The North Star suite's paint is shaping up nicely. The garish base coats are being replaced with rich glazes. Soon the entire model will come to life in spectacular colour.
Architecturally speaking, a painted lady is a Victorian house whose trim is painted several (possibly garish) colours. The North Star isn't remotely Victorian but the model is certainly looking very garish at the moment! Don't worry though, the colours will be toned down considerably once the glazing process begins.
The Copper Crown's private garden features an outdoor fireplace and this fireplace's defining element is the Crown* family crest. Now, according to local legend, the Copper Crown is the ancestral home of this ancient line of aristocrats who, in addition to being peers of the realm, were renowned orchardists, dragon hunters** and even (according to one telling) dragon riders.***
*Some scholars claim the 'Crown' surname is a counterfeit cognomen and that they are more properly called the 'Copper' family.
**Other (perhaps more reputable) sources suggest that rather than hunting mythical creatures the 'Coppers' farmed the perennial herb: Artemisia dracunculus.
***Eminent dragonologists have yet to come to a consensus on the veracity of this claim.
The Copper Crown section of the model is nearly finished. We just have to add a few more details and some shrubbery and it will be ready for paint!
The Under Hill's courtyard has an organic feel. Although it is enclosed by a high wall very little of the wall is visible from inside the courtyard. Instead, it appears to have been cut into the side of a hill. It is also filled with quaint details like a sluice box water feature and an outdoor 'oven' for a fire pit. It is going to be a fun place to stay!
The Copper Crown's courtyard garden is starting to take shape. This will be a formal garden in the French style. It features a large outdoor fireplace and (because it would't be a castle without one) a small moat. :)
We have started blocking out the bailey gates and curtain walls. This is clearly an ancient château as the walls look to be in need of some repair. :)
