2,174 Comments for Bennett School for Girls

wrote:
my two thumbs up- thanx for the info- nothing in the Independent about further plans
yeah,the wind-down,in reverse, as material fact disappears,reverting back to the footprint, and then finally to idea,on paper. It would have made a hell of a time-lapse film, over
the years.

Celeste,I believe the east tower wing could possibly be preserved in part? Perhaps not.
Conditions vary wildly.But the East Wing, as it does not share a contiguous basement
[hint!] seems spared much of the toxic horror that befell the main building. It is
technically a seperate cottage, for the original hotel caretaker'superintendant, as well
as a Nursery annex for guests children. Much of it's exterior's blight is deceptive,
mostly filled in verandah space that has collapsed, naturally sooner than the original
portions.

And what of the plans for the remainder of Halcyon?If the Stonework is to be preserved, which has
been mandated by State decree, then I envision the rampart-like stone foundation
would serve as an attractive terrace, perhaps with the loggia below intact.Chimneys
will come down,naturally.

The vista that will open will be quite flattering to the Colonial Revival Exmoore
mansion that perches on the hill above the sight. It is by the same architect,
almost 30 years after Halcyon Hall,and his final house design in Millbrook. So there is
some symbolic symmetry there that is apropos for the longterm future here.
As well as the 1926 chapel, removal of both sets of ugly dormitories, and conversion to
parkland, I am optimistic about the potential for the campus.

Familiarity with the serpentine map leads me to conclude that this park will be
connected to the village along a hidden strip between Bennett and the golf course,
comprised of the old railroad line. It is this path through the woods,just sitting there,
waiting exactly for this scenario! No view would have to be altered in any way,really.
It terminates exactly at the village green across from the park, restoring the historic
original entrance to the village in a low impact manner.

It has not been announced that this is what will happen, and I have no inside
knowledge specifically that is part of this plan; But i bet you good odds and real
money that that is exactly what is going to happen here! It takes a certain kind of eyes
to read the map this way, but I am certain the principals involved see what is obvious
right beneath their eyes when they survey the map of Millbrook. This is the icing on the cake that links the long, semi -detached Bennet campus to the village at large,in a way
that is suitably ceremonial,yet still largely rural and low key.

If any real estate deal could be termed genius, this it certainly it. Brilliant work,
gentlemen. I applaud this plan wholeheartedly, and especially as an alternative
to the previously planned development[s].
wrote:
This school reminds me of the Overlook Hotel from the book version of the Shining. Fantabulous pictures guys!:)
wrote:
My thoughts exactly wanderer.
wrote:
I personally would like to see the evolution of total collapse- what a magnificent happening
wrote:
Pat I've seen a few images of the West wing as recent as last year from inside. While there are some areas where floors are shakey. I don't think west wing is anywhere near total collapse.

I cannot determine the condition of the expansions added to Halcyon, but judging from roof condition, west wing has the least wear of the three primary sections. The "Center Wing" which links east and West is definitely close to a total collapse. An extended dormer in the courtyard also collapsed on the otherside similar to the primary one we see often in photos.

Of the four original halcyon hall parts, and based off of recent interior exploration videos. I'd say the east east wing ( turret ) building has a good 20+ more years. West Wing maybe 10-15.
wrote:
everyone on the board should sign in & watch the drone videos my eyes are green with envy but will have to wait till Oct to see it for myself - Carola Lott said there should be something done by oct can't wait ---the new plans sound great if the old girl must come down before her day this may be very acceptable
hola amigos. great hearing from all the.. uh... what are we called? Halcyon-ites?
Bennet-ettes? Bennet-etos?

I am still stunned and amazed at the recent news about Halcyon / Bennet, and it's
environs "at large". I am also wildly Wrong about when it will be torn down,and
obviously,[from the drone footage that i have been enjoying and watching till my eyes
roll back in my head] my prediction of heightened security there.

gotta love this drone footage.Going where no man has gone before,kinda.
Drone As Concept terrifies me,like we are in a Tom Cruise movie...[actually,I think we
kind of already ARE all living in a Tom Cruise movie,if you think about it...]

But Drone As Electronic Product /Fun Toy is pretty awesome, and these guys are
all going to the cool places you wanna see,and postin that shit!

But the recent footage walking through the building was fantastic, eerie, I have not
been there inside in SO long.It is so wrecked inside,to the point of abstraction,
you can see through 3-4 floors in some parts of the main west wing,light coming through, rivlets of water,moss everywhere. If people see how internally collapsed
alot of the interior is, you realize the outer frame exterior is the only thing holding any
of it up,and is arguably in much better shape. You kids are all freakin crazy goin in there!
Demo?how about wait about one more year and let the place fall the hell down on itself,
let Gravity Pay to get it all started. Mother Nature is doing a fine job so far.What a wreck.

It's what I would do.
And it's what Millbrook is going to do as well. It will be a year, at least before Halcyon Hall is finally torn down, my rush to remediate being once again shot down in flames;
They keep proving me wrong. Those bastards...

I it's a huger [huge-er? is that a word?]...anyway it's a bigger FR#
wrote:
much work thanx-i looked at the Millbrook independent for the scoop on sale and future plans not much new- guess we'll have to wait
wrote:
Sorry

Music Room, Still recreating.
http://i159.photobucke...3736_zpsf8ea4c4f.png
wrote:
I know nothing. All my information comes from random sources. Most of my knowledge about the building itself comes from closely analyzing photos/videos taken from urban explorers.

The drone videos I've known about for awhile, simply amazing. Also that is the first time I learned how accurate my roof work was. Before that all I had was a very low detail google sat photo to go off from.

I'm still trying to find any kind of real basement information that would help me finish the last two floors.

I also made an attic for the hipped roof in the east wing. I had a lot of unused space up there so I figured I'd make it an unfinished attic for fun.

http://i159.photobucke...1210_zpsdd5291aa.png

of course in reality that insulation would be asbestos... but lets ignore that inaccuracy lol!

Otherwise its just a slow going to finishing hallways/rooms

Slight East Wing Tilt
http://i159.photobucke...0153_zpsa21204ed.png

Slight West Wing Tilt
http://i159.photobucke...1343_zps8f5a1658.png

Front Courtyard Main Entrance
http://i159.photobucke...2807_zpsba57ef2c.png

Living Room
http://i159.photobucke...0703_zpsd741d5dd.png

Dining Room
http://i159.photobucke...1313_zps0b7fbf32.png

Music Room, Still recreating
http://i159.photobucke...-20_193736_zpsf8ea4c
wrote:
oops my spelling is goofed
wrote:
hey everybody look on U tube benett school [ mjnd the spelling] travis keyes soo good another use for a drone- absolutely mindblowing- don't miss this -guys
wrote:
got a response from Carola Lott of the Independent and a link- not much new info and she said maybe some progress by Oct so must wait and see- Celeste what do U know
wrote:
whatever progress in Oct I'll put on picasa meanwhile will keep in touch with Carola from the Independent as to permits and progress- even if it's going down it's xciting to see how it all works out