Inside The Manor

Nestled on four acres and dotted with old growth fir trees is Hawthorne Manor. This 27,000 square foot manor is of the Gothic Tudor style and features three stories, including a massive library that boasts one of the largest collections of occult literature in the world.

The front yard is large, yet boasts of nothing descript, save for the perfectly tended lawn that leads up to the Manor's large front door. There is a circular driveway before the main entrance that features a few decorative hedges and trees. The main entrance is hidden inside a porticulloed arch. There is a lion-shaped knocker upon the large oaken door.

Just inside the main entrance lies a foyer. To the right of this is a staircase and to the left is the Manor's main parlor. The foyer contains several pieces of artwork, including a stone bust of Nathaniel Hawthorne himself. There is a pillowed duvet as well as a mahogany table, where the Manor's guestbook lies. A clerk is on duty at Hawthorne 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A clerk can be reached by ringing a small desk bell. The manor's offices are to the left of the foyer area, underneath the stairs.

The main parlor is warm and inviting, decorated in deep browns, russets, accented by a sky blue divan. Every piece of furniture, every painting that hangs on the walls and even the Oriental rug in the center of the room are exquisite. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling and a fireplace lies along the furthest wall, its mantle decorated with elaborate candles and the like. (The foyer is probably the best meetingplace for characters within the chat.)

Just beyond the main parlor is the dining room. The stylings are typical of most Victorian rooms with a long elaborate table that seats up to 20. Portraits of various Hawthornes line the walls, including one of the house's builder Julian himself.

To the back of the dining room is the kitchen, which is one of the more modern rooms of the Manor. It is said that Ms. Manley allowed the residing chef to design it according to his whims and its rather stark, yet utilitarian, silvers and whites attest to that.

There is a smaller, more intimate breakfast nook just beyond the kitchen. The table seats up to six and the bay window of the room overlooks the Hawthorne's gardens.

To the right side of the main staircase is the library. It is said that the Hawthorne library has the most extensive selection of books on the occult than anywhere else, save for perhaps the Talamasca Motherhouse in London. The library spans two stories of the manor.

There is also various dens throughout the Manor as well. Most of these contain sofas, writing desks, small bars and televisions. All of the rooms downstairs are public domain.

Upstairs are the bedroom suites. Each room is uniquely decorated in the Victorian fashion and it is here where the denizens of Hawthorne Manor sleep. Heavy curtains drape all windows, allowing a complete cover from daylight, if so required. Each room requires a key, which is assigned upon guests' check-in.

The ballroom spans the bottom two floors of the manor and is exquisite, colored in ivory and golden hues. Windows line its halls and chandeliers hang from its large elaborately decorated ceiling. The floors are polished oak and tables are scattered throughout, although plenty of room has been left for a band and dancers, if needed.

Right next to the ballroom is a small proscenium theater. It is said that the Hawthorne family has been entertained here privately by some of the finest actors, including Laurence Olivier, John Gieulgud and Ingrid Bergman, to name a few.

The attic is full of antiques and other items left from previous eras. Not too many people venture here, not even the owner, for it is said that those who go up to the attic never come down. (It is not a good idea to RP scenes in the attic, and if you do, be prepared for the IC consequences).

From the attic, however, a tower is being currently constructed. But what it's purpose shall serve, no one knows.

Around back is the sunken English garden of Hawthorne. Flowers of all sorts grow here and fountains trickle water thoughout the day and night. There is also a small duck pond in this area. In the fall, this area is vibrant with all the colors of the season.

The gardens lead into the surrounding forest, but most would not dare enter into its dark and murky depths. Strange howling can be heard from the forest in the dead of night, and this sound usually deters any would-be visitors.

At the edge of the gardens is a small chapel and cemetary. The chapel is typical of family churches, small, but extravagant with stained glass windows and statues of the saints. The cemetary is very old and is the final resting place for many Hawthornes, including Julian. The chapel serves as a chantry for Salem and Boston mages and sits upon a node. Father Lucas O'Riordan is the priest and mage in charge there.

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Slideshows
Want to know what the manor looks like? Or Salem? Or Boston? The following slideshows feature photos of the area:

Hawthorne Manor Slideshow
Salem Slideshow
Boston Slideshow

Become A Better Writer!
Looking to enhance your roleplay writing skills in Hawthorne or elsewhere? Well, check out this article for some great tips that will help you become a better writer.

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