The next morning at our new estate, Heath and I emerged from our designated rooms at precisely 8 AM. With the sunlight streaming through the windows, we quickly dressed, appreciating the modern luxuries that surrounded us after the extravagant indulgences of the previous day. The gentle hum of the running shower, though not as lavish as those in contemporary homes, refreshed us and invigorated the start of our day.
Once ready, we descended the grand staircase, our footsteps echoing slightly in the spacious entryway. As we reached the ground floor, the housemaids greeted us with warm smiles and a cheerful, "Good morning." Their friendly demeanor was a lovely start to the day, and we returned their greetings as we made our way to the kitchen.
Inside, the aroma of freshly prepared food wafted through the air, enticing our appetites. We approached the head cook, who took great pride in her culinary creations, eager to see what awaited us. She had prepared a delightful breakfast spread that showcased her skills: golden biscuits, flaky scones, perfectly scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, savory sausage, and vibrant vegetable greens. The sight of the meal was tempting, and we couldn't wait to dig in, ready to savor each bite of the hearty breakfast that promised to fuel our day ahead.
The meal was promptly served by the cook in the dining room, but I couldn't help but notice something odd—only two plates were laid out. When I inquired about the rest, the cook simply replied that the other servants would be eating in the staff quarters. This response appalled me; I found it unacceptable. Determined to make a change, I took immediate action. I called on one of the maids and instructed her to gather all the servants together.
After a ten-minute wait, the main entrance room was filled with 25 servants, each a vital part of the household, yet their possessions and skills seemed overshadowed by the rigid hierarchy. Standing before them, I took a deep breath and announced that from that day forward, they would be joining us for meals in the dining room. I declared that I considered them family, and as such, they would be treated with the respect and dignity they deserved.
A wave of shock washed over their faces. I could see the struggle to process my words, and then, unexpectedly, some of them began to cry softly. Their emotional response caught me off guard, but I quickly reminded myself of the history tied to this estate. The realtor who sold me the Anthreus Estate had mentioned that it once belonged to a noble named Viscount James Von Darenion, a figure notorious for his poor reputation and harsh treatment of those in his service.
At that moment, I realized the significance of my decision. I was not just breaking a tradition; I was creating a new culture within these walls—one where every individual, regardless of their role, would be valued and included.
Once everyone had finished wiping away their tears, we gathered in the spacious dining room, designed to comfortably accommodate all 27 of us. The large wooden table, dressed with a white tablecloth and flickering candles, created a warm and inviting atmosphere as we began to serve our food. The aroma of the home-cooked breakfast filled the air, mingling with the faint sound of soft laughter.
After I set my plate down, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. I knew it was time to delve into the details about the estate previously owned by James. But not before finishing breakfast and heading to the office inside I began.
James found himself descending into financial ruin when the nobles he had extended loans to arrived with demands for repayment. Faced with their insistence, he reluctantly confessed that he was unable to settle his debts, having foolishly squandered his assets in reckless ventures. His dire situation led him to sell the prestigious Anthreus Estate, a property originally valued at over 2500 Ran. However, the nobles, keenly aware of his desperation, pressured him to accept a mere 1400 Ran—a significantly lower price, knowing that time was not on James's side.
Despite this loss, my timely intervention meant that I could acquire the estate for a fraction of its worth. This purchase not only allowed James to extricate himself from his financial binds but also provided him with a path to escape the dreaded Debt Servitude. This grim fate often awaited those unable to fulfill their obligations, trapping them in a cycle of perpetual indebtedness. In a twist of fortune, my acquisition became a lifeline for James, granting him a second chance to rebuild his life and regain his financial footing.
Besides the dirty reputation of the previous owner there was another past for, This estate, which is a source of a great 7,000 square meters and features a stunning blue pond that is 1,200 square meters and 30 meters deep, resembling a perfect mirror. The main house consists of six floors, each with a floor space of 1,000 square meters, totaling over 60 rooms, each approximately 50 square meters in size.
The property boasts a wealth of additional features beyond the bedrooms, creating an impressive and functional living space. The kitchen is both spacious and well-equipped, perfect for culinary endeavors and entertaining guests. Adjacent to the kitchen, the formal dining room exudes elegance, with its classic decor and ample seating, while the informal dining room offers a more relaxed atmosphere for casual meals.
The estate also includes two grand ballrooms, each with its own distinct charm, ideal for hosting lavish events and celebrations. Upon entering the mansion, guests are welcomed by a striking entrance hall that sets the tone for the sophisticated design throughout the home.
For visitors, there are six thoughtfully designed guest rooms, each offering comfort and privacy. A standout feature of the property is the large greenhouse, seamlessly connected to the mansion, providing an oasis of greenery and a perfect space for gardening enthusiasts. Lastly, the library offers a serene retreat, filled with shelves of books, a cozy reading nook, and an ambiance of tranquility, rounding out the extensive layout of the estate. Altogether, these additional spaces encompass an impressive 3,000 square meters, enriching the overall living experience within this remarkable property.
The architecture masterfully intertwines English and French styles, resulting in a breathtaking structure that boasts an elegant façade of classical gray and cream brickwork. The building is crowned with striking dark blue roofs adorned with golden accents, which glimmer in the sunlight. A generous array of windows punctuates the exterior, allowing light to cascade in and showcasing the intricate details of the design. This harmonious blend not only defines its grandeur but also invites admiration from all who approach.
*Authors Notes, If you like to see what the imagined look would be check out the link below,
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/the-newport-mansions-everything-you-need-to-know, and
https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Palace_of_Versailles,_roof.JPG*
Once the main building was thoroughly cleared, we were greeted by the expansive garden that sprawled over 500 square meters. This picturesque garden was a vibrant tapestry of diverse plants and flowers, each contributing its unique color and fragrance. Towering trees provided dappled shade, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Scattered throughout were charming benches, inviting visitors to pause and bask in the beauty of nature. A few swing-like structures added a whimsical touch. With its variety of features and tranquil ambiance, I am convinced that the Estate of Anthreus is not just a residence but a remarkable haven to call home.
Finally, regarding the actual property, the Anthreus Estate was built in the year 344 of the Sun Calendar. This calendar, unlike the one I am familiar with, counts a year for every completed rotation of the Sun, but its structure is different. The Sun Calendar consists of 35 days in each month and has 14 months, which means that one Isorropia year totals 490 days.
For this reason, on my ID, I put 16 instead of 20, as that represents the equivalent age when accounting for the difference in the number of days in a year. Additionally, since my birthday is May 9th, I decided to designate it as Amthos 24th in the Sun Calendar, as both dates fall on the 129th day of their respective years.
But that was just a side note. Back to the history of the Anthreus Estate: it was built in the year 344 by a high-ranking duke who hired the famous architect Leous Von Trebona, known for designing the Saratous Palace. That national landmark was valued at around 300,000 Ran, or 30 million USD. This is why the realtor was confused when the Anthreus Estate came up for sale at only 1,400 Ran, or 140,000 USD, considering its original value was 2,500 Ran.
While the Anthreus Estate is beautiful, it cannot be compared to the Saratous Palace, primarily because of the difference in size. The palace occupies a land area of 30,000 square meters, with the building itself featuring a base floor space of 12,000 square meters per floor. With 16 floors, this adds up to a total floor space of 192,000 square meters.
In addition to its sheer size, the palace boasts a stunning design that blends French and English architectural styles. Its exterior features intricate details, statues, towering ceilings, and ornate roofs. The luxurious interior of the palace alone could easily be valued at around 40,000 Ran, which explains the disparity in prices.
Still, the Anthreus Estate is gorgeous in its own right and could rival the palace, especially when size is not considered a factor. Overall these Titans of Build both deserve praise for the year was now 449 meaning that the Anthreus Estate had been standing and still in great condition for almost 141 earth years which was impressive. Or 105 Issoropia years.