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Archive for April, 2013

A Jewel Box – UNDER CONTRACT

Monday, April 29, 2013

The frenzied market in the last few weeks has brought buyers to their knees, throwing offers as fast as they can at houses they have barely seen.  The sweet spot seems to be in in the $950,000 – $1,250,000 range – exactly where the market is thriving in many towns.  This is good news for the sellers in this price point.

The even better news is that we have THE BEST HOUSE on the market in that price range now.  It came on today, and we are certain all those buyers out there will agree.  (The one’s who missed out on the recent bidding, or were not the lucky winners of recent “best and final offers”, will be relieved when they see this house!)

Farrow & Ball blue front door. The first of many details that make this house absolutely lovely.

Farrow & Ball blue front door. The first of many details that make this house absolutely lovely.

13 Oak Park Avenue  is super charming, fabulously renovated, and has smashing curb appeal. The  three bedrooms, two and a half baths, formal living room and dining room, great ‘eat in” kitchen, family room and finished basement all come together as a “perfect jewel box”.  Offered at $1,100,000 through Abigail Moore and Kim Swift at Kelly Associates. SOLD AND CLOSED.

Scale, proportion, and the large fireplace establish the focus points for a gorgeous living room.

Scale, proportion, and the large fireplace establish the
focus points for a gorgeous living room.

 

By adding beautiful details such as a classicaly modern pendant, and excellent paint job make this dining room sophisticated and chic.

Beautiful details such as a classicaly modern pendant, and an excellent paint job create a  sophisticated and chic dining room.

 

Soothing palate, and looking over beautiful Cherry Blossoms, a beautiful Master Bedroom is always where we want to end the day.

A soothing palate, and looking over beautiful Cherry blossoms; a beautiful master bedroom is always where we want to end the day.

 

A special nook.. A special detail in the master. Makes a wonderful spot for a desk.

A special nook.. A special detail in the master. It makes a wonderful spot for a desk.

 

"Fab Master Bath"... Need I say more? With radiant floors!

“Fab Master Bath”… Need I say more? With radiant floors!

 

Clean lines, Carrera marble counter tops and stainless appliances in an eat in kitchen. Simple is ALWAYS better!

Clean lines, Carrera marble counter tops, and stainless appliances in an eat in kitchen. Simple is ALWAYS better!

 

"family room", play room, den, or library. Which ever it becomes for you, it is sun filled and with windows on three sides (includes a door to the deck).

“family room”, play room, den, or library. Which ever it becomes for you, it is sun filled and with windows on three sides (includes a door to the deck).

 

Love this second out door sitting area!

Love this second out door sitting area!

 

 

Beautiful, flat garden.

Beautiful, flat garden.

 

Of course, everything is always better up close.  Let us know if you would like to see this fabulous house.

Call us!

 

 

 

 

 

GORGEOUS and AVAILABLE : Let’s make a deal!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Now that Summer is upon us some of you maybe contemplating a move to that fab “on the sound” town, Rowayton.  Rowayton has some fantastic properties on the market and we think there are a few that stand out,  Of course the range is huge in Rowayton, but at any level in the market you will find something special. LET’S MAKE A DEAL!

 13 1/2 Witch Lane

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Love this picture! All lit up and fabulous.

This five bedroom/four bath house, built in 2009, has been tweeked and perfected with gorgeous terracing and landscaping, and finishes inside.  Don’t fret about the stairs, there is an elevator here to drop you on any floor you want to be on!  Asking $1,695,000 offered through Lorraine Leonard at Keller Williams Associates

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Open floor plan which is so nice for entertaining.

Comfortable and livable space.

Comfortable and livable space.

Terracing and privacy are part of the package here!

Terracing and privacy are part of the complete package here!

 

46 Roton Avenue 

Gorge! Love this house. You have to see the staircase! This is a terrific example of how a good renovation works.

This fabulously renovated Victorian, in an awesome Rowayton location, has ten rooms, several fireplaces and lots of special details.  4 bedrooms/ 2 1/2 baths, and a separate two car garage! ( You know how I like those separate garages!)  Fantastic curb appeal, and a front door to love!  Definitely a house that Katie Ridder would have fun with.  Her book Rooms will inspire you here for sure.  This is a winner.  Check it out. Asking $1,929,000, offered through Sheree Frank at Kelly Associates.

Lovely ceiling height, and we love a good square dining room!

Lovely ceiling height, and we love a good square dining room!

Modern open kitchen in an beatiiful old house

Modern open kitchen in an beatiiful old house.

17 Sammis Street

17 Sammis.  One of our favorites!

17 Sammis. One of our favorites!

We have blogged about this house before; cant believe it is still available!  The renovation of this house was creative and well done. Transformational even…  The rooms are large, ceiling height is great, and sunlight streams into this waterside beauty.  4 bedrooms/3 1/2 baths, close to town, and an easy walk to the beach.  Not sure that the owner is leaving all the beautiful treatments, but I am certain Celerie Kemble would have some great ideas on how to make this your very own “fabulousness”.  Asking $1,895,000.  Offered through Amanda Briggs at Kelly Associates.

Fabulous and well planned kitchen that open up to the...

Fabulous and well planned kitchen that open up to the…

the family room!

Great room!

Gorgeous Master Bedroom! And, beautifully appointed.

Gorgeous Master Bedroom! And, beautifully appointed.

What's not to love about a luxurious dressing room.

What’s not to love about a luxurious dressing room.

 

17 South Beach Drive

ohhh lala! This is what you can call "waterfront".

ohhh lala! This is what you can call “waterfront”.   

Fabulously renovated, more light and views than you will know what to do with, and you have the opportunity to own it now! 5 bedrooms/3 1/2 baths, and more views… Bell Island’s private beach, boat storage and available mooring complete what the broker calls “beachfront perfection”.  OMG! Where else could be on Madison Avenue by day and South Beach Drive by night?  We call this LIFESTYLE perfection.  Asking $4,150,000.  Offered by Amanda Brigss through Kelly Associates.

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Need we say more?

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Great entertaining space.

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Comfortable. Easy. Chic!

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Sea breeze and cocktails. And the living is easy…

The weather is getting fantastic.  Its a great time to get out and see what is on the market!

If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.

A NEW ADDICTION….HOUZZ

Tuesday, April 23, 2013


houzz

Our new lust here at Real In Darien is houzz. It is like Pinterest, but more design and architectural based.  Whether you are renovating a kitchen or choosing shutters, they have fabulous ideas.  We have even added our very own houzz button on our main page (next to Pinterest and Facebook).  Check out our growing portfolio and share yours with us!!

 

Lynne Byrne Photography Day Time Open House

Monday, April 8, 2013

An exhibit of Lynne Byrne Fine Art Photography is on display now through April 12th at SBD Kitchens, LLC and Sarah A. Blank Designs, 1472 Post Road, Darien CT.  Viewing hours are 9:00 – 5:00 Monday through Friday and 10:00 – 1:00 Saturdays.  A Daytime Open House is scheduled for Thursday April 11th 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., during which time 15% of sales will benefit The Darien Arts Center.*

Lynne Byrne’s unique photographic imagery celebrates the details in nature that often go unnoticed – – the intricate textures, surfaces, reflections and variations in color.  The photographer uses natural light, and close up photography to share a glimpse of the everyday miracles seen in our natural environment.*

 
If you haven’t had a chance to run over to SBD Kitchens to see this marvelous show, now is the chance! We will be dropping by, so hope to see you there.

 

 

 

Our friend, Lynne Byrne. A ‘real’ talent!

 

 

 

 

 

 

*per press release

Go for the Bull’s Eye

Monday, April 8, 2013

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Ready to put some “pop” in your spring?  Then aim well and target these Ryan Studio pillows. I love the cool purple and brown color combination and the playful design blends in beautifully with numerous styles. The photograph clearly captures the quality and fine woven linen of the pair. Purchased from Good Food Good Things and in perfect condition, the pillows’ dimensions are 21 x 21 and each is selling for $200.  Now that the Easter treats have vanished, let the eye candy satisfy!

E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

The Welcoming House

Saturday, April 6, 2013
Forward by Bunny Williams.  Published by Rizzoli.  This is a book to explore.

Forward by Bunny Williams. Published by Rizzoli. This is a book to explore.

I was just sent a copy of The Welcome House , a new book published by Rizzoli.  The authors, Jane Schwab and Cindy Smith are the owners of Circa Interiors & Antiques.  These ladies are not “amateurs” in the land of interior design; their projects are stunning, and very sophisticated. Their shop and website will distract you for hours so give your self some time if you start to peruse!  (I haven’t had that much fun since I discovered Hollyhock years ago!) In Bunny’s forward she writes that when she walked into their shop for the first time she “wanted everything in there”.  So, you get it.  We are so glad to add them to the list of the ones we love!

Their first book is superb. We see a lot of books and talented designers but the level of attention to detail and sensibility they bring to the table raises the bar.  It certainly helps that they have the fabulous architecture of Charlotte and other special places (Jackson Hole, Palm Beach) as back drops to their work. Good architecture and good interior design… my heart goes pitter patter.

 

Lanterns, chandeliers, beautiful fabrics and special pieces of furniture all pull together the rooms in their houses.

Lanterns, chandeliers, beautiful fabrics and special pieces of furniture all pull together the rooms in the houses featured in their book.

So comfortable  yet classically modern.  A gorgeous room to relax in.

So comfortable and classically done with stunning fabrics, furniture and scale. A gorgeous room to relax in. A room I want when I have my “grown up” house.

 

One of my favorite rooms in the book.  Its hard to believe but the picture rendered me speechless.

One of my favorite rooms in the book. This is only one of the outdoor rooms featured. They are all gorgeous. Imagine this at night. Love the amethyst glass hurricanes!

 

Jane Schwab and Cindy Smith.  The brains behind this divine new book and Circa Interiors & Antiques.

Jane Schwab and Cindy Smith. The brains behind this divine new book and Circa Interiors & Antiques.

 

I instantly thought of the gorgeous listing 86 Delafield Island when I was looking through the book.  I would love to see their magic work there.  The book is available at Barrett Bookstore here in town, across from Palmers.  Go take a peek.  You are certain to leave with your own copy!

Stop Right There! You gotta know right now.* – CONTRACT SIGNED

Tuesday, April 2, 2013
The front door.  A very important place to start.  The house has fantastic curb appeal.

The front door. A very important place to start. The house has fantastic curb appeal.

You will not believe how charming this 1931 cape is! 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, living room, dining room and “screened in porch” all creating a fabulous flow for a party in your new house!  Yes, this is our listing, but we would NEVER lead you on about something as important as a floor plan!  And, yes, the we love the vintage.  This is a SOLID HOUSE! We are very excited to list 60 Gardiner Street.  Asking $1,099,000.  Our first Brokers Open House is Thursday, April 4th. We are taking appointments starting on Thursday at 12;30.  Please call us if you would like to see this fantastic house, convenient to trains, shopping and the beaches.

Generously proportioned foyer leads to dining room on one side...

Generously proportioned foyer leads to dining room on one side…

 

And living room on the other.

And living room on the other.

 

Love the Viking (dark blue enamel). You absolutely can put a hood on that if you want to.

Love the Viking (dark blue enamel/brass handle). You absolutely can put a hood on that if you want to. Deep counter tops and the island make for excellent cooking space.  Also, the bay window lets in so much light!

 

The Family Room is sun filled and has doors leading to the screened in porch as well as the wrap around deck. I can not emphasize enough how much sunlight you get in this room!

The Family Room is sun filled, and has doors leading to the screened in porch as well as the wrap around deck. I can not emphasize enough how much sunlight you get in this room!

Brokers love to talk about "flat yards".  Well, we've got one for you, and it really is big.  The gardening possibilities here abound!

Brokers love to talk about “flat yards”. Well, we’ve got one for you, and it really is big. The gardening possibilities here abound!

 

 YOU WILL LOVE THIS FOREVER

 

* curtesy of Meatloaf… “paradise by the dash board light” in our own words.