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What is on your wish list this year
Monday, February 6, 2017Are you starting to think about buying, selling or may be renting? Where would you love to live? There is some really nice real estate hitting the market now and there may be something out there for you in 2017.
We just put clients in this fabulous house. What a spot!
Special spot on Baywater
The weather has been great, and the Spring market is here. Call us, and let’s go out and find what is on your “wish list”.
Tag sale weekends
Saturday, May 21, 2016Don’t miss the St. Luke’s tag sale next weekend….June 10 and 11th at St. Luke’s in Darien, Ct. Milo, rattan, silver and Buatta…it is all there just waiting to be discovered.
There is also moving sale this weekend at 45 Holly Lane, Saturday from 9-3pm.
Indoor Outdoor Rooms
Friday, February 19, 2016Never been a huge fan of house plants. Until I noticed the way designer Ken Fulk created this vignette in the March 2016 Elle Decor. (The rest of the house is pretty fabulous as well. Check out the San Francisco house in Elle Decor).
ADORE this!
Looking at this photograph made me think about how to add a house plant (or a cluster) somewhere in my house. And those urns and pots are fab! May be time for a trip to Terrain or a little shopping on One Kings Lane! It also made me think about conservatories and orangeries which are always a glorious addition to any house.
So pretty and you really don’t see many of these around here. Not your typical sun room.
Check out Vale Garden Houses, but there are several good companies who do this. Parish Conservatories and David Salisbury would be two other recommendations.
Bespoke and subtly enhancing the back garden of your house.
Love this one too. Looks absolutely fabulous.
Speaking of conservatories, we saw a wonderful example of one on the market yesterday. 245 Middlesex Road, just listed by William Raveis in Darien, offers a beautiful large conservatory making it a unique offering in the market today. The asking price of this house is $3,200,000.
Recently added to the house, the conservatory has a copper roof, radiant heat floors, and a wet bar. Opening up to the terrace and gardens, it is a very special part of this house.
If you would like to see 245 Middlesex, we would love to show it to you. Call us! There are so many possibilities for that gorgeous conservatory! 245 Middlesex is in SOLD as of 5/28/16
If you are currently working with an agent/broker, this is not a solicitation.
Photo Credits: William Raveis, Elle Decor – photographer Douglas Friedman (Story in Elle Decor produced by Robert Rufino)
January here we come!
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Not Your Mother’s Connecticut Colonial
Monday, November 2, 2015You may have seen our fabulous new listing on our Facebook page, but if you have not we have to say that it is indeed “bringing it” to the Fall market. A collaboration between our seller and her Westport architect, the end result is the ultimate modern, chic farmhouse. Simply gorgeous. Six bedrooms, six and one half baths, a pool and private beach, all privately tucked away on Brush Island. If you are looking for a new and exceptional way of life in Darien, this might be it. Our exclusive listing through Houlihan Lawrence/Darien. Asking $5,995,000.
25 Brush Island is situated on a little over one acre with spectacular views of Holly Pond and Long Island Sound.
Luxury and privacy all wrapped into the perfect Darien location
Custom iron front door. Made by Manhattan Iron based in Arkansas (with an office in Brooklyn).
Windows everywhere bring in the light at all times of the day.
Custom color brings out a perfect tone on the floors throughout the house.
Custom millwork and an Asian honed marble for counters and backsplash. It makes an exceptional impact in the kitchen.
Beautiful family room with french doors out to the terraces and pool.
Love this bar with the Moroccan tiles up the entire height of the back wall. The counter is concrete mixed with a custom color.
South West views will bring unparalled sunsets to the Master bedroom.
Actually, you will probably want to soak in the tub and enjoy the views in the Master bath!
The chicest mudroom.
You will spend all your time out on the terrace, either enjoying the fire or dining al fresco. Simply fabulous.
Have you seen this anywhere else in town?
Cocktails anyone?
Down at the beach, and out to the boat. Speed off onto Long Island Sound.
If you would like to see this “game changer” of a house, please call us. We love showing it! If you want your agent to show you, have them call us to set up the appointment!
Rowayton House Tour
Friday, September 18, 2015The Rowayton Civic Association hosted their semi-annual House Tour today. An absolutely glorious selection of Belle Island Beauties. And so well organized. What a day! Thank you RCA for a wonderful event.
If you didn’t get there this year, you have a lot to look forward to the next time.
Join us for the 3rd Annual Chili Challenge at the Darien Nature Center
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
One of the many things we love about Darien and our community is the Darien Nature Center. We hope you will join us for The Darien Nature Center’s 3rd Annual Chili Challenge. They have 11 local restaurants competing for the best chili title as well as the addition of Darien’s 3 local fire departments, a fantastic panel of judges, live music courtesy of Gunsmoke, spirits, games, bull riding and an amazing silent auction! Also, additional culinary tastings courtesy of the Darien Cheese Shop, Whole Foods and El Paceritas Taco Truck.
So, please mark your calendars, purchase your tickets, polish your boots and get ready for a fabulous, festive and exciting night at the Darien Nature Center this fall! All proceeds support the Darien Nature Center’s ongoing operations including animal rescue, children’s programs, camps, environmental education and special events.
Tickets are $125 in advance… and $150 at the door. To purchase tickets and get further information, please visit: http://dariennaturecenter.org/exhibits-and-events/upcoming-events/3969-2/
It is guaranteed to be a fun night so we hope to see you there!
18 Fairmead – The lifestyle part II
Monday, May 11, 2015
Julie Murphy holding the Dowager, one of her three chickens.
A beautiful garden fenced in for the chickens.
Free Range.
A new addition to the garden, with four varieties of apples!
She is laying an egg!!
Once upon a time there was a basement, and it was transformed into a mudroom and living space like no other!
Mudroom hooks and storage
The details.
NO ONE would have imagined the transformation.
The floors have radiant heat.
Movie night here would be just fine, thank you.
Even the required egress is fab!
Crafts room for the kids.
Everything those little creative minds need!
Thanks Julie for letting us into your amazing home. We cannot wait to see what you have up your sleeve!
18 Fairmead – the perfect Mother’s Day gift!
Sunday, May 10, 2015We are so excited that 18 Fairmead is new to our market. While we are sorry to see the fabulous homeowner leave (good news….to undertake another wonderful project), this is a great opportunity for one of you to live in A VERY SPECIAL home. This home has been completely transformed and not one detail has been overlooked by the very talented owners. This is a blog (part of a series) that we did last spring. Asking $1,495,000 through Amanda Davenport at Halstead Properties. SOLD AND CLOSED.
18 Fairmeade. Remember this listing? You will not believe what has been done here!
Julie Murphy has transformed this antique into something magical. We spend the morning with her and she quickly became a Real in Darien BFF. And, we have some BIG NEWS, she is now curating for FLEA in Rowayton. FLEA not only has the best lunch in Fairfield County, it has very magical treasures (do you remember the Draper chest I picked up). Now Julie will be focusing on keeping FLEA stocked with items that she finds on her weekly hunts, including Brimfield, various antique shops, or her favorite salvage yards. If you are looking for a “one of a kind”, then make sure you make this a regular weekly stop. It is unlikely you will see any item there for very long. The grand opening is this weekend-be sure not to miss!
To be continued. Check back to find out more about this chicken coop!
Alice Mae Orr – If we can only come close
Thursday, May 7, 2015Congratulations to one of the Best Realtors around!
Alice Mae Orr. 50 Years of fabulousness!
Photo curtesy of Ana Blaze (Houlihan Lawrence)
25 Peterick Lane
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
25 Peterick tucked away at the end of the cul de sac. Before we know it the Daffodils will be poking their way through the ground.
Let’s here it for Spring… and a new listing that we are jumping up and down about. LOVE LOVE this ‘new to market’ house, situated on a level acre on the back end of Peterick Lane. If you are looking for charm, quirky, and a gorgeous newly renovated kitchen – oh and did I mention TONS of sunlight – this may be what you have been waiting for. Came on today at $1,645,000. It has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and a total of about 3300 square feet. First ‘brokers open’ is today (Tuesday, March 10) so unless you are on another agent’s blast, you are hearing it here first! Listed by HoulihanLawrence/Darien. SOLD AND CLOSED.
It warms my heart when I walk into a house that is unpredictable. Seemingly “cottage” like from the outside, it’s absolutely spacious as you make your way from sun lit from to sun lit room. A gorgeous new kitchen and extra large great room in the back is where you will spend most your time.
Brand new kitchen with exceptionally think counter tops (love that). It is a very pretty yet chic kitchen.
Top of the line cabinetry and appliances of course.
A very fabulous space where everyone will convene. I am enjoying the fact that you don’t see a TV!
The rest of the house takes on a very Sweedish feeling. Light paints, simple lines, wide floorboards. It feels like you float through from room to room.
The formal living room will be a great gathering spot for ‘grown up’ evenings.
This room would make the perfect library, or smaller sitting room with a television.
I kept thinking about Penny Morrison and Caroline Irving and how they would decorate this house. I have visions of all those gorgeous textiles and textures throughout this house. Simple walls, not a lot of wall paper, but some of those unparalleled combinations they create. Check out the sites pennymorrison.com and irvingandmorrison.com
The work of Irving and Morrison.
There are four bedrooms. Each as a ton of sunlight.
And each a very nice size.
Floor plans are always helpful. There is a lot of opportunity for expansion here as well.
Expansion possibilites for the master and master bath could be considered.
Let us know. We would love to show this little gem. Even if you are not in the market, this just might be what you didn’t know you were looking for!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Snow day thoughts
Thursday, March 5, 2015
Despite the long winter, we have been putting our snow boots on and taking the snow banks head on. The spring market started early for us with 2 signed contracts, 1 listing to be launched this spring, and numerous other deals in the works.
While overall we are still not thrilled with the inventory numbers, we are making progress. More homes are starting to come on and even some bidding wars to go along with them (topping the list is 10 Christie Hill…flew on and off so quickly, if you went out to shovel you missed it) .
37 Stephanie Lane, 3700 square feet of light and views.
37 Stephanie Lane is a beautifully appointed 4 bedroom home. It has a deck that spans the back of the house and numerous doors and windows to take advantage of the sunsets the site offers. Listed at $2,285, 000 through Houlihan Lawrence.
A well proportioned room (and house).
If you are ready to plunge into spring, give us a call. With daylight savings and 50 degree weather forecasted for next week, it will be here before we know it.
Happy Valentines Day
Saturday, February 14, 2015To all our neighbors and friends, Happy Valentines Day.
LOVE this fabulous red door, particularly on Valentines Day!
There is still time to get beautiful arrangements for the one you love. Neilson’s is doing a fabulous job. Check out their shop here in town.
Christmas Shopping
Sunday, December 14, 2014Oh what fun it is… go to shopping at Christmas! And, to see all the stores beautifully lit up for the holidays. We no longer need to head to the 7th floor (at Bergdorfs that is…) to find wonderful treasures for under the tree, or for our friends who are throwing fabulous holiday parties. We have some wonderful options within a just few miles of Darien.
We dropped in at Juliska and found that it was decorated with care hoping St Nick will soon be here!
A lot if inspiration for decorating at home. Really gets you in the mood, especially when everything on the table is for sale!
Love this table setting. Soon to be a classic for certain.
So many fabulous ornaments, a favorite hostess present of ours.
Definitely for someone on my list. What a lovely way to present an hors d’oeuvre.
Every presentation is gorgeous.
There is a large assortment of small trays and serving pieces that make a holiday party really pretty.
You must know someone with a December birthday!
But of course…
It was hard to leave with out the bags breaking. Juliska is definately a “one stop shop” for christmas shopping.
Next stop: The Stamford Antique & Artisan Center. And, just as one would expect, the pleasure was all ours. WOW! It looks fabulous and there are many many objects and furnishings that will make fantastic and very special Christmas presents.
Huge impact in the new Garden room. A pleasure palace for the eye.
A console (modern) with an unusual design that no one else will have. Gorgeous.
This container would look great with a big red bow under the tree! Santa? Are you listening?
Star light Star bright. I think we have found THE MUST HAVE lantern.
Inside the book store you will find treasures for all book lovers.
How fabulous!
Old School… remember the miniature staircase from Scully & Scully? And, a table full of goodies.
For all the textile lovers. Piles of beautiful old and new textiles. Dream pillows or table cloths or anything else that will add some texture and interest in your home. Or someone else’s !
See how lovely!
A compliment to any book shelf. And a fabulous present for someone.
Rooms filled with amazing things that will make everyone smile on Christmas day.
A great idea for the library or the guest room. What a gorgeous package this makes.
Oh what fun it is…only 10 days left!
Christmas Book List for 2014
Sunday, December 7, 2014The book lists are out for Christmas and it is so fun to see what editors, reviewers and critics are recommending as “good reads” for under the tree. Naturally, we have our suggestions as well. So, if you are considering a move, a renovation or starting from the ground up with a new build next year, here are some books that we think will inspire you to get started on your projects in the coming year!
An historicist at heart, Peter Pennoyer takes classic architecture to the right heights.
One of our favorites. A must have in any library for those interested in Architecture and design.
Another point of view on the traditional vernacular. Ferguson & Shamamian is the team responsible for the renovation at 15 Shagbark. One of our favorite listings of 2014.
Timeless design. If you don’t own it already, you should. I suppose the best affair you will ever have is with your house!
Tom Scheerer will make you whistle a merry merry!
For the one who likes clean lines, Victoria Hagan has an exceptional eye.
Wildly Chic. Miles’ book is A Must Have.
For all you TB fans, this book will blind you with her style and color schemes!
Let your hair down and do what you like! Susanna’s book is a glorious collection of rooms and ideas that will inspire you to do just that!
Whimsey and style at its best. LOVE Katie Ridder!
Splendid new book by Markham Roberts.
Jane Garmey has put together a beautiful book that will transport you to some of Connecticut’s most lovely Eden’s. For anyone who loves to garden, this is a solid addition to your library.
A good gardening library starts with the basics. I think Vita qualifies…
Why not do the complete series.
A stunning garden book that really does deserve the coffee table spot. It will give you incredible ideas for your own garden.
Jack Staub also has this wonderful collection to read for your kitchen garden. In addition to Exciting Vegetables, there is Remarkable Fruits and Exceptional Herbs. These are beautifully done books and make fabulous Hostess presents.
All these books can be bought or ordered at Barrett Books. They have other very good suggestions at their Noroton Heights location. Call to order, or drop in and enjoy the experience of a great book store.