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Archive for October, 2013

Whimsical Wow!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

I love these three offerings for the whimsical and pop factor they provide! Please note that all dimensions are upon request. E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.

 Designer window treatments for 3 windows consisting of 6 panels and white rods.  Price:  $300

NO LONGER AVAILABLE

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SOLD: Wicker set, upholstered in orange terry cloth, consisting of sofa, two chairs, and coffee table.  Price:  $1,000:

 NO LONGER AVAILABLE

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Set of 4 Karim Rashid butterfly chairs in pink and gray. Price:  $300

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Pick of the week – a wide variety of treasures

Friday, October 25, 2013

I ran into a friend (and fellow RE agent here in town) on the open house trail last week.  She turned to me and said “have you guys become decorators?”  I said “oh no! does it look that way?  I couldn’t decorate my way out of a brown box!” The thing is, it’s hard to walk into a house and not start to brainstorm about what one might/could do with it.  Or, if I wanted to sell it to someone what I might say about the decorating possibilities.  I LOVE to imagine how different decorators might do things in all the houses we walk into.  So, when we see all this fabulous treasures at the Antique Center, we feel it is our obligation to report back to our readers about all the gorgeous pieces, and fabric, found at the Antique Center.  The fabric room is truly one that stands far apart from any other retail source in Fairfield County, but more on that next time.

Enjoy this weeks “picks”!

 1262679_10150353521849945_1771854540_oA STUNNING pair of custom twin headboards. The paisley/trim color/nail heads make this a must have.

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DSC_0040We absolutely LOVE-LOVE-LOVE  these planters. If you have a wide porch with room for hanging plants, these are a”must have”. We rarely see one’s so fabulous. (Gorgeous option for fabric samples as well!)

DSC_0041Call the Antique Center – or better yet, go down there – for more details. There are three or four of them in the fabric room.  Call the Antique Center for more details.

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Look what we saw! A beauty by Lynne Byrne

ImageHave a great, fall weekend!

What happened to the fall market?

Monday, October 21, 2013
8 Circle Road, on the market through Kelly Associates.  Asking $2,949,000.

8 Circle Road, on the market through Kelly Associates. Asking $2,949,000.

If any of you have been wondering why we have not been blogging as much about what is on the market, the answer is there has not been a lot to talk about.  It has been a very sleepy fall market.  Where are all our sellers?  We are starved for inventory (146 in September vs 192 last year). Some are waiting for the spring market and some are staying put until our economic climate gains some stability. We know there are buyers out there…..waiting…..waiting……waiting!

The high end is on life support (34 just in the $2-3mm range and many of those have been on for quite a while). But, you are hard pressed to find anything on in the lower range of $800,000 – $1M, like 15 Hillside Avenue and 73 Coachlamp Lane; they sell in a matter of hours or days. We had a customer who wanted to see 15 Hillside but went away for the weekend and was long gone by Monday.

One thing to note, no matter the price range, when something fabulous comes on, it may not even last the day or end of week as was the case with 17 Maywood and 9 Cross Road.

If you are thinking of LISTING your home, the time would be NOW.  If you decide to ask a brokers advice, LISTEN to their recommendations. The market has a lot of “shades of gray”; PRICE being the most sensitive, then, of course, LOCATION.

We don’t usually get statistical, but we thought you might like to know what is actually going on in the market.

As of September, 2013

Single Family Properties

September, 2013 September, 2012 % Chg
Property Sales 18 16 12.5%
Median Sale Price $1,517,500 $1,097,500 38.3%
Sales to List Price Ratio 92.6% 94.2% -1.7%
Homes for Sale 146 192 -24.0%
Months of Inventory 6.1 8.7 -29.0%
Days on Market 95 99 -4.0%
New Listings 30 41 -26.8%
Listings Under Contract 12 16 -25.0%
Property Sales
Sales fell to 18 in September. This is down from 37 in August, but up from 16 in September of 2012. Sales/list ratio in September moved down to 92.6% from 96.3% in August. Pending sales moved way down to 12 from 28 in August, which is a negative indicator for future closings in the near term.
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Prices
Median sale price of $1,517,500 in September was up 15.8% from $1,310,000 in August and up 38.3% from $1,097,500 in September of 2012. 3-month median sale price of $1,317,500 in September was down a little from $1,350,000 in August but up slightly from $1,232,500 in September of 2012.
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Days on Market
Market time of 95 in September was way down from 158 in August and down just slightly from 99 in September of 2012.
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Homes For Sale
There were 146 homes for sale in September. This is down 0.7% from 147 in August and down 24.0% from 192 in September of 2012.
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Homes for Sale by Price Range
Homes for sale are distributed by price range according to the chart.
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Months of Inventory
Months of inventory of 6.1 in September was down marginally from 6.2 in August and down moderately from 8.7 in September of 2012.
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Data courtesy of: DARMLS
Listing and sales information comes from various sources and may not always be accurate. No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy of this information. You should verify any information that is important to your buying decision.

 

 

A CHARMED EVENING WITH MARIO BUATTA & ELISSA CULLMAN

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

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What a fantastic party Thursday night at the Antique & Artisan Center celebrating Mario Buatta and Ellie Cullman. The gallery looked absolutely fabulous and it was all we could do not to walk out with a treasure. (Thankfully the books weighed too much to carry anything else!) Mario, and his hilarious sense of humor, once again charmed and dazzled as he signed his only “tomb” highlighting his 50 years in the biz. Asking him how he looked back on the project?  “A lot of very hard work”. I can only imagine!

The guests of honor!

The guests of honor!  Living legends who both bring unparalleled excellence to the world of design. (You have to love that Pagoda!)

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These books weighed a ton but are an encyclopedia of their work.

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Always charming and funny -even when you bump into him at the Brunschwig showroom. Careful which hand you shake!

You know you have made it when you have your own Absolut ad.

Looking through his book reminds us how fabulous the career of the “Prince of Chintz” has been. He really did pioneer fabulous yet comfortable living in the grandest way. It is impossible to deny the place in the history of decorating he has earned.

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A Palm Beach loggia…..perfect spot for a martini.

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A Southampton center hall colonial. Look at those hand painted walls.

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The Master Bedroom of Morristown Manor House.

Ellie and her partner Tracey Pruzan are as elegant as they come. Their interiors reflect their uber style.

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Palm Beach Punch.

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Barrett Bookstore has them in stock. Get yours today!

Apropos of Columbus Day

Monday, October 14, 2013

What little one would not want to drift asleep and dream of voyages and discovering new worlds in this Sweet William bumper and bedskirt set. “By The Sea” has adorable and beautifully stitched blue sailboats with a white cotton background and pique ties/backing. Anchors away today!

Price:  $200 

E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.

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Ridge Acres Beauty

Saturday, October 12, 2013
This could be your very own "Yellow Brick Road", leading you to your new home!

This could be your very own “Yellow Brick Road”, leading you to your new home.  Follow, follow, follow….

It’s so hard to gracefully combine an old house and new space for modern living, however we found one that works; where life carries on graciously and the dogs can roam freely!  56 Ridge Acres, asking $3,515,000, offered through Kelly Associates, successfully passes the test!  We have liked this house since it came on – sometime ago.  This new price (the house originally started at $3,750,000 with a different broker) is certain to lead someone to this fabulous expanded Connecticut Colonial.  It really has everything.  Space, both indoors and out, a pool, nice open kitchen, bedrooms (6), and privacy!

Flat and beautiful back garden, with plenty of space and privacy. Lots of room for a garden.

Curb appeal already established! Lovely lines running the length of the house.

Flat, private and a fabulous pool for entertaining.

Flat, private and a fabulous pool for entertaining.

Cozy and comfortable.

Cozy and comfortable.

Even though no one seems to use a dining room anymore, it is SO NICE to have one.  Sitting down for a family meal at any holiday will be fabulous in this room.

Even though no one seems to use a dining room anymore, it is SO NICE to have one. Sitting down for a big gathering, or any holiday meal, will be fabulous in this room. ( I am thinking about Ellie Culllman’s new book, The Detailed Interior as I write this).

An example of Ellie Cullman's work.  Elegant and sophisticated.  Wonderful if you are looking for a formal dining room.

An example of Ellie Cullman‘s work. Elegant and sophisticated. Wonderful if you are looking to have a more formal dining room.

Another example of Elliie’s work that would translate beautifully at 56 Ridge Acres. It’s all in the detail!

Pantry and lots of storage space in a open usable kitchen.

Pantry and lots of storage space in a open kitchen.

Love the way this comfortable and light space is incorporated in the kitchen.

Love the way this comfortable and light space is incorporated in the kitchen.

The Addition begins with a mud room.

The Addition begins with a modern take on an informal 2nd entry way – aka, the mudroom.

Moving right into the Great Room where more casual living is incorporated seamlessly.

Moving right into the Great Room where more casual living is incorporated seamlessly.

Always good to take a look at the floor plan.

Always good to take a look at the floor plan.

And then there are all the bedrooms!

And then there are all the bedrooms!

 

This is a great house.  It really feels like a home, and will make the next 15 or 20 years something special for you!  If you would like to see it, we would love to show it to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Photo’s courtesy of Cullman & Kravis

The Classic Drop-leaf

Friday, October 11, 2013

Sometimes, you just need a great staple to finish off a room. This drop-leaf table is the perfect example: classic. Not only is it the traditional size and exhibits lovely markings, but the side drawer component is fantastic for storing so many sundries from candles and matches to light bulbs and batteries. I also like the casters allowing for easy mobility from space to space. The dimensions are 27.5″ high and 33″ long. It’s 20″ wide with the leaves down and 37.25″ with the leaves extended. This is surely a “must have” for anyone in the market for such an item. I personally have two, which were inherited, and I have found them to be invaluable.

Price:  $400

E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.

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40 Bridle Trail – Back on with a new price! (SOLD)

Friday, October 11, 2013

For the first time in a little more than 20 years. this house is on the market.  Sitting on about two acres, almost knowing how fabulous it is, 40 Bridle Trail is looking for a new owner who will love it as much as the current owners do (or at least is seems they have loved it)!  From the front door to the garage doors, it’s one of those true Connecticut colonials that we both immediately responded to. A little quirky, a lot of space and, yes I will use the word again – patina. Five bedrooms, four and a half baths, beautiful hardwood and slate floors, and lots of something that’s hard to find…a great vibe!  Asking $2,595,000.  Offered through Alice May Orr at Kelly Associates.

40 Bridle Trail offers privacy, property and a gardening opportunity not for the faint of heart!

40 Bridle Trail offers privacy, property and a gardening opportunity not for the faint of heart!

CZ Guest walking through her cutting cutting garden.

CZ Guest walking through her cutting garden. Rose beds, peony and so many other flowers would be right at home at 40 Bridle Trail. I can totally see something like this rose garden up there in northern Darien.

Big, and beautiful, and so many possibilities here!

Big, and beautiful. So many windows over looking the garden and property.

Garden paths and hedges are perfect for this property.  Love this example of what one can do.

Garden paths and hedges are perfect for 40 Bridle Trail. Love this example of what one can do.

Just over two acres, boarders, stone walls... very lovely.

Just over two acres, boarders, stone walls…it really feels like the country.  Not the suburbs.

Maybe somewhere at the bottom of the lawn?

Maybe somewhere at the bottom of the lawn? Elise Landscapes & Nursery would great for this project.

Not so traditional center hall.

A not so traditional center hall. Love this!

Over sized living room with high ceilings.  I am thinking about all that new Mary Macdonald fabric and trim in this room.  Gorge!

Over sized living room with high ceilings. I am thinking about all that new Mary Mcdonald fabric and trim in this room. This is a really elegant room. Just Gorge!

The library was added more recently.

The library was added more recently.

Old fashioned screened in porch.  Put a big beautiful lantern in this room, and some XXX ratan furniture... et voila!

Old fashioned screened in porch. Put a big beautiful lantern in this room, add some trellises and some  Janus et Cie  ratan furniture (check out the Arbor Collection)… et voila!

I love the garage doors.  And the stone wall that runs a long the side.

I love the garage doors. Think of all the Wisteria dripping from above.  A trellis would be easy to add! Some nice outdoor lights from Urban Electric Co. (Check out Fenwick Carriage Pocket or Belmont collection). And, there is a bedroom and full bath above where guests, or an au pair would be very comfortable!

 

 

It’s a great house.  If you are looking in this price range, do not over look this beauty!  If you would like to see the property, call us.  We would love to show you one of our favorites!

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

ELLIE CULLMAN & MARIO BUATTA BOOK SIGNING – TONIGHT

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Don’t miss THE event of the fall.  Rumor has it one of our favorite (and chicest) designers will be there tonight.

Can you guess who it is?
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Imagine: Dorothy Draper Style

Sunday, October 6, 2013

How fabulous would this look in your living room? Not into neutrals, then go for a bold and bright geometric. This Dorothy Draper inspired X bench stool is not for sale, but the two pictured below are. The pair was purchased from Hiden Galleries with the intent to re-upholster; however, the project never came to fruition, but it could be your latest gig. Imagine the possibilities!  Price: $800 for the pair.

E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.

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Global Style in Tokeneke

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

12 Runkenhage Road.  What a beauty! We love this house and it’s new to the market!  The property sits beautifully on the Cove down at the bottom of Tokeneke, nestled among some of the Association’s most beautiful houses.  And the dock? Well, you can have your motor boat waiting for you when ever you feel the need to buz through Scott’s Cove and out on to Long Island Sound.  Asking $3,250,000 through Kelly Associates.

Its not Lake Cuomo, but you can bring your own "global style" to the table here.

Its not Lake Como, but you can bring your own “global style” to the table here. Couldn’t help but “borrow” the current edition of House Beautiful‘s fine choice of words for this one.

Imagine the court yard you could have here with beautiful planters and creeping vines!

Imagine the court yard you could develop here with beautiful planters and creeping vines! Note the copper gutters, and consider what you could have made at Urban Electric. Devine!

The courtyard.  Private and perfect for entertaining on summer nights.

The courtyard. Private and perfect for entertaining on summer nights.

A view from the second bedroom.

A view from the second bedroom. The house is in great shape.  The exterior shows really well.  A garden down below and along the water would be fabulous.

It goes without saying that a renovation is expected here, but the views!  They are like this from every room!

The views! They are like this from every room!

first floor floor plan

First floor.  Windows on all sides looking out.  The courtyard is perfect for dining al fresco.

Its so important to understand the floorplan and what you might do to it.

Each bedroom has en suite baths and exceptional views.

 

If you would like to see this house, we would love to show it to you.  It’s a fabulous opportunity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Looking for a Swanky Bar? It’s Here!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Yesterday’s headboards were sweet and whimsical whereas today, we skip to gorgeous and chic! What’s not to adore about this stunner. The uses of this beauty are infinite, and a treasure and enhancement to any space. What a swanky bar this would make – wow. Great pop factor here. CHEERS! The dimensions are 27.5 x 21.5 x 22 with the glass top. The price is also something to toast: $875.

E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.
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