Preserving American Mansions and Estates - Tapa dura

America has an abundance of fine mansions and large estates. However many are experiencing problems due to rising tax assessments, changing development patterns, code regulations and demographics. This book offers practical alternatives and models for rescuing these national, historical treasures. From resorts and conference centres to bed and breakfasts, public museums, cultural centres, this book demonstrates how great estates throughout America have been transformed into handsome and economically viable properties that no longer drain their communities' resources. Also included is information on how to weigh management development options-public versus private ownership, land trusts or commercialization; handle zoning and environmental concerns; comply with code requirements and fire snd safety regulations; supervise energy conservation and asbestos removal; cope with historic preservation issues and adaptive reuse; simplify the maintenance of historic garden landscapes and deal with management and stewardship issues. Complete with detailed architectual drawings, archival photographs and before-and-after photographs this work is full of ideas and information for preserving, restoring and managing America's architectural treasures.