Archive for December, 2014
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas
Monday, December 22, 2014Posted in On Our Minds | No Comments »
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!

There is a large assortment of small trays and serving pieces that make a holiday party really pretty.
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.

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 !
Oh what fun it is…only 10 days left!
Posted in Local Lusts | No Comments »
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…

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.
Tags: 15 Shagbark, Barret Bookstore, Bunny Willilmas, Ferguson & Shamamian, Gil Schafer, Jack Staub, Jane Garmey, Katie Ridder, Markham Roberts, Miles Redd, Peter Pennoyer, Susanna Salk, Tom Scheerer, Tory Burch, Victoria Hagan, VIta Sackville West
Posted in Local Lusts, On Our Minds, Renovate | No Comments »
Cream of The Crop – SOLD/CLOSED
Monday, December 1, 2014There are 26 properties priced at or above $3,500,000 in Darien today. Almost a third of the total number of houses on the market. We generally tell people it takes longer to sell houses in the upper echelons of the market, but lately “longer” is a very undetermined amount time which understandably frustrates sellers. Rising to the top of these “echelons” is 14 Crane which came on the market about one month ago with an asking price of $4,325,000. Defying the sales statistics, it has gone to contract, underlining the indisputable fact that the cream always rises to the top. Offered by Kelly Associates through Rita Marber.

Have you read The Great American House by Gil Schafer III yet? It should be mandatory reading for everyone interested in the American traditional and classic architectural vernacular.
The architect Laurent T. Dupont, a New Canaan based architect, worked closely with the owner to plan a house that will stand the test of time for generations. While he still has an office, and takes on choice projects, I am told Mr. DuPont no longer takes on new projects.

The Kitchen. At the top of our list for one of the best we have seen on the market. Beautiful cabinetry, stone and wood counters and finishes.

The bathrooms are clean and simple with finishes from Perrin and Rowe. These are the touches that make all the difference. The Master bath features their Mayfair line.

As impressive as it should be. The exterior hardware by Nobilus,
If you are in the market for something that is a strong example of “tradition for the way we live now”**, call us. We would love to show you what is on the market.
** from the title of “The Great American House – Tradition for the way we live now” by Gil Schafer III. Published by Rizzoli 2012
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
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