IT’S OURS. It is CLOSED
Tuesday, November 26, 2013This brand new, gorgeous home was completed in May 2013. 4 + bedrooms/ 5 1/2 baths, a top of the line kitchen, finished basement and nothing left for you to do, this house has all the “bells and whistles”. But, come see for yourself. There is nothing else on the market like it right now so call us, you won’t be disappointed.
YOU DONT WANT TO MISS THIS.
Offered by Kim Swift and Abigail Moore at Kelly Associates. Asking $1,995,000.

It’s hard to find a living room you actually want to be in. I promise you this is one to hold on to.

Think Super Bowl Sunday. It’s where the party is.

The Master Bath.

The kids have never had it so good.
We would love to show you this unbelievable house. The generator alone should at least peak your interst. Call us. We would love to show you around.
If you are working with a broker, this is not a solicitation.
25 & 27 Brush Island – It’s been a long time coming.
Tuesday, November 12, 201325 & 27 Brush Island are two wonderful properties listed for $7,350,000, and we are pleased to say that we had the buyers for both. The final deal has just closed and we are very excited for both of them.
We would love to help you find your very own Brush Island – give us a call.
As always, this is not a solicitation if you are working with an agent.
What’s with the radio silence?
Friday, November 8, 2013One simple answer. We like to blog about properties we love, and there really haven’t been any lately. And, more to the point, there is NO INVENTORY! Infact, today, as I sit here writing this there is only one open house.
But, I did come across a fabulous listing on Gardiner Street. A lot of style, a lot of interesting architecture. A really good location for train access and shopping. If you are looking in the $1,000,000 range, or slightly above, this is an absolute must see! 88 Gardiner Street. Asking $1,150,000 offered by Lindsay Sheehy through the Greenwich office of Houlihan Lawrence. (accepted offer/no longer showing)

A wonderful 1921 Colonial with that fabulous front porch. It’s located between Relihan and Laforge so trick or treating will be “awesome”.
This property won’t last long. Even in this quiet period in the market. If you would like to see it, we would love to show you!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
What happened to the fall market?
Monday, October 21, 2013If any of you have been wondering why we have not been blogging as much about what is on the market, the answer is there has not been a lot to talk about. It has been a very sleepy fall market. Where are all our sellers? We are starved for inventory (146 in September vs 192 last year). Some are waiting for the spring market and some are staying put until our economic climate gains some stability. We know there are buyers out there…..waiting…..waiting……waiting!
The high end is on life support (34 just in the $2-3mm range and many of those have been on for quite a while). But, you are hard pressed to find anything on in the lower range of $800,000 – $1M, like 15 Hillside Avenue and 73 Coachlamp Lane; they sell in a matter of hours or days. We had a customer who wanted to see 15 Hillside but went away for the weekend and was long gone by Monday.
One thing to note, no matter the price range, when something fabulous comes on, it may not even last the day or end of week as was the case with 17 Maywood and 9 Cross Road.
If you are thinking of LISTING your home, the time would be NOW. If you decide to ask a brokers advice, LISTEN to their recommendations. The market has a lot of “shades of gray”; PRICE being the most sensitive, then, of course, LOCATION.
We don’t usually get statistical, but we thought you might like to know what is actually going on in the market.
As of September, 2013
September, 2013 | September, 2012 | % Chg | |
Property Sales | 18 | 16 | 12.5% |
Median Sale Price | $1,517,500 | $1,097,500 | 38.3% |
Sales to List Price Ratio | 92.6% | 94.2% | -1.7% |
Homes for Sale | 146 | 192 | -24.0% |
Months of Inventory | 6.1 | 8.7 | -29.0% |
Days on Market | 95 | 99 | -4.0% |
New Listings | 30 | 41 | -26.8% |
Listings Under Contract | 12 | 16 | -25.0% |






Data courtesy of: DARMLS
|
|
Listing and sales information comes from various sources and may not always be accurate. No representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy of this information. You should verify any information that is important to your buying decision.
|
Ridge Acres Beauty
Saturday, October 12, 2013
This could be your very own “Yellow Brick Road”, leading you to your new home. Follow, follow, follow….
It’s so hard to gracefully combine an old house and new space for modern living, however we found one that works; where life carries on graciously and the dogs can roam freely! 56 Ridge Acres, asking $3,515,000, offered through Kelly Associates, successfully passes the test! We have liked this house since it came on – sometime ago. This new price (the house originally started at $3,750,000 with a different broker) is certain to lead someone to this fabulous expanded Connecticut Colonial. It really has everything. Space, both indoors and out, a pool, nice open kitchen, bedrooms (6), and privacy!

Even though no one seems to use a dining room anymore, it is SO NICE to have one. Sitting down for a big gathering, or any holiday meal, will be fabulous in this room. ( I am thinking about Ellie Culllman’s new book, The Detailed Interior as I write this).

An example of Ellie Cullman‘s work. Elegant and sophisticated. Wonderful if you are looking to have a more formal dining room.

Another example of Elliie’s work that would translate beautifully at 56 Ridge Acres. It’s all in the detail!
This is a great house. It really feels like a home, and will make the next 15 or 20 years something special for you! 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.
Photo’s courtesy of Cullman & Kravis
40 Bridle Trail – Back on with a new price! (SOLD)
Friday, October 11, 2013For the first time in a little more than 20 years. this house is on the market. Sitting on about two acres, almost knowing how fabulous it is, 40 Bridle Trail is looking for a new owner who will love it as much as the current owners do (or at least is seems they have loved it)! From the front door to the garage doors, it’s one of those true Connecticut colonials that we both immediately responded to. A little quirky, a lot of space and, yes I will use the word again – patina. Five bedrooms, four and a half baths, beautiful hardwood and slate floors, and lots of something that’s hard to find…a great vibe! Asking $2,595,000. Offered through Alice May Orr at Kelly Associates.

CZ Guest walking through her cutting garden. Rose beds, peony and so many other flowers would be right at home at 40 Bridle Trail. I can totally see something like this rose garden up there in northern Darien.

Maybe somewhere at the bottom of the lawn? Elise Landscapes & Nursery would great for this project.

Over sized living room with high ceilings. I am thinking about all that new Mary Mcdonald fabric and trim in this room. This is a really elegant room. Just Gorge!

Old fashioned screened in porch. Put a big beautiful lantern in this room, add some trellises and some Janus et Cie ratan furniture (check out the Arbor Collection)… et voila!

I love the garage doors. Think of all the Wisteria dripping from above. A trellis would be easy to add! Some nice outdoor lights from Urban Electric Co. (Check out Fenwick Carriage Pocket or Belmont collection). And, there is a bedroom and full bath above where guests, or an au pair would be very comfortable!
It’s a great house. If you are looking in this price range, do not over look this beauty! If you would like to see the property, call us. We would love to show you one of our favorites!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Global Style in Tokeneke
Tuesday, October 1, 201312 Runkenhage Road. What a beauty! We love this house and it’s new to the market! The property sits beautifully on the Cove down at the bottom of Tokeneke, nestled among some of the Association’s most beautiful houses. And the dock? Well, you can have your motor boat waiting for you when ever you feel the need to buz through Scott’s Cove and out on to Long Island Sound. Asking $3,250,000 through Kelly Associates.

Its not Lake Como, but you can bring your own “global style” to the table here. Couldn’t help but “borrow” the current edition of House Beautiful‘s fine choice of words for this one.

Imagine the court yard you could develop here with beautiful planters and creeping vines! Note the copper gutters, and consider what you could have made at Urban Electric. Devine!

A view from the second bedroom. The house is in great shape. The exterior shows really well. A garden down below and along the water would be fabulous.
If you would like to see this house, we would love to show it to you. It’s a fabulous opportunity.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
16 Nathan Hale Drive in Wilson Point -PRICE REDUCED
Thursday, September 12, 2013If you need only one good reason why you would move to a waterfront property on Wilson Point, we’ve got it.
16 Nathan Hale Drive!!!
Totally done (House of Turquoise would be proud), remote and private, with views of Long Island Sound, nearby islands and New York City. This house is not only a summer pleasure palace, it will keep you happy all year long. If you are looking for a very special waterfront property, you need to see this. It is a spectacular setting. Asking $5,050,000 through Houlihan Lawrence.

A working kitchen that opens up to fabulous terraces. It’s time to host the best parties in the neighborhood!

A family bedroom. The Zhush would love this for their POP (pop of purple-check out their great blog).

Another family bedroom….all 5 of them are wonderful.
This home has it all and is waterfront living at its best! It is absolutely fantastic and perfect in our book. The minute we walked in we looked at each other and said “A HOUSE WE LOVE” and then went out to buy a lottery ticket. And their decor and details is something we will be thinking about for a long time. Contact us if you would like a showing at info@realindarien.com.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Out on the trail…..for $900,000
Friday, September 6, 2013The summer is a distant memory now, and it was back to a busy week of open houses. There was an influx of homes in the $900,000 price range so we thought we would high light a few.
15 Gardiner Street is an impeccably maintained home. 4 bedrooms (2 up and 2 down) and 2 baths in this little jewel. Priced at $899,000 through Kelly Associates, this will go quickly.

One of the bedrooms used as a family room.
288 Noroton Avenue has three bedrooms and two full baths, a two car garage, and is centrally located. Priced at $959,000, offered through Kelly Associates.

The den is off the kitchen and can easily be opened up to create the open kitchen/ living space so many buyers are looking for.
21 Lake Drive is a 4 bedroom ranch with lots of space. Listed for $984,000 through Kelly Associates.

The living room.
There is also 123 Middlesex on the higher end of this range. Take a look at our blog on it here.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
OUR SPRING & SUMMER DEALS
Monday, August 26, 2013We had a busy spring and are back after a little summer vacation. Here is an update on our recent deals.
OUR LISTINGS:
13 Oak Park Avenue listed for $1,100,000
3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath sold and closed in July 2013 with multiple offers.
60 Gardiner Street listed for $1,099,000
4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath sold and closed in June 2013.
207 Middlesex Road – List Price $1,725,000 by Kelly Associates. This 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bathroom was bought while under construction and finished by our customer. Sold and closed in May 2013.
327 Middlesex Road – List Price $849,000 through Kelly Associates. 4 Bedroom cottage sold and closed in July 2013.
We anticipate a busy fall and year so now may be a good time to jump into the market. If you are interested in looking for a home or listing your house, give us a call.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Gardens and Pools to Love!
Monday, August 19, 2013On the market right now, in all price ranges, there are houses with pools and gardens (or just gardens) that are fantastic. If a garden , and or a pool, is a priority in your house hunting, there are some fabulous options. This is the perfect time of year to see what these houses have to offer. We happen to LOVE a few in particular.
9 Appletree Lane

Bones Bones Bones! 9 Appletree is a house that you wait for to hit the market. And on such a charming street. This one is a MUST SEE!
We had heard last Spring it was coming on the market. Its the kind of house we would love to put our RID stamp on. Fabulous gardens, filled with fruit trees and spots for beautiful flower beds. I see wisteria growing somewhere here. This house calls for a “field trip” up to Marvin Gardens and Stamford Antique Center. And, I say we get go all out and call in Renny Reynolds to consult on the gardening (everyone should know about Hortulus Farm Garden & Nursery even if they don’t ask Renny for a consultation). This house is a true “diamond in the rough”; not only will you end up with a polished stone, you might even get lucky with a “minors cut” – something not everyone has! Asking $1,650,000 through William Raveis/Darien.

Blossoms and wonderful summer lunches under the trees. I am dreaming about a table and chairs from Grange. Check out the Marie Galante collection!

From Grange. Imagine this under the trees in the garden here! Fabulous! Grange is available through Grange Furniture, Inc. in New York City.
19 Lakeside Avenue
This is a totally “green” and custom (re)built home in the center of Darien. It is promoted as a Winner of the CT Green Council’s 2012 Residential Green Building Award, and one of the few LEED Platinum homes in the area, but what you are also getting is a charming 5 bedroom/3 bath house, fitted with fabulous Waterworks baths, a gorgeous kitchen and the best garden on the street! The borders and gardens are wonderful in the front and the back of the house. This could be the perfect in town living option for you. It’s a winner! Asking $1,869,000. Offered through Kelly Associates.

Perfect little “in town” option. It’s totally move-in ready. I am not kidding when I say “just bring your tooth brush”.

A “secret garden” right in the center of town! What a beautiful border. A ‘no fuss’ garden to enjoy in the Summer is something we are always striving for!
3 Nolen Lane
It continues to be a favorite, and when I showed it last week to a customer it did not dissapoint. A true candidate for fabulousness! The pool is really good. Really, really good. I would add some pool chairs from BrownJordan on the far end, but the possibilities for gorgeous garden accents are endless here. More importantly there stand amazing mature trees – some could be 75 years old, a lush green lawn spreads itself all around the house, and there are fantastic perennial shrubs everywhere! The pool and gardens are nicely seperated so you are not always “by the pool”, which makes this place perfect for all outdoor garden festivities and quiet afternoon reads. (Check out our previous blog for more thoughts on this house). Asking $2,925,000. Offered through Kelly Associates.

Just imagine yourBrownJordan pool lounge chairs lined up at the bottom of this pool. There are some fabulous lines to choose from Seasons Too, right here in Darien. They have an extensive collection of many top of the line outdoor furniture companies but they are particularly good for BrownJordan . This will be a dreamy place to spend your summer afternoons!

If you wanted to get fancy you could install a rough iron fence with custom finials to add something special, but the pool is already nicely fenced in, and seperated from a gorgeous perennial garden that will host parties and more summer luncheons. Glorious!
1 Inwood Road
Tucked up in northern Darien, this Frazier Peters house offers a private paradise with discreet and subtly landscaped gardens in front, and plenty of space in back to establish your own borders and garden beds. This is a fabulous 1933 stone house with 6 bedrooms, 4 full baths and 2 half baths. You will stay cool in the Summer and welcome lots of pool party guests! This is a rare offering, asking $3,900,000 offered by William Raveis/Darien.

Great curb appeal at 1 Inwood. It set back off the road, which by the way isn’t exactly “well traveled”. Its a great spot.

Pristine, blank canvas to create a sensational summer sanctuary. And, a beautiful rectangular pool. Imagine a pergola, dripping with wisteria, on one end of the pool where you will sit for lunch. Go crazy!

Love these lounge chairs for the end of the pool. Just add a little color in the cushions et voila! You will be sitting happily poolside. Lounge chairs are by Silas Marders
35 Crooked Mile Road
This is a fabulous 5 bedroom/6 1/2 bath house with all the bells and whistles demanded by a $4,300,000 price tag, including 4 fireplaces, a gym and a 4 car heated garage! But it is the gardens and pool that catches the eye this time of year. They are gorgeous! This is truly a “grown up” house that deserves the magic touch of someone like Suzanne Kasler. (Check out the September issue of Veranda for Suzanne’s latest project in Greenwich CT. The dining room is not to be missed!) Offered through Coldwell Banker/Darien CT.

Grand and sophisticated. A fabulous opportunity to use large scaled urns and garden gems from somewhere like Treillage, or Stamford Antiques!

Absolutely love this pool. This pool is crying for larger urns (obsessed with stone and iron urns). It can totally handle large scale garden treasures. Also, this is another opportunity to take advantage of the extensive collection at either Janus et Cie or
Summer may be coming to an end but it is never too late to take a look at these fantastic properties. Plan a head for next Summer’s season by the pool and in the garden.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
A little imagination and a lot of inspiration
Monday, August 12, 2013123 Middlesex is a sleepy charmer tucked privately off of the road. It’s a fabulous central location close to the Woodland Park and Middlesex Middle School. With 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath on 1.2 acres, this stone and stucco cape has arched doorways, fieldstone fireplaces and interesting space to create a special 1920’s cottage filled with all your favorite details. I was pleasantly surprised at the potential this home has. Be sure to take a look if you are in the market. Offered by Laura Kolderup at Kelly Associates, asking $1,049,000.

Love that fireplace. Would love to see this all white or an edgy color. Possibly Farrow & Balls Blue Black.

The kitchen is in good shape. You could even take down the wall and make it open to the family/dining room.
Here are some ideas that would be fabulous at
123 Middlesex:

Simple transition between outdoors and indoors. I Always love brick terracing and walkways. It is also great indoors.
The ideas are endless. Go for it! This house is a blank canvas waiting for your touch!
If you are an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Images by Caitlin Morgan Interiors, Matthew Craig Interiors and Bungalow Blue Interiors.
Out of Town
Thursday, August 8, 2013It’s the middle of summer, so that means I am Down East. There is so much to do here you would think that I could lay off the real estate and enjoy what is absolutely one of the most special places on earth. (It is always a full schedule of hiking, walking, tennis and trips to Islesford, and tennis, hiking, walking…and lobster, and out to Cranberry…and much more). But, I cant resist taking a look at what’s on the market up here. Every summer I say to myself that this is the summer we will dive into the market ourselves. It has not happened yet 🙁
Who knows, maybe something will pique your interest. If so, give a call to Mia Thompson at The Knowles Company. She will give you the “grand tour”.
Here is what caught my attention
Barnacles Way. There are two cottages offered on this property. Shore Cottage, situated on the water, is truly unique. You would never be able to have a house that close to the water today. I believe it is “grandfathered in” so you would want to leave the deck and living room as it is. 155 +/- of shorefront, 3 Bedrooms, 3 baths, hanging over the Northeast Harbor Fleet and Scott’s Cove, as well as spectacular veiws out to Greenings Island and the Western mountains of Acadia National Park, is not something you will be able to duplicate. It is magical, even in the rain! Asking $3,250,000. Offered through The Knowles Company.

Sitting indoors or out, you feel the water and the magic of this island from inside these four walls. This summer cabin retreat can not be matched. This is the perfect house for a Remodelista project!
Coxe Cottage on Harbor Street is another property I think is the PERFECT “turn key” cottage. It is totally done ( the Maine way – with all the “mod con’s” but not like here in Fairfield County) and has SPECTACULAR views of Northeast Harbor. The new deck, wrapped in a fabulous cool nautical steel fence, is where you will plant your self when you are not off on the bike trails or out on the water. Just unpack for the Summer, or Columbus Day, or when you want to be here in this 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 baths bungalo, and look out over your 53 +/- of Harbor shorefront!
Its a fabulous in town location, which means its an easy walk to the Pine Tree Market or to the Mail Boat should you decide to take your bike out to Great Cranberry for a ride! Asking $1,400,000 offered by The Knowles Company.

The kitchen is not from 2013 but there is nothing to do here. It is a classic summer Maine kitchen. LOVE THAT!

Downstairs there is an additional space to put guests, and sliding doors to the lower lawn and path to the Harbor. Fab!
I came across a Boston based decorator that might have some great ideas once you got in here to make it your own. Check out her site Katie Rosenfeld Design and see what you think. I imagined rooms like this:

Saving the best for last. This deck is sensational! It wraps around the house and is accessible from two sides of the living room and the Master bedroom. Gorge!
Out on Great Cranberry, if you are looking for privacy AND bells and whistles, check out FISH POINT. Absolutely fabulous views of our beloved Acadia National Park as well as the sailing races going on each week. Life on Cranberry is special and unique; you will not find a better get-a-way than this. Bring your books, your music and bikes. (Leave the cocktail parties in NEH). Unplug and enjoy! 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, 325 +/- of shorefront and 3 moorings. Asking $1,590,000 offered through The Knowles Company.

The house comes with a 22′ Hampton Pulsifer launch. Or, come on over on the Mail Boat. Either way, you are 20/25 minn from the Northeast Harbor or South West Harbor docks. Or, check out Hinckley Yachts. Now that would be “the BOMB”!
I thought a quick peek of what is going on “Out of Town” might be a fun way to get through the summer since real estate can be slow this time of year. The Fall is upon us so we will be getting back out on the trail soon to show you what is fabulous and on the market here in Darien. We really look forward to it!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
AMAZING PRICE ADJUSTMENT/ SOLD
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
The house is fantastic!! NOW IS THE TIME to get in there! You will still have a few weeks to enjoy the pool if you move quickly. Superb pool parties and candle lit evenings await!

What do you think of when you imagine a classic Connecticut colonial? “Bringing up Baby”? Yes, possibly. If not, this could definitely be it! GORGEOUS!
I am sure you can imagine how it was for me when this came on the market today. I have been waiting for something new to love, to show, and to sell! LOVE LOVE LOVE this 1927 beauty. And the location isn’t shabby either. Delafield Island overlooking Goodwives River! This is a rare opportunity for someone, and I am certain this house will go fast. This vintage fabulousness doesn’t come on the market often. No plastic shutters. Beautiful clapboard siding. Additions that have been added over the years seamlessly. So, if you are in the market for something special in Darien, here it is! Five bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths on approximately 1.5 acres. Pool and pool house! Asking $3,150,00. (Originally listed at $3,295,000). Listed by Hannah Burge and Nan Peter at Kelly Associates. THIS PROPERTY HAS AN ACCEPTED OFFER.
The first showings are after the (brokers only) open house on Tuesday, April 2nd. If you have a broker, get your appointment scheduled today! If you don’t, call us! We would love to show you this fabulous house.

The house has great flow. A fabulous house for entertaining. The kitchen to the left looks through the dining room to the sun room.

The sun room up high above Goodwives River. The trees have grown since they moved in, but you know where you are. You know you are only a short walk to Long Island Sound.

Good stair runners, dark wood floors, and a beautiful paint job… sounds silly but the details stand out!
Did I tell you I think its fabulous? How many times did I say that? Yes, this is a house to love! No work needed. Just bring your favorite decorator. (No, the owner is not leaving her stuff!) I was thinking some of my favorites, Jeffrey Bilhuber or Amanda Nisbet. Two very different approaches to interior design but both would bring great style and chic to this gorgeous old house.
If you are currently working with a broker, this is not a solicitation.
SPRING LEFTOVERS=SUMMER STEALS
Monday, July 8, 2013There are still some great and wonderful houses out there for you to snatch up after a VERY BUSY spring. Many properties were sold within hours of hitting the market, including 2 of our listings, but there are some that are still on the market and are great opportunities for someone. Here are a few of our favorites:

19 Sherry Lane, listed for $1,675,000, has really great space and bones. I love the flow and 3.66 acres gives you a beautiful country setting. I wonder what local Annie Mahoney would do with this????? ACCEPTED OFFER.

86 Nearwater Lane, listed for $2,495,000, has a setting like no other. Set down a private lane, this eclectic home is in the most amazing spot. This could be a great project for Leslie May.

106 Inwood, asking $2,795,000, has loads of great space in addition to a 2 bedroom pool house with a kitchenette and bath. This home is ideal for entertaining but especially in the summer. The picture does not capture how fabulous it is. It has been newly staged so that should help our buyers with vision. Maybe they can take a trip down to Good Food Good Things and see what they can whip up. Whoever ends up with this one is going to be one happy camper (especially when the kids are camping out back).

10 Tory Hole Road, asking $2,950,000, has superb curb appeal. This is such a classic and the owners have paid attention to every detail. From the slate roof and arched doorways to the great flow and beautiful rooms. If you put an infinity pool out back you may stay for a while (like forever). Melissa Cutler could work some serious magic here (actually she can work magic anywhere!)
All of these homes are offered through Kelly Associates.