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Goodbye Old Friend
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
What is on your wish list this year
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”.
25 Nearwater Lane – RENTED
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
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
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
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
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.
13 Sunnyside Avenue – SOLD 10/15/16
August 25, 2016
13 Sunnyside Avenue. It’s a story book beginning to a wonderful life in a great neighborhood.
There is no question you will love the opportunity to live in this wonderful and charming three/four bedroom home that we listed last week. It has an exceptional back yard and terrace where you will spend summer evenings entertaining and enjoying the privacy of the beautiful and established garden. The Peony are about to pop so come see us this Sunday and enjoy a glass of iced tea on the fabulous front porch. Asking $1,229,000. Listed by Abigail Moore and Kim Swift at Houlihan Lawrence.
Open floor plan for easy living.
Large and light Master bedroom over looking the garden. It’s a lovely room and very spacious.
I can’t think of another listing that has such a fabulous garden at this price point. Private and special back there!
So charming! Love this terrace for Summer dining.
If you would like more information on our listing, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to show you this wonderful home.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
You Saw It Here First
May 22, 2016A quick pre-view of great things to come…on May 31, our fabulous new listing will go on the MLS. 13 Sunnyside Avenue in Darien. A 3/4 bedroom, 3 full bath house on this wonderful street. Renovated and ready for you to move right in!
High on the street, and a lot of great space. You can’t beat this location!
First Broker’s Open House is May 31, showings start immediately after. If you are interested in more information, call us. We are happy to fill you in on the details. This house is not to be missed!
Beautifully maintained garden and back yard. Great space for entertaining and the very important jungle gym!
We will host a Public Open House on Sunday June 5. Watch for times listed here and the Darien Times. We look forward to seeing you there!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation. If you are working with an agent, we look forward to hearing from them!
Tag sale weekends
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.
London Calling – WOW price reduction
May 10, 2016Lately I have been following Rita Konig‘s columns in House & Garden, ELLLE Decor, and a few other of my favorite books. Rita’s website highlights her undisputed talent in the design world – not to mention her sensational taste making style. She is a perfect choice for creating cozy chic and comfortable interiors which instantly brings to mind 123 Middlesex Road. You may remember a few years ago it was on the market and was in need of some thoughtful renovations. Today, it is back on the market in full glory with a new floor plan and terrific updates. This just seems like a ‘no brainer’ if you are looking in this price range. Listed by Houlihan Lawrence and asking $1,115,000. THIS PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY NOT ON THE MARKET
So charming. And a beautiful color for the front door. 123 Middlesex Road is the perfect cottage.
Open and sunny and ready to move into. We loved this house before, and now its really fabulous.
Big new kitchen and dining room combined for easy causal living.
Clean white kitchen – what everyone likes and will last and last.
They opened up the wall to the old dining room and it makes SUCH A DIFFERENCE!
Love the nursery. So sweet.
The master bath done in a refreshing modern design. Very nice!
How charming is this back yard!! So much potential for gardening. Just want to get my hands on this and create a picking garden AND a kitchen garden.
Comfortable and cozy, and so CHIC. Walking through 123 Middlesex instantly made me think of some of the rooms Rita transformed.
This room in particular. So inviting. Check out her website for a real look into her wonderful talent.
If you don’t have the space for a full bar, this is a gorgeous alternative. Look at that tray table! I think she sells it on her site. The perfect scale for 123 Middlesex. Whether it is London, New York or the suburbs of either city, Rita would be a great partner to help transform this new house into your perfect new home.
There are so many reasons to go look at 123 Middlesex. Come out with us. We would love to show you.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Photographs courtesy of ritakonig.com
More fabulous inventory!
March 23, 2016What a treat to have more new listings that are equally appealing yet so different. And, on opposite sides of town which reinforces how great all the neighborhoods are here in Darien.
Hallelujah! The Connecticut Colonial is not entirely dead and gone to the massive, new construction Darien has seen so much of in the last ten or fifteen years (not that we haven’t liked a few of the new houses). 11 Point O’Woods is that charming Connecticut Colonial. Very authentic and lovely. Very well taken care by its owners who clearly understand how to combine chic and charm. Great wall paper and fabric throughout the house gives you all the “new” you need! Love this house. Listed by Halstead, asking $1,795,000. Four bedrooms, four and one half baths, situated on about an acre. LISTING CANCELLED
11 Point O’Woods. Built in 1938, the house is sited on a beautiful piece of property.
Big gracious living room with beautiful original details still intact. Kept thinking about how Meg Braff would pull this together for someone – always important to remember their stuff won’t be here when you move in! Meg has some great wall paper and furniture, and she has a knack for pulling together a classic look without making it look matronly. As House Beautiful states, she pulls it together so that “family heirlooms and bold gestures are right at home”. Her shop is easy to get to in Locust Valley or check out her web site.
Gorgeous color in the Den. There are some fabulous fabrics out there for this room. In fact, the whole house feels fresh and lovely with color that you could really make your own.
The Conservatory… or the much loved sunroom. Loving the glossy ceiling!
121 Leroy also just came on – listed by Linda Malpass – and it’s a fabulous “in town” option. Perfectly situated to walk to restaurants, the Darien train station, and Tilly Pond Park. Renovated, fresh and ready to go with a terrific back yard. A perfect house to get your feet wet here in Darien. Four bedrooms, two and one half baths Asking $1,275,000. SOLD
121 Leroy Avenue. A great spot in town.
Sunny and chic. The downstairs has a nice circular flow.
So many windows! And their furniture looks terrific here in this room. I was thinking about that young designer Graham Veysey of Good Bones Design as I was walking through this house. Such a perfect palate for her to come in and create her magic. Check out her website. She is building a very nice portfolio.
Open kitchen and dining is very appealing.
Easy entertaining off the living room.
Wonderful back yard so close to town! You are sort of getting a little bit of everything here: Colonial house that is renovated with four bedrooms and a big back yard!
Lots to see out there. If you are interested in going out and looking, call us. We would love to show you some of the great inventory on the market now.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation!
Out on The Trail
March 7, 2016As we roll into March, I am happy to report that there are a lot of really fabulous houses on the market in all price ranges. Spring is in the air and the weather conditions are perfect for house hunting so if you are thinking of making a move, get out there! More than 12 Brokers Open Houses last week had us “high tailing it” all over town and gave us a peek into what buyers can look forward to.
By far, I have to say, the Jewel in The Crown on the Open House circuit was 57 Knollwood. Set at the end of the street, and on a beautiful open lot. You really can’t do better than this. Demonstrating that Big is NOT BETTER this house has 4 bedrooms, two full and one half bath, high ceilings and beautiful details that include a slate roof. Asking $2,250,000 offered through Houlihan Lawrence. SOLD AND CLOSED
Quintessential “Father of The Bride House” built in 1942. Slate roof, beautiful landscaping and impeccable detail throughout.
Open and light filled. The floor plan offers very gracious living. (My heart went pitter patter when I saw that Katie Ridder fabric!).
The decorating and attention to detail in this house deserves its own blog. Pimlico was hired for this job and they deserve a shout out for this one. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
Next I headed over to the two new listings on Beach in the beloved neighborhood of Noroton Manor. Both houses are terrific and both are listed by Houlihan Lawrence.
5 Beach, asking $1,895,000, has four bedrooms, three and one half baths and a massive finished basement! Great curb appeal and some very nice detail in this 1931 house. (This house is no longer for sale)
A really nice 1931 house in a lovely sought after neighborhood… do I sound like a realtor? But, it really is.
Nicely updated where it counts. In the Kitchen, mudroom and family room!
16 Beach also came on this week, and it too has a lot to offer. Including opportunity for expansion! Four bedrooms, three and one half baths, flat back yard. It’s renovated and move in ready. This house is a great option in a super location. Asking $1,625,000. SOLD
Built in the 1920’s and still going strong. Good design holds up!
Love the way they kept the pantry around the refrigerator.
Nice details include built in bookshelves, and a screened in porch.
Also on the market is 3 Timber Lane and 17 Winding Lane. Different neighborhoods and different styles but nice options for the price point in the mid-two millions.
17 Winding Lane, located in Tokeneke, has four bedrooms, three and one half baths. Asking $2,395,000. Listed by Houlihan Lawrence.
1.05 Acres of landscaped gardens.
Built in 1962, the house has been totally renovated.
Architect Robert Cardello had a hand in the renovation for the current owners. It has really nice bathrooms!
Built in 1952, 3 Timber Lane is situated on over 2 acres. Asking $2,295,000.
A private and beautiful piece of property. Room for a pool.
Five bedrooms, three and one half baths. Close to 5000 square feet of living space. In really good shape. I recently saw some fabulous lighting at Urban Electric that would perfect over this island.
Feeling proud that HL has such great inventory. But, I will say that the house on 3 Edgerton Court, listed by Halstead, was also a very well done. Deceivingly small from the outside, the house has five bedrooms, four and one half baths and a third floor adding yet more space to the spacious floor plan. Totally renovated in 2007, the house looks brand new and really well maintained. Great price point for so much space! And, you really can walk to the train from this address as well as to the middle and high schools!
3 Edgerton Court, asking $1,625,000. SOLD
Chic, and a great use of space here. A nice combination of an open floor plan but well defined spaces.
Excited to get out and show some of these. If you are interested in seeing any one of these houses, give us a call. Or, if you are thinking about selling your house give us a call. We would love to help you learn more about the market and discuss where you house fits in. After all, we love real estate!
If you are currently working with an agent/broker, this is not a solicitation.
Indoor Outdoor Rooms
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)
We are back… and this one is a “doozie”!
February 12, 2016This is THE quintessential “House on The Avenue”. Built in 1910, and renovated to perfection, 138 Mansfield sets a tone for “in town” living in Darien we love. Of course, most people associate a house of such stature to be situated by the water, or inside one of our “Associations” but that is part of what makes it so great! It is not! This gorgeous house is walking distance to town and the train, across the street from school yet still offers a gracious and private compound with only the most bespoke attention to detail in it’s construction. Five bedrooms, four full and two half baths, approximately 6050 square feet (not including a fabulous finished basement). Asking 4,895,000 offered by Houlihan Lawrence. HOUSE IS TEMP OFF THE MARKET as of 3/22/16.
138 Mansfield Avenue. An Iconic residence on Mansfield Avenue renovated with the most discerning eye.
A Simple and beautiful front door with hardware to match. A terrific floor plan that offers flow from one room to the other with ease and clearly defined spaces. Note the Walnut wide plank floors.
Original staircase and details remain adding to this house’s uniqueness in this Spring market.
Large and welcoming. A living room that could be formal or not…Loving the informality of it all.
The custom antique glass windows in every room “twinkle” – they are so pretty. Not since Shagbark have we noted all this bespoke detail under one roof.
The Charles Edwards lanterns hang above the island in the sun drenched kitchen. All the light fixtures, and hardware, in this house are of the highest quality and timeless in design.
Sitting room in the kitchen. No, it’s not for all the kids to sit around and watch TV while dinner is made. It is a beautiful, informal place to gather and sit by the fire and talk (or enjoy your book). So lovely.
As you can see, even in a house built in 1910, there is still a feeling of “openness” so that when you walk in the front door you are immediately drawn into the heart of the home.
Third floor offers a place for “hanging out”. For your guests, or anyone in the house. An excellent use of the space, you will find a guest room, an office and a place to watch The Masters.
A study, or an additional guest room. There is a full bath off the study. Beautiful proportions and fireplace on the third floor.
The Architect, Matthew R, Dougherty, understood exactly how to keep the integrity of the old colonial yet create a stunning home for today’s modern living. LOVE that they made the kitchen such a beautiful part of the renovation. Those windows!
Gardens, fenced in pool area and pool house all in a private back compound in back of the house.
Towels, shower, little pool house to complete this beauty.
THE FLOOR PLANS
This is a particularly special listing in this Spring market. It is a “must see” for anyone who is looking in this price range. The quality and condition can not be recreated for this asking price. We assure you that there is nothing like it right now on the market. If you would like to see this listing, we would love to show it it to you. Call us!