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Archive for January, 2014
Poof and it’s gone – 133 Rowayton Avenue
Wednesday, January 29, 2014Wow that was fast. 133 Rowayton Avenue came on at an impressive $3,950,000 (and don’t forget those Rowayton taxes) and was sold (with 3 offers) instantly. Of course it is fabulous, has a slip and is maintenance free but this is still a great sign for the Rowayton market.
Gorgeous floors, gorgeous pantry, gorgeous kitchen!
The great room on the 2nd floor. A wonderful space to relax and escape.
Well appointed family room off of the kitchen.
We have always been charmed by these appealing town homes and it did not disappoint.
Wish we could say we could show you but you will have to wait for another unit to hit the market.
15 Shagbark Part II – The architecture of Ferguson and Shamamian – CONTRACT SIGNED
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
“You had me at hello…”. Yes, the front door matters and this one does not disappoint.
The architecture and exterior details behind this one of a kind listing in Darien qualifies for a “part II” for our readers. We just don’t see many houses on the market like 15 Shagbark each selling season. We consider this kind of house one of those “one in a few years” opportunity.
Ferguson and Shamamian is a firm led by traditionalists trained by the best; Ferguson at Princeton and Shamamian at Columbia. Later, they met at Parish-Hadley where they both honed their skills in traditional design and architecture. In 1988 they joined forces creating a firm that produces both exquisite homes and seamless additions to existing residences.
The combination of boxwood and brick lattice is exceptional. Peter Cummins is part of this and has created landscaping that includes a simple yet makes an impressive statement.
Less is more. Only Boxwood. You really don’t need much more than that.
Gorgeous planter with a no fuss statement plant. It all creates a beautiful front entrance.
This blog started when we came across a listing that was asking over $4M. That was two years ago. We have finally found what is the “real deal”. It does matter.
You can feel the weight of the shutter. If we could only get you to look, you would see first hand what we are talking about.
Simple and gorgeous. Every light fixture is right here.
Gorgeous place to sit and enjoy the evening. Note the stunning lantern.
View from the side of the house. If you recall our piece last summer that included some fabulous outdoor furniture, your imagination will run wild here. I am still obsessed with Janus et Cie.
I am imagining a bed of Peonies.
Something else that stands out in this home are the doors. They are about as fabulous as they come.
Oh the details…the fixture with the vine, the leader and shutter all make for an understated and classic vignette.
Love the creeping green along this back walkway. And I love that there is very little foundation planting.
This is the exterior view of that fabulous window seat in the family room.
Did I mention how the fabulous doors are? We sometimes see people skimping on them but we think it is always a mistake.
This is the exterior of the garage. Appreciate the molding instead of all clapboard.
The summertime go to space out side.
The addition. I cannot wait to see this in the summer!
Understated and waiting for you to come check the place out!
And of course a pineapple!!
If you are not including them in a pitch for your next home expansion or building project, it would be worth looking at their work just to get a sense of what to aim for. Here are a few examples of their work from other projects.
One of the front doors that stood out while looking through more of their work. Gorgeous detail in the columns and paneling.
Love these stairs. The detail!
Stunning example of some of Ferguson & Shamamians work. This is ceiling height!
Creating living space that is elegant and sophisticated yet totally livable.
Please contact us for a showing of this once in a lifetime home. Photos courtesy of Real in Darien and Ferguson and Shamamian Architects.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Linen Crisp: No Longer Available
Tuesday, January 28, 2014Every room could use some invigoration from time to time, and these pillows can do the trick, beautifully. The collection of three was purchased from Good Goods, are in excellent condition, 100% percent linen, and are 24″square and 15″x 24″. They are currently shown in Lillian August ads.
E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.
PRICE: $300
15 Shagbark Road, Part I – Standing Alone – CONTRACT SIGNED
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
15 Shagbark Road is set back at the end of the road. Very private and unpretentious.
15 Shagbark Road came on this week. It stands alone in its category… the category of “there is nothing else like it on the market”. Go ahead! Look at some of the other houses with big price tags! This one takes first place. 15 Shagbark is beautiful. Simply beautiful. There is nothing sassy, there is nothing charming, NOTHING TRENDY, and there is nothing to be done. For the buyer who needs no explanation, who wants and really understands quality and bespoke detail, we’ve got something for you! Four – six bedrooms, on about four acres. We are not blinking at the asking price of $4,895,000. Offered through Kelly Associates by Doug Milne.
Gorgeous place to sit and enjoy the evening. Note the stunning lantern.
If you are going to do it right, you bring in the Big Guns. The firm Ferguson & Shamamian gave new life to this lovely 1930’s brick Georgian in mid-country Darien by creating an addition and renovating the house to be what it is today. They have produced something that is worth the price of admission! If you have thought about moving, but only if something extraordinary comes on the market, now is the time to make your move. Call us if you would like to see the house. We would love to show you.
The house from behind. The grounds on the property offer a pool site. Love the minimal foundation plantings! Peter Cummings, Landscape Architect.
The original house has high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and wonderful scale. Decorated in a traditional yet timeless way, you feel swept in and right at home in this house. Beautiful fabrics and tones throughout the house. Nothing trendy, nothing hinting at “over done”.
The piano in the corner gives you a sense of the scale.
Look at the curve in this window…..stunning.
This is where Ferguson & Shamamian comes in. The start of the addition is here, in the simply appointed office off the kitchen.
The level of detail in the craftsmanship to the door knobs is notable.
And here as well.
I am not going to call this a “family room” because that would be a silly description, although it is certainly where any family would gather. It’s the sitting room off the kitchen. There is no better example of such a room that is sophisticated and functional. And it is entirely kid friendly. No reason not to let them play in here while something is “cooking in the kitchen”.
This is the most wonderful bay window ever! Just need a good Pinot Noir and “Me Before You” to finish it off.
Did we mention how we love the doors?
How fabulous!!These are the doors from the office to the family room.
Very comfortable and manageable.
Proof you don’t need an oversized over done kitchen. Perfection is here!
This home has more details than we can mention but here are a few:
So many custom touches. This fixture on the book cases is one of them.
As we mentioned earlier, it is all in the details.
Another example of a detail in the Butler’s Pantry.
The china closet off of the Butler’s Pantry.
Real in Darien loves lighting fixtures and this home reaches far beyond our expectations.
And this wallpaper is always a winner on a ceiling.
You may enjoy laundry in here.
The hallway from the mudroom to the back kitchen hall.
This back staircase. From the fixture, to the paneling, this room stands on its own.
Doors, doors, doors….
The powder room off of the kitchen.
This is the 2nd of 3 staircases…off the kitchen.
The master. Elegant, sophisticated, timeless. There are many words that come to mind as you walk through the master wing that, of course, includes dressing rooms for each.
Beautiful, cool colors. Note how the marble moulds the windows and doors.
And yes, there will be parties. There is certain to be a unparalleled wine collection here.
Floor plans are essential to understand. The flow must work before the house will work for you.
The second floor. The unfinished rooms are all ready to go.
The basement.
As perfectly planned out and bespoke this home is, it also feels like a warm and welcoming home. This is a place where you can throw the most fabulous parties in town or have the pre school class over for a playdate.
So, the Spring market has started. We are gearing up for all the new listings to come on so we can Sell Sell Sell! 2014 promises to be an interesting year for us and we look forward to showing you some beautiful real estate. Call us if you have any questions regarding properties you are curious about.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Hello 2014!!! – UPDATE
Sunday, January 12, 2014A new year is upon us and we hope, new listings as well. It has been a rather dull Fall market but the holiday was busy for us with the launch of our listing at 327 Middlesex Road. There were also 2 other listings that came on, 223 West Avenue (listed for $879,000 with Linda Terhune) and 25 Raymond Street (listed for $839,000 with Kate Balanoff). ACCEPTED OFFER! Heard there were multiple bids. Is this a sign of what the Spring market will bring?
25 Raymond Street has great curb appeal. You can also walk to Rowayton and have some lunch at our favorite Flea.
This kitchen had us at hello. We loved the urban feel and those fabulous floors!!!
The homeowner did a wonderful job renovating the kitchen and baths in this house.
Bright space for having friends over.
Another great spot. Wish the hide came with the house. This 3 bedroom house is bound to sell quickly.
223 West Avenue also has great curb appeal. Any home with a front porch I love.
This 4 bedroom house has high ceilings and spacious rooms.
Renovated kitchen!!!One less thing to do when you move in.
Another room to live in.
Go and see these homes if you are in the market. Both great yet different. We expect the market to be busy this spring and it will start happening early. Contact us if you have any real estate needs we can help you with at info@realindarien.com.
327 Middlesex Road OPEN HOUSE TODAY, 2-4PM
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Come check out our open house at 327 Middlesex Road today from 2-4pm. This home is in a good, central location and has a great price of $850,000.