More Awesome Than You!

This month's house of choice is Pleasantview's 10 Oak Street:

(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/10OakStreet/Front.jpg)

(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/10OakStreet/Plan.jpg)

Rules:

1. No CC.  Please indicate 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.



I have M&G installed, download a flattened edges version from here (http://www.mediafire.com/file/hzwvjmgwhwa/10 Oak Street - Flattened.Sims2Pack).

Perhaps somebody could post a basegame compatible flattened version, otherwise you can flatten your own - it's N001_Lot32.package of the Pleasantview lots and the LotAdjuster tool is on MTS2.


EDIT: added rules (thanks Emma, I think my brain is not fully functional today).

EDIT 2: linky to Mootilda's basegame compatible version (or scroll down the page): http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,14350.msg410834.html#msg410834 (http://www.moreawesomethanyou.com/smf/index.php/topic,14350.msg410834.html#msg410834)

What are the special rules for this month's challenge?

Don't move or delete any of the existing trees?  ::)

You really are freakin' evil.

I would ask if we can change the foundation to the brick one instead of the lattice-work one.

Would'nt that be a hoot?

I agree with originalhalf, we should be able to convert from one foundation to the other.

I already have changed them... and the tree surgeon paid a visit.  ;D

Is the no path change rule in effect again this month? ;D

Noooooo!!! Consider the lot size, people. Think of the sims. Err... or not.

*Emma moons jolrei

How about no rulez (apart from the original rules that should have been copy/pasta'd into the OP) this month? This house is a pig to makeover anyway.

Once you remove the internals, it's still just a box.  A very small box at that. 

I think it needs restrictions.

eevilcat, you were just too quick for me.  Here's the base-game-compatible flattened version.

For restrictions: how about if we have to keep the original roof?

I agree and I actually like the rule about not moving or deleting the trees. Also the no path change rule. *evil grin* I'm not too fond of restricting the roof type or style though. As for changing the foundation type, since there is no restriction on adding a basement (and to do so requires the brick foundation), wouldn't changing the foundation be automatically allowed?
 

If I manage to build one this month (I'm in the middle of renovating a university at present, lot-by-lot), I will happily stick to my no-move-trees idea (nyer, nyer, Originalhalf!), but the roof goes.  I'm thinking something in a light thatch.  Perhaps something squalid and shack-like for those poverty-stricken sims who have to eat their young to survive.

I'm going to start building anyway... But if new lot-specific rules come to light at any point, I can start over, that's cool.

(For the record, I'm also planning to leave all the trees where they are.)

I actually like this little shack. I usually only make two changes, I add a 1x2 space to the front of the home off the bath, and switch the direction of the back stairs. It's great for my po "I din't go t'kollege" sims.

Feel free to point and laugh.

I started building without moving the trees and it seems to me that might be TOO limiting because there are only a few places you can actually put walls there on the first floor without running into either a tree or a lot edge, so it seems like there's a more likely chance of everyone doing the same thing (at least on that floor). But of course since I said this I'll probably just end up eating my words when everyone does insanely different things.

I do also like the keeping-the-roof rule, IF you have to keep A roof there but not necessarily THAT roof.

But not both rules at the same time, of course. Unless you just want to torture yourself for fun.

You do know that I had already thought of a way around that particular cruelty, right?  Life as an AIDE to the Overlord of Hell and an axe murderess demands quick thinking   :D

I might try a community lot on this one.

YESSSSS!
And this, my friends, is why I bothered to backup my original Sims 'hoods from my laptop. My first Sims 2/1 family started in this house. Took me three minutes real time to watch them walk down the stairs when I put in a second floor. Make-outs on the couch were epic. I'll see if I can snag that old redo as I think I kept the original walls.

I could see it working well as a campground.

I managed to make it sleep 4, and still kept it in under 20,000 for the poorer sims. (Exact price: $18,900) Here is 10 Cabin Woods. Good for the main hood, wouldn't be out of place in the mountain vacation hood.

Exterior and yard:

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-1-Front.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-1-Rear.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-1-Grounds.jpg)
(Highlights: Tent, hammock, barbecue area.)

Ground floor:

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-1-GroundFloor.jpg)

Middle floor:

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-1-MidFloor.jpg)

Top floor:

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-1-TopFloor.jpg)

Download it here. (http://www.4shared.com/file/83810966/d22c11bc/Feb09-1-Faizah-10CabinWoods.html)

EDIT: I have everything except TSS, Ikea, M&G, and possibly one or more other SPs. AL is the latest thing I have.

Faizah, I like the way your house keeps the atmosphere of the original in a way that actually works.  It would definitely work as a vacation home.

If you count the tent, Faizah, you can actually sleep 6.   ;D

eta:  the "t" was left off the tent

My original idea was to have stairs alternating floors, stairs up at the back from the first floor to the second, and at the front from the second to the third, but that didn't turn out how I hoped. I was going for a ramshackle hut sort of look, but it just ... didn't work. Probably because ramshackle huts tend to be small, single story, as the 'hut' implies. I had something more like the Weasley house from Harry Potter in mind, I guess. I'm not happy with the stairs I chose either, but every wooden set seemed to bleed through the floor below. Very annoying.

On the plus side, the stairwells are lockable, and there's nothing interesting upstairs, just beds and bathrooms. So that much is awesomespec, at least. (I don't know offhand how much else is. The kitchen is wide open, for one.)

Well, the mismatched kitchen countertops was a nice (and clearly intentional?) touch.  On the other hand, the fridge is a bit on the expensive side for ramshackle.  Overall though, it's a very nice rustic vacation cabin type place and works well with the tent and the trees.

The kitchen furnishings are pretty much the original furnishings, just with new paint jobs. (I made the counters not match, and the previously pinkish fridge almost match.) I think the fridge is the second or third cheapest? (Not counting the mini-fridge.)

I wasn't sure if there were any requirements for this months house, so I kept it simple in case I needed to change it, outer walls remained.
One bedroom 1 1/2 bath, would be good for an elder couple.

(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/1.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/2-1.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/4.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/3.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/5.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/7.jpg)
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg290/kfortiortega/6f45e46d.jpg)

 I have all EPs/SPs
http://www.mediafire.com/?mlm15winmdm

Here's my attempt... I didn't move any of the trees. It's wanded to $58,049 and houses a family of four. I have all EPs & SPs. I actually added decorative items to the inside of the house this time, amazingly. It's not fully awesomespec, but you CAN lock both the kitchen and stairs to prevent visitors from wandering.

Exterior:

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902/snapshot_00000006_1693e76b.jpg)

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902/snapshot_00000006_b693e793.jpg)

First floor:

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902/snapshot_00000006_b693e7bd.jpg)

Second floor:

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902/snapshot_00000006_f693e7c8.jpg)

Living room:

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902/snapshot_00000006_7693e84f.jpg)

Kitchen (lockable!):

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902/snapshot_00000006_b693e8c9.jpg)

Upstairs main room:

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902/snapshot_00000006_7693e92e.jpg)

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902/snapshot_00000006_1693e916.jpg)

Download HERE (http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902/10%20Oak%20Street%20-%20Eaglezero.Sims2Pack) (right-click save-as).

@eaglezero it looks really good but there is no download available. I tried with both explorer and Firefox. Both say no download.

Ack, sorry, I forgot that for this board you don't need to put the link in quotes. Try it now.

Yoinked.  ;D

@Eaglezeo: What I love most about these threads is that you discover so many things that you didn't know was in the game. I love that kitchen and that couch! Especially the cool blue color scheme. Very nice.

@mistyK: The little garden area is precious!

Paysite Prison

A place to lock up all evil paysite owners and creators until they go free or die! Holds 6 prisoners in relative comfort, although computers and any other Sim-related items are banned. Prisoners are brought in to the welcome area, where they are given the rules and then sent to the ‘exam' area to be inspected for Sims paraphernalia, and made to shower and change in to their prison garb. Lot has been playtested. I have all EPs, SPs and store stuff.

Cost : approx. $100,000

CC Included:

Decorative security monitor and cameras by Maylin @MTS2
Regal Windows by Castle Kits (Store items shown as CC)

Grimmy downloaded from alcfman @ the BBS (not included in lot)

Link to download:

http://www.mediafire.com/?je4njy0tnnz (http://www.mediafire.com/?je4njy0tnnz)

Paysite Prison, exterior

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_00000002_16946489.jpg)

Grimmy the Guard

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_56946631.jpg)

Grimmy watching his prisoners

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_d6946622.jpg)

Welcome area

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_b6946706.jpg)
 
‘Exam' room and changing area
 
(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_36946745.jpg)

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_7694673d.jpg)
 
Overview main floor, showing welcome area, Grimmy's bathroom and lounge, and ‘exam' area

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_96946858.jpg)

Grimmy's Lounge

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_d694666b.jpg)

2nd level, The Barracks, overview

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_16946851.jpg)

The Barracks

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_96946796.jpg)

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_769467a6.jpg)

Bath area
(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_569467d6.jpg)
 
3rd level, Rec and Dining Area, overview

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_b6946849.jpg)

Rec and Dining area

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_d6946829.jpg)

(Notice the Sims 3 poster, hung there just to taunt the prisoners)

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_16946804.jpg)

Prisoner's Yard

(http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp291/kamarca2/Paysite%20Prison/snapshot_5694660d_d69466d0.jpg)
 

@ Faizah - that reminds me of some beach houses I've stayed in.  But it confirms one idea I had for the place.

@ mistyk - WHOA!  Very pretty!  I really like the exterior wallcovering, I can't ever get the logs to look right. 

@ eaglezero - extending the front out the way you did gives it a completely different look as does the color scheme.

@ Borkedforlife - institutional I don't do well so that's pretty cool.  I could use that for other scenarios.

Yoinking all.

I used the original cottage as a sort of support module with the kitchen, dining/reading room and stairs, and built a separate large single bedroom up a floor resting on beams framed into the fir trees at either end, spanning over a pond and deck. It ended up at 36,755. I have all EP's although University might not be required for this house, and shouldn't require any SP's (I only have Glamour Life Stuff and I don't think I used anything from it.)

(http://filebox.vt.edu/users/au8140/10OakSt/Front View.jpg)
Front View

(http://filebox.vt.edu/users/au8140/10OakSt/Back View.jpg)
Back View

(http://filebox.vt.edu/users/au8140/10OakSt/Ground Level.jpg)
Ground Level

(http://filebox.vt.edu/users/au8140/10OakSt/Upstairs.jpg)
Upper Level

Right click on link and "Save target as..." to download.
http://filebox.vt.edu/users/au8140/10OakSt/10 Oak Street (Theresa TV).zip (http://filebox.vt.edu/users/au8140/10OakSt/10 Oak Street (Theresa TV).zip)

I love the houses with the original trees still in place.  It's an impressive response to the challenge.

eaglezero: Are the kitchen items and the TV from K&B stuff pack?  If so, I need to arrr as soon as possible. 
I have plopped out 2 redos of this house and will post shortly, but photobukkit is slooow today.

I found out about these challenges just yesterday, but I already love them, so I decided to go out of lurkdom to post my entry. I kept all the trees in place (not the small bushes), which was pain and made the house cramped, but I think it's decent. At any rate, there's still some space to be freed up if anyone cared to do so in the form of the balcony-like things. It's lazily furnished, and partially decorated.

It's my first try at something modern-looking, since I play my Sims medieval.

Neighborhood view.
(http://i42.tinypic.com/ztu6mu.jpg)

Lot.
(http://i44.tinypic.com/o7m71z.jpg)

Top down view.
(http://i39.tinypic.com/bfffy0.jpg)

Side.
(http://i42.tinypic.com/vgsaz9.jpg)

First floor. Fridge is lockable and so are stairs.
(http://i44.tinypic.com/2vmhhud.jpg)

2nd
(http://i44.tinypic.com/15yhqg4.jpg)

3rd
(http://i42.tinypic.com/19xnxl.jpg)

Details:

(http://i42.tinypic.com/iqbvk3.jpg)

(http://i39.tinypic.com/4r412e.jpg)

Download here: http://www.box.net/shared/ifrlq1gfe5 . I have all EPs up to FT, plus FFS and GLS.

Um. I also have a question. I remodeled last month's house too, is it too late to post it?

Isil: You can go back and post remakes of any house of phail in the appropriate thread, as long as the thread is not dead already.

And here is my first entry for this month.  I absolutely hate doing these small lots; I need bigger houses!  This house is mostly furnished but undecorated.  I kept all trees on the lot except for the midbiscus bush/tree things and the oleander bushes.  All trees are in the same location, save for one japanese maple that I moved from behind the house.  I wanted to keep a homey feeling with a smaller house and added a pond.

The house is only 2 bed, 2.5 baths.  It is semi awesomespec.  $52,956 - please note that the pictures may not be exact as far as the furnishings in the house.  I had played the house to test, and then moved the sims out before taking pictures.  *D'oh*.  It's still pretty close, though.

ETA: Right now I have NO stuff packs installed at all, and all EPS except for Pets. Sorry I forget to add this each month with my houses!

(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakSt.jpg)
Ground Level:
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakStgroundfloor.jpg)
Second Level:
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakStsecondfloor.jpg)

10 Oak Street, redo 1 (http://www.mediafire.com/?nyyzru4jzjn)

Double posting, because if I don't post now I won't get around to it later.

This is my second entry for the month, and decided to do a community lot instead.  I realised that all of the spas I build for my game are gigantic and I could use a smaller one for the main hood.  It plays really well for me even though there isn't all that much for a sim to do on the lot.  Once again I kept all the trees in the same place, except for midbiscus.  First floor is a salon and two massage rooms, complete with shower rooms (3/4 baths).  Upstairs is a hottub, bubble blower, sauna and a third shower room.  I suppose if you got rid of a few trees, you could add a grill and some tables outside.

Behold, my littlest spa:
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakStSpa.jpg)
Ground Level:
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakStSpaGFl.jpg)
Second Level:
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakStSpaSFl.jpg)

10 Oak Street Spa (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?dwea4mqzd5o)

Oh, I love the spa, Bliss!

Oooh, this is a good one- made better by the fact that I've never seriously tried it before. I'll probably start on it tonight.

@Faizah- I love it, the stairs at the back is an interesting touch, and the resemblance to the Weasley house caught my eye. Certainly might be useful in that character sim hood I was working on a while back.

@theresatv- Very interesting design, the upper floor in particular.

@Bliss- The first one looks lovely and very homey, like an average house. Definitely going to get quite a bit of use from me. The second one looks very interesting, and while I don't use community lots much, I'm tempted to grab it anyway just because it looks so nice.

@Everyone else- Awesome lots which I will come back for once I obtain M&G, which will hopefully be soon.

Me too, Bliss.  Will work in a vacation hood I need to upgrade.
*grumbles and moves on to second idea for the damn lot now*

@ Isil - not bad for a medieval player   :)  I'm a sucker for full window levels/towers.

@ theresatv - are there any "ZOMG there's weather in my house" issues with the roofs like that?

Nope, all occupied spaces have four conventional walls around them, which is what you need to weather-proof a room. The sides of the A-frames are shed roofs butting up to the walls.

Okay taking a shot at this.  I tried to keep with the spirit of the original but make it a bit more functional as a living space for a sim just starting out or just maybe a bit down on her luck. 

Here's the view from the front.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3382/3252484911_b8c9514368.jpg?v=0) 

Interior shot: I tried to keep most of the original furnishings.  Unfortunately the little pot bellied stove had to go.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3253310924_dba60c9850.jpg?v=0)

It's a small combined living and dining space and kitchen.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/3252484973_839ff0fd96.jpg?v=0)

Quick shot of the bedroom.  You'll notice I kept the original wallpaper in here.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/3252485019_bf25d42ea8.jpg?v=0)

Here's an overhead shot of the floorplan:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3253311094_78c44c93b0.jpg?v=0)

I have sims 2 double deluxe, which has nightlife and the celebrations sp, university, ofb, pets, seasons and the mansion and gardens stuff pack installed. 

To download:
http://www.4shared.com/file/84058963/bb86d7ff/10_Oak_Street_-_Quetzkotl.html (http://www.4shared.com/file/84058963/bb86d7ff/10_Oak_Street_-_Quetzkotl.html)

I'm just fooling around with this now, and I wish the sunlight was coming from the front. Other that re-building the whole thing, does anyone know of a mod that will make the sun shine from a different direction?
Here's my Oak St. Playhouse in progress:

(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/Oak-Street-Playhouse.jpg)

I quite like this.  Totally impractical IRL, since the tree would grow and warp your floors, but "impossible" houses are fun.  I agree that keeping the original trees deserves due credit.  The A-frame look fits nicely as well.

@SalixTree:  can't help you with the sun, but I am intrigued by the floating conical roof above one of your rooftop patios.  Gives me ideas.

I just rebuilt the lot with the sun shining in the front. Much happier place now. ;)
Jolrei, it's floating because I wanted the lookout tower to have a telescope, and the posts got in the way. It's magic!

Only thing I can think of off the top of my head is maybe using the lot adjuster to change what side of the lot the road is on, thus the direction of sunlight.

I kept the trees in place, moved a shrub a couple of squares.

10 Oak Lane, 2 bedroom, 2 bath. Runs around 69k and change. I have all EP/SP except Holiday.

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/hop0209/hop01.png)

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/hop0209/hop02.png)

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/hop0209/hop03.png)

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/hop0209/hop04.png)

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/hop0209/hop05.png)

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/hop0209/hop06.png)

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/hop0209/hop07.png)

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/hop0209/hop08.png)

(http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/hop0209/hop09.png)

DOWNLOAD (http://minena.prismbaby.com/files/matyeaxis/hop0209/minenahop020910oaklane.rar)

(edit to link .rar file and not the sims2pak file)

@Minena- have u playtested the house? Seems like one of the columns would prevent Sims from entering the front door. Yoinking anyways because I love your house, just thought you might want to know

Salix Tree, I love your house.  It's delightfully whimsical, which I suppose is the norm for you.   :D

You are correct.  At this time, there is no way to rotate a house on a lot, so that the sun is facing in the opposite direction.  The only possibilities are to rebuild the entire lot, or to move the road on the lot (which means that the front door will no longer be at the front of the house; this may not be a problem for the house of phail).

In fact, moving the road on a lot is so simple that you can easily do it without the LotAdjuster, using only SimPE.  The only reason that you might need the LotAdjuster is to expand the lot to make room for the new road, or to shrink the lot to remove the space which contained the old road.

Even though I prefer larger lots, I seem to be having fun renovating this particular house.  Here is my third entry for this month.  It's based on the style of homes found in Veronaville, and I am really fond of it.  It plays well enough, but I wanted it to have a slight cramped feeling.  I tried to keep modern items (such as electronics) out of the home so that the feeling wasn't lost.  I deleted all trees except for the big one in back.  I squished in a pond and small garden, each on opposite sides of the kitchen.  The house is is three buildings, connected by decking.  If you knocked down walls and used the decking area inside of the house you would get a lot more space.  I will be recreating this house shortly, going modern.

3 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 1 spawn room/nursery, 4 fireplaces.  $92,474

(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakSt3.jpg)
Ground Level:
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakSt3GF.jpg)
Second Level:
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakSt3SF.jpg)

Again, all EPs except Pets (hence no fence around the front of the house) and no SPs.

10 Oak Street Redo3 (http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?drngonzj3dk)

I am loving everyone's remodels of the house so far, and since I am particularly digging the cabin-type versions, I decided to do a cabin apartment re-do of the house. I moved one midbiscus and then that big tree in back about a square or two each, but other than that, kept all trees in the same places. The light cabin is meant for three sims and is $18324 (furnished) + $1400/wk, and the dark cabin is good for two and is $19793 (furnished) + $1124/wk. Both are wanded, of course. The light apartment has lockable kitchen/stairs, but the dark apartment doesn't. Both have all basic skilling equipment. I have all EPs and SPs.

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902apt/snapshot_00000006_d6963459.jpg)

First floor:

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902apt/snapshot_00000006_769633ee.jpg)

Second floor:

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902apt/snapshot_00000006_769633f4.jpg)

Light apartment:

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902apt/snapshot_00000006_76963413.jpg)

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902apt/snapshot_00000006_7696341a.jpg)

Dark apartment:

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902apt/snapshot_00000006_7696342f.jpg)

(http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902apt/snapshot_00000006_96963436.jpg)

Download HERE (http://www.lightsbrook.com/sims/maty/eaxis0902apt/Cabin%20Apartment%20-%20Eaglezero.Sims2Pack) (right-click save-as).

Because I have kept you all waiting sooooo long for this next entry, I present my latest makeover of 10 Oak Street. 

I went with a modern apartment complex, stuffing it full of stuff for the sims in the common areas.  There are a total of 6 apartments on the lot, but 3 of them will only accomodate a single bed.  All units are furnished, but there is no decor on the lot (other than some potted palms outside).  3 floors, pool, rooftop basketball and other fun items.  I tried to keep each apartment with an open floor plan so that your sim can rearrange without needing to enter cheats for knocking down walls.

(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakStApt.jpg)
Ground Level:
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakStAptGFl.jpg)
Second Level:
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakStAptSFl.jpg)
Third Level:
(http://i361.photobucket.com/albums/oo53/SimBliss/10OakStAptTFl.jpg)

10 Oak Street Apartments (http://www.mediafire.com/file/jgim1dtmjnt)

*I am currently play testing this lot, and will update accordingly*  There doesn't seem to be any issues with the lot, but I did go back and get rid of the mini fridge on the third floor deck and replace it with a full size fridge.  Please let me know if any problems with this lot do come up.

Bliss, I love your lots! That apartment building is fab :)

Bliss is good.  That idea for the open floor plan to allow for rearranging of furniture is excellent.  I'm glad I thought of that.

You know, I checked that nothing was blocking the front door, but there is one column block the path TO the door. I'll fix it and thank you for bringing it to my attention.

40,769
1 bedroom, 2 single beds
2 bathrooms
kitchen, stairway lockable
no nursery
hobby stuff upstairs is non-awesome

I have all eps, tss, gl, m&g, kitchen and bath
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/pretentiouskate/MATYchallenge/ScreenShot002.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/pretentiouskate/MATYchallenge/ScreenShot012.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/pretentiouskate/MATYchallenge/ScreenShot018.jpg)
More pictures (http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/pretentiouskate/MATYchallenge/)

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?m2uy2tdm05m


Eaglezero - I love that house! The balconies are great. Also, yay for tiny apartments.

Faizah - Again, balconies. It looks like some of the condos around here. I look forward to vacations now :)

Mistyk - another awesome vacation house, but needs moar trees. Great farm as is.

theresatv - the floating amuses me.

Quetzkotl - I like that you kept this so small. Good for the single sim.

Minena - interesting use of the uni counters. Too bad there's currently no way into the house. :p

@Faizah: 10 Cabin Woods. The rustic interior looks great but seems to be at odds with the very plain and regular exterior. IMO the house doesn't blend well with the purpose of the lot.

@mistyk: This lot carries the cosy mountain theme beautifully and fits the lots size well. I like the colours and the way the stone chimney blends with the exterior wall edgings.

@eaglezero: The exterior blue combined with those dinky little balconies makes this such a charming wee house. It's interesting how you've combined pale blues, greys and teals with dark wood floors. I wouldn't have tried that because I wouldn't expect it to work, but it does.

Cabin apartments: I do like the look of this place, particularly the way you've used different sorts of woods on the exterior but I just couldn't play a sim in that small an apartment space! This might also work well as two separate houses. The decorating variety is good though.

@Borkedforlife: I love the concept and particularly the Grim pictures. You've obviously thought hard about what went into the prison, for maximum sim humiliation and boredom. However I find the exterior to be really architecturally boring; even RL prisons usually have some sort of asymmetry or building decoration.

@theresatv: A house in the trees - literally, lol. I think this looks great, though I suspect it would be a bugger to play with camera angles. It would still work well as a vacation home, where you expect a few inconveniences.

@Isil: I found your use of space interesting, as you say, there is the balcony on every floor. This seems to make the lot look bigger than it is, as if by being wasteful of space it implies there is a lot of space to play with. I like the teals and lilacs together, in the bedrooms and the kitchen. I'm not so fussed on the deep blue lounge though!

@Bliss: Yeah, I'm kinda running out of ideas for little houses too.
House 1. You've made a good job of the country house look although I think the interior decoration is a bit bland. Maybe the download is a bit more interesting.

The Spa. I love it. This is quirky and looks like a house converted into a business. Massage room 1 has lovely colours.

Verona style house. The theme works well for me except for the diagonal wooden floors. I don't know about historical architecture but I suspect most wooden floors were straight in those times.

Modern apartment complex. I love the look and the colours. May I just add that I'm extremely jealous that you have so much time to build.

@Quetzkotl: Yep, you got the ramshackle look down pat! There are lots of country houses like that around in New Zealand. In fact, one of the makeovers I was considering was a Kiwi batch/crib - I may still do it if I get time.

@SalixTree: You tickle my whimsy.

@Minena: Oh yes, architectural interestingness! Very retro 70s, I grew up in houses like this. The theme hangs together well. Of course, your beautiful pictures don't hurt. I am upgrading my video card very shortly and you're at least partly to blame!

@crunk: Oh! Darling! Just too cute. I've been looking for something to use those windows and colours on. I like the way you've just let them highlight an otherwise drab exterior, the windows and the building bit thingy look great. The interior fits well into the theme.

I've been on a bit of a building spree lately, so I thought I'd give this month's challenge a try.  I had forgotten how tricky it is to find matching items without using CC or maxis recolours... 

Here's what I came up with...  It has 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths and is fully furnished (but could use some extra decorations, such as curtains, paintings, etc.).  It runs about $79,000.  The master bedroom has a small balcony and an ensuite bathroom.  The second floor also contains two other bedrooms, and another full bathroom.  On the first floor is a living room, study/fitness area, half bath, kitchen, and dining room.  It should have everything needed for skilling.  Somewhere along the way I had two copies of this lot in my neighborhood, so it became 12 Oak St instead of 10 Oak St. 

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_96975e62.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_b6978694.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_f6978679.jpg)


Some Detail Shots:

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_d6976443.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_f6975ff9.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_56976539.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_5697699a.jpg) 


You can download it  here (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=G9WI0UYI). 



   

 

@loripanori:  I like the simplicity of your layout.  I get so flustered trying to make more space in each room, that it sometimes mangles the layout a bit.  Nicely done.

Eaglezero, you have insane color coordination skills.  I love that dark wood and green kitchen! 

2071 Ipia Oren

Previously located at 10 Oak Street, Pleasantview, this tiny shack cozy cabin has recently been rebuilt after a fire undergone renovations and a major move! 2 Bed, 1 Bath. Room for two pests!
Dedicated encampment for tenting nestled in the signature tree setup of all Three Pine Community homes! Authentic rusty rustic swing set for the playful and old dog house mini-cabin for a furry companion! Soothe your tired muscles after arguing with bad pipes a work out in the Steam Time spa!* Swim laps in your very own Endless Pool!** Worried about elevator safety? This model is easily swapped out for spiral stairs!*** Get a small loan for this great starter now! Only §29,076! (wanded)
Added new improvements: Lightning attractant! Street light!

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/2071.jpg)

*Agent & seller not responsible for possible electrocution from faulty wiring while in spa.
**Any pool is legally endless, just turn around and swim back the other way. Nyah for lawsuits!
***Spiral stairs not available in all models.

Exterior
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/Porch.jpg)
Porch

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/MiniCabin.jpg)
Dog Cabin

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/RusticYard.jpg)
"Rustic" Yard

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/Decor.jpg)
Rooftop "Decor" & Lightning Catcher

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/Encampment.jpg)
TentSpace

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/Pool-1.jpg)
Pool Gate

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/Pool-2.jpg)
Lap Pool

Interior - First Floor
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/FirstFloor.jpg)
First Floor Overview

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/Mudroom.jpg)
Mudroom

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/MudroomRight.jpg)

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/OneDesk.jpg)


(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/Kitchen.jpg)
Kitchen

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/Kitchen-1.jpg)

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/Kitchen-2.jpg)

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/LivingRoom.jpg)
Living Room

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/DiningArea.jpg)
Dining Area

Interior - Second Floor
(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/SecondFloor.jpg)
Second Floor Overview

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/Double.jpg)
Double/Master Bedroom

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/Bath.jpg)
Bathroom

(http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t83/Strange-Angel/Locations/ThreePines/Single.jpg)
Single/Spare Bedroom

Download: Clickable! (http://www.4shared.com/file/84704620/d28c040c/Strangel-Feb09HoF-MATY.html)
EDIT: Price of lot may have changed, not sure. Darkened the space under the lattice foundation.

It's great to see all these fantastic houses. I don't know what happened, but everyone seems to have crawled out of the woodwork with some great ideas.

Makes me wish I could play my game, so I could use them. :'(

My effort, which I am not too happy with. I dunno, I was so uninspired by this month's lot. This comes in at just under §74k furnished and you will need all EPs/SPs for this. 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. No nursery. Not really awesomespec. Oh well.

Front
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll294/Emma_M_71/10_Oak_Lane/10_Oak_ST_Front.jpg)

1st floor
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll294/Emma_M_71/10_Oak_Lane/10_Oak_ST_First.jpg)

2nd floor
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll294/Emma_M_71/10_Oak_Lane/10_Oak_ST_Second.jpg)

3rd floor
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll294/Emma_M_71/10_Oak_Lane/10_Oak_ST_Third.jpg)

Back
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll294/Emma_M_71/10_Oak_Lane/10_Oak_ST_Back.jpg)

Download (http://www.4shared.com/file/84704880/22fdc18c/10_Oak_Street_Emma.html)

For not having been inspired, it looks grand!

Thanks Strangel, I think it is because there are no original features of the lot left. I might try doing another soon. :)

@Emma: That house looks amazing as it is. It reminds me of playing Pleasantview way back when. Yionkable indeed!

@Strangel: I really like that entryway.  :) This one will do nicely in my Three lakes vacation subhood.

@loripanori: It's not often that I think I'm jealous of sims houses, but your lot made me wish I could crawl into the game. Great work!

@Bliss: Wow, you've pulled out all stops on this one! Great imlplementation of Appartment life, too. I love the modern, white one.

@Crunk: You have made a nice and homely cottage. I like the way you implemented that bay-window into the house.

Thanks, Tingeling & (possibly?) Alex. I ended up deciding on a contemporary-ish country cottage. I only have up to Seasons, so I didn't have the tent, spiral stairs, and the like to put up, but I figured I could make a setup that would be forward-planned. Personally, I'm still snickering about the exterior. I wiped everything, painted all the "must stay" walls flaming red, and started hunting a dog house, as I'd planned on it being a "man and his dog" type setup. When I picked out THAT dog house, I decided the whole exterior would be based around it. lol
I thought it'd make an excellent summer home, what with the small size and agreeable price. The single bedroom could be easily altered for a spawn pen and the pet items aren't overpowering. I did my best to make the upper floor presentable, but by the time I'd reached that level, I was done with working on it and was eager to get it tested and posted.
Husband got a laugh out of the real estate listing description. We've been house bunker hunting for a couple years and we've seen plenty of "cozy" places, "first home jewels" and "moderately priced" "perfect starter-uppers". AND.. I've got my second finished. Took all my pictures, shut down Sims, and went to my Screenshots folder. Empty. I'd forgotten to reset my damned Gadwin after shutting it down! Bah. So, that'll have to wait.

An attempt at creating a modern, city house. I have all expansion packs and stuff packs, except Glamour Life Stuff. The lot has been cleaned and costs 126 792 simoleons. The top floor can be converted into another bedroom as the family grows. On to the pic's:

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/Screenshot.jpg)
Front

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/snapshot_00000007_96989905.jpg)
Back

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/snapshot_00000007_769899cb.jpg)
First floor

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/snapshot_00000007_569899d2.jpg)
Second floor

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/snapshot_00000007_769899a1.jpg)
Top floor

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/snapshot_00000007_76989b22.jpg)
Hall and Dining

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/snapshot_00000007_d6989b42.jpg)
Living room

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/snapshot_00000007_f6989af8.jpg)
Kitchen

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/snapshot_00000007_f6989b0b.jpg)
Babby room

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/snapshot_00000007_969899f7.jpg)
Main bedroom

Download (http://rapidshare.de/files/44896564/10OakStreet_byTingeling.rar.html)

Ooh! Someone else's interpretation of modern!  Yoinks!

*slips Tingeling an unauthorized cookie

I made another house, old style this time around. All stuff packs but Glamour Life and all expansion packs. This one costs 104,475 simoleons. Enjoy!

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/11%20Oak%20Street%20by%20Tingeling/snapshot_00000007_d698cf9a.jpg)
Front

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/11%20Oak%20Street%20by%20Tingeling/snapshot_00000007_3698cfaf.jpg)
Back

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/11%20Oak%20Street%20by%20Tingeling/snapshot_00000007_d698cfd7.jpg)
First floor

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/11%20Oak%20Street%20by%20Tingeling/snapshot_00000007_b698cfc7.jpg)
Second floor

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/11%20Oak%20Street%20by%20Tingeling/snapshot_00000007_3698d026.jpg)
Kitchen

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/11%20Oak%20Street%20by%20Tingeling/snapshot_00000007_1698d08b.jpg)
Entry, dining and living

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/11%20Oak%20Street%20by%20Tingeling/snapshot_00000007_5698d037.jpg)
Babby room

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/11%20Oak%20Street%20by%20Tingeling/snapshot_00000007_5698d0d8.jpg)
Main bedroom

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/1097%20Modern%20Road/11%20Oak%20Street%20by%20Tingeling/snapshot_00000007_9698d0bb.jpg)
Childrens room

Download (http://rapidshare.de/files/44909234/11OakStreet_byTingeling.rar.html)

I built this cottage with the restriction of not moving trees or shrubs, which was a challenge.  I plan to use it as a vacation home in the Mountain vacation area.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/10%20Oak%20Street/4737.jpg)
Front
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/10%20Oak%20Street/4738.jpg)
Back
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/10%20Oak%20Street/4740.jpg)
Second Floor
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/10%20Oak%20Street/4741.jpg)
First Floor
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/10%20Oak%20Street/4742.jpg)
Master Bedroom
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/10%20Oak%20Street/4743.jpg)
Kitchen
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/10%20Oak%20Street/4744.jpg)
Bedroom
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/2flower/10%20Oak%20Street/4745.jpg)
Living Room

Details:
§47,993
Cleaned lot with Clean Installer
No CC
2 bedrooms
1 bathroom
Kitchen and upstairs are protected from wandering guests
Lot is stray-proof

Requires all EPs and Mansion & Garden, plus I also have Family Fun and Celebration installed.

Twoflower, I love your one, although I'll probably paint the exterior green. ;) Cause I like color.

Here's mine: Oak Street Playhouse
I have all expansions and M&G

download: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?mgtxnmwzndc

slideshow: (http://s331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/th_01-Oak-Street-Playhouse.jpg) (http://s331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/?action=view&current=48695020.pbw)

We like to save the trees, so we kept all the trees, and grew a few more too!
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/01-Oak-Street-Playhouse.jpg)

Salix and her pixie friends are going to show you around
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/02-hi.jpg)

This is the playground. We think grownups should be able to play too, so we put a special "let grownups play" package in with the zip. You can use it or not, whatever you wish.
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/03-play.jpg)

A swimming pool for summer fun. And it should always be summer, so you can always have fun
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/04-pool.jpg)

Balconies for painting and chatting and growing plants
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/06-two-balconies.jpg)

A lookout tower for spying on Mortimer's graveyard
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/08-lookout-tower.jpg)

I don't know why this is called a sitting room, cause you can jump here too
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/10-sit-room.jpg)

Mish makes lunch for us in the kitchen
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/13-eat.jpg)

Some old people came to visit from down the street. The old man tried to talk us out of recycling. White wolf growled, and Salix wasn't impressed
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/14-no-recycle.jpg)

Viola likes to make toys
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/16-toymaking.jpg)

All the playing makes little faeries tired
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/17-relaxing.jpg)

Time to dance. Here comes that old guy again, let's ignore him
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/18-dance.jpg)

Night time, sleep in the garden, cause it's always summer here.
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/28-goodnight-Salix.jpg)

Teddies have a midnight snack
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/29-picnic.jpg)

@Salixtree: That reminds me of my childhood! Lots of bears and lively colors. I like it! The balconies looks interesting. I would never use those colors in a sims house, but they're just right on that lot.

@witch:  I agree, the exterior of my prison needed some detail, pics of spruced up exterior and prisoners not having fun to come...

@SalixTree: Stunning and so original! I Iove the whimsy and humour. It looks like it should be plopped down in Disney's resort area! Yoinked.

Salix, I love the house, but the description... urgh, my teeth hurt.

SalixTree: could you post some pictures of the floor plan?

BastDawn, those pixies eat vegetables, not candy!  ;)
Mootilda, here you are, I didn't want to post too many pics, so I put them in a slideshow:

1st floor
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/21-1st-fl.jpg)

2nd floor
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/23-2nd-fl.jpg)

living area
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/22-living-area.jpg)

3rd floor
(http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l467/SalixxTree/Sims%20houses/Oak%20Street%20Playhouse/24-3rd-fl.jpg)

This months house was far too enjoyable! I have made another verison, a forest cabin inspired one. This lot costs 60,094 simoleons, has two bedrooms, 1 babby room, kitchen and two bathrooms. I have all expansionpacks and all stuffa packs except Glamour life. Enjoy!

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/snapshot_00000007_969a039e.jpg)

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/snapshot_00000007_969a041e.jpg)

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/snapshot_00000007_369a0425.jpg)

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/snapshot_00000007_d69a04ee.jpg)

(http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn65/AnnaTingeling/snapshot_00000007_d69a04cd.jpg)

Download here (http://rapidshare.com/files/195214622/12OakStreet_byTingeling.rar.html)

I agree Tingeling, I'm having way too much fun with this month's house!  I really like your forest cabin...  it has a great layout, looks fantastic, and keeps to the theme really well throughout.  Nice job!

I made another version as well, without moving any trees this time.  I was going to try to make an ultra modern futuristic type of lot, so that I could play around with a bunch of maxis items that I never really use, but then I realized that that type of house doesn't really work on a lot with a bunch of trees...  so I toned it down a bit, and now it's just modern-ish (I think).  It also sticks to a red, white and black colour theme (White Stripes inspired, ha). 

It costs $67,539 and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.  Here it is!

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_369a1b71.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_169a1bcc.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_d69a1f5f.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_569a1f1f.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_769a1d54.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_b69a1e1a.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_b69a2000.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_769a2544.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_169a2269.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_b69a24c7.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_f69a254e.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n75/lori_panori/snapshot_00000001_769a2603.jpg)


Download Here (http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9UA0MHN3)

Hello =)

I went with the no-moving-trees/shrubs restriction (that was fun, thanks! =) and tried to make it look like they could have been planted there on purpose. I also made my lot base game only, and a starter, so it's not very grand, but I playtested it for about a sim week with a family of three (NL/OfB/seasons with no hacks) and it worked nicely -- it's also playable without stupid trees getting in the way. (I moved one of the hibiscus..es? hibiscii? slightly off-grid so that it doesn't poke through the wall, all other trees are unchanged. Pics below are from the original lot except those that say they're from playtesting).


Features:

- Two bedrooms (a double and a tiny single) upstairs, dining/living and separate kitchen downstairs, one bathroom
- Furnished -- as tastefully as I could manage with basegame-only and the small budget -- for 1-2 sims, with fireplace, all basics included (no burglar alarm though! And only the living room has a fire alarm, not the kitchen, because there's no stove yet)
- Is a little awesome in some respects (bedrooms are out of the way; lockable kitchen and stairs; garden is lockable against visitors) but not very much so -- no vampire carport etc.
- Garden has a covered porch and two terraces; the one behind the house would be a nice secluded spot for an outdoor hot tub

In-game price is 19.999§ as pictured. Base game compatible, no CC.


One small error I only noticed when looking at the screenshots: seems like I accidentially moved the door of the small bedroom; it was meant to lead to the corridor, not to the large bedroom.

If you play the lot from the other side -- not the side that the screenshots are taken from -- you will see the big ugly thing underneath the stairs if you look at them from the top floor. If that bothers you, crocobaura has made an "open underneath" version (http://www.modthesims2.com/download.php?t=233769) of those exact stairs that you could use instead. I don't mind, since I usually only look at a lot from one angle, and the stairs are not visible downstairs.


Street view:

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d124/pbox/10oakstreet/10oakstreet_street.jpg?t=1234068823)


Street view from playtesting (so that you can actually see the house -- I removed the trees to make room for driveways):

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d124/pbox/10oakstreet/10oakstreet_street_playtest.jpg?t=1234068830)


Side:

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d124/pbox/10oakstreet/10oakstreet_back.jpg?t=1234068824)


Other side:

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d124/pbox/10oakstreet/10oakstreet_side.jpg?t=1234068825)


Overview, downstairs:

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d124/pbox/10oakstreet/10oakstreet_overview-1.jpg?t=1234068827)


Overview, upstairs:

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d124/pbox/10oakstreet/10oakstreet_overview-2.jpg?t=1234068828)
(Extra feature I discovered during playtesting: those "mini attics" next to the dormer are very handy for getting rid of ugly townies without having any hacks in .. drop townie in there and let it starve, like in the old days. Also useful as storage space for batboxen and the like.)


Lot overview:

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d124/pbox/10oakstreet/10oakstreet_overview-lot.jpg?t=1234068829)


Later on during playtesting:

(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d124/pbox/10oakstreet/10oakstreet_lot_playtest.jpg?t=1234068832)


File is attached below. Have fun with it!

@loripanori; I LOVE this house, it looks awesome! Gorgeous interior design.

Pbox, that house is ultra cute, seems perfect for one of my Sims just come out of college.
Loripanori, digging yours a lot too, maybe for one of my darker Sims. Lovely layout, and I like the color theme throughout.
Oooh! Tingeling, a forest house!  :-* That's gorgeous, must have!

@Pbox: Your houses always look so real for some reason. I like the color scheme and the porch. The impression is very homely.

@loripanori: I enjoy modeern homes a lot, and I would say that your building does look modern. I especially like the halfwall on the front porch. I would never have thought to use that. The colors are really nice too. ;) I wonder, which expansionpacks or stuffpacks do you have?

Yes! I was just going to say. It looks like it could be from any Swedish (Scandinavian, even, maybe?) suburb. I like it!

Witch - glad you like it! I admit to abusing the matchy-ness of the seasons expansion pack. Seasons has always been my favorite though, decoration wise.

loripanori - The first house looks great, good co-ordination. Architecturally the house looks great, nice combination of colors. The orange brick-way kind of throws the whole look off for me though. The modern house is good. I like the patio and all of the red throughout.

Strangel - The color scheme is great (who knew MATY was so matchy?) and the house looks like it will be a good fit for a variety of rural neighborhoods. I like the way you fenced off the pool. Is the candle on the dining room table blocking sims from eating at the table?

Emma - You've done a great job of disguising this house! Inspiring for sims who start out a bit more humble then they'd like too. I like the back balcony with the plants.

Tingling - I'm more partial to your traditional style house, but you've done an excellent job doing modern with no custom content. I think a lot of simmers have problems doing that. The cabin looks good - nice use of trees. I'm looking forward to playing all three of your houses.

twooflower - Very cute rambling little house. I want to live in the kids' room.

SalixTree - your style is... bright! Very, very bright! Also very well planned and put together. Looking at the house, beyond the paint and wow! color - I'm really impressed. Once its in my game no one needs to know that I wont re-paint. ;)


Pbox - unsurprisingly, I like your house. I haven't met a house of yours I haven't liked.

Crunk: Nope!  ;D I thoroughly playtest before offering. I forgot to include that info. lol
It's cramped cozy, but I didn't have any issues with the Ramaswamis, their child, or their dog and cat. Yeah.. I kinda cheat them into a full-on family so I can better test crowd control. I don't have BV, so I have no idea if you can live in a vacation hood or bring pets to it, but this would work just as well in a typical 'hood for a screenshot scene. Same is true of my next one, a dinky little manshack.

I like this month's challenge a lot, so many great little houses. That small 2 by 2 size is so easy to play. I hope you all don't mind a few thoughts, just my opinions.

Crunk, this is such a delightful little house. But I have this thing about having a back door, so I added one, easier to get to that veggie garden. And also put in a hallway arch from the living area.

Pbox, on your house, I added more grass to the front area. I didn't like the gravel. Such a cute house! Interesting that the "front" door is around the back. Kinda European that way.

Tingaling, loving your woodsy house. I like that you put in more trees. I did change the pond though, I like it a little asymmetrical, more of a natural shape.

Twooflower, I did paint your house green. I love the layout, the side door entrance is nice. I also like the cramped feel of the whole place, reminds me a little of Irish cottages I've seen around.

All these are going strait into my current neighborhood, as I love tiny lots. Thanks you all.
*waits for more* ;)

@Tingeling - For exapansion packs I'm using all except for OFB, Bon Voyage, and Free Time.  And I have all Stuff Packs except for Holiday and Family Fun.  Hopefully that works for you, I'm glad you like the house  :) 

Also, thanks for the nice words Emma!  I'm glad you like the design.  It was a lot of fun playing around with the colour scheme when decorating.  And I never thought I'd actually use those futur nu arches in a lot, but there they are, haha.  They were the first thing I put in, and I was determined not to take them out.     

@ Crunk - Looking at my first lot again, I kind of agree about the walkway...  I think I originally put those bricks in to tie in with the deep oranges, browns, reds & beiges used on the interior, but against the dark brown exterior they're probably a little too orange.     

This challenge has been a lot of fun.  I look forward to seeing what else everyone comes up with. 

Urg, everytime Pbox enters a house, I always get jealous.
Tis not fair! Why are they always good!

Please don't make crap houses, I don't want to get sued

That isn't a bad idea. I guess I just like to have things collect by the front door, and also was trying to strictly contain where visitors and if needed pets could go. If you get bored I'd love to see a picture of what you changed. :)

 It's simple and cheap, under 20,000. I plan to move some newbies in that is why the place is blah. I didn't remove any trees but I did have to move them around a bit.

This is what it looks from the neighborhood view.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Modya/sims%202/sims%202%20challenges/house3.jpg)

Here it standing in the front yard
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Modya/sims%202/sims%202%20challenges/house1.jpg) Have a nice little garden out front and when the money starts to come in, I plan on having a little pond on the other side of the path
and here is the floor plan
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Modya/sims%202/sims%202%20challenges/house2.jpg)
Plain inside but Iwanted to keep it under 20,000. Comes in at 18,000 or 19,000.

@Anebrd: That looks plain, but interesting. You've kept the color scheme in the blues and greens throughout, which I find is most pleasing to the eye. I bet I could slap some of my neighbourhood trailor trash on that lot. Nice job!

@Anebrd - Did you remove/move some of the original external walls?  Part of this challenge is to leave the original external walls in place.  I'm always on the lookout for lots under 20K, so can we have a download link?

Here's my first ever house of fail entry, 10 Hilltop Drive.  I figured I couldn't go too far wrong with the box we started with.

I wanted to build something for young upwardly-mobile fortune couples who work in the city, but live in the bush just outside town.  I imagine the lot being surrounded by plenty of trees.  This is why they have plenty of windows, to enjoy the natural bushland, and the trees would provide privacy.

4 bathrooms, 1 bedroom, 1 double nursery.  Wanded it comes in at just over 40K.  All original plants & trees are still in their original positions.  Not quite awesomespec, as the nursery and the one desk are both upstairs and there is no fencing.  No CC apart from some MATY objects (BUY toilet paper, sleepclock, LS coffee machine).  I have all EPs & SPs except for IKEA and M&G, including some store items, but I don't think I've used any store items in the lot.  No wall decorations, this lets your young fortune couples satisfy their "buy a painting" wants, and allows them to stamp their own personality on the lot.

Exterior view.  It's in my test hood here, but if I were playing the lot, I'd probably put it somewhere like on that hilltop near the bridge in PV, with plenty of trees around.
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff46/Kyna62/HoF_Feb09_exterior.jpg)

Ground floor.  Two bathrooms downstairs, lockable kitchen, lockable stairs.  The original building is now a dining room/skilling area.  Small sitting room.
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff46/Kyna62/HoF_Feb09_groundfloorplan.jpg)

First floor.  Two more bathrooms, twin-capable nursery, one bedroom, the one desk.  The spawn pods are each large enough to take a single bed + bedside table.  If not needed as a nursery, the nursery play area could become a skilling area.
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff46/Kyna62/HoF_Feb09_1stfloorplan.jpg)

Download here: 10 Hilltop Drive.Sims2Pack (http://www.4shared.com/file/85160396/aedc3047/10_Hilltop_Drive.html)

Kyna, I really like what you did with this lot. Can we have a download link?

Link now added.

Kyna, that looks great, I love those windows, they make a lot look really modern  ;D

@Kyna: I like the white, sleek and modern look you've got going here. And as Emma said, those windows are great for that purpose. Not bad for a first entry.  :)

Kyna, I moved a couple into that lot and have been playing it all night. Beautiful lot. Baaaaaaa!

Crunk, here's a pic of your hallway and back door.
I tend to think more real-life. I have a veggie garden myself, and it would be a long way around if I had to use the front door, as opposed to my kitchen door. So I do the same in Sim's houses, even though it doesn't really follow that they would go to the garden to pick herbs or cabbages during dinner-making.
It's a sweet house, I moved Tosha Go in, cause she likes nature.

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

I can't seem to settle on something I like with this one this month.  I dunno, we'll see.

@Bliss - yoinked all of them, I can't say anything else but I liked each one.  The apartment was best as I can't seem to do really workable apartments.  Thanks for that.

@crunk - I like that roof over the bay windows.

@loripanori - nice exterior color scheme on the first.  Cool modern look on the second.  It reminds me of some of the 70s houses here in the States.

Strangel - I have nfc why I've never thought of doing the dog house like that.  When I have one I always put it in the backyard.  Reminds me of Mob Rule.

@Emma - that's almost too regal for that itty-bitty lot.

*slips Tingeling another unauthorized cookie

@twooflower - WIN!  Yoinked!  Loving the complete rustic theme/color scheme.

@SalixTree - yoinked just because it's Salix.  No, for real I like the whimsy.  I want a whimsical neighborhood (although I'm far too anal retentive to actually make one) so I'll hold it until I can create one.  I miss the old Salix avatar though.

@pbox - WIN!  I'd live there m'self.

@Anebrd - yep, good for a lower, lower class family or a Fortune Sim that needs to be punished with poverty.

@Kyna - Those are among THE BEST windows EA has come up with yet.  I love how orderly it all is.

Since I messed up the first challenge by moving the walls for the bedroom, I thought I would try again. Again very cheap, under 20,000. No walls moved. No trees moved. the path only modify a little.
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Modya/sims%202/sims%202%20challenges/neighborhood2.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Modya/sims%202/sims%202%20challenges/houseshot2.jpg)

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Modya/sims%202/sims%202%20challenges/floorplan2.jpg)
Added a link http://www.mediafire.com/file/mznnynndqkz/2 Oak Street.Sims2Pack  If it fails, let me know. First time uploading.
Tried to get it more stylish than the last one.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Faizah- I like the railing idea.
MistyK- That cabin is just beautiful.
Eaglezero-Very pretty. I like the color scheme on your house and apartment.
Borkedforlife-adore the prison. Might be good to grab for the asylum challenge I think
theresatv- I like it. Creative use of trees
Isil-I like the color scheme.
Bliss- I like your spa and took the Tudor. I know a over populated Capp family that will adore it.
Quetzkotl- I like your cabin. Also I learn a sink will fit on a cheap counter and look neat as well.
Salixtree- Love it Very Magical Feel
Minena-Very Classy looking. See a few ideas I am going to snag when I do the insides of my sims houses.
Crunk- I like your house. Seems Like a kindly old witch's home after she's retired.
Loripanori- Like the inside of both of your houses very much
Strangel- Has several ideas that I may use in the future. Plus I like the color scheme
Tingeling- I think I am going to grab both your houses for a pair of rich farts in my game.
Twooflower-Very nicely country
Kyna-Very nice. Looks very chic.

I had a few ideas for this house this month so another may be forthcoming. For this one; I decided to mix things up a bit.  Entry is on the 2nd floor which is also the living-room area.  1st floor is the kitchen and dining area.  And the basement is the master bedroom.  I tried to keep the trees in the same locations except were I was unable to, and I switched out the cypress tree for a willow tree. 


Front of house;
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/10oakstreet/frontofhouse.png)
2nd floor;
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/10oakstreet/topfloor.png)
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/10oakstreet/onedesk--sittingarea.png)
1st floor;
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/10oakstreet/1stfloor.png)
Basement;
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/10oakstreet/basement.png)
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/10oakstreet/masterbedroom.png)

Download is here: http://www.mediafire.com/file/1d2gq4ztuzf/10 Oak reverse_001.Sims2Pack

I have all EP's and SP's.


** Edited to update link to a clean file**

Here's my entry. I haven't moved any of the trees. It's not playtested (as usual), but everything should work. I have all EP:s up to Seasons and the Family Fun and Glamour Life stuff packs.

(http://i41.tinypic.com/2pzf9l1.jpg)

(http://i42.tinypic.com/a2rsar.jpg)

(http://i43.tinypic.com/2rx7kll.jpg)

Ground floor: entry/dining area with the one desk, kitchen, living room, half-bath, lockable stairway.
(http://i42.tinypic.com/30ixa3r.jpg)

First floor: master bedroom with bathroom.
(http://i42.tinypic.com/2qvwav5.jpg)

The basement is empty; it can be made into spawn rooms or skillination area.
(http://i44.tinypic.com/2ik785w.jpg)

Picture of dining area.
(http://i39.tinypic.com/i2999g.jpg)

Download link: http://www.mediafire.com/file/yd5wejnwntw/HoFFebruary.rar (http://www.mediafire.com/file/yd5wejnwntw/HoFFebruary.rar)

Ten Oaks is intended as a holiday home, which is my excuse for not adding a nursery, or making it awesomespecs. There is a lockable kitchen, but, that apart, it's liberty hall as far as visitors are concerned.
Thinking back to some of the houses we rented for holidays when we had little children, I've made the decor comfortable, but a bit dingy - it's probably the closest to twee I've managed, with flowery wallpaper, and dull colours.

Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two sitting rooms, one lockable kitchen, and an outside dining/sitting area. It did rain during my tester's first dinner party, but nobody seemed bothered enough to stop eating, even when the fire brigade turned up to put out a lightning strike they'd failed to notice. On the ground floor decking areas there is a treadmill, chess table and easel, for skilling. 'Mature' garden, with the requisite inconvenient trees, fishing pond, tent for sleepovers, bird cage for nature lovers, and a fence that's more for pretty's sake than for actually keeping out any passing animals.

I have all EPs, and M&G SP.

Sample pictures (apologies, mostly taken at night, so a bit dark):

Front:
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/3264469914_9fa36914c1.jpg?v=0)

Side:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3269506296_256eb2861b.jpg?v=0)
Ground layout:
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/249/3263669139_4cb9c2e759.jpg?v=0)

First floor layout:
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/235/3264468214_3fcd0a1523.jpg?v=0)

Lounge:
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/249/3263643203_f10f3d9808.jpg?v=0)

Kitchen:
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/3263642079_11f4b41887.jpg?v=0)

Decking:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3269506068_2f8a378c5e.jpg?v=0)

Garden:
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/241/3264469198_2a6a84fcb1.jpg?v=0)

More pictures here: http://tinyurl.com/cnuyg2 (http://tinyurl.com/cnuyg2)
Download here: http://tinyurl.com/648pyj (http://tinyurl.com/648pyj)

Price (wanded): $49,828

Very nice JIm, I like the colour scheme. I guess I just like dull, dingy and twee :D

Kyna - Oh so modern! I like white lots. The landscaping is a little plain but in keeping with the house.

Salix, thank you! I've added a backdoor to the lot in my hood.

Anebrd - your second attempt is adorable. It looks like a quaint shabby house out in the woods.

ajcrawly - I'm not so sure about the set up of the house, but it might work - they have to go from basement (bed) to kitchen (food) to exit in the morning, hmm? Interesting. Also interesting use of the art deco doors with Second Empire windows.  I might have dug down outside of the house somewhere so that I could add some light to the basement.

Cucumberpie - I didn't think to enclose the trees with building - nice greenhouse! Also, I'm in love with white and red color combination. Over all nice lot. The bridge is a good touch out back.

Jim - if its a vacation home, then wow! It looks very formal and like it should be stuffed full of antiques. It would appear that I am dull and boring, as I really enjoy your color scheme. One thing, though - is that carpet on the deck?

I'm working on a dingy three apartment building on this lot right now. A bit crowded, but I think it might work.

Anebrd, really cute! Love the red and white exterior.Is there a download link?

Ajcrawly, nice house! But on installing it with the clean installer, I noticed about a hundred recolors of something or other. You should really be more careful with what attaches itself to your package. No idea what the things were, but I'm sure you didn't use them all in your house.

Salix - I uploaded a clean link.  For some reason from time to time extra stuff attaches itself. Usually I check with cleanpack before I upload but I forgot last night.  It should be fine now!

It's the Goopy effect. It may wear off.

No, it's tiles - though in other lots I have used carpet for paths, and lino for living rooms, to get the right colour. Blame my lack of SPs, which sometimes forces me to make silly decorating choices, just to get a decent match. I might not be much of a builder, but I do like the furnishings colour co-ordinated, at least.

Anebrd is proud to present
RED NINJA'S HOUSE OF GAMING
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Modya/sims%202/sims%202%20challenges/redninja1.jpg)
Gaint Red Ninjas stand guard over RED NINJA's HOUSE OF GAMING
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Modya/sims%202/sims%202%20challenges/redninja2.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Modya/sims%202/sims%202%20challenges/redninja3.jpg)

The payphone doesn't work but other than the sims being whiny little brats when it came to lining up for the electro sphere I haven't encounter any problems. I took one of those "Lets go downtown and spend your money" groups and it wasn't laggy (to me).

Ok here is the second one for this month.  Decided to make a family home since my last two really weren't.

Neighbourhood View;
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/10oak2/Neighborhoodview.png)
First floor layout;
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/10oak2/Firstfloor.png)
Basement layout;
(http://i390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/10oak2/Basement.png)

Hopefully a slideshow with more pictures is here: http://s390.photobucket.com/albums/oo349/ajcrawly/10oak2/?action=view&current=8dc30389.pbw

And the download is here: http://www.mediafire.com/file/jm2wmdmzzdn/10OaksFamily.Sims2Pack

I've been hanging on to this one for a week, because something just wasn't right. I went in today, finally, and decorated it. I used the same street name as one of my lots last month, and I think I'll do this in future, build little 'theme' sets of House of Fail houses.

Anyway, here it is at last, 10 Cottage Hill. It can be yours for just $44,190!

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-2-Front.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-2-Rear.jpg)

(Yes, every tree and shrub is in its original place.)

Downstairs:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-2-Downstairs.jpg)
(The three 'nursery' rooms can be converted to single-bed bedrooms and/or bathrooms as needed.)

Upstairs:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-2-Upstairs.jpg)

Download it here. (http://www.4shared.com/file/87634989/e7f7a0f7/Feb09-2-Faizah-10CottageHill.html) (I have all EPs, FFS, GLS, K&B, H&M)

I had a quiet day (hurrah!) and an idea rattling around in my head, so I've made another already... 10 Pond Row costs $31,896. It was inspired by O'Neill's cabin in Stargate, though at best it's just a vague likeness.

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-3-Front.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-3-Rear.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-3-Top.jpg)

Obviously I took out all of the trees, replacing them with different trees, in different places. I did try to preserve the feel of the lot, though.

Upstairs:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-3-Upstairs.jpg)

Downstairs:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-3-Downstairs.jpg)

Download it here. (http://www.4shared.com/file/87750774/df3e5cdd/Feb09-3-Faizah-10PondRow.html) (I have all EPs, FFS, GLS, K&B, H&M)

Anebrd, that's very cool! I love the contrast between the exterior and the interior.

Cool, Faizah. I love Stargate! Nice looking house. Good for my woodsy neighborhood.

Here is my pitiful effort for this month. It is definitely NOT awesome specs; I didn't even really try since I was aiming for a couples' or singles' hide-away. All trees and the path were left in place.

(http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv302/chobeegal_photos/February09/snapshot_0000001a_16a572c5.jpg)

(http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv302/chobeegal_photos/February09/snapshot_0000001a_f6a57309.jpg)

(http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv302/chobeegal_photos/February09/snapshot_0000001a_96a57428.jpg)

(http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv302/chobeegal_photos/February09/snapshot_0000001a_56a5741d.jpg)

(http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv302/chobeegal_photos/February09/snapshot_0000001a_b6a5743a.jpg)

Slideshow available @ http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv302/chobeegal_photos/February09/?albumview=slideshow (http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv302/chobeegal_photos/February09/?albumview=slideshow)
I hope y'all like it.

Edit: I forgot to say that I have ALL EPs and SPs. Also, I used MenaceMan's fix for the lunatech light, but other than that it is completely CC free.

Your link isn't working.  It would be better to put one or two pictures in the thread, too.

The link works for me, but I can't seem to get the pictures to go into the post. That's why I linked to the slidshow.

Link does not work for me either.

Does this one work?
http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv302/chobeegal_photos/?albumview=slideshow (http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv302/chobeegal_photos/?albumview=slideshow)

Now it shows only the front cover of your "album", and seems to require registration to view more.  Not worth it.  Have you tried using ImageShack or Photobucket?

I don't start new accounts at places JUST to view someone else's screenshots. In fact, most of MATY doesn't. We all either buy/borrow server space, or use Imageshack or Photobucket. Neither of these require anyone to do more than click to view.

I saw it fine with no registration or anything. Odd.

I saw it fine, too.  And it is on Photobucket.

That would be because they changed the link to a photobucket album. Keep up.

Chobeegal: Nice place! I'll be absconding with a copy once I've got the proper EPs.

Aw, much better.  I love the use of the green house parts in unexpected ways.

After struggling for weeks to make anything remotely aesthetically pleasing, I have two versions of the same(ish) house for this month's challenge. I apologize for the lack of interior shots, the decor is standard issue quaint/country.

At $40,380 wanded, Violet Lane is neither a starter nor a full-on family home. 

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/Spikus/snapshot_00000001_f6a46eba.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/Spikus/snapshot_00000001_36a46ecd.jpg)

Lot Overview: I tested it with a CAS family consisting of an elder couple, one adult, one child and a large dog and didn't encounter issues.  It has three bedrooms (one double), 2 and a half baths, a lockable stairwell, front fence with gate and a small garden out back. I may have broken the rules by replacing a portion of the original walls with half-walls, but it didn't change the dimensions or usefulness of the space one way or another.  I just wanted it to feel more open. 

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/Spikus/snapshot_00000001_36a46e6e.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/Spikus/snapshot_00000001_76a46e7c.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/Spikus/snapshot_00000001_16a46e8b.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/Spikus/snapshot_00000001_16a46e96.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/Spikus/snapshot_f6a465a6_76a46947.jpg)

After finishing Violet Lane, I was disappointed by the lack of space for a family to grow, so I went ahead and added some square footage, threw in a room for babies and a full bathroom on the first floor.  Then I decided to upload it, too.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/Spikus/snapshot_00000001_96a479e1.jpg)

Violet Lane Plus is $44,094 and has everything that Violet Lane does plus a nursery and full bath on the first floor and a large single bedroom on the second floor.  The basement also has open space for career rewards/aspiration objects.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/Spikus/snapshot_00000001_56a4798e.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/Spikus/snapshot_00000001_56a4799a.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/Spikus/snapshot_00000001_f6a479a2-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v150/Spikus/snapshot_00000001_96a479ac.jpg)

Both lots are CC free. I have all EP's, SP's. 
Download: Violet Lane (http://www.box.net/shared/z8p4ldvua9)
Download: Violet Lane Plus (http://www.box.net/shared/y3f9qmpkjo)

oops, forgot to say which of Faizah's 3 lots I meant...

Faizah's cute entry *on page 1*, while not the most whimsical or fanciful, is the one that's most like buildings in my real life neighborhood.  Where I live, we have buildings like Faizah's that are several tiny studio apartments.  They have those exterior stairways.  No wood siding here, but slap some colorful stucco on that building, add some fancy exterior moulding, and it would look just like one of ours.  Hope this comment's not too off topic?  Has anyone tried playing Faizah's lot as apartments?  You'd have to squeeze in a tiny bathroom on each floor, of course.  Nevermind, the bathrooms are right there, how did I not see them?

*Cat wonders off to find here glasses*

My entry on page 1 of this thread, or one of the two on page 5? I'm thinking you mean the first, from the gist of your comment (external staircases, tiny studio apartment-sized floors, etc) but the individual floors already have bathrooms.

Yes, the cute one on page 1.  Don't know how I missed the bathrooms.  Maybe got too excited about the stairs?  Clearly, I need to wear my glasses, they work better that way. ;)

I'd be interested in hearing about that too. I mean, it does seem like it would work, as apartments. (Two, the upstairs rooms, with the bottom level - kitchen/living - as communal, most likely.) If anyone wants to do that, excellent!

I'd convert it myself, but I've just had another idea for an apartment-style version of this lot. (I suspect I'll be offering this one in both dorm and apartment versions, but it all depends on how well the build goes.)

As for that 'idea' I had... I present 10 Old Road, also in dorm and apartment flavour. (The pictures are of the residential version... The apartments include the bathrooms, the dorms just cover the bedrooms. In the case of the basement, the bathroom door was moved on the dorm version. The dorm version also has the dorm-chef stove.) I tried to give it an 'added on' look, with the three story part of the building obviously of different construction to the two story part, as if some enterprising sim had tried to add to the original, but was unable to find exactly the same materials.

Price: $54,777 / Rent: $363-$473

Sleeps 8 in residential, divided into four in the dorm and apartment versions. (Each area sleeps two, though dorms can only have one occupant.)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-4-Front.jpg)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-4-Rear.jpg)

Basement:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-4-Basement.jpg)

First Floor:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-4-FirstFloor.jpg)
(I recommend replacing the gnomes at the end of the walkway with The Cheat.)

Second Floor:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-4-SecondFloor.jpg)

Third Floor:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-4-ThirdFloor.jpg)

Download the residential version. (http://www.4shared.com/file/88314235/dda568cc/Feb09-4-Faizah-10OldRoad.html)
Download the dorm version. (http://www.4shared.com/file/88314403/1b66e288/Feb09-4-Faizah-10OldRoadDorm.html)
Download the apartment version. (http://www.4shared.com/file/88315658/4afb7c4e/Feb09-4-Faizah-10OldRoadApartments.html)
(I have all EPs, FFS, GLS, K&B, H&M)

I love this version Faizah! I am definitely grabbing the dorm version :)

I'm trying my hand at this, so I'm trying not to look at the previous entries yet. I have a hard time being creative with house building and decorating. It's been fun so far!

I have three lots for this month, all with different EP requirements, but all with those dratted trees.  I'll just post a quick look at the first two, and then show my favorite.

This is the base game version, with two bedrooms and a nursery, and a treehouse outside.  It's pretty basic; I just wanted the challenge of trying one without EPs.  I'm over it now.   :P  [Full info] (http://sims.silversilly.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5&Itemid=8)

(http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/10_oak_street--basegame/10_Oak_Street-basegame/side-overall.jpg)

10 Oak Overlook requires all EPs and M&G, and I have Christmas Party Pack installed.  This home was purchased and renovated by a family with small children.  They replaced the Tower of Hobbies ladders with stairs for safety, and converted the upper level into a large playroom.  There is plenty of room for fishing, too!  [Full info] (http://sims.silversilly.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4&Itemid=6)

(http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/10_oak_overlook--all-EP/front_new.jpg)

And now, on to the main attraction!

Ten Oaks Market - $29,536
DOWNLOAD (http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/ten_oaks_market/Ten_Oaks_Market--by_rosess.rar)
Zoned: Community
Created with: NL, Uni, OFB, Seasons
Custom Content: None
Some pictures taken with: danicast's recolor (http://www.digitalperversion.net/gardenofshadows/index.php?topic=6243.0) of chris997's Weather (http://www.modthesims2.com/download.php?t=187229) (not included)

Navigation: Viewpoints assigned!  Press 4-9 on your keyboard and your camera will automatically move to various preset playing angles.  If you'd like to see this illustrated in .avi format,  click here to view the movie (if that works), or right-click to save to your computer (http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/ten_oaks_market/Ten_Oaks_Market--by_rosess.avi) (~6MB).

Ten Oaks Market is both the most changed lot and the one that best keeps the spirit of the original.  As when making the Overlook, I was determined to move those trees one way or another, so they all went either up or down, and a river went right under the main building.  Moving the house to build under it was fun, and meant the house could keep its original look.  It is, as one might suspect, a community lot, though a few pictures were taken before the zoning committee met.

(http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/ten_oaks_market/ten-oaks-market/4-day-sky.jpg)

(http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/ten_oaks_market/ten-oaks-market/right-with_sky.jpg)

(http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/ten_oaks_market/ten-oaks-market/7-right_lake.jpg)

The store comes pre-stocked with goods.  The fish display is a little lean, but I expect most people will use SimWardrobe's Fish Packing Station (http://www.simwardrobe.com/).  Out on the back deck, try FREE SAMPLEZ! 

(http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/ten_oaks_market/ten-oaks-market/left_cooking_samples.jpg)

There are plenty of fishing spots available.

(http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/ten_oaks_market/ten-oaks-market/9_fishing_busy.jpg)

It's a romantic setting...

(http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/ten_oaks_market/ten-oaks-market/engaged2.jpg)

A mini-deck lets the crew keep an eye on the weather.

(http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/ten_oaks_market/ten-oaks-market/telescope_sky.jpg)

There are bathrooms in the main building....

(http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/ten_oaks_market/ten-oaks-market/8_bathrooms_day.jpg)

...and for the fishing crew.  This would be a good place for fish packing stations, too.

(http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/ten_oaks_market/ten-oaks-market/fishing-rest_stop.jpg)

Y'all come back, now!

(http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/ten_oaks_market/ten-oaks-market/ramp-back.jpg)

Overlook will not download with either FireFox or Explorer. Message says page not found.

Whoops!  It's fixed, and also here (http://sims.silversilly.com/images/stories/lots/10_oak_overlook--all-EP/10_Oak_Overlook--by_rosess.rar).

@loripanori: That's a nice solid family home. The white windows give it a lighter touch on the exterior. I reckon the inside is nice and comfortable.

Modern lot. Your red, white and black colour scheme is just stunning. I want to make a new family just so I can play it. It looks good and modern from the outside too.

@Emma: No, I can see you weren't too inspired by this one. Neither am I, I'm on my second try now. Perfectly serviceable house but not one of your best; although you've got some interesting stuff going on with roof shapes and frontage on the exterior and with the rooms on the second floor.

@Tingeling: Oh that's cool. I really like that inner city designer sort of look. I'm attempting something similar currently, which is why I haven't looked in the thread properly for a while, so as not to end up copying people's ideas. I think I like your dining room nook the most, the colours and setting just work so well together.

Old style house. Nope, this one doesn't tickle my funny bone at all. This is way too fussy for my taste but it would be great for elders.

Forest cabin. This would make a terrific vacation lot. I don't know how people can make such compact homes, I really admire that talent. Sometimes, when I've drawn a new foundation, I have to make myself delete at least a third of it so the building isn't even more monstrous than the ones I normally upload.

@twooflower: Wow. Totally farm cottage. You've really done the theme throughout so well. The green lounge is great.

@SalixTree: I would so love to see your hood. That's all.

@pbox: That house is just. so. compact. I have several of your starter type houses, but this is the best so far. You did manage to make the flora look just like it was planned. I enjoy the minimalist suggestion of your decorating style.

@Anebrd: A very good basic starter. Lots of houses in New Zealand are like that, it's our version of trailer homes I guess. They're just more likely to be painted and have cheap carpet.

Little white cottage. I like this much better although the interior colours are too strong for my taste. The white and red exterior is dead cute though.

Red ninja house of gaming. A surprise lot, this one!

@Kyna: Ahem, when you see my lot, please be aware I did NOT copy your lot. Honest. Actually I haven't furnished mine yet, so I'm not going to look at your pictures too closely.

@ajcrawly: Quite an eclectic baroque sort of house; I can imagine an eccentric living here. The central ground floor area is too dark and big, I'm sure something could be made of that space. I LOVE those new doors and the way you have the desk set out looks good.

Family home - nice lighting in the basement along with interesting room shapes. I like the library hall. The bay window looks good out front too.

@Cucumberpie: Aw, kitchy coo, how do you do! This would make a lovely wee farmhouse too. Very rustic.

@jim: Drool colours, drool balconies, drool lounge. I am also totally impressed by the kitchen. Jim, you really have a gift for style and colour.

@Faizah: Cottage hill. It's laid out well enough but unfortunately a bit beige for me. Not that that's your fault, it's just that my parents were very fond of beige and it's kinda put me off for life.

Pond Row. Now this is very country. I like it but wonder how the stair routing would go? Still I guess it would only be a small family. I like the top balcony amidst the roofs.

@chobeegal: I can see you put a lot of work into the lot. Interesting use of the greenhouse roof. I like the exterior.

@Batelle: This would make a good vacation home as well. I predict some of my sims are going to get mountain vacations in the near future - as a direct result of this thread.

@rosess: Blimey, you've been busy! Well, I definitely prefer the base game version, I think I'd go potty trying to get a camera angle on my sims in the other lots. 10/10 for imagination though!

Heh, well, I do have a fondness for shades of brown, and beige is one of those. But, noted. It is a little extreme with the beige, now that I take a look. That may be what was bothering me about that one, there was something 'off' about it, I just couldn't put my finger on it.

Pond Row really isn't intended for more than one or two Sims, as is, though the upstairs could always be extended where the roof is. But there shouldn't be a problem with the stairs, they're the modular type, which allow for multiple passengers at any one time. The only problem might be the roof-top landing not allowing sims to pass, being just one tile, but there's nothing to do on the roof but stargaze, so I don't imagine it'd be a high traffic area. And, of course, the stairs can be locked at ground level, to keep pesky visitors out. (I recommend setting the BUY in the stairwell bathroom to family-only.)

Yes, these aren't so playable as the ones without the trees in the way, and I just made them trickier.   :P  The viewpoints trick is cool, though - the market in particular becomes much more playable when all the main camera viewpoints are automated.  I ran across that trick this month (wish I could recall where), and WOW does it make a difference.  Is it something everyone knew about but me?  (You click Ctrl-# to set viewpoints per lot, with # being 4-9, and then those numbers bring you back to that camera angle/floor level later.) 

I just installed almost all of the lots in their own neighborhood, and it's so diverse you'd never believe the houses started as clones.  I'll be moving people in tomorrow to check things out. 

Actually I used to use the set camera angles several years ago, then forgot all about them until just recently. I probably saw the same thread you did.  :D

I beat everyone to it!

The Campsite!  (10 Oak Street Campground.rar (http://www.4shared.com/file/88510996/eb2d4a57/10_Oak_Street_Campground.html))

4 livable campsites, 3 with one tent, 1 with 2.  All colour coded for prettiness  ;D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_00000004_d6aa0f71.jpg)

From the front of the lot.  There are communal BBQ, seating areas and 2 swings for entertainment.


(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_00000004_96aa0f99.jpg) 

Back of the lot - 4 showers and rear entry to communal food prep area. 

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_00000004_36aa0f83.jpg) 

Floorplan from the top - just hidden: The blue & yellow tent.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v457/yecatsnz/Sims2/snapshot_00000004_b6aa0fa4.jpg)

Top floor of the common area.  Bookcase, TV, Sofa (for woohoo purposes too), Easel.  Door leads out onto the spacious balcony.

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

Food preparation area.  2 fridges, no stove (each campsite has its own table, bbq and streetlamp).  Stair access to the lounge and access to the showers out back.


If anyone wants to find a "rentable gate" to change the apartment doors, feel free. 

All ep's -pets & uni.  All stuff packs + store stuff.  Not all EP's needed. 

Rent runs from about $200 to $370~ a week.  All trees were left where they were, bar one, which was moved to allow access to the lot beside the house. 

Woo!  See, I told ya I wouldn't steal it.  ;)  Looks good Yecats.  I think I may whip together one last lot to enter... I am thinking a beachy vacation lot.

Very nice Yecats! Bit of a posh telly for a campground I reckon though, you're spoiling them.  :D

I was working on another, a community lot, and I was quite pleased with the look of the roofing, here:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-5-Front.jpg)

But I'm not so sure about the roofing in hood view...
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-5-HoodView.jpg)

I've actually tried to make another lot but am so fed up with it all, I can't wait for March's HOF! :D I've given up for this month!

Faizah, that looks so impressive! :)

Okay, so, I'd actually finished the lot when I exited out to hood view. I went in today and experimented with roofs (Really, spell-check? Roofs? Shouldn't it be rooves? No? Okay then.) since I figure this lot should look decent in the hood as well as in the lot itself. (Especially as the exterior is far more imposing than the interior.) I had to raise the roofing from the 10 degrees of the old picture to 35 degrees to make it not look horrible in hood view. (It could have gone down to 30 if I hadn't roofed over the food thing.)

Anyway, it's a comm lot, imaginatively titled Tomb of the Ancients. The blurb is as follows: Located deep in the jungles of your local neighbourhood are wonders and mysteries just waiting to be discovered by you, the lucky one millionth visitor!

Price: $45,281

(If you want to change the roof yourself, the cheat is roofslopeangle 35 where 35 is the degree of angle you are after.)

(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-5-Front-35roof.jpg)

'Upstairs' (original building)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-5-Upstairs.jpg)

'Downstairs'
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-5-Downstairs.jpg)

And the hood shot:
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p282/Lady_Faizah/Sims/Feb09/Feb09-5-Hood-35roof.jpg)

Download it here. (http://www.4shared.com/file/88812248/a3f92da9/Feb09-5-Faizah-TombOfTheAncients.html)

...

And I'm done for the month. Hurrah!

Now this I like. Mr jim can't see a monument with a gazillion steps without pounding up all the stairs to see what's up there. Normally we just end up gazing at a lot of distance. It would be worth the climb to see his face as he entered this site of ancient rituals and mysteries, only to find  - a lavatory! Finally, something useful.

If you have AL M&G, the roof slider eliminates the need for the cheat, and you can do separate rooves at different angles.







Edited to be less blonde

There's a roof slider? Hmm... In AL, you say? I must look into this.

Presenting...The Temple of the Oversoul (http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=d5515f661319125de7c82ed4b8f0c3801827f2bd53e3d6d55621d66e282a0ee8) <<<this is a download link.

Commissioned by the mayor of Darlington Shores to pay homage to the Oversoul, so that he might not be smited. The community lot is fairly basic and bright. I'll let local citizens do the talking:
(http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/ee334/zazazuspore/temple1.jpg)
(http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/ee334/zazazuspore/temple3.jpg)
(http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/ee334/zazazuspore/temple2.jpg)
(http://i533.photobucket.com/albums/ee334/zazazuspore/temple4.jpg)

I have all EP, K&B, H&M, and Mansions and Gardens. This is the flattened version of the lot. Built on my clean account and verified with Clean Installer. Fully playtested by Dawn Fox-Corelli-Ayyad-Quiroz.



I can't seem to find my thumb drive anywhere, which is what I backed up all my old laptop 'hoods on when I got rid of the laptop. If I ever find it, I'll see if I can't pull my old redo from 2006 or 2005.


It's pretty good. From time to time it won't let you do high or low dimensions, but 90% of the time the slider will work. The other 10%, just use the old cheat.

I've tried the slider numerous times and it has absolutely no effect at all on any of my roofs. I have just resorted to the regular old cheat and don't even try it anymore. :(

Are you typing in the number or using the little arrow buttons to change it? Because it doesn't work for me when I type it in so I HAVE to use the arrow buttons. Weird, but whatever.

You know you have to click on the individual roofs when you've chosen what elevation you want it to be, right?

I'm pretty sure the roof slider is in M&G and not AL.

Unless something has changed recently? Because I certainly don't have the slider...

Hmm. I went in to check, and you're right, it doesn't appear to be there in AL.

Unless I'm looking in the wrong place?

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

Yes, it is in M&G. AL doesn't have the roof elevation feature.

Faizah's Tomb of the Ancients has what looks like a snack shop or bar with a life preserver hanging on the wall.  I am curious what it's for. :D  Is it to rescue sims who fall in the altar fountain?  Can't be for the blasphemers who turn the water to lava, unless it's very heat resistant.  As Jim noted, a lavatory after a long climb up many steps is definitely useful.  I would download this just to watch my sims run up and down stairs to pee.  Ok, and I can't resist touristy ruins.  If I can't afford to travel, I'm sending my sims.

It's just the island snack shop thing... None of them looked quite right for that place, but the island one was closest.

Any thoughts yet for the March makeover candidate?

That lot with just a silo on it?

What about something from the shopping village? Bluewater? I extracted all the lots once, they're here (http://laverwinklesims.com/index.php/topic,605.0.html) at Laverwinkle. No pics sorry, I might boot up the game and take some.

I've previously suggested that one, but the consensus seems to be that the lot is too big for many peoples' systems to handle.

Besides that, there isn't much of a makeover challenge in a large, almost empty lot.

I went and took some pictures of the Bluewater lots. I think there are several possibilities here with some lots having ponds or verandahs or paved areas we could keep.

15 Lake Meadow Circle
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209001.jpg)	(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209002.jpg)
146 Pebble Drive
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209003.jpg)	(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209004.jpg)
32 Eagle Lane
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209005.jpg)	(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209006.jpg)
7 Carriage Lane
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209007.jpg)	(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209008.jpg)
74 Gondola Way
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209009.jpg)	(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209010.jpg)
22 Toboggan Way
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209011.jpg)	(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209012.jpg)
25 Toboggan Way
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209013.jpg)	(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209014.jpg)
407 Edgewater Parkway
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209015.jpg)	(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209016.jpg)
223 Idlewild Street
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209017.jpg)	(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209018.jpg)

Some may not be flat, but we have people who can fix that. Personally I'd like to go for something a little larger this time, we've done two tiny houses in a row.

25 Toboggan Way looks like it might work.

407 Edgewater Parkway

I can't stand the colour scheme.

I have to agree that Bluewater has some rather atrocious offerings quite suitable to our purposes.

By the way, I did a remake/remodel on the silo lot and discovered something odd. It seems Maxis "buried" some object in the middle of the lot and I can't delete it or move it or even identify it. I had to just leave it there and build around it. Has anyone else  discoved this?

146 Pebble Drive, the Ramirez house, gets my vote. I love that house but always have to remodel it due to lack of space. The kitchen area is complete crap.

Yeah, I thought Pebble Drive was OK. It's medium size too, so hopefully wouldn't exclude anyone except for those with dinosaur computers.  :P

Anyway, I have finally finished decorating my house for this month, narrowly squeaking in by two days. It is supposed to be ultra modern but it's hard to do a whole house like that in EAxis stuff. And yes, it's bloody big again. It's a townhouse worth §86,717 (wanded).

I have all EPs and all stuffpacks except one. There are three double bedrooms, a nursery and four bathrooms. Sorry about all the pictures but as it's taken me weeks to do you'll just have to put up with it.  ;D

Front
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/Feb09_HouseOfPhail_250209019.jpg)


Back - still room for a spa or small pool or garden.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/Feb09_HouseOfPhail_250209021.jpg)


Side
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/Feb09_HouseOfPhail_250209003.jpg)


Ground floor
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/Feb09_HouseOfPhail_250209016.jpg)


1st floor
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/Feb09_HouseOfPhail_250209017.jpg)


2nd floor
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/Feb09_HouseOfPhail_250209018.jpg)


Lounge
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/Feb09_HouseOfPhail_250209004.jpg)


Kids' room
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/Feb09_HouseOfPhail_250209008.jpg)


Dining room
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/Feb09_HouseOfPhail_250209006.jpg)


(http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/th_Feb09_HouseOfPhail_250209004.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/Makeover2/?action=view&current=9c94974f.pbw) Click on the picture at the left to see a slideshow with more interior shots.

Download lot here (http://www.box.net/shared/f99zhomh8t).

Witch, that is just gorgeous! I love the balconies, and how you've incorporated them into the roofs :)

All of those Bluewater houses remind me that EAxis completely fails at doing roofing. Gah.

I may do a residential submission with the trees included. I have a favorite little jerked over townie, Dayuma Zelenka, who is in college right now and is going to be needing her own home away from her quad siblings. Actually, may go apartment...I need something other than the slum apartments I set up earlier, and I've been playing with super-small functional studio design.


15 Lake Meadow - keep patio
32 Eagle Lane - keep swingset? maybe optional challenge
74 Gondola Way - would be harder, but could we still get a good variety?
22 Toboggan Way - keep that godawful inconvenient porch

As a side note. 407 Edgewater Parkway. What were they thinking?

Several good choices there.  I vote for 25 Toboggan Way.  Pond must remain?

I just realised that I haven't posted either of the two houses I created this month, hopefully I will have time to put them up tomorrow. As for next month's house I don't have any preferences so surprise me!

I would like to see 25 Toboggan way redone as well.  That poor house is a box with a pyramid on top!  If external walls have to be kept, how can that be made to look attractive?  Also, I'm sure many builders here could improve on the traffic flow / congestion of a Maxis house.  I'm curious to see what people will do with a pond.  Lots of possibility there.  Fishing dock and diving platform have been done often, but I like them regardless.  Maybe a water garden?  With big rocks, plants of varied heights, perhaps a bench for quiet meditation or canoodling?  Or make the lot post-apocalyptic, add a garbage pile, and turn the pond into toxic sludge?  That would explain why you pull boots out of it and hallucinate after eating boot smoothie.

I have a lot of faith in people's creativity.  We've seen some great lots come out of these threads.  Would people prefer a more difficult lot, for the challenge?

Second submission ... duplex lot... Download Here (http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=d5515f661319125de7c82ed4b8f0c3801827f2bd53e3d6d55621d66e282a0ee8)

First floor apartment: 2 bedrooms, 1 1/2 bathrooms. Smaller bedroom is not furnished.
Cost per week = $1,406.
Furnished downpayment = $10,077
Unfurnished downpayment = $5,162


Second floor apartment: 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms. Only one bedroom furnished.
Cost per week = $1674
Furnished downpayment = $10,923
Unfurnished downpayment = $6,008

Lot features:
Beautiful landscaping (you might recognize three of the trees)
Elevator access
Kicker-proof trashcan placement
Community garden
Skydeck

And now for the pictures.
(http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/8307/duplex3.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/525/duplex4.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/5235/duplex2.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)

(http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/1125/duplex1.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
Requires all EP. I have H&M, K&B, M&G, and Ikea. Definitely needs M&G to display correctly.

You are so very good at the tiny Zazazu. I'm still envious. You also have the knack of making the homes look quite realistic. I'm not so sure about the three storey glasshouse though.

I'd be keen on 74 Gondola Way.

Zazazu's story and lot screenshots make me sigh with pure envy. I just want her game :D Or, she could come round mine and set my game up for me! That'd do nicely.

I wanted to keep some of the trees, plus have a few plots for veggie growth. If I'd been able to use hacks, I would have made the garden on the rooftop. I don't know. It just made sense at the time. Plus, it blends the styles of the surrounding lots...where this building is is next to the middle-class single-family homes (mostly European and Craftsman style), in close sight of the Greek Revival styled mayoral manse, and between the boxy and modern library (which will be surrounded by the elementary and high schools) and Temple of the Oversoul, yet at the end of what will be an aisle of commercial lots.

Lecherous cougars, entire families abducted by aliens, and marrying additional spouses just for money seems to be the theme lately. Nevermind being blocked from your life's goal of being a Business Tycoon because the Oversoul has decreed you will be a Scatmaster, and you will like it. But, with all the crud they are subjected to, they get a beautiful neighborhood and now cheap college educations. You can't complain too much when you're made out of tasty pixels.

Does the communal vegetable plot reset every time you switch familes?  Just curious about how that works.

Lovely lot, btw.  Makes me wish I had M&G and Ikea.

The communal area is cloned from the base template the moment the subunit is formed, and never resyncs, so it will continually decay or be defiled by visiting sims, but none of the changes and defilements will stay if you switch to another apartment in the same building.

That seemed to be the logical thing, but I wasn't sure.  Thanks, Oh Most Wise.  (Not to be confused with Thanks, this is great!)

That works. It would hardly be fair for whomever I end up moving into the upper apartment to be snagging all Dayuma's crappy tomatoes.

  I started several versions this month and so far only two work the way that I had hoped.  This is my first conversion to a community lot so if I have missed some thing please say so.

  10 Oak Street is now a hangout and maybe "hook-up" place.

(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk190/tryclyn/MATY%20-%20House%20challenges/February%20-%2010%20Oak%20Street/ScreenShot025.png)

Basement
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk190/tryclyn/MATY%20-%20House%20challenges/February%20-%2010%20Oak%20Street/ScreenShot008.png)

Shop
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk190/tryclyn/MATY%20-%20House%20challenges/February%20-%2010%20Oak%20Street/ScreenShot007.png)

Attic
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk190/tryclyn/MATY%20-%20House%20challenges/February%20-%2010%20Oak%20Street/ScreenShot006.png)

More pics in slide show  http://tinyurl.com/cwp54e
  I have all EP/SP and most of the Store Stuff (don't think that I used any, though).
  File attached.

@witch: That side view is great, with the tall windows and the pale brick insert above the door. I like the way there are touches of rust colour throughout, to heighten the icy blues. What I like best, though, is the way that sleek modern dining room gives onto a riot of flowers. It's a fine contrast to the calm and balance of the rest of the house.

I didn't know you could integrate balconies into the roofing. It's very understated.

@tryclyn: I love that electric blue. Not sure how long you could play it without serious damage to the retina, but it does look good. I'm not keen on the dome - but then, I don't think I've ever seen a dome in Sims that looks right to me, so maybe I'm just not into domes.

I did makeover 74 Gondola Way once, for my bloated plutocrat family. I was never very happy with it, so it would be good to have another crack at it. It'd be nice to have a lot with space to swing a cat round, after these little poky ones.

Thanks Jim. A huge part of the challenge for me is trying to do something tasteful with the EAxis stuff. Well, tasteful to me anyway.  ;D There isn't actually a door into the garden, though it would be easy enough to install one. What happened was, there were no matching H&M one-storey windows to match the two-storey ones. I had already committed that room to being five squares across, so I had to find another window to slot in there. So then I added the brick insert and it became a feature, not a bug.

ETA: Oh, and as for the balconies, I just put down floor tiles on the whole room sized piece, then fenced off what I wanted for the balcony and manually roofed the leftover. I can't remember what angle I put it on, but I tried to match the angle of the top roof if it were to come right down. I thought it was quite an effective look and I'll probably use it again. I was trying to avoid a too-blocky look over all.

  My second entry is a residential lot. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, indoor pool, fishing pond, sheltered hot tub, and access to personal areas are lockable.
 
The Front
  (http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk190/tryclyn/MATY%20-%20House%20challenges/February%2010%20Oak%20Street%20-res/ScreenShot006.png)

The Back
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk190/tryclyn/MATY%20-%20House%20challenges/February%2010%20Oak%20Street%20-res/ScreenShot009.png)

The Basement
 (http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk190/tryclyn/MATY%20-%20House%20challenges/February%2010%20Oak%20Street%20-res/ScreenShot005.png)

The First floor
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk190/tryclyn/MATY%20-%20House%20challenges/February%2010%20Oak%20Street%20-res/ScreenShot004.png)

The Second floor
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk190/tryclyn/MATY%20-%20House%20challenges/February%2010%20Oak%20Street%20-res/ScreenShot003.png)
 

  Unfurnished  ~33,000
  Furnished    ~112,000


  Download   http://tinyurl.com/bzmevs
  I have all EP/SP installed.

  Slideshow  http://tinyurl.com/cs8zl5

That's a lovely looking house. I particularly like the exterior red and white and the way you have the roofs over the verandah.

I once fixed up 74 Ganola way. It is even more dreadful on the inside.

I think the original Newbies house is in Bluewater. I think it has a different exterior color scheme, but is the same house.

Here's my count of the votes so far:

25 Toboggan Way
- Mootilda
- CatOfEvilGenius

74 Gondola Way
- witch
- jim

146 Pebble Drive
- Emma

407 Edgewater Parkway
- Giggy

No clear winner at this time, but it's the end of the month, so we should decide.  If people want me to make a flat-edged version, I just need a bit of time.

I vote 74 Gandola way as well. It's a good challenge.

25 Toboggan Way gets my vote.

Hopefully "today" is still the 28th by MATY time. I've reworked the house completely into a fairly upmarket one bedroom  property with guest annexe, swimming pool, sauna and barbecue area.

Front:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/10AcornStreet/Front.jpg)

Front at night:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/10AcornStreet/Night.jpg)

Rear:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/10AcornStreet/back.jpg)

Ground Floor:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/10AcornStreet/Ground.jpg)

Middle Floor (you'll have to imagine the sofa... I forgot to bar pets and a passing stray came in during testing and trashed it).
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/10AcornStreet/middlefloor.jpg)

Top Floor:
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j136/spacedcat/Lot%20Building/10AcornStreet/TopFloor.jpg)


Download it from here: http://www.mediafire.com/?zmyy2dzjjwy (http://www.mediafire.com/?zmyy2dzjjwy)

No, apparently it's March 1 "here" in Malaysia, but your house is too nice to miss out on.  I might needz this one.

Personally I think that entries are still 'valid' until the next thread is posted. Also, this one wasn't posted until a week into February, the shortest month.

But honestly, it's not really a competition as such, there's no deadline.

I'll change my vote to 74 Gondola Way because it needs it more.

I'll do anything, as long as it has interesting restrictions. 

Looks like the vote is for 74 Gondola Way.

Any ideas on good restrictions?

74 Gondola Way
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209009.jpg)	(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/nz_witch/bluewater%20residential/Bluewater_250209010.jpg)

Exterior walls are unmoveable, as always, maybe keep the swimming pool? Or the verandah upstairs? - the big square one at the back, I mean.

On the plus side, the lot looks level to start with.

Works for me.

Or scoring. Or winner.

So how many teeny apartments could you make in that house Zazazu? This is my personal challenge to you.  :P

(Which would be awesome for a uni lot!)

You know what's funny? You think the one I posted earlier featured teeny apartments. This is a teeny apartment.
(http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/7428/snapshot16ac16d456b5ab4.jpg) (http://img24.imageshack.us/my.php?image=snapshot16ac16d456b5ab4.jpg)

Good god, you've got twins in there too! LOL

ETA: Nope, this 74 whatsit way lot is most definitely not flat. :(

Here's 74 Gondola Way, flattened (including the edges) and unoccupied.  OFB only.  Would someone like to write up the rules for March?

Should we break the cycle for the bonus rule by adding 2 or 3 extra rules to the challenge?

Whoever creates the thread gets to set the rules.  This is the main reason that I don't want to make the initial post; I haven't submitted any lots for these challenges and I'm not sure that I can tell what makes a good set of rules.  However, if no one makes a thread by the time that it's March, my time, I'll certainly start one myself.

This is Malaysia. It's been March for 13 hours.

Fine, I'll do it.

I'll use the pool and veranda rule though.

Edit: Done.