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.
13 Sunnyside Avenue – SOLD 10/15/16
Thursday, 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
Sunday, 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!
London Calling – WOW price reduction
Tuesday, 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!
Wednesday, 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
Monday, 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.
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.
This Christmas put a contract in your stocking!
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Catapulting to new levels of “we LOVE this”. White stone pebbles cover the driveway. The approach is stunning.
174 Long Neck Point Road will be the gift this Christmas that keeps on giving. What a spectacular example of “all the rooms you need”. Originally designed by Wadia Associates, this house has been renovated to a truly sophisticated level with a clear understanding of a classic european aesthetic. The quality and the choice of materials here distinguish this house from the other’s on the market today. (In the price range, of course). Four bedrooms, four full and two half baths, sited on one acre, walking distance to Pear Tree Beach and the Boat Club. Asking $4,295,000. Offered through William Pitt/Sothebys in Darien. LISTING HAS EXPIRED. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS PROPERTY, PLEASE CALL US.

Just so wonderful here. Shutters are imported from France. The front door is perfection, not to mention the door knocker… yet another heavy weight in this equation.

Front Hall with light and space that stets the tone for the rest of the house. Grand and entirely livable.

Perfectly proportioned dining room with stunning windows and doors made by Tischler. 12 foot ceilings with 9 foot doors… it really makes a big difference. Quality always shines bright.

Entertaining here is not for lightweights. This is a fabulous space for any party. And just look at the doors!

Beautiful details in a kitchen that will stand the test of time and trend. The mantlepiece was brought over from France, and the Delft tile over the stove is very special. House Beautiful got it right when they named this “kitchen of the month”.

The “eat-in” part of the kitchen, and off to the left are the stairs to the family room. It’s all so civilized.

A beautiful room that can be used for a bedroom or a study. A view facing South West will keep you on the terrace in the early evenings.

We love this master. A square room with beautiful views. And the COLOR! such a beautiful choice for a master.

The bathroom shot (you are asking)? Yes. It’s all in the details -choice of hardware. Simple and classic.

Spectacular point de vue. While our bold and beautiful flag flies high here, there is a moment when you walk out onto the terrace over looking the pool you might be transported to your favorite Mediterranean “hide-away”.

It’s hard to know where you are when you are back here. Although I am sure you are not guessing France, there is such a wonderful european influence back here, and everywhere.
If you are thinking about making a change from the Connecticut classic it is worth taking a look at this very special house. It is a unique opportunity on the market today. You will have the pleasure of living along the Connecticut coast line with all the “je ne said quoi” you want. Call us! We would love to show this exceptional gem.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation. All photos are courtesy of William Pitt/Sotheby’s in Darien.
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.

Custom millwork and an Asian honed marble for counters and backsplash. It makes an exceptional impact in the kitchen.

Love this bar with the Moroccan tiles up the entire height of the back wall. The counter is concrete mixed with a custom color.

You will spend all your time out on the terrace, either enjoying the fire or dining al fresco. Simply fabulous.
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!