As the family embarked on building our modest home less than a year before my impending retirement, a crucial decision came out: whether to fill the excavated soil where the house is planned to stand or leave it as is. Upon the architect’s advice, I opted against refilling it, considering the added expense and effort. Instead, I saw the prospect in the extra space to be a perfect spot for my basement mancave.
Back in the 1980s, my siblings, friends and I would hang out in music bars, relishing a few bottles of Superdry beer in an atmosphere of Jazz. It was then I vowed to one day craft my own intimate bar.
The rustic-inspired mancave I named “Ray’s Place” is my dedicated happy space at home designed and decorated to cater to my interests and hobbies. It’s my private retreat where I unwind, indulge in my hobbies such as playing my old vinyl records, watching movies, entertaining guests, or simply where I chill.
Aside from being my personal space, it serves as my depository of wines, liquors and spirits collected through the years. Also, the coffee mugs presented to me by various military units as a form of token are neatly arranged at the ceiling giving an accent to the strip light colors. I also decorated the brick walls with assorted old school rock & roll photos, Hollywood retro posters, old decorative license plates, sports memorabilia, vintage stuff and my antler collections. Each piece meticulously arranged with the aid of my trusty power tools.
“Ray’s Place” is my “mantuary” for relaxation and unwinding, away from the stressors of household and domestic duties that I’ve been doing mostly since I retired. This DIY mancave is also equipped with entertainment systems, gaming consoles and other electronic devices creating an ideal environment for hosting friends and small family gatherings.