This house belongs to a successful businessman in Hamrey. The entry room is where wood is stacked for the fireplace and where guests leave their shoes (slippers are laid out and each member of the family has his or her own pair). The kitchen contains the traditional space-saving corner fireplace, which also contains a brick oven (a fairly new invention). The family eats at the long table, while the short one is used for work.
The parlor, through the kitchen, is where guests are received. It contains two chairs (probably bought, not homemade) and a bench at the back of the room. The desk is where the man of the house keeps his papers.
The small courtyard contains the usual vegetable plot and well; the flagstones connect all four doorways, including that of the parents' bedroom, which is accessible only by that way. They share a chimney with the sitting room.
Upstairs is one long room, where the children sleep. Each bed can comfortably hold two, but depending on how many children the family has, they may sleep only one or four small children. This family has divided the room with a curtain - one half for the male children and one for the female. A chest stands at the foot of each bed and contains the clothing and possessions of the children.
The house is probably not far from the merchant's store - maybe even next to it (or across the street). Cities are somewhat divided into business and residential districts, but the distinction is by no means obvious and houses and shops frequently are found next door to one another.
Thanks to Obey and Myzha Bara for use of their house in this article.
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