1 Peabody Lane
Thursday, September 10, 2015

1 Peabody Lane welcomes you. New cedar roof, and real wood shutters flank the colonial set in the center of Salem Straits. It has great curb appeal.
1 Peabody Lane in Salem Straits had a renovation in 2011 and the end result is absolutely perfect for someone looking for a bright and comfortable house that oozes “easy living”. And, if you love China Seas, grass cloth and all things “at home in Fairfield County”, you are in luck. This house will have you at the front door. It is completely ‘move -in ready’. Five bedrooms, four and one half baths, with approximately 4,900 square feet of living space. Salem Straits Association includes a private beach down in Scott’s Cove, and an association boat dock that has direct access to Long Island Sound. Was asking $3,250,000 listed by Houlihan Lawrence in Darien. SOLD

A generous sized entry that allows for bold wall paper, such as this perennial favorite by China Seas.

This room draws you in like a moth to the flame. It is nice to have a dining room that is not only comfortable at night.

Really like the Juliska touch. Those hanging lights always look great.

The master wall to wall carpet creates a cool and serene spot, as well as a bit of cozy, for the end of the day.
Now that the trees are blooming and the bulbs are popping up it is so much nicer to go look at real estate! If you would like to see this house, we would love to show it to you.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
117 West Avenue
Thursday, September 10, 2015RUN, DO NOT WALK to this fabulous listing. With your check book. And a Binder. There may be a line, but get in it. This one is worth it. It is the most fabulous little gem we have seen in a long time. Asking $1,299,000, offered by Linda Malpass at Sotheby’s/Darien office. SOLD and CLOSED

Great combination of wallpaper and fabric. The listing says “blinds” are included. Really keeping my fingers crossed that those are considered blinds!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation. If you would like to see this listing, call us. We would LOVE to show it.
Photos courtesy of MLS/Sotheby’s
Go back and take a look at 17 Miller
Friday, August 28, 2015

Great curb appeal here at 17 Miller Road. They have beautifully laid Belgian Block along the walkway to the front and side door.
17 Miller Road is a perfect house for someone in this price point. Done beautifully; all the rooms you need plus more, along with a nice deck (looks new) and a lovely back garden with a play space. Close to schools and convenient to trains on quiet a cul-de-sac. Does this sound like suburban perfection? Well, I think it might be… Four bedrooms, three full baths and one half bath, with approximately 3000 square feet of living space. All renovations and updates are “green certified” :). Asking $1,469,000 through Houlihan Lawrence. SOLD

Simple is always best. Soothing colors throughout the house make for a very welcoming and comfortable house.
Don’t think this will last long on the market. If you would like to see it, we would love to show it to you!
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Small Spaces – PRICE REDUCED
Tuesday, August 25, 2015Consider this “jewel box”. 204 Middlesex Road, listed by Houlihan Lawrence asking $1,049,000. (Original price was $1,125,000). Located close to town and trains, this little gem is waiting for you to fall in love! What you get is all the rooms you need and space for a fabulous garden. Four bedrooms, two baths, and a beautiful kitchen. This is a must see as a new Fall market approaches! TEMP. OFF THE MARKET

204 Middlesex had BIG potential for chic small spaces. Built in 1938, this bungalow has four bedrooms, two full baths and a fabulous back yard for gardening. Open up to the idea that big is not better.

Did you read the July/August 2015 issue of House Beautiful? Lots of great ideas for small spaces. It’s very possible to live BIG in your own Jewel Box.

204 Middlesex is “move in” ready. A clean palate for your favorite fabric. Don’t forget to place the curtain rods as close to the ceiling as possible to help the room seem taller!

Including a fireplace which will make for cozy winter evenings! I think I see the perfect opportunity to add a little Oomph here!

Beautiful kitchen with professional grade appliances. I have visions of the fabric from Albert Hadley’s collection, “fireworks” in red for a pop of color here. (Fireworks is available at Hinson & Co.)

Family room off the kitchen. Go bold and put a dark color on the walls. It will actually help open up the space! A dark charcoal – perhaps Down Pipe 26 by Farrow & Ball – on the walls would look fabulous with the red “fireworks” window treatment here.
If you would like to see this house, please give us a call. If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Done Deal-46 Carter Street, New Canaan
Tuesday, August 11, 201546 Carter Street in New Canaan was sold to a client looking for loads of room in a convenient location. This home has 4 bedrooms, a giant playroom (that they are going to turn into an au pair suite), and almost an acre for $875,000.
We are happy that our clients are enjoying their summer days in this gorgeous backyard.
Elle est absolument charmante
Tuesday, June 16, 2015But, it is not in France! It is perfectly and centrally located in the hamlet we call Rowayton. 48 Rowayton Avenue has six bedrooms, three and a half baths, three sensational stone fireplaces and all the charm one expects in a 1920’s cottage. SOLD and CLOSED

The master offers a sanctuary with its own fireplace and sitting room. There are five other nice sized bedrooms in the house.

The view from the room you always spend the most time in… the kitchen. Another fantastic fireplace and open family room. Love that peek-a-boo tv!
This is fabulous opportunity in Rowayton, with access to the private beach association. Walk to town, walk to beach and walk to Rowayton Seafood! Six bedrooms, three full and one and a half baths, loaded with reclaimed wood details. Listed by Houlihan Lawrence, asking $1,825,000. If you are looking in Rowayton, this is not to be missed.
If you would like to see this house, call us.
If you are currently working with another agent, this is not a solicitation.
24 Overbrook
Saturday, May 23, 201524 Overbrook is super chic and the perfect combination of ‘at home in the suburbs’ while not caving into the standard issue “preppy” way of living so many slip into once they make the jump from Downtown to Darien. Asking $2,875,000 this five bedroom, five full and two half bath house oozes a sleek and chic way of living. Love Love it. SOLD AND CLOSED.
Call us for a private showing!
Just Dreamy
Monday, May 11, 2015
461 Middlesex is perfection. Yes, right here on Middlesex. Not Surrey. And, that creeping hydrangea is to die for!
Situated on several acres, and set far back from the road, 461 Middlesex Road is the house that offers sophisticated yet casual, unpretentious yet gracious living right in the middle of Darien. In fact, it is overlooking the 14th hole at Wee Burn Country Club. SOLD AND CLOSED.

Pretty dreamy, right? And it is one of the few spots in town you will not hear the highway.
It is certainly one of the most special houses we have seen. Six bedrooms, six and a half baths, ceiling height, big windows, beautiful floors, and bones bones bones. You can imagine all the bells ringing at Real in Darien when this came on the market. Listed by Houlihan Lawrence, asking $4,250,000. SALE PENDING

I love this photograph (House & Garden 2015) and thought of it instantly as I looked up the stairs at 461 Middlesex.

A fabulous room overlooking the 14th hole at Wee Burn. I have been looking through some Jeffrey Bilhuber books lately; some call him the modern day Billy Baldwin. He would be a fabulous choice for this house.

You will be hosting Thanksgiving for EVERYONE here. What a room for a party! Lacquer those walls in your favorite color et voila!

I thought of this vignette as I stood in the library at 461 Middlesex. We don’t often see rooms/houses that can handle such fabulous scale. (House & Garden 2015)

open to the terraces on two sides, and out to the pool. A kitchen where you will find yourself as happy as any other room in the house.

Third floor “teen” room they may never come down from. When they are all home from school, it will be a “go to” spot for them all. There is a full bath up here so it is perfect for friends who end up staying over.
Pretty dreamy, right!
This is truly one of a kind here in town. (yes there are others but they are not on the market). WE LOVE THIS HOUSE!
Our new listing hits the market-30 Richmond Drive
Monday, May 4, 2015I am happy to say we have been busy, and some of that “busy” has been with our new fabulous listing at 30 Richmond Drive. It’s a great price point for buyers trying to get into the Darien market and the house shows beautifully. Four bedrooms, two baths, and professionally landscaped and terraced. It has a full basement with a playroom, laundry room, gym and plenty of storage. It has been meticulously maintained, convenient to town and on a quiet street. SOLD AND CLOSED
Asking $1,249,000 offered by Kim Swift and Abigail Moore at Houlihan Lawrence/Darien.
If you would like to see this fabulous house, please call us.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Snow day thoughts
Thursday, March 5, 2015Despite 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 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.
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.
A Reminder: Paradise Found
Sunday, February 8, 201538 Wee Burn Lane is fabulous. If we could all be so lucky… (a girl can dream!) It’s not often that we at Real in Darien are rendered speechless. But, in fact, these pictures say it all. This is a fanatastic example of the scale and proportion we are always looking for. Built in 1935, and renovated over the years to create a home for generations to love, the house is situated on just a little more than four and a half acres. It has six bedrooms, six and a half baths in about 6800 square feet of living space. Asking $5,795,000. Offered by Doug Milne at Houlihan Lawrence. Listing has expired.

38 Wee Burn Lane. Bucolic and private. Now that Shagbark is under contract, I don’t have to feel guilty about moving on to my next favorite house!

Gorgeous pool and pool house. I will say that I am not sure the jacuzzi should be directly in front of the pool house. That is a cocktail party accident waiting to happen!

Grand without being pretentious. Architectural detail is everywhere. And, wisteria is dripping everywhere! LOVE it.

Understanding the floor plan is key when looking at any house, but the house is so fabulous it really doesn’t matter what the floor plan is!

My favorite room in the house. China and crystal closet and all the storage you need for your entertaining!
My mind is running wild with ideas about who should take this decorating project on. Tom Scheerer, Bunny Williams, or even one of my new favorites, Ashley Whittaker.
If you would like to see Wee Burn Lane, give us a call. We would love to show you just how fabulous it really is.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
“Buy the best, and you will only cry once” – Miles Redd
Sunday, February 1, 2015As we sit in the aftermath of what was not the”Blizzard of the Century”, but in the freezing cold, there is every indication that the Spring market is upon us. Buyers are out and about. It’s “house hunting season” again and nothing speaks louder to me than that quote from Miles Redd! When you are out looking at properties remember that getting what you really want can happen. Whether you are buying something that is move-in ready, or you are looking for a project, everyone’s “best house” is out there. You just need to take that leap!
11 Huckleberry Lane, offered by Kate Balanoff through Houlihan Lawrence, is a classic and gracious colonial with six bedrooms, five full and two half baths generously spread out inside 7200 square feet. Newly built in 2003, it has settled into its own and holds up its end of the bargain as a “classic”. Bring your kleenex; who knows, maybe you will get a good weep in! Asking $3,395,000.

Everyone needs to own a really good hall lantern at some point in their lives. And here would be your opportunity. I would suggest looking at what Robert Kime has right now. I think Miles would agree.

And how he would work the upstairs hallway! Another good example of Miles’ talent. Coincidentally, this house is on the market through Houlihan Lawrence! This house would be a fabulous weekend retreat.

The dining room at 11 Huckleberry has enough wall space to wrap some fabulous “high impact” wall paper around it. To say nothing of the dining room table and chairs you will be shopping for. Dinner for 18.

This is the BIG KITCHEN you are leaving the City for! Fabulous, done and that is one gorgeous wood countertop on the island.

Make no mistake, this den at the other end of the kitchen is where everyone will wind up at the end of the day. Very comfortable. Check out some of Robert Kime’s Ikat for this room as well.

One of the chicest “teen” hang outs we have seen. It is nice for the kids to have a their party room too!

11 Huckleberry is perfect for large scale pieces; art, or furniture, as well as fabrics and window treatments that make bold statements. This house really presents an opportunity for a fabulous design statement. Have I made my point here?
If you are looking for a good, big cry, call us. We would love to help find the best house for you. They say February 1 is the official start of the Spring market, but around here, it is always a good time to look and move into your new house!
If you are currently working with an agent/broker, this is not a solicitation.
Another option in your search might be
A New Year….and a new deal on the books.
Thursday, January 15, 2015It was a busy holiday season for us, especially with the closing of 18 Salt Box. It was a impeccably maintained home, on a lovely cul-de-sac close to the beach and YMCA (oh and let’s not forget to mention the cedar roof and copper gutters at this price point). The house next door (16 Salt Box) originally had the same floor plan but underwent an amazing renovation/addition and also closed recently at a record breaking $2,295,000! Our clients plan on doing some amazing things to the inside (the outside could not get any lovelier) which should make this spot for them exactly what they were looking for.
Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year. We are back at work and have some amazing things up our sleeve….stay tuned!
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.
Market Update: Where is everyone?
Tuesday, October 28, 2014It has been a long slow Fall this year, with limited inventory and many buyers sitting on the sidelines. A few people have ventured into the market but mostly we are wondering where everybody is? Has all that “pent up” buying power subsided? Inventory is low, yes, but there are some houses on the market in various price ranges that should not be overlooked. I am not talking about the over $3,000,000 price range where you have a quite a selection of fabulous houses, like my new favorite 1 Siwanoy.
17 Stanley Road came on the market last week. A sweet cottage that is ‘move-in ready” and has opportunity for expansion. The $795,000 price point suggests that it will not last long on the market since this is a very sensitive price range for people looking to get into Darien. Two bedrooms, one full baath, approximately 890 square feet. We will be watching. Offered through Kelly Associates.
225 Middlesex Road continues to be active on the market. Sort of surprising since with the asking price of $1,225,000 you can have really well renovated space in a great location. Four bedrooms, three and a half baths, walking distance to schools and Noroton Train station. This is a great opportunity in Darien. Offered through Kelly Associates. 12/1/14 Contract Signed.
16 Libby Lane came on last summer just in time for a buyer to take advantage of that fabulous pool. But no one has come forward yet on this one. Another great opportunity in a central location that remains active the market. Nicely set back off the road, and a wonderful screened in porch we see a lot of potential here. Now asking $1.775,000 (originally $1,850,000), if you are looking around for more space this house could be a fantastic solution for you. Offered through Kelly Associates.

16 Libby Lane is listed by Kelly Associates.

Classic floor plan. As you come in through the front door the living room is on your left, dining on your right.
Opportunity is not just knocking, it’s banging on the door at 22 Maplewood Drive, the bucolic street in North Darien. It’s a beautiful piece of property and there is a lot of house to work with here. Buyer Buyer are you out there? Lots of bedrooms, lots of space. Asking $1,875,000 offered through Kelly Associates.
If you are looking to stay under the $3M price point, with all the bells and whistles, I would encourage you to go look at 8 Point Road on Wilson Point. Yes, it is not in Darien so you will be giving up what most people come to Darien for… the schools. If that detail is not an important factor in your search, you will love the views, the deep water dock and the splendid 1940’s colonial that shows beautifully. You won’t find this six bedroom, six full bath and two half bath house (about 4900 square feet) in Darien on the water with an asking price of $2,995,000.

A glorious detail in a house filled with charm and not lacking in patina…I am thinking Tom Sheerer is the man for this job!
If you would be interested in seeing any of these properties, give us a call. We would love to show you these, or any other property you may be interested in.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.