The work area was all built-in with rough cedar and counter tops that compliment the natural woods. In-Direct lighting
was installed around the complete room with mini track lights and an abundance of spot lighting over
exhibits and work areas.
Over a month of decorating was done before the carpeting was installed, featuring vintage Grand Lake advertising, fishing
memorabilia, fishing poles and tackle galore! Many one of a kind items are showcased in this modern' lodge type atmosphere.
Speaking of the clients in mind, a refreshment area was built in complete with a theater popcorn machine, fully stocked
bar and refrigerator. A state of the art security system was installed featuring house entry monitors, audio communication and survielance.
To add the final touches we called on Master Taxidermist Larry Barnett of Taxidermy "R" Us, to bring in one of each professionally mounted game fish from the waters of
our Lady Grand and also some natives of the area including a racoon, a deer, a few squirrels, a mallard duck, a pheasant and a few other fur and feather friends of the Grand Lake O' the Cherokees area!
The exterior of the new facility is also decked out in a natural fishing cabin theme, complete with a glass front that overlooks the pond and it's amenities.
Over the door is a largemouth bass jumping through a sign that reads "Valterbellaura Lodge," which is named after my family... Val... For my loving wife of 30 years Valerie; Ter... For my son Terry Kane; Bell... For my beautiful
granddaughter Belle; and Laur... For my daughter Laura. After the sign was completed
a grandson was born and an addition will be added in the future for his namesake Caden'as well.
The whole project has taken on a Silver Dollar City or Eureka Springs feel, which is very unique as well as relaxing.
Yes... I'm very proud of this in case you didn't notice, feel free to stop by and visit!
You are not going to believe it...
IT'S DONE! After a two year
struggle with health issues and poor judgement in carpenter choices, we have finally moved into
our new Grand Lake Visitor Magazine Studio & Media Room.
The new facility is just beautiful! The interior is done in weathered cedar and trimmed
out in rough cedar. A real neat aluminum ceiling was installed with unique paddle ceiling fans to carry out our fishing cabin theme.
After the carpeting was installed, one wall was encased in a built-in entertainment center featuring a state of the art surround sound system and wide screen TV was put in place for
the enjoyment of our many advertisers that stop by to proof ads and just kill some time.
The new studio sits on a beautiful 30 foot pond complete with Koi Fish, a wrap around porch and deck with a docked vintage boat, waterfalls, natural springs and fountains. A bridge goes across one of the waterfall
streams that flows into the pond that heads across to a beautiful gazebo.
A special Thanks' goes out to Coy & Karen Mayfield, Doug Ellis, Heaven's Best Carpet, Lowe's, Watco Insulation, Frosty's Glass, Marvin Fidler, Hank's Fine Furniture, Grand Lake Guttering,
my uncle Ott, Taxidermy "R" Us, The Carpet Mill, Mike Woodall, Grand Water, Les' Liquor, McBride's Koi Fish, Max Tillman Junior, Ron & Christle Smith, Dean & Patsy, Mom & Dad, my son T.K. and all his buddies that helped throughout the construction, Belle who helped with decorating and redecorating, and last but not least my loving
wife Valerie for putting up with this whole idea and the trips to flea markets for memorabilia searching!
Click Over Photo To See It Enlarged
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