Kalistan

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Her Imperial Majesty decides to rebuild in Eveari
New Manor will be "more modern, closer to forest," says Empress
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 3, 5710


Her Imperial Majesty selects a new site for Ananto Manor

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina II Ananto has decided to rebuild on the Ananto Estate in Eveari. The previous Ananto Manor home was rendered unsavable by the Eveari Earthquake of 5705, which critically damaged every structure on the property, including the Ananto Family Mausoleum, leading to the mortal remains of generations of Royals to be relocated to earthen plots in a newly consecrated cemetery near the north west corner of the property at the former location for the Servants Quarters. Other buildings that were damaged were the Museum of the Empire, and the entrance to the Imperial Gem Vault.

The selected site for the new manor home will be more than a half a mile southeast of the previous location, right on the edge of the Eveari Grove nestled in the very first foothills of the Green Mountains. "This spot is special to our family," said Her Imperial Majesty, while showing La Moda's Alicia Fernandez around the now very empty estate grounds. "The trail head which Mary Ananto, our Grandmother, used to positively haunt is just near here, and that trail would lead her deep into the forest, where she would often disappear for days at a time. We felt that there was something about this spot, something magical, something that drew her here, and we feel it would be a wonderful place to build a home that we can raise our children in."

The Empress pointed out that the region was well watered by a nearby spring, so even in the dry months, the grounds remain lush and verdant. "This would make a beautiful spot for a flower garden," she said. "It is surprising that it hasn't been used this way yet, but this ground is just so sprawling, it's a wonder if anyone other than Mary ever set foot here." She noted that she would like to build a modern house. "Not something that would stand too much out from the natural setting, we think. But we do not want a rustic, you know, hunting lodge or anything like that." The Empress noted that Mary had a home in the secluded Dragon Hills in Odufaray. "No, nothing like that. We would like to stay in the 58th century, thank you."

The Empress said that eventually, she would like the former site of the home built upon as well. "The original home and all the facilities were just near the entrance, so they were very accessible, not only to our family, but also for guests. If we had important people coming in from other nations, it was very easy to get to the House. Visitors from town could very easily be welcomed. But obviously now the House will be located a half a mile away, right here. So we will want to build some facilities near the entrance, so that we can still entertain without inconveniencing our guests." Her Imperial Majesty would like to build a new Museum of the Empire that is open to the public, as well as a new reception hall and guest quarters. "We used to have a whole wing for visiting guests, but visits were usually connected with some celebration or another. So it make sense to put visitors quarters near the reception hall. And when we are not in residence, we can make those facilities available for our friends here in Eveari." The Empress also said she would like to consider horse stables on the property so she can own a horse to ride around the estate.

Meanwhile, servants quarters will be attached to the new home when it is built. "We require a huge staff to keep the main house together. Even when we are not in residence, the home requires regular cleaning, regular maintenance, and regular staff. They need to be prepared if our family decides to come to Eveari for the weekend. Throughout the year, we spend a total of about 37 days at Eveari. Eventually, we would like to increase it to between 80 and 90 days, during the warmer summer months. So its only considerate that our staff, who are employed full time here at the house, have access to the House at all times, without them needing to expose themselves to the weather."

Her Imperial Majesty also would like to build a nature interpretive center near the main house so that people can come to enjoy the forest that her Grandmother tended so carefully. "The Center will employ nature educators, trail guide for those who would like to experience the forest in a guided trek, and game wardens and forest rangers whose job it will be to organize clearing and selective burning for the health of the forest. The Redwoods can only propagate naturally with fire: they are a natural part of any healthy forest, and regular controlled burning will help us maintain the forest that our ancestor has passed down to us for generations." Her Imperial Majesty has referred to herself as a conservationist rather than an environmentalist, and sees it as her duty to conserve Kalistan's resources for responsible and sustainable use into the distant future.

The construction will begin in late April, as soon as the rains let up, and will be funded by House Ananto. Home construction should be completed by early October, with water, sewer and electricity hookups expected in either October or November, and construction of the more public oriented buildings will then begin next spring.

@LaModa