Re:

yes, it's just such a pain in the ass. to start from scratch

Actually that's my point, the very last I can do for you is oversee such a project, so the aggravation is cut to the barest minimum. I would get Ben Pentreath to design the most fabulous recreation of a colonial governors palace, the sort you might find in Algiers, Cairo or Delhi. Wonderful proportions, truly grand in an understated way and yet at the same time functional and fit for purpose. As you know more than most, it's about location, setting and then perfectly proportioned rooms.

Linda who knows what you like and could easily come up with some wonderful menus of interior layouts and furnishings. The whole thing could be done for a fraction of what is being asked for these hideous monstrosities (apart from Bin Ennakhil which is spectacular but overpriced).

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