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Goodbye Old Friend
Monday, August 19, 2019After planning, building and watching this fabulous new construction come to life, we are happy to say it has a new owner. Goodbye old friend.
249 Old Kings Highway South. Beautifully built, sitting on just a bit more than an acre. SOLD for $2,200,000
If there was ever a blank canvas for someone to create a beautiful home, this is it. I always thought that if Paloma Contrera got her hands on this house she would transform the interiors with her classic yet chic Style.
I have been crazy about Paloma Contreras‘s work lately, and her blog La Dolce Vita is a must read. Her new book, DREAM DESIGN LIVE, will sit beautifully on your coffee table and give you endless ideas if nothing else!
Clean lines. White walls. Love this look in a new construction house. Paloma’s magic…
In one of her projects, Paloma demonstrates the impact of good fixtures in a kitchen.
Loving the scale and scheme of this room.
Et Voila! Very inviting bedroom for your guests!
or something like this. High impact wall paper can make such a difference in a large bedroom.
First floor
third floor
basement level
Listed by Abigail Moore and Kim Swift/Houlihan Lawrence in Darien.
Built by Bryan Mungar of Flagship Builders, Stamford CT
25 Nearwater Lane – RENTED
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Asking $7000.00 for rent. Four bedrooms, three full baths and only steps from our beautiful beaches.
Our newest listing has hit the market this week. 25 Nearwater lane, built in 1935, is a traditional colonial that captures everything you can imagine when you think about “going home”. Big rooms and great “bones”, architectural details (THE STAIRCASE!) and the ever important kitchen where everyone ends up hanging out – it has it all here. The neighborhood of Noroton Manor offers water access for your boat, and tennis courts. Walking distance to all of that as well as the Blue Ribbon Hindley School. Offered through Houlihan Lawrence. Rented as of 12/1/16
THE STAIRCASE! I think it speaks for itself…So welcoming and lovely.
Wide open door ways and and gracious rooms are ready for every occasion.
The 27 x 14 Living room is just fabulous. Space for at least three seating areas. Mark D. Sikes…Can only imagine what magic he would work here!
A view from the library.
The dining room doubles as a second library for all the collectables and books you love. You can easily fit 12 in this dining room for dinner.
Top of the line appliances, lots of space and sunshine make this kitchen a highlight. And that refrigerator! Very Nice!
If you are able to keep a refrigerator looking like this on the inside, you win! Of course, you will have to bring out all your Juliska for that! Note what you see in the fridge!
Fabulous Great Room with a fireplace to match. Comfortable and right off the kitchen.
Wonderful back yard with a two car garage.
This is truly a special house. We LOVE this house; there really is “good juju” here. It feels right when you walk in and we promise you won’t want to leave. If you are in the market to rent a house that would make even Nancy Meyers proud, call us. Houlihan Lawrence is a phone call away to your new home away from home.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
496 Hoyt Street – LOVE it here first
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
496 Hoyt Street in Darien. A jewel box. Freshly painted (gorgeous blue front door) and ready for it’s new owner. So excited about this special house.
We are so happy to show you our new exclusive at 496 Hoyt Street in Darien. This house brings together a chic space and a fabulous opportunity for anyone looking to move right into a wonderful home that combines old and new, modern finishes and the glowing patina of a 1910 Farmhouse. Three bedrooms, three full baths, great outdoor space, a separate two car garage and convenient to both Darien and New Canaan’s shopping and trains. Asking $729,000. through Houlihan Lawrence. SOLD
Charming spaces out doors will make entertaining just perfect.
Night caps, fireside evenings all year around… fabulous.
The first floor has all the rooms you want: living room, dining room, and a family room. It’s open and light.
I immediately thought of the annual House Beautiful Small Spaces issue which is always so inspiring. 496 Hoyt Street should be on the cover of that issue!
We love this room. When you come see the house we think you will agree… this is the room you will LIVE IN!
Creative use of spaces make the cozy spots in the house. Built-in file drawers under the window bench add great storage for this built-in office.
Imagine this as a four season room! You could use this as a dining room. Or, it would be fabulous as another sitting room.
There ever important floor plan. So you can see the “lay of the land”.
If you have been looking for “that house“, the one that clearly distinguishes itself in the price point, this is “that house“. If you would like to see it, call us. Don’t wait!
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
8 Laforge
Monday, October 10, 2016
Super charming house on a wonderful neighborhood street. Walking distance to train and shopping (yes, really!)
8 Laforge Road stands out with a bright open floor plan and lots of space for entertaining; not something you might expect in a classic colonial house. And, even better is the fantastic garden you see immediately as you walk through the house. An exceptional, landscaped, flat back yard checks the ever important box of “I want a flat yard” that you just don’t find in this price range right now. Four bedrooms, three full baths, lots of natural sunlight (even at tea time) and plenty of closet space. If there was ever a time to look closely at how quality is worth every penny, now is the time! Asking $1,345,000 offered through Houlihan Lawrence.
A very gracious open feeling throughout the first floor pulls you right into this colonial home. Cynthia Princi was called in to help re-use, re-upholster, and re-shuffle the owners lovely furniture and special pieces. The end result is gorgeous and very comfortable. Check out Cynthia’s website. You might be inspired to have come help you when you move in here!
The kitchen is really nicely done with unique detail. For example the island counter top is a stunningly beautiful piece of Curly Cherry, or sometimes called Quilted Cherry, plucked from the deep woods of Oregon and honed by a local wood worker. Love that!
Open to the kitchen, the Family Room feels so comfortable and chic.
Look at this beautiful back garden! And so much privacy. There is very little inventory that would give you this!
If you are coming out to look at real estate in Darien, or live in the area and would like to go see this lovely house, call us! We would love to show it to you.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
The Jewel in The Crown
Friday, September 23, 2016We all heard last week about the Ziegler Estate (Great Island) coming on the market. The Wall Street Journal covered that pretty well. Now, 214 Long Neck Point has come on, brining to an end another family’s long history on the coveted neighborhood road. Journey’s End is officially on the market though Houlihan Lawrence asking $14,395,000. 248′ of direct waterfront, and 2.86 acres facing South West where the sunsets and the skyline of Manhattan never disappoint.
Wow! A subdivision of two lots, each with 124′ of frontage is pending approval. But to be clear, the property is being sold as one leaving the option open for the new owner.
The contemporary residence was built in the late ’50’s. Other features include a guest house, tennis court, paddle tennis court, cabanas for the pool, and a putting green (a small compound standing still in time). This is truly the most incredible piece of property to come on the market down on the Neck.
Yes. Really. That is the Manhattan skyline.
And, that really is what the evenings are like over there.
Spectacular. There is really nothing else that would describe this spot.
If you would like to see this “small wonder”, call us! It would our pleasure to give you a tour (of course with it’s fabulous listing agent Maggie Marchesi).
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Back into the Fall Market
Wednesday, September 21, 2016It sure has been slow in the real estate world the last four or five months, but Spring inventory is finally selling across all price points ( 13 Sunnyside, 21 Sunset, 33 Denhurst, 49 Goodwives River Road, 16 Beach Drive, 40 Morley Lane, 10 Meadow Brook, 259 Mansfield, 26 Stephanie and 6A Cross Road to name a few), and fabulous new inventory is coming to market. 8 Sunset comes to mind. It is a beautifully updated and expanded colonial centrally located in Darien. You really can walk to town from Sunset yet feel private on a great neighborhood street. Five bedrooms, four and one half baths, finished basement. Asking $2,425,000 offered by Houlihan Lawrence. SOLD
Bringing back ‘Father of The Bride’ over on Sunset. Great curb appeal and beautifully maintained. Note the gravel driveway which is just so much nicer than a ‘black top’.
Lovely living room with lots of light and space for a grand piano. A very pretty room with big windows and doors out to the terrace.
The dining room can hold a table for twelve easily. Nice neutral palate with seagrass on the walls. Dress it up or dress it down, it’s the ‘little black dress’ of the house. Either way you will create a chic room for entertaining.
A classically designed kitchen never looks dated. This one has a lot of storage, and great space for casual entertaining.
Open living to the family room, the mud room, the playroom/office over the garage as well as a finished basement. Without being overwhelmed by an oversized space you have everything you need in a manageable spacious house. Isn’t that what we are all looking for?
Love the terrace and the back yard. Here is the privacy and the outdoor space so close to town that is so sought after now.
It’s that time of year again… warm your hands and feet by the fire. You can be living here in time to celebrating Thanksgiving.
Let’s go see this! If you are looking for more space and want to spare yourself the headache of a long renovation, this is the house!
If you are currently working with a realtor, this is not a solicitation.
SOLD AND CLOSED
Monday, February 1, 2016We are happy to report that we have listed and sold
in just twelve weeks
our listing at
25 Brush Island Road
Sale Price – $5,850,000
A spectacular custom built home by Fox Hill Builders. Asking $5,995,000.
With breathtaking views and private beaches.
If you are interested in learning more about waterfront property in Darien, give us a call.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
16 Nathan Hale Drive in Wilson Point -PRICE REDUCED
Thursday, September 12, 2013
249′ of waterfront…..all yours!
If you need only one good reason why you would move to a waterfront property on Wilson Point, we’ve got it.
16 Nathan Hale Drive!!!
Totally done (House of Turquoise would be proud), remote and private, with views of Long Island Sound, nearby islands and New York City. This house is not only a summer pleasure palace, it will keep you happy all year long. If you are looking for a very special waterfront property, you need to see this. It is a spectacular setting. Asking $5,050,000 through Houlihan Lawrence.
Forget about your “own private Idaho”. Think about your own private Long Island Sound!
This spot is so divine.
Out for the evening on your boat. Shoot up to Stonington for dinner.
Yet another outdoor oasis. This one off the master bedroom.
A working kitchen that opens up to fabulous terraces. It’s time to host the best parties in the neighborhood!
Yes, another outdoor spot…tired of us saying that yet!
There is no escaping the stunning views from every room.
Like no other great room…and did we mention the views?
Love the balcony, wood beams and book cases.
The balcony to the great room.
The butler’s pantry is so fab!
Martini or dark and stormy? The bar off the study.
What a gorgeous master bedroom. It beats any spa!
A family bedroom. The Zhush would love this for their POP (pop of purple-check out their great blog).
Another family bedroom….all 5 of them are wonderful.
The bathrooms are all first rate yet a bit unique.
This home has it all and is waterfront living at its best! It is absolutely fantastic and perfect in our book. The minute we walked in we looked at each other and said “A HOUSE WE LOVE” and then went out to buy a lottery ticket. And their decor and details is something we will be thinking about for a long time. Contact us if you would like a showing at info@realindarien.com.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Middlesex Stunner – NO LONGER ON THE MARKET
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Middlesex fabulousness
There is a new listing on Middlesex. I saw it a few years ago when the Builder – a guy from Rowayton – was finishing it, and listing it for sale with his wife (a local Darien broker). It was the nicest “new construct” I had seen in a long time. Every detail was so beautiful, the space was big but not like a McMansion; it felt so gracious. I seem to recall that De Terlizzi did some work with the builder adding very beautiful finishes and touches of color that pop even in their subtlety. At the time I was thinking that if I was going to move out of the city, this would be the house!(A girl can dream can’t she!) Of course, someone else bought it, and now it’s on the market again. Offered through Kelly Associates with Cathy Lawton. Asking $4,495,000.
Some highlights:
Beautiful wide front entry. The hall looks through the living room, keeping it only two or two and a half rooms deep. Very nice scale, and light coming in from all rooms.
Sunroom for all seasons.
A kitchen to die for. Even more so in person. Custom cabinets make all the difference!
Thick (2 inches) Calcuta marble on the island. The quality of the materials in this kitchen is marvelous.
The bar. No, sorry, the Barbies do not come with the house 🙂
The Mudroom. My favorite room! Great brick floor. Tons of storage, and cabinetry to keep what you want out of sight! Accessible to the 3 car garage and a back entrance for packages and little hockey players!
Its rare to take a peek at the powder room… but this one… Oh! the wallpaper possibilities! (This paper is a pretty nice choice).
A good house has a good upstairs landing. Case in point… showcasing beautiful moulding and beautiful paneled walls. Simple yet substantial.
Gorgeous master bath, of course en suite with big walk-in closets and dressing area.
A nice place to watch Downton Abbey! Your friends will love joining you for that. Three rows of seats assures a place for everyone.
Terrace off the sunroom, lovely for summertime entertaining. (Love the lattice railing above.)
A great house, front and back! Croquet, badminton, bocce, what ever you like. There is plenty of room on the back lawn for all your favorite outdoor games.
Top of the list for my pick for a decorator for this one? Meg Braff, or Philip Gorrivan would bring great ideas and execute a wonderful fresh, chic yet timeless interior for this house. Check out their sites if you haven’t before. Or, maybe Victoria Hagan, if you want to keep the “biz” local.Take a look at Victoria’s recent book for some inspiration. Great mudroom in that book!
Listing curtesy of Kelly Associates, Darien CT.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Take a look. This is a winner!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
10 Tory Hole Road should be on your radar if you are out looking this Spring for something special. It is beautifully renovated, and expanded in the most discreet way. This house is the perfect opportunity for someone who wants the best of both worlds: room for kids, dogs and “stuff ” as well as a “grown up” and gracious lifestyle. No detail is overlooked! Situated in a private and well sought after neighborhood of Delafield Island, the 1930’s house has 5 bedrooms/4 1/2 baths, slate roof (which we love) approximately 5200 square feet, and is offered at $2,950,000. Listed by Kate Balanoff and at Kelly Associates.
Elegant, and beautifully established foundation plantings.
The rear view shows off a beautiful place to entertain.
Great scale and, of course, we noted the front door (love it!) Another example of an entry that is its own room. Always a “good thing”!
The house is gracious yet comfortable. Easy to entertain in. This room is large enough for several seating areas and corners for conversation.
My favorite room – the sunroom.
Comfortable and easy. Beautifully done.
A well planned kitchen in warm tones blend beautifully with the rest of the house.
Family room filled with southern charm.
Doors in the family room lead out to terraces.
If you would like to see this property, please call us.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Kensett – A very custom towhhouse to consider
Thursday, November 15, 2012There is a new “community” in town called Kensett, and it is really NICE. Up off of Hoyt Street, on 15 + acres, there will be 62 houses built, and developed into a new neighborhood. There is a pool, a club house, gardens, and services similar to what a condominium might offer, such as built in lawn care and road maintenance. They currently have two models to show. A few have sold and they are aiming for a Spring ‘move-in’.
Kensett Club house. It has a gym, Great Room with a bar, and downstairs access to the pool.
We visited the newly styled model homes and were very impressed. Worth a look if you think that something like this would work for you. There are four townhouse layouts to choose from. Prices start around $1,300,000 for a 2/3 bedroom townhouse with fantastic finishes offered to make this a supremely custom home.
NORWOOD HOUSE – 3 Beds + Den /2 1/2 baths approximately 3300 square feet ( approx. + 775 square feet of finished basement if you want)
Dining area and living room are laid out to enjoy a chic yet casual lifestyle.
Beautiful open kitchen in the Norwood House. Gorgeous custom finishes are offered to make it your own. No two houses are the same.
The island will be a wonderful work station or buffet for dining on the terrace.
Nice detail on the stairs. This townhouse has great flow for entertaining. The sliding doors in the kitchen open up to a stone terrace.
Master walk-in closet
Living room in Norwood. Beautifully styled by Lynn Morgan, the chic and sophisticated decorator in Rowyaton, CT.
PIPER HOUSE : 4 bedrooms/3 1/3 baths (approx + 775 square feet of finished basement if you want).
Love the chalk board! Upstairs landing with a built-in desk are seating area.
Very chic the way they have painted the trim black. Love that detail! If you don’t love it you don’t have to have it. Remember – custom, custom, custom! French doors lead to the terrace off the living room.
L O V E the kitchen… The color, the lay out and the beautiful details in the finishes are gorgeous. The ceiling height is fantastic.
Another angle of that “gorge” kitchen
A view to the living room.
A very serene first floor Master Bedroom
Beautifully designed and built vanity off master which leads to bath and large walk in closet.
WOW! You can have any kind of tub you want.
Don’t bring your kids to the showing. You won’t get them out! A great way to handle bunk beds!!
That blue tile in the kids bath is fantastic.
Big fabulous laundry room. The tiles are sensational!
These townhouses really offer something different in Darien. They are well done and could offer an interesting alternative to for you! If you would like to see these townhouses, please call us. We would love to show you.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
G L A M O R O U S…..oh the flossy flossy
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Its not Malibu, but if you are on the East Coast, it is pretty darn good!
“Flying first class…up in the sky…popping champagne…living the life….in the fast lane”” Remember that song? Well, you will be humming Fergies catchy tune it as you walk through the SEXIEST house on the market. Hidden somewhere down at the end of Five Mile River Road, this is a new house that definitely feels as if it were somewhere really cool. California, maybe. I LOVE FIVE MILE RIVER. It is such a beautiful place to live.
Private dock.
Almost at the mouth of the river.
Thinking about some of the architectural features we like, SCALE would be one of them. And SO MUCH you can do with this veranda.
Entertain in the entry hall. Why not? Perfect place to start the flow of Champagne.
A LOT of moulding throughout the house. Like that!
A dining room one would use. The color is fabulous. There could be more of it. The room is certainly big enough. Take a look at Katie Ridder’s book called Rooms. She would be a great choice of decorator for his house.
Love a side by side living room/dining room. Like a good Park Avenue apartment.
The ceiling height in this kitchen is fantastic. It changes the whole vibe in the room. It gives you great options for lighting as well.
Gil Schafer did not design this house, but “oh the GLAMOROUS!”
129 Five Mile River Road has 6 bedrooms/7 1/2 baths (7,757 square feet) pool, spa, out door shower and a dock. The house is listed by Sheree Frank at Kelly Associates. New Price as of 2/22/13 $7,195,000.
DON’T MISS the fabulous spread in the March/April (2013) issue of atHOME. Designer Jennifer Nightingale decorated the home for the owners. Its Gorgeous.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Heaven on Hollow Tree
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
I have always been intrigued by what lies beyond the pillars
We knew it was coming, and we were lucky to preview this 1920’s house at 593 Hollow Tree Ridge Road, down at the end of a lovely country driveway. Asking $2,800,000 through Kelly Associates, be the first in!
What an entrance
Down the long, perfectly maintained pebble driveway.
What a statement this gracious home makes. We couldn't wait to get inside.
We have talked about front doors before and this will be no exception. This is a door! Heavy, wide, and laden with much love – check out the door knocker.
Really good door knocker!
Imagine the shock when we walked in and saw THE WALLPAPER. It is THE WALLPAPER that inspired us to use the pineapple as our own signature at Real in Darien. Something about this particular pineapple is quite perfect. And It is just the appetizer for the rest of the house.
One side of the living room
It is all in the details… the wide staircase, the beautifully proportioned second floor landing, the old hardwood floors, the french windows in the living room, the shutters, the terrace that wraps around the sunroom and bucolic garden out back. The sun light that pours into the living room, even the linen closet at the top of the stairs is “old school”: doors and draws inside the closet. No, you cant keep her fabulous furniture, but you can create your own paradise here as Hannah has over the years. This is a very special house and will make the next owners very happy.
Love the bird cages-they are superb in this sunroom.
That orange is ideal in this dining room.
Interesting den feature
Family room should be in a magazine
Breakfast area
Even if your daughter doesn't ride, what an amazing spot in this bedroom
The landing is more impressive in person
Nothing like the real thing
Ivy, ivy everywhere
Sublime pond with a fountain
The patio is sited well off the sunroom-ideal for entertaining
Another spot for relaxing outdoors
We hated to say goodbye
Don’t miss this opportunity to live in a home with such timeless elegance. Call us for a showing of this once in a lifetime spot.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Pear Tree Paradise
Monday, March 19, 2012
I was reading an article in the latest athome (Moffley Media) called “Rock Stars”, a piece on rock landscaping and rock design which becomes one with the house. Well, if you want to see rock used in design and landscaping, you will want to see this new listing on Pear Tree Point. As brokers we get to see beautiful houses and luxurious lifestyles that are a pleasure to bring to market. This Pear Tree Point Sanctuary raises the bar for us here in Darien. Certainly, the house and it’s superbly designed (Architect Mac Patterson) and crafted interior is something that will excite a buyer, but the outside is what brings this house to a standard not often seen.
The stonework: the fireplace, with a double hearth, is the centerpiece of the outdoor living area. The masterly crafted walls are a work of art. The perfectly proportioned floor plan of the grounds and pool area, along with the outdoor kitchen and guest house, gives you an unparalleled entertainment compound . The “piece de resistance” it is the replica of the Stone of Accord. This upright stone with a hole in the center ” has been used for centuries by tradesmen and married couples who would link their fingers through the hole signifying the renewal of their contracts”. (the original is at Old Head golf course in Ireland).
The sighting of the house on the property ensures fantastic views of the water from the inside, and complete privacy around the pool and outdoor entertaining space. If you are looking for a stunningly thought out property, this is it. Note: the seashells in the driveway are a wonderful touch.
This property is offered for sale at $7,395,000 through Doug Milne and Sheree Frank at Kelly Associates. If you are interested in seeing it, please contact us.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation. THIS PROPERTY HAS BEEN SOLD
Secret Garden
Friday, March 16, 2012
Very special in Salem Straits
We can’t say enough about this house. Magical comes to mind. Renovated with taste and style, no stone is left unturned for the buyer who looking for something that really stands out in this market. And the location doesn’t hurt either. Lots of space for kids, friends, and fabulous parties on the terrace. This gorgeous brick country house built in 1919, perched in Salem Straits overlooking its magical garden and pool will whisper sweet nothings to you as you walk, no run, to sign that contract! This property is offered at $3,795,000 through Kelly associates. If you would like to see this property, please contact us. P. S. Should have mentioned the coffer-ed ceilings in the dining room. They are stained a very dark mahogany; absolutely fabulous. Was also thinking about how Miles Redd might decorate this house. Check out his portfolio! www.milesredd.com . Also fabulous!!!
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
THIS PROPERTY IS NO LONGER ON THE MARKET