldn't change. Once you've made your restaurant, change the zoning to make it an apartment. The mailbox should then show as the apartment one.

Thank you very much Emma! I have wanted to do that so badly!

Thanks Tingeling.

Parrot:

There's also a mod to make the stuff buyable on residential lots. I got it from MTS2.

There are some quirks with restaurants in apartments though. You can't have counter islands in the apartments, or the hostess will seat people there. Regular tables seem to work fine. Also, if you have a dishwasher in the restaurant kitchen you need it for the playables as well, otherwise they will ignore their sinks and use that. And sometimes it spawns two waiters when there should just be one.

It's great for romance sims who date a lot to be able to fill the dine out want without going anywhere :).

I (and others) found that the SEDD buyable prevent the proper change to the apartment mailbox.  I had to remove these from downloads to make the apartment conversion work properly.  There may be an updated AL version of the SEDD mailboxes I suppose, but I have not checked.

Yes, there is an updated version available.

But is it updated for the M&G recolors? I love the shades of wood you can pick now. Also, can you make other shops, like grocery stores or game stores?

Edit: Oh, and Goggalor, I am sorry if it sounded like I was giving all the credit to Emma. You were helpful as well.

Edit of the Edit: Can you safely move mailboxes, because Goggalor's beautiful apartment's mailbox is closer to the trash can than normal.

Thing that amuses me is that when I removed the SEDD mailboxes from my Downloads folder, all my in-game residential mailboxes suddenly changed colour and are now bright red.  They were sort of aluminum coloured before.

I'm guessing that EAxian logic strikes again, and they have made bright red the new default mailbox colour?

Haven't had any problems with the mailbox there in my limited playtesting, but I forgot to test the schoolbus and it turns out that the middle streetlight is right in the way  :P. So that needs to be moved.

I had some luck making a small convenience store in a building, wrote about it here (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,12828.msg369023.html#msg369023).

Within limits, yes. You can't have the mailbox too far from the street, or schoolbus and carpool won't come. I know that 20 squares back is safe, and that 40 back is not. I'm not sure where in the middle it borks.

I think I'm pretty well done with the building and decorating of this month's lot so I thought I'd stick up a preview shot. I'm converting it to an apartment block with four furnished apartments. I just need to rezone it and test to make sure that all four apartments function ok.

(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/111ShakespeareStreet/111ShakespeareSt-Preview.jpg)

eevilcat, I can never stop drooling over your houses. they look fantastic.

I still like Goggalor's Apartments the best out of what I've seen.

This month, having just arrquired M&G I went mad on gardens. Any sims that live here had better be into gardening, even the daily gardener will struggle with this one!

$204K, 3 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Two of the tower bathrooms are behind secret bookcase doors, just because I could.  ;D There is a larger room on the top floor that could easily be converted to a couple more bedrooms if needed.

The letterbox may need to be put back beside the road, the taxi dropped the sim right next to where I moved it - behind the lupins.

Front
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/111Stratford/111Stratford001.jpg)


Rear
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/111Stratford/111Stratford002.jpg)


Left hand side
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/111Stratford/111Stratford004.jpg)


Night
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/111Stratford/111Stratford015.jpg)


Corridor
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/111Stratford/111Stratford019.jpg)


Dining
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/111Stratford/111Stratford007.jpg)


Lounge
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/111Stratford/111Stratford008.jpg)


Kids' rooms
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/111Stratford/111Stratford009.jpg)


Upstairs space
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/111Stratford/111Stratford012.jpg)


Garden
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/111Stratford/111Stratford005.jpg)


Pond
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/111Stratford/111Stratford003.jpg)


Few more photos of layout and some other scenic areas here.
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/111Stratford/?albumview=slideshow


Download here (http://www.box.net/shared/3k027uyzn1).

witch, that is just so amazingly pretty! I love the landscaping and the heart-shaped pool ;D

@Eevilcat:
That house looks very interesting. I can imaging it becoming a dorm... *Tingeling has planz...

@Witch:
That house looks really interesting! I was toying with the idéa of making an eastern home myself, but alas, my imagination has come to a halt. Good thing you made one then! *snatch*

This lot just screamed community lot to me, so I present to you The Spa (http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/The_Spa.rar)!

I have all EPs and all stuff packs except IKEA and TSS.

Due to the sheer number of plants, this lot will probably need some reworking for slower computers. It runs rather slow on my new computer, and wouldn't hardly run at all on my old one.

(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/1.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/2.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/3.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/4.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/5.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/6.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/7.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/8.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/9.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/10.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/11.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/12.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/13.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/14.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/15.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/16.jpg)
(http://www.linuxbit.net/Sims2/EA_House_Challenge/December08/Pics/17.jpg)

@Jesslla: Wow. I'd love to be able to make a garden like that. Boy, are my sims gonna love this!
(http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/1755/spa3xo7.jpg) (http://img231.imageshack.us/my.php?image=spa3xo7.jpg)

It's really easy. First lay down any paths you'd like to have.

moveobjects on
boolprop snapobjectstogrid false

I put my trees in first and then filled in all of the rest of the area with the bushes. Remember to use lots of different variety of shrubs and flowers. Don't worry too much about variety of colors, you can use the color tool later.

Oh, lovely tips. As soon as I'm done with school, I'll tackle this month's house.

Inspired by Kyna's great idea (see this thread: http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,13916.0.html (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,13916.0.html)) I built this.
(http://i33.tinypic.com/wt9ezs.jpg)
Do your sims suffer from lack of lulzy fight? Send them to the Pit of Doom, where they can watch MATY's most retarded tards and trolls fight with each other.

(http://i33.tinypic.com/ioem89.jpg)
View of the pit from the observation deck. Remember, feeding* the trolls and tards is strictly forbidden!
*Rotten eggs and tomatoes counts as food; these people will eat almost anything. Stones, sharp iron things and molotov cocktails are perfectly acceptable, though.

(http://i37.tinypic.com/w1pkbc.jpg)
Naturally, the mean bastards truly awesome people in the Senate have their own balcony, from which they can throw things not only at the tards, but also at disobedient peasants.

(http://i35.tinypic.com/9v8lc4.jpg)
If you want to take a closer look at the tards (but why would you want to?), there's a glass wall at the back. Do not worry; the glass is bullet-proof, so there's no risk of tard escapes.

Floor plans:

(http://i36.tinypic.com/1zydhjc.jpg)
Ground floor: bar, gym, showers, toilets and pit.

(http://i35.tinypic.com/pbuar.jpg)
Second floor: obervation deck, restaurant, library and room with funny things.

(http://i37.tinypic.com/u4ly1.jpg)
Third floor: Senators only. Balconies, bathrooms and two small rooms with coffee machine and microwave (for popcorn).

Download here: http://www.mediafire.com/file/wazytwy2zvt/PitOfDoom.rar (http://www.mediafire.com/file/wazytwy2zvt/PitOfDoom.rar)

A coffee machine?  I am so there!

Pit of doom is a fun idea.

@Cucumberpie:
Interesting house. It sure looks like a veritable Pit of Doom and I hope *hint hint* that someone makes a story abut that.

Hm. Very intriguing. Might I suggest the inclusion of fire jets by the glass walls, where tards can be burninated for fun and lulz in the event that venture too close towards the spectators on the other side of the glass? Other than that, you've done a fine job.  ;)

Pit of Doom is win, Cucumberpie. :D

Finally finished with the new house thats not all fubared. I hope everyone is ok with me doing a remake as the other house couldn't be uploaded. This housse is completely clean and packaged correctly. I have all the EP's to AL , and Holiday Pack, FF, GL, Celebration, H&M, and M&G. I also have the Store Editions, but I did not use any of them,(I'm an idiot, has a rug from the Asian Fusion store items) not sure if that matters.

So here it is.. 111 Stratford Redone! Approxament cost: 302,000 Simoleons.

(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h97/realmscat/111StratfordFrontEntire.jpg)

I took alot of pictures so I made a slide show in order to keep this post as small as possible.

http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h97/realmscat/?action=view&current=15691e65.pbw (http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h97/realmscat/?action=view&current=15691e65.pbw)

Link for the package file.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=87N4G4NK (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=87N4G4NK)

I love the tower room. And I know this sounds extremely dumb, but I've never thought about mixing the Aquatic and Nautical themes together before.

What's the rug in the living room?

Well the living room rug would be me being an idiot. I seriously thought it was a M&G rug. However, it appears I placed a Asian Fusion Store item rug. It's called Rugs of Energy by MA design. Sorry it seems I did add one Store item after all. My Apologies to everyone.

Honestly when I decorated the childs room. I was thinking about a movie I watch a long while back. I can't recall the name, though I do recall a scene from it. Some mermaids where swimming under the water along side the ship like dolphins, singing sirens songs to the sailors aboard. They nearly crashed the ship against the rocks before they were brought back to reality. So I was thinking of mermaids, and recked ships when I decorated the room.

I just got M&G and the other stuff packs are at 44% torrented.  I've also re-set my entire game (due to borkedness) and hopefully still have my 2 half-done houses.

Give me a few more days and I should have something up before xmas.

Such cool ideas, everyone!
jesslla, wow, that's lovely! My type of place, I love the gardens.
Cucumberpie, that's just hysterical! Great idea.

I'm still working on mine, it's an outer-space shopping mall. I have to play-test it to see if everything is ok. I'll post more pics later.
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Moon-Mall-front-nite.jpg)
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Moon-Mall-back-nite.jpg)

@realmscat: I like your tower. Good thing I thought of that myself... *cough*

@Salixtree: Can't wait to get my hands on that one. I might actually be moved to play my Strangetown hood.

Moon Mall, fun and shopping on the Moon of Saturn. I have all exp up to Freetime, no stuff packs.
download the lot here:http://www.mediafire.com/?donjobmwcbw (http://www.mediafire.com/?donjobmwcbw)

slideshow, click the little pic:  (http://s331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/th_Moon-Mall-1.jpg) (http://s331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/?action=view&current=45c2b334.pbw)

(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/outside-front-1-1.jpg)

(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/garden-2.jpg)

(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/shop-2-1.jpg)

(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/gym-1.jpg)

She's a little ripper! I love the modern look with the garden section/tree for contrast. I also loved the pic of the people kissing in the corridor and Mrs Crumplebottom on her way!

I've never found a use for those spacey arches but they look terrific in your lot. I don't care that my hood isn't spacey, the lot is so cool it can just be a themed look for that lot.

Question regarding Store Stuff...

I've just installed all the stuff packs and the store stuff linked from this site - I'm using things in my catalogue without custom stars. 
Does the store stuff count as custom?  Or can I assume that it's ok to use since it's EAxis crap?  As I've installed 8 SP's and a pile of store stuff, I don't know what is what.

I have one house ready to go - just need to package, picturise and playtest. 

When you package the lot, does the store stuff show up as extras in the sims2pack file? If not, it could be a problem as I don't want double-ups. I dunno, I personally don't mind much because I always check before installing anyway, not all of the House of Phail lots are clean. (I'm looking at you, Jim!)

I can has title now?
http://www.parsimonious.org/fashion2/ (http://www.parsimonious.org/fashion2/)

(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims2%20pics/Goopythemept2.jpg)

Ok, guilty as charged. I guess I'm not as au fait with Clean Installer as I should be, but I will try harder.

I said I wouldn't make this available for download, as it's on the original EA lot with the borked back edge, but, to test whether I've cleaned it properly (leaving in the car and pedestrian portals, as they must be necessary, surely?), I've stuck it in 4shared etc. anyway. If some kind soul wants to give it a whirl, just to see if I'm doing it right yet, I'd be grateful.

It's an apartment block, with 3 apartments, called, optimistically, jim's Cleaned Palazzo.

Slideshow here: http://tinyurl.com/5jhc9y
Download here: http://tinyurl.com/5h97j6

Car and pedestrian portals are not usually included. I don't know where they sometimes come from.

*witch displays complete ignorance.

Car and pedestrian portals are always included with lots... otherwise the lots wouldn't work.  However, you shouldn't be seeing portals as custom content in the clean installer.  If you are, you might want to change them back to the standard maxis-made portals.

If you are seeing visible car and pedestrian portals on your lot, perhaps Inge's Portal Revealer was accidently included with the lot?

[Update:]


I downloaded your lot and the clean installer shows no CC.  Would you like me to flatten the edges for you?

Thanks for trying it out for me. You needn't flatten the edges though, as I'm not leaving it up for download. There are enough similar but better lots around this month, so there's no point in adding this to the mix - but thanks for the offer.

First house for the Month!

Stratford Square Dance.rar (http://www.4shared.com/file/76350115/1e28ec71/Stratford_Square_Dance.html)


After the Larson twins had made all that money from their house parties, they decided to make it a full-time occupation.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_d5c87c50_96546681.jpg)


Featuring a double story greek inspired party area, a bar with basic meals, DJ booth and outdoor dining.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_d5c87c50_36546733.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_d5c87c50_f6546639.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_d5c87c50_76546596.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_d5c87c50_b65465db.jpg)

House includes 2 double beds, 2 single beds for guests, bathroom, kitchen and living room/dining. 
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_d5c87c50_165467f9.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_d5c87c50_1654681b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_d5c87c50_b65467b8.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_d5c87c50_965467a5.jpg)

Private outdoor area with pool and greenhouse.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_d5c87c50_9654684e.jpg)

Slideshow here: (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/th_snapshot_d5c87c50_96546681.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/?action=view&current=e8c35854.pbw)



It's done on the non-flat lot.  I'm sorry. 
The phone controller has tagged along for the ride, but nothing else, according to cleaninstaller.

All EP's, All SP's + Store stuff (which I don't think I used).


I'm pretty sure that the greenhouse roof will keep the rain off the dancefloor - but it hasn't been fully tested.  The fences on the observation deck are lockable to keep guests out of the house.  Stairs are lockable.  The bar is lockable for staff/household only, or you can have everyone use it. 

Your lots are always nice Jim, I would quite like a flattened version if Mootilda is willing? It's not much of a twitch at the back of the lot anyway, I don't get too anal about uneven lots.

BTW it wasn't this current month's lot that had CC, sorry if I wasn't clear, I was just having a poke at you.  :P  I tried to install one of your older lots the night before I posted and I'd found the portals etc in the package. I think it was from a couple of months ago.

@ Yecats: Love the frontage of that house, very posh! It always makes me chuckle that you include so much party space in your houses. I'm old and grumpy and I often forget the fun stuff.  :D

I'm a party animal.  We have "BYOP" nights - Bring your own party.

They start out with 2 or 3 people then end up with 20 of us in a drunken mess at 3am.

Any spawn I produce will grow up in such an environment - maybe with less drunkenness.  But lots of party.

I've stuck it back for download (at http://tinyurl.com/59ywd3), if you want it, and if Mootilda is still willing to flatten the edges. I have to admit, though, I got a bit bored by the time I got to the top apartment, so you might be sorry you asked. Decor gets sketchier as you go up. I'm glad you made me take Clean Installer more seriously, anyway. I'm not as computerate as the rest of you, but there's no excuse for not trying at least.

Jim, which EPs / SPs should I use to flatten the lot?  I installed your apartment in my all EP/SP game, but I'd prefer to fix the lot with a minimal set (ie, whatever EPs and SPs you used to create the lot).

I have all EPS, and just the M&G SP. You're certainly quick off the mark!

It was only a few weeks ago that Joe told me I'd uploaded a lot with the phone line controller in it, so you're not alone!

How I do it when I'm not being lazy, is I keep a sims2 folder with no custom content whatsoever - except for JM's Magic Wand. Then, no matter what I build, I can only use and package EAxis stuff. I just rename the sims2folder to sims2_test when I'm finished.

Very nice makeovers this month. I really like witch's garden - it must have taken a lot of work.

Here is what I did. No CC. I have all EPs and SPs.
I started the makeover in Veronaville, so the lot is not flat.
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e279/kalinagn/december/snapshot_2dd72caf_96590cc2.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e279/kalinagn/december/snapshot_2dd72caf_76590cd6.jpg)


There is a Christmas tree on the first floor:
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e279/kalinagn/december/snapshot_2dd72caf_d6590dbb.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e279/kalinagn/december/snapshot_2dd72caf_56590e51.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e279/kalinagn/december/snapshot_2dd72caf_f6590e98.jpg)

and here is the second floor with the bedrooms:
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e279/kalinagn/december/snapshot_2dd72caf_565910cc.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e279/kalinagn/december/snapshot_2dd72caf_d6591166.jpg)
(http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e279/kalinagn/december/snapshot_2dd72caf_b6591013.jpg)

you can download here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?2lngwoyktzy

It did. Several evenings on the garden alone.

I love the front entrance to your lot, it looks very posh. Good size rooms too. A good house for a well-off, status conscious family.

Is that xmas tree maxis?

I've looked and looked and I am starting to think that it was a pre-order gift. 

If I can't find my one (seeing as I now have all ep's and sp's, and most of the store stuff) I'll just have to make a cc & non cc version of my 2nd house and throw Parsimonious xmas stuff in there.

It looks to me like the tree that came with Holiday Stuff.

It did. You can also get it on The Sims 2 ShitStore; but why on earth would anyone do that?  ;)

According to my game it's custom content.  Was it Holiday Stuff pre-order?  The xmas lights around the ceiling also arn't showing up in my game. 

I'm in the process of putting the store stuff into my game without custom stars - just to make sure that I DO try to use some of it.

Very odd.

Ah yes, it was available as a SimDay download once upon a time. I doubt it's still available on the site, as that defeats the purpose of selling it in the store.

I got the Christmas Tree from the Holiday Stuff pack. I created a separate account with no CC to do all the building because I wanted to make sure I don't accidentally include CC recolors or walls and floors.

I downloaded the happy holidays stuff pack (which doesn't show itself to even *be* a stuff pack according to the game loader).

Expect to see a winter wonderland coming your way :D



***UPDATE***

(Didn't want to double-post)

Based loosly on The Secret Garden we have

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_f65ae33c_165ae95c.jpg)
Hidden Solace.rar (http://www.4shared.com/file/77074167/6a26a6b7/Hidden_Solace.html)


(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/th_snapshot_f65ae33c_165ae95c.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/?action=view&current=0a024497.pbw)

A family house, we have rooms for all the kids, teens and babies. 

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_f65ae33c_165aea49.jpg)

Open plan living/dining/kitchen.
Kitchen is gated off.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_f65ae33c_b65aea4f.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_f65ae33c_565aed0c.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_f65ae33c_365aeb56.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_f65ae33c_b65aeb70.jpg)

Pool table, stereo and study on the first floor for entertaining those pesky townies.  Both stairs and greenhouse are gated off for family access only. 

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_f65ae33c_565aeb3d.jpg)

"Hidden" hot-spring for relaxing away from the bustle of the main house.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_f65ae33c_965aea75.jpg)

"Secret" Playground for the kids to burn off all that energy.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_f65ae33c_565aea6b.jpg)

"Forgotten" Grove in the middle of a forest, complete with fountain.  Contemplate life, the universe and everything.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_f65ae33c_f65aeab5.jpg)


_______

I played around with the terrain painting.  I don't know how well the flowers will survive. 
All Ep's, All SP's, + Store Stuff & Unlocked stuff by Havelock.  I think only the lights in the bathroom are the unlocked ones.

The guy is walking around in swimwear because I tried to make the pond swimmable, but it was a failure. 

Enjoy!

There are a lot beautiful buildings this month. I think I love Goggalor's the most, though, even if it would eat my neighborhood alive.

This is my first time submitting to the House of Fail challenge. I hope I have followed the instructions reasonably well - some outer walls were squished, but they're all there. I'm not sure if this is 'legal,' but I shrank the lot, because EAxis lots are far too big for my liking. It's now 3x3 (still too big), flattened, and the entire structure was moved (carefully rebuilt) closer to the road. The footprint should be correct; please let me know if it isn't. I'm not much good at landscaping, but I did try. Heh.

When I first saw this lot, I immediately thought of the structures built throughout what is now California, by missionaries from Mexico and Spain. I used that idea as an outline, and tried to maintain several key aspects of a typical Spanish Colonial (USian term, probably?) casa de pueblo, while following the challenge rules. I chose, however, not to include any fireplaces, since they take up a lot of space. The house is neither Awesomespec, since I'm not much of a control freak about my sims, nor playtested (I'm also lazy). I took pictures of the common areas. The house also has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. In case anyone wants to download - I have all EPs and SPs installed, and the pack is clean of CC. Total cost, unwanded, is §89,611.

Slideshow: (http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r78/veganelise/th_111fail1.jpg) (http://s141.photobucket.com/albums/r78/veganelise/?action=view&current=32d87e3c.pbw)

Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?nmemxzkgvmz

That's nice, soothing neutrals with a splash of colour. I like the shade roofs along the edge of the courtyard and the minimalist white daisies in the middle. The house looks cool and fresh.

I like that too, devilsrope. I prefer smaller lots as well, this is much better than that huge lot the original was on! Your lot looks neat and tidy, something a Sim family could live in. Lovely.

Thank you, witch and SalixTree. A question, for either of you, or anyone else: I was wondering how you feel about my decorating style? I tend to leave things fairly plain, especially compared to many of the lots I see others create (here and elsewhere). It is too plain, and if so, is that an issue, or do you like to personalize a lot anyway? I know I tend to just buy things for my sims as needed, instead of having a ton of stuff for them. I also like to force my sims off their lot for entertainment, for example, make them go to a gym rather than give them a treadmill at home (well, ok, not the best example of entertainment, but you get the idea). I appreciate any feedback.

Well, your style of décor is not my preferred choice, but IMO that's the whole point of sharing our lots. When I see different styles I find things I both do and don't like which gives me new ideas, and influences my style and helps develop it.

My parents had a style similar to yours, I found it quite boring as a child so I've moved toward a more cluttered, old-fashioned look. It's totally a personal preference though. Plus you've done the style well, it looks classy and matching, not random. The heavier furniture is thematic in the context of the house style.

I have all EP's and SP's (minus Holiday)

I did it as a working ranger station and visitors center. There are dorm rooms for the rangers while on duty, an office, receptionist area, learning center, lovely grounds and axe throwing for fun. The upstairs is cordoned off as the public is not allowed upstairs where the rangers live and work.

Front

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot683.png)

First floor

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot667.png)

Second floor

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot668.png)

Shower room

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot671.png)

Dorm room

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot672.png)

Office

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot673.png)

Reception

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot674.png)

Reading/Information area

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot675.png)

Office door, seating, vending machines

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot676.png)

View to outer courtyard

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot677.png)

View over courtyard back to building

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot679.png)

Another view from exterior overlooking the courtyard

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot680.png)

Working lookout tower and axe throwing area below

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot681.png)

Entrance

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/ScreenShot682.png)

Download the file HERE (http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/eafaildec08/minenaseafaildec08.rar)

I *love* what you've done with it, Minena! Great use of the theme throughout, and the observation tower is the perfect touch.

Wow, that's a really original idea! One question, though, what kind of lot zoning is that on? I'm guessing owned community lot + sleep on commlot hack, in order to allow the commoners to mill about and purchase things, but I might be wrong.

You did a good job on this one, Minena. I wouldn't have thought of using that theme. I think the lookout tower and the courtyard is fabulous.

Wow, Minera, that's really amazing. The theme is so well done. Not a single thing looks out of place.

I like this too, as others have commented you've kept true to the theme throughout. I particularly like the Polar Bear statue and the antlers in the office. Nice tidy public gardens as well; just enough to make it look like a garden, yet still be easy-care.

Unfortunately I built this in situ..still a residential property on the original lot. I don't mess much with changing lot sizes or fiddling with too many hacky things.

It's been a while but wouldn't changelotzoning make it a community lot? Then just go into build mode and place the phone booth and maybe some souveniers etc in the reception area. I didn't do this for fear of screwing the lot up.

I'll give it a whirl.  This is a pretty casual lot; I wanted to try a few ideas and build a fun place to raise kidlets.  It's a departure from my usual more formal style and dark palette.  There are a few places I dearly miss the CC and cheats, but I'm pleased that the lot seems to encourage a variety of simmy activities.  The house is designed to get sims moving around, and they seem to enjoy it.  Such spoiled children, though.   :D

111 Castleswim Way - $208,362

Front view:

(http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/8451/frontviewot9.jpg)

Side view:

(http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/6499/sideviewil0.jpg)

And the main attraction:

(http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/2172/castleactionwu1.jpg)

The castle playhouse includes a variety of activities: a toybox, chess, whirly-whatsit, easel, darts, ballet barre, monkey bars, slide, water slide, and diving board.  With so many activities that bring them sliding and swinging in and out of the castle, they seem much less inclined to become obsessed with any one activity.  After a couple of days of free range simming, the pixel folk acquired a nice mix of new skills.

The monkey bars have a bit of an oddity until body skills increase (see below), but that happens rather quickly on this lot.  For more realism, you could fill in the small waterway, but I prefer the moat intact.  Also, does anyone know a way to hide the floor/ceiling edging without cc?

(http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/1879/monkeybarsno1.jpg) (http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/3994/monkeybarsfallpi6.jpg)

Here is the first floor:

(http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1166/fullfirstfloorwo3.jpg)

Features include entrance way with piano, sitting area with tv, 2 bathrooms, study, kitchen, dining area, outdoor dining, game area, nursery, and a private entrance to the upstairs master bedroom.  The nursery is located halfway between the master bedroom and the refrigerator for easy baby care.

(http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/8872/entrancena0.jpg) (http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/6030/sittingroomcs9.jpg)

(http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/7890/kitchenut3.jpg) (http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9971/kidsareacr7.jpg)

(http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/866/nurseryav7.jpg) (http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/8882/officelq7.jpg)

Second floor:

(http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/7817/fullsecondflooryz8.jpg)

The second floor offers five bedrooms (master, double, 3 single), four bathrooms, a gym area, telescope, chess, and lounge.

Just the bedrooms:

(http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/1927/bedroomsallso7.jpg)

Master suite (private spiral stairs and door to the kids' hall) and smaller rooms:

(http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/5535/bedroommasterhm0.jpg) (http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/8013/bedroomssmallih6.jpg)

And here is the file (http://www.mediafire.com/?o2zaxk0twmm).  Pictures are included. 

I think everything is in order, but this is the first lot I've packaged for sharing.  It's been through Clean Installer and is free of miscellaneous thingmabobs.  I'm playing on a laptop and it's a bit laggy, but on a real computer, I think it should be fine. 

This was much fun - I look forward to January's challenge.

You did a really great job on this lot, rosess. I play on a laptop, but, downloaded it anyway. It looks like lots of fun for the sim kids.

Love this lot rosess. I just adore the castle playground.

Absolutely brill! The way you have the slides and monkey bars set up is just so innovative. I love the concept and the execution. This is definitely my favourite house for the month!

I love it :D The monkey bar entrance is a great idea.

That play castle is one of the most awesome sim constructions I've ever seen.

I have to chime in with the other comments, that play castle is just fantastic!

Here finally is my offering for this month's House of Fail and just in time. The politest thing I can think to say about the whole apartment build process is that EAxis don't make it easy, so here after no small amount of blood, sweat and tears I present 111 Stratford Street reworked as a 4 apartment block and renamed to 111 Shakespeare Street. There is one ground floor apartment and a further three split level apartments, all offered fully furnished - just supply your own computer and a few deco items to add that personal touch. Relax in the hot tub or sauna after going for a swim or chill with friends in the communal bar area. Each apartment has its own private balcony or garden area in addition to having the run of the communal gardens and play area. The apartment block has been fully playtested with four families hence the comments on the build process - having to move everyone out to replace the fixed/updated block then move them all back in is not my idea of fun game play!

Exterior front day:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/111ShakespeareStreet/Front.jpg)

Exterior front night:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/111ShakespeareStreet/NightPool.jpg)

Rear with landscaped gardens and play area:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/111ShakespeareStreet/Rear.jpg)

Ground Floor:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/111ShakespeareStreet/GroundFloor.jpg)

First Floor:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/111ShakespeareStreet/FirstFloor.jpg)

Second Floor:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/111ShakespeareStreet/SecondFloor.jpg)


More pictures available at http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/111ShakespeareStreet/ (http://s79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/111ShakespeareStreet/) as I know there are still some of you on dial-up.


Made with all EPs and most SPs upto and including M&G though I don't think I used any M&G stuff, thought I'd save that for January's House of Fail. Weekly rental costs 1467 - 2590 simoleans,

Download it from here: http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=293267ffc45b6ab9d2db6fb9a8902bda (http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=293267ffc45b6ab9d2db6fb9a8902bda)

eevilcat: Very nicely done. The apartments look roomy and the common areas are great. Landscaping done beautifully too.

That's a very nice apartment building. I especially like the outside of it, and the roof angles are great.

I like this too. Luckily I have a hood where the high ground is all modern and the valley by the water is a bit quaint. I get away with a wide variety of building styles.

This lot looks really urban and upmarket. It also looks like it might not lag too much (like the ones I build).

I always like your buildings. They have such clean lines, quite understated and elegant. I've tried to copy your style several times, and it never works for me. You can understand that it gets frustrating - but I'm sorry I kicked over your bin. I'll send someone round to clean it up.

I've been trying to bang out a community lot for half of the month here, it wasn't until recently, at Kyna's (away from my computer) that the final idea hit me. So this one is a bit late, but, hopefully, worth it... I turned it into a community lot because I never quite know what to do with those, and this was the perfect opportunity to try one.

Exterior:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Dec3Front.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Dec3Rear.jpg)

Downstairs:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Dec3DownstairsFashion.jpg)
(There is a slight weirdness with the diagonal fish tank, Sims seem to only recognise one tile as 'tank', and will happily stand inside the tank chatting to one another after poking at the empty tile gets dull. If I wasn't so late entering, I'd fence the thing in.)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Dec3DownstairsBooths.jpg)

Upstairs:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Dec3FrontBalcony.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Dec3UpstairsBar.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Dec3RearBalconySalon.jpg)

The tower is nothing fancy, just a series of empty 3x3 rooms. I have all EPs, as well as FFS, GLS, Celebrations, and H&M SPs.

Download it here! (http://www.4shared.com/file/78371260/b1067f38/Dec3-Faizahs111StratfordStores.html)

That swimming pool roof is awesome, pity they didn't do that glass in a two-storey format. I like the concept of this lot, although I would have liked more decorations, it looks a bit sparse to me, but then again, I guess you were running out of time!  :D

BTW we haven't picked a January house yet. I've just re-installed the sims so I have the original hoods again, I might have a look later today. Although if we have the base game starter thingy, maybe we could look at later lots? That Blue-something village had houses, plus there's Desiderata and RiverBlossom. There's quite a large farming type house in Riverblossom I always thought would look good with a makeover.

I actually did the roofing and exterior work earlier in the month, but the interior was difficult to suss out. I had the downstairs pretty much as I have it now, but the salon area actually had a DJ booth and dance floor before. It didn't really suit the feel I was going for, a sort of austerely fashionable place to be. Dinner out under the stars, by the grand piano, fine clothes, jewels, cologne... The DJ booth didn't quite fit, no.

Thanks for the comments, I think I'm best when I stick with modern design though I might have a go at something more exotic for next month now that I have M&G installed and I'm feeling inspired by Faizah's roofs. Are we going for a small lot for January? I think the only EAxis neighbourhood I've got installed is Desiderata Valley though I seem to remember there were some very bland small lots in the Nightlife sub-hood that might be worth doing.

@Jim: Now I know who the mystery bin kicker is! Seriously, when testing this lot the bin would be kicked over at least once a day but at least the landlord dealt with the resultant roaches.

A small lot would be excellent, I think. The NL townhouses sound great, but is NL far enough back not to be concerned about compatibility issues any more? I suppose if someone uploads the (flattened?) NL version, from a NL game, it should work in any game of NL or later...

Are the lots NL dumped into the bin properly flattened? Those might work...

I personally would like to see some apartments redone.  I spend an embarrasing amount of time renovating the eaxis apartments to be useable and all.  But the NL townhouses are also a good idea.  Was a winner declared for this month yet? 

Never diagonalrotate a multitile object. This is BAD.

You know what would be a hellish lot to renovate? The House of Fallen Trees.

Yes, but wouldn't it's size be an issue?

Yeah, it's hugebutt.

I currently have no Pets, Nightlife, Bon Voyage or Uni till the 14th, when my cap gets removed.  I might be able to beg, borrow and steal NL and pets some time soon.

Other than that, I have everything else, so I could always re-build the selected lot.

I fixed it for you.

Unless the 'cap' mentioned is a download cap? (I have one of those. If I go over, I spend the rest of the billing period at dial-up speeds. Better than the last one I was under, where if I went over I had no internet until the next billing period.)

Wow, that's the suckiest thing I've ever heard of.

Well, I'm not the one paying for the internet, so I didn't get to choose the provider. (Yes, I have moved out of Kyna's house, I'm actually house-sitting for my father.) I cover the bills that arrive in the mail, but some are set up to pay automatically from either his credit card or his bank account.

On the up-side, it's FREE!

Yea.  Two of my friends have NL and Pets.

Uni i never had ( borrowed it 3 years ago) and I can only find one of the BV disks.

The internet cap drags me back down until the 14th - my download speed is somewhere around 5kb/s.  If I'm lucky.  Hence it would take about 2 weeks of consistent downloading (assuming I don't bluescreen some time in the middle of the night or while I'm at work) to download the last 4 packs.

Other than that, I have all the SP's and I have the store stuff somewhere.

Gee, what's up with that? I've had my providers at very reasonable rates over the last 12 years, first dial-up and now highspeed, and constantly download files. I've never exceeded any cap (assuming I have one of which I am unaware) or been "speed restricted" (my slowest dl speed even with dial-up was around 46kbs). I guess maybe we don't have "caps" here in US. I certainly have never heard of them (except, now that I think of it, back in '96 when I first got with my first ISP. But monthly "cap" was set so high I could never exceed it anyway.)

So, do we have a house for January yet?

I nominate Brandi Broke's house. Small, base game, and ugly.

No, too small IMO, we need a bit more scope for a challenge than that.

I like the idea of having a look at the Downtown hood. Why don't we gets pics of 2-3 lots and then make a decision? I'll try to find one and maybe a couple of others could too? I think the lot should be at least big enough for a family home, although several people have suggested a smaller lot than December's one, which is fair enough.


We have 3rd world internetz in New Zealand, it is both slow and expensive. It is very sad. We all wear caps.

Huh.

Too big, too small... you people are too damn picky.

 :D

Someone make a corporate decision and just pick a house.  Last months one was a smallish house on a big lot.  How about a biggish/medium house on a small lot?  Or a small house on a small lot, but it has to fit x many baths/beds?

I'm getting antsy with nothing to make-over.

OK. Right. That's it. I will go and look, this very instant for at least one suggestion. Yecats can do that too for whinging.  :P SaraMK, what else you got up your sleeve?

There's a couple of houses in the lot bin that I think came with NL as they have drives but no icon unlike later EPs/SPs. One is called tiny house and the other small home. Both are small, boxy and boring but also have a decent amount of garden area to do something with.


(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Misc/SmallNLLots.jpg)


EDIT: added pics of small home (left) and tiny house (right) - sorry about the quality but I took them in the neighbourhood view.

Oh no you don't. I'm not making a single suggestion more after the heinous way in which my previous two were treated.  :D

OK. Here are a bunch of possibilities from Desiderata. I'm just wondering if we can choose other lots and have someone convert them into base game compatible? That would certainly give us a wider range of choice. Plus two or three of these would need flattening.

1026 West Dreaming Drive

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/1026WestDreamingDrive1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/1026WestDreamingDrive2.jpg)

1097 West Dreaming Drive

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/1097WestDreamingDrive1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/1097WestDreamingDrive2.jpg)

1080 West Leisure Lane

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/1080WestLeisureLane1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/1080WestLeisureLane2.jpg)

1055 East Leisure Lane

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/1055EastLeisureLane1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/1055EastLeisureLane2.jpg)

1042 East Dreaming Drive

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/1042EastDreamingDrive1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/1042EastDreamingDrive2.jpg)

There are a few difficulties with these. Some have crap roofs, or odd shapes, or are set too far back from the road. Part of the challenge initially was to find an awful architectural feature and work round it, I'm not sure these really qualify, but I'll keep looking for something awful and smallish.  ;D


Lol. Seriously, I just didn't see Brandy's lot keeping us occupied for a month.

I like the look of 1097 West Dreaming Drive as it's got a slightly different shape and a massive garden area to do stuff with.

That's actually quite a long thin one, I should have left the grid showing. The trees are outside the garden.

I like the 1097 one with the angled wall. 

I'll try and find some too, but that one looks like a winner.

Had another poke around. I've been downtown, farmtown, shopping town - I've been everywhere man!

There are a couple here that could have the pond being left in as a requirement. The last lot, the farmhouse I've been wanting to make over for ages but I think it's too big when most people want something a bit smaller this time round. I'd like it to be considered for a future month though.

112 Riverbend Road

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/112RiverbendRoad2.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/112RiverbendRoad1.jpg)

125 Huckleberry Lane

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/125HuckleberryLane2.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/125HuckleberryLane1.jpg)

211 Huckleberry Lane

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/211HuckleberryLane2.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/211HuckleberryLane1.jpg)

38 Greaves Avenue

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/38GreavesAvenue2.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/38GreavesAvenue1.jpg)

204 Old Farm Road

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/204OldFarmRoad2.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/204OldFarmRoad1.jpg)

ETA: Here are a couple of better pics of 1097.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/1097.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/10972.jpg)

On the plus side, the lot appears to be flat, I used the hammer tool to check. On the minus, how many people have Desiderata?

1097 West Dreaming Drive is a nice house to work with. Plus there's room for expansion, which is always good. I'd love to see how some of the more imaginative people get around the diagonal wall.

Alex, I added a couple more pics of 1097 at the bottom of my last post after you posted. The lot is flat, so that's a bonus. All the land is in front of the house though, so I guess that's a challenge.  :D

ETA: Here's the lot (http://www.box.net/shared/bzcsea3m9c) of 1097 if people want to have a look. I don't know how to make it base game compatible though. Which EP did Desiderata come from?

After poking around, these are my two entries - lacking in images due to idiot internet.

From the Houses menu:

Cosy Castle (AL)

Hearty Home (seasons). 


I'm liking the turrets on the castle one - the fact they're walls means that we have something to work around.
The bridge on the Hearty Home one MUST be left in - but can be expanded, not made smaller.

Also, witch, I *Think* Desiderata came with either Freetime or Pets?

FreeTime.  It's all "Hobbyville".  It has things like the Genie lamp that came with Free Time.

Here Yecats, here are the pics.

Cozy Castle is flat and looks interesting. The Hearty Home is not flat and may be a bit large?

Cozy Castle

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/CozyCastle-1BR15BA1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/CozyCastle-1BR15BA2.jpg)

Hearty Home

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/HeartyHome-4BR35BA1.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/HeartyHome-4BR35BA2.jpg)

Ack!  Pick one!  I'm going to throw my hat into the ring with all of you professionals this time, so which is it?

G'day mate! Well, the pics have only been up for a couple of hours, so maybe get a few more people to see them I reckon. Plus someone might still come up with the perfect lot.  ;D

Glad you'll be joining us.

There is no way to convert a lot to a previous EP, or to make a lot base-game compatible.  The best that we could do is to require only the base game and the EP that the lot was shipped with.

The Desiderata lot (1097) looks simple enough that the shell could be built from scratch using the basegame - unless there is some functionality in there that I'm missing.

I like 1097 as well. 

The base game wouldn't have the same windows.  There may be other things there that would need to be replaced with a base-game object.

Did the base game allow that style of diagonal roof?

It could be rebuilt except for the diagonal roof -- that would have to be a flat roof instead.

ETA: Woops, didn't see Mootilda's post =) .. the windows do look like base game windows to me, except for the one in the kitchen (the screenshot is too jpegged, I can't see what that is). I have the base game disk here (and a base-only game), i could try and rebuild from what I can make out on the pics .. if anyone would be able to post a less fuzzy screenshot in the next couple minutes, that would be great! (I don't have FT, so the pics are all I can go by)


Here you go: attached is a base game version (built in the Base game, shrunk with the LA, edges are flat, no CC)

Pix:

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d124/pbox/1097-1.jpg)

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d124/pbox/1097-2.jpg)

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d124/pbox/1097-3.jpg)

I like 1097 as well. Tiny lot though. What restrictions would we have on this lot?

I also like 1097 - I think I played it once a while ago.
The other one that I like is 211 Huckleberry Lane - it is not too big and has the garden and the lake.

1097 looks interesting, indeed.

I think that the fact that 1097 has the diagonal wall and all the land is out in front of the house makes for an interesting challenge.

How about some sort of room (of no particular size) must be built on the exterior side of the diagonal wall?

It's up to the OP of the house to pick the restrictions for the challenge. 

We're almost a week into January!!  I'm losing precious building time!

Chill. It's only the 3rd of January in Malaysia. That's hardly a week.

If you're that worried about losing building time then post the next house. I'd recommend using pbox's version of 1097, it's base game compatible, flat, and ready to be used.

A restriction could also be that the house cannot be built forward of its current position. i.e. you could go up and wide but not forward. That would encourage people to utilise the diagonal wall as part of the internal house, as Alex suggested.

If there are no major objections to this lot today, I'll post a thread - unless I get beaten to it!  :D I reckon we should wait another, say, 10 hours from now, that would make it a full day from the first suggestions being made and give most building regulars a chance to see the thread.

Pbox, cheers for the conversion/rebuilt house.

My suggestion is that the pathway must remain a pathway. It may be enclosed, perhaps with greenhouse walls only, but it cannot be a "room". It also may not be obstructed.

The wall is on the front of the house. If the restriction is to build only up and wide it would actually prevent one from using it as an interior feature. Maybe a restriction to build forward to no closer than a specified point to the front edge of the lot would be appropriate to ensure leaving a large area open for an outdoor space. Or only that specific section may be (must be) extended forward by 3 to five squares.


I don't get what you mean by this. I would find this to be a confusing restriction. If you mean the access from the street would have to stay in the same location with freedom to alter it as wanted in other ways, OK. But a blanket "no change" rule seems too harsh.

I get the feeling that you can do what you want with the path itself (pave over it with floor tiles, etc) but the pathway must remain unobstructed. There must be a path of that size or larger, in that place, with nothing blocking it.

That's what I was trying to say. The house should be built no closer to the road than the point of the house at the front. I didn't say it very clearly, but it's only one suggestion.

Personally I think the path idea sounds good.

I personally nominate ALL of the starter houses in Veronaville. Nice lots with gardening room and small houses that have very bad, cramped layouts. But that's me.  ;D

I like 1097 as well and tend to agree with chobeegal. I already have some ideas on how to use the diagonal wall as an interior feature.

Allowing people to expand the house forwards three to five squares would give them the option to build anything from an extra bathroom to an extra bedroom. Should they choose to expand upwards after expanding the ground floor, it would give them extra space up top as well.

Ok, looks like we're going for 1097, with a pathway restriction, for January.

If there are no objections in the next hour or so, I'll post a thread.


Yeah, that's once place I didn't look but good idea for next month.

I'm going to cry. My simming computer completely crapped itself this morning. I only put M&G on last night & got to play around with it for 2 hours before I had to drag my sorry carcass off to bed. I was really lookiing forward to this month's HOF, but all our money is tied up in fees & expenses for my teacher training workshop later this month.

Still, simming doesn't pay the bills. Teaching bellydance will. I'm going to miss my pc...

Elaborate on the nature of borkedness. Details like that kinda decide how borked it REALLY is.

Well, what happens is I turn it on, it loads to the ms yay ms splash bit, then the primary hd goes 'tick tick tick tick' then, boom, it reboots. rinse, repeat.

Threatening to turn the compy into contemporary sculpture didn't work. It's the threat I used to use to keep my cd player in line. Granted, said cd-player was frequently witness to the demise of other appliances, which cannot be said of the compy so it has no way of knowing if I mean to carry out the threat or not.

*ETA that I'm on the lappy thus typos, annoyances, etc.

Your HD is toast and all your files are history. Replace the hard drive and you should be back up and running.

That's what I thought. Good thing that most of the files are on my secondary hd.

The plan, though, was to eventually just buy a new pc. Am going to have to borrow a hd temporarily from a friend, probably long enough to back up said files. Unfortunately the secondary hd is old-style & won't like being hooked up to a new-style compy. On the upside, I've really got no excuse not to buy a new pc now, well, aside from needing to recover financially from the crippling costs of tuition. :D

You don't NEED a new PC. Don't you have an old hard drive you can just plug in? And what is "old-style"? There hasn't been a change in HD standards for ages. Unless you mean your new drive is a SATA, but all boards still carry IDE ports.

No, I don't have an old hd I can just plug in, so I am going to the nearest source of borrowable hds available to borrow one if I can.

As for new-style vs old-style, the "new" style has different fittings. We learned this the hard way when I tried to put what is now my hubby's third hd into my computer. (no, he doesn't have a spare that fits my computer either)

We've been thinking of upgrading to a new pc all-out regardless because the box is broken, doesn't like dvd recorders, the usb ports are crapping out & it eats speakers for breakfast. Best thing for this piece of crap is for me to go all post-modern on it.