Looking back at 2012
Monday, January 7, 2013It has been very quiet on the real estate radar the last few weeks. Our silence is a good indicator…. when we’ve got nothing to blog about, you know it is quiet out there! Inventory is very low right now and there is a certain level of demand which potentially sets the stage for a competitive market this Spring. (We have seen some fabulous previews and look forward to giving you an inside look as they come on).
There are a few properties from 2012 that we still really like.
24 Cliff Avenue. A favorite of ours. This 1911 charmer has more space than you think (approximately 2000) and is close to downtown Darien and trains, and walking distance to Rowayton. It has been on and off the market since April and they are asking $899,000. Listed by Betsy Nolan at Coldwell Banker. THIS PROPERTY IS IN CONTRACT.
106 Stephen Mather. Just reduced, this is a great location and an even better piece of flat property. Stephen Mather is such a pretty street that offers privacy yet not isolation! Lots of bedrooms and outdoor space for everyone! Listed by Holly Hurd at Kelly Associates. Asking $2,499,000.
593 Hollow Tree Ridge Road. If you came to our Sister Parish trunk show, then you know how fabulous this house really is! Dress it up or dress it down, this is one our favorites. If you haven’t already, check it out. A very special place indeed. Now asking $2,695,000. Listed by Hannah Burge at Kelly Associates.
86 Delafield Island. What a beauty. This 1920’s gem has been loved and lived in for many many years by the same family. The views are fabulous, and the setting makes you want to settle down…and never leave. Except on your boat from your dock! The patina oozes and oh’s what you could do to put your own stamp on this gem! Don’t be afraid of the work, this will be well worth it! Listed by Sheree Frank and Doug Milne at Kelly Associates. Asking $5,995,000.
February officially launches the Spring market, and we will start to see a lot of new inventory come on.
WE CANT WAIT!
The TOP PICK of Christmas is……
Tuesday, December 25, 2012Our final pick of Chrismas is our favorite house of all time! My good friend has a daughter that wants a dollhosue for Christams After searching for one she decided to make her own. What started out as a simple project turned into a labor of love. From the cedar shakes, to the shutters, clapboard and stone foundation, it was the most beautiful and important bulld of all time. It took hours, days and months of meticulous and painstaking planning, cutting, gluing etc. She put different paneling in the rooms, used an assortment of wallpaper and rugs (cut from remnants of fabric she had) and even used pieces to make into lamps or accessories.
KITCHEN
LIVING ROOM
MASTER BEDROOM
MASTER BATH
STUDY

Chinoisserie Chic would love this…pagoda mirror and chest. She made the light fixture and the coral is hers that was found in the Bahamas.
NURSERY
CHILDREN”S ROOM

Dreamy, dreamy
My friend is amazing and I am sure her whole family agrees.
We wish you all a Merry, Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. We hope you love our 12th pick of Christmas. We know her daughter does!
The 6th PICK of Christmas
Sunday, December 16, 201223 Oakshade is our 6th PICK!

Think hydrangeas or Meadow Rue along this fence. This property has many opportunities for a garden and borders.
23 Oakshade is a divine spot situated well on a wonderful street. It has 3 bedroom/2 bathrooms, 1931 square feet on .34 acres. You open the front door to an open floor plan with a living room and dining room. A sunroom and den (or 4th bedroom) in addition to a third bedroom round out the first floor. Offered at $949,000, this home (and neighborhood) is a winner! Listed by Bernadette Fisher at Kelly Associates.
We are halfway through our 12 picks….six more fabulous opportunities to come for under the tree. There is still a little time! Jingle Jingle…
If you would like to see this property, please call us.
If y ou are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Take a look. This is a winner!
Tuesday, December 11, 201210 Tory Hole Road should be on your radar if you are out looking this Spring for something special. It is beautifully renovated, and expanded in the most discreet way. This house is the perfect opportunity for someone who wants the best of both worlds: room for kids, dogs and “stuff ” as well as a “grown up” and gracious lifestyle. No detail is overlooked! Situated in a private and well sought after neighborhood of Delafield Island, the 1930’s house has 5 bedrooms/4 1/2 baths, slate roof (which we love) approximately 5200 square feet, and is offered at $2,950,000. Listed by Kate Balanoff and at Kelly Associates.

Great scale and, of course, we noted the front door (love it!) Another example of an entry that is its own room. Always a “good thing”!

The house is gracious yet comfortable. Easy to entertain in. This room is large enough for several seating areas and corners for conversation.
If you would like to see this property, please call us.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
The 2nd PICK for Christmas
Thursday, December 6, 2012
66 Bridle Trail is simply wonderful. We have blogged about this house before and we still love it. Tucked away in northern Darien, it is so private and the property is so pretty. You won’t get to keep what they have, but oh… the possibilities are endless for beautiful decorating when the bones are good. It remains one of the very few with both a pool and a tennis court which makes it feel like a back country estate. (But is not pretentious!) 5 bedrooms/4 1/2 baths, 5000+ square feet. 2.06 acres. Asking $3,495,000. Listed by Cathy Lawton at Kelly Associates.
Yes, I know there are a lot of pictures but this is one of those houses you can’t get enough of. These would be a fabulous set of keys for under the tree!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
North Darien – where the land lies high and dry
Monday, November 26, 2012Location and land that is high and dry. That’s something we can’t say about every property in Darien. But this property sits high, and remains dry even after the worst of storms. The property offers over 2 acres, beautifully maintained grass, and privacy on the beautiful and sought after Stephen Mather.
The house has 5 Bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, and is approximately 4500 square feet. Asking $2,575,000. If you would like to see this property, please call us.
This home is worth a look (or another). Asking $2,499,000. Listed by Holly Hurd at Kelly Associates.
Kensett – A very custom towhhouse to consider
Thursday, November 15, 2012There is a new “community” in town called Kensett, and it is really NICE. Up off of Hoyt Street, on 15 + acres, there will be 62 houses built, and developed into a new neighborhood. There is a pool, a club house, gardens, and services similar to what a condominium might offer, such as built in lawn care and road maintenance. They currently have two models to show. A few have sold and they are aiming for a Spring ‘move-in’.
We visited the newly styled model homes and were very impressed. Worth a look if you think that something like this would work for you. There are four townhouse layouts to choose from. Prices start around $1,300,000 for a 2/3 bedroom townhouse with fantastic finishes offered to make this a supremely custom home.
NORWOOD HOUSE – 3 Beds + Den /2 1/2 baths approximately 3300 square feet ( approx. + 775 square feet of finished basement if you want)

Beautiful open kitchen in the Norwood House. Gorgeous custom finishes are offered to make it your own. No two houses are the same.

Nice detail on the stairs. This townhouse has great flow for entertaining. The sliding doors in the kitchen open up to a stone terrace.

Living room in Norwood. Beautifully styled by Lynn Morgan, the chic and sophisticated decorator in Rowyaton, CT.
PIPER HOUSE : 4 bedrooms/3 1/3 baths (approx + 775 square feet of finished basement if you want).

Very chic the way they have painted the trim black. Love that detail! If you don’t love it you don’t have to have it. Remember – custom, custom, custom! French doors lead to the terrace off the living room.

L O V E the kitchen… The color, the lay out and the beautiful details in the finishes are gorgeous. The ceiling height is fantastic.
These townhouses really offer something different in Darien. They are well done and could offer an interesting alternative to for you! If you would like to see these townhouses, please call us. We would love to show you.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Out on the trail…..
Wednesday, November 7, 2012So much has been going on the past few weeks. Our Sister Parish Design trunk show was a great success. If you missed it, check out the website! It really is great stuff. www.sisterparishdesign.com .
Then the hurricane!
It is time to get back to work and update you on what we have seen out “on the trail”. Here are some highlights:
14 Park Place is a really nice, sunny home listed for $889,000. This 1990 square foot home has a wonderful kitchen and breakfast area that open to a spacious family room (with radiant heat). On the 2nd floor are 2 bedrooms (was 3 converted to 2) and the third floor has a spacious master. It has numerous closets and a spa like bathroom. It’s a winner! This price range has been limited so I am excited to show it to some clients this weekend. (This property is no longer available. Prudential CT.)
278 Noroton Avenue, listed for $1,285,000, is the home I used to live next door to. It is a very distinctive green victorian with a unique garage portico and porch with a turret. This home has a lot of rooms and space and with a good architect, could be a landmark in this area. Listing through William Raveis.
8 Fox Hill Lane is a cape with a ranch feel that has been fully supped up (listed for $2,195,000). 4516 square feet, 5 bedrooms and 1 lovely acre on a great in town street. It has loads of gracious sun filled rooms and a very elegant feel. The kitchen is on the smaller size but I loved the green painted cabinets. Listed by Leigh Finley at Kelly Associates.
Noteworthy Price reductions:
79 Hollow Tree Ridge Road has been reduced from $1,575,000 to $1,395,000. Who can forget the Benjamin Weed House that is just a few homes down from 89 Hollow Tree. With its 4 foot high fireplace with beehive oven and modern updates, this home should not be overlooked. THIS PROPERTY IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE/ Kelly Associates.
Both these homes are favorites of ours and we are surprised they are still available. Quite an opportunity here!
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
10 Catherine Street for $424,900
Thursday, October 11, 2012We spend a lot of time here at Real in Darien talking about homes most people cannot afford but can only dream of. There is nothing wrong with that but the reality is times are somewhat challenging for many people and we lose sight as to the reality of our world So we thought it was important to blog about a house for sale in Darien for $424,900. There are currently 7 homes in the $400,000’s and this is our favorite and the least expensive.
Yes it is small, at almost 1000 square feet but it has 3 bedrooms, an adorable kitchen and a charming backyard with an awning. This is the perfect home for someone who wants to move here for our fabulous schools but cannot make the jump to the average starter home, or for someone that wants to scale down. Maintenance would be minimal which could be perfect for someone who is single. This home is in pristine condition and is available immediately.
If you would like to see this home, please contact us. (This property is no longer available/Kelly Associates.)
G L A M O R O U S…..oh the flossy flossy
Tuesday, September 25, 2012“Flying first class…up in the sky…popping champagne…living the life….in the fast lane”” Remember that song? Well, you will be humming Fergies catchy tune it as you walk through the SEXIEST house on the market. Hidden somewhere down at the end of Five Mile River Road, this is a new house that definitely feels as if it were somewhere really cool. California, maybe. I LOVE FIVE MILE RIVER. It is such a beautiful place to live.

Thinking about some of the architectural features we like, SCALE would be one of them. And SO MUCH you can do with this veranda.

A dining room one would use. The color is fabulous. There could be more of it. The room is certainly big enough. Take a look at Katie Ridder’s book called Rooms. She would be a great choice of decorator for his house.

The ceiling height in this kitchen is fantastic. It changes the whole vibe in the room. It gives you great options for lighting as well.

Gil Schafer did not design this house, but “oh the GLAMOROUS!”
129 Five Mile River Road has 6 bedrooms/7 1/2 baths (7,757 square feet) pool, spa, out door shower and a dock. The house is listed by Sheree Frank at Kelly Associates. New Price as of 2/22/13 $7,195,000.
DON’T MISS the fabulous spread in the March/April (2013) issue of atHOME. Designer Jennifer Nightingale decorated the home for the owners. Its Gorgeous.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
The Waterfront…which one would you like?
Thursday, September 20, 201286 Delafield Island – 4 bedrooms/3 1/2 baths, asking $5,950,000, This house really deserves its own “homage”, but since we are talking about The Waterfront, we have to start with this superior new Kelly Associates listing. Really one of the more splendid settings in town, and a house to go with it. The bones, the bones, the bones. If there is a house on the market with views and great bones, this is the house. It will undoubtedly be renovated by its new owners, but this is one of those houses that brings childhood at Grandmother’s to the front of your mind. Houses like this don’t come on all the time. It is absolutely fabulous. And ,by the way, it has a terrific pool and jacuzzi with views that might leave you floating for hours!
22 Searles– Built in 1908! No wonder I love this house. I have always said “give me a house built in the early 1900’s and my heart will go pitter-patter”. High ceilings, thick plaster walls, wide doorways, all pieces to the puzzle of a house with substance. It shows really well – the interior feels heavily influenced by Michael Smith, it’s all pulled together beautifully. This impressive Mediterranean house on Scott’s Cove has 5 bedrooms/5 1/2 baths, a pool, a guest house. Asking $4,995,000 through Kelly Associates.

The living room, and entertaining spaces, effectively ride the line of gracious formality and easy living.
112 Pear Tree Point – 5 bedrooms/4 !/2 baths, a total of 7462 square feet, asking $7,350,000 through Kelly Associates (no longer available). We talked about this house when it first came on the market. At the time we thought it was important to point out the special features outside and ALL THE STONE WORK! But, now it is important to point out that this is a beautifully thought out house built to perfection. Oh, and don’t worry about your golf game, because you will be working on it in the game room where you will have your very own simulated course! Designed by Mac Patterson, this is one of the more sophisticated houses on the market. The details – down to the crushed shell drive way – will not be missed by the MOST DISERNING buyer.

Details in the house are fantastic. Note that all the custom Elizabeth Eakins rugs are nailed down and will be sold with the house.

The pool, the pool/guest house, the outdoor kitchen all add up to a fabulous place to host summertime dinner parties.

Yes, that is a golf simulater. You may never play a perfect game, but it won’t be because you don’t have the chance to practice!

I love that the kitchen is not a lot of useless space. The cooking space has everything you need, and lots of pantry storage. And of course a civilized sitting area that has a gorgeous fireplace.
25-27 Brush Island – Think about how nice it is to be out of the fray, then think how nice it would be to experience that in Darien! That is exactly what life on Brush Island will offer you and this property has several options to consider. 1. Buy the whole thing and work with the two existing houses and the lots to make one fabulous compound. 2. Buy the older house on its lot and either renovate or rebuild. 3. Do the same with the newer house and its lot. 3. Potential for a subdivided third lot. There are many possibilities here to consider. Deeded access to Long Island Sound, private beach front and tennis court. Total acreage is 3.27. What ever it is, you end up with a real gem of a property and a lovely, low key location with beach and privacy. 6 bedrooms/ 3 1/2 baths, asking $7,350,000 through Kelly Associates.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Out on the trail…
Saturday, September 15, 2012WOW, what a busy week. We had a ton of open houses and here are some highlights (there are some that are going to have their own special blog…stay tuned)…..
6 Hummingbird Lane, asking $3,495,000, has a lot of space that works so well. It has several spots off the epicenter of the home, the gorgeous kitchen. There is room for everything but it feels like a real “family” home. The landscaping is really something special, many original and stunning features to it. Listed by Cathy Lawton at Kelly Associates.

LOVE this family room. From the ceiling, the fireplace, to the windows surrounding it. This is off the kitchen and has wonderful outdoor access.
There was a house on Middlesex that caught our eye as something with real potential. 375 Middlesex Road is asking $1,895,000. This house has good scale, ceiling height (even though it was built in 1954), nice wide hallways upstairs, and a ton of space – 6 or 7 bedrooms, 5 baths, and 2 acres!. The front hall is large and gracious. The livingroom and the dining room will accomodate any large party comfortably. The house is well maintained, so a good paint job, and some new rugs will go a long way until you have your “fab” plans set. There have only been two owners since 1954 so I am going to venture to say that it also has good Karma. I would urge all you buyers looking for a lot of space, a central Darien location, and want to create your own Shanghrila, to look at this house. This could be exactly what you have been waiting for, and there could be some good value here. Listed by Gail Ord at Coldwell Banker/Darien.

Think about your favorite wall paper because this is the front entry has what it takes to handle it! Good size and ceiling height.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Country Club Living – Opportunity Knocks!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012It is hard to imagine that in Darien there is only a handful of properties on the market that offer the out door amenities that qualify as “country club living”. Understandably if you are going to play doubles, or even a couple of sets of singles, you are most likely going off to one of the exceptional clubs in town. But, if your dream home includes a pool AND tennis court, you will want to check out these properties. Summer time in Darien is fabulous, but even more so if you have your own private pool and tennis court! August is a GREAT time to look, because no one else is!
66 Bridle Trail, has 5 bedrooms and 4 baths. It is offered through Kelly Associates at $3,495,000. At the end of this very quiet and private lane, situated on two level acres, you will be amazed at how pretty the property is. The house is not bad either! A beautifully done interior combined with the luxuries of a pool and tennis court will sway you to seriously consider this property! It’s a beauty.
If you would like to see any of these properties, call us. We would love to show either or both to you.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation
The Summer Sale… great opportunities available!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Summertime often brings buyers who are looking to get settled by the time school starts up in the Fall. It is also a great time to showcase a property that didn’t make the Spring cut. Gardens are lush, and all the hard work getting the house ready for the season is finished. The beaches are open and busy (don’t forget to go to our brand new Weed Beach!). Whether you are a buyer or a seller, summertime in Darien is the best!
Right now, there are 165 properties on the market (that fluctuates daily). It brakes down like this: approximately 40 of the properties are under $1M, another 50 or so are listed between $1 -$2M, 33 are listed between $2-$3M, 20 listed between $3 -$4M, 8 are listed between $4-$5M and the rest are listed over $5M. If you are ready to take the plunge, here are some things to consider.
93 Noroton Avenue OOOOzes with charm. This 1900’s Victorian has high ceilings and old world charm combined with today’s amenities which the current owners have pulled together with loving care. There is no denying the curb appeal, but its proximity to a major intersection (and we mean major!) in Noroton has prevented buyers from taking the plunge. Asking $665,000 this location is actually ideal; walk to Baker Park (which it’s directly next to), train (no paying to park), as well as shops, offering first time buyers, or anyone else, an affordable option in Darien. Maybe more affordable than you ever thought! Listed by Sharon Roda at Kelly Associates. PROPERTY OFF THE MARKET
8 Edgerton Street is a sweet little house at the leafy end of this street. The house is renovated pretty well, has 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, separate garage and a large back yard. The bath situation is not ideal – only 1 full upstairs, but If you are moving to Darien in the next few months, this house might be the perfect house to come home to. Walk to train and shopping from this very central location! Asking $869,000, doesn’t this look like a house you could make into a home! Listed by Christie Veeder at Kelly Associates. THIS PROPERTY IS SOLD
13 Oak Park Avenue is arguably one of our favorite houses in the price range. This house has been renovated with a great eye, and excellent quality finishes. This property harks back to “Fab Master Bath” if you recall, and it still holds true. Nothing has come on like it since we first went to see it. If there is a house that has “more bang for the buck” than you would typically find in a house in this price range, this is it. Some people will call it over improved. We call it beautifully done. Owner is a serious seller and this will be a fantastic house for someone! 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths asking $1,069,000. Go check it out. PROPERTY IS NO LONGER ON THE MARKET.
19 Prospect Avenue has the coveted location, great space (the kitchen and breakfast room is our favorite) and beautiful backyard. We would be equally happy seeing the house left as is, or seeing a renovation going on to create a fabulous place your grandchildren will visit one day. Offered at $1,499,000, we are very surprised it is still available. But go ahead, make an offer! Listed by Sheree Frank at Kelly Associates. THIS PROPERTY IS SOLD

The carefully thought out renovation includes a kitchen island that is a beautiful wood, stained a dark mahogany.
6 Woodley Road is offered at $2,495,000. To think that this house was price at $3,850,000 in ’08 makes it the “poster child” for the market that was… This totally renovated 1930 Tudor home in Ridge Acres is bound to sell before we are done writing this blog. While it does not have a traditional floor plan, and Abigail’s 6’8″ husband would have a hard time walking into in the master bedroom, it has really unique spaces and gorgeous features. The pool is just an added bonus. Come on people, jump in! Listed by Maggie Marchesi at Kelly Associates. PROPERTY IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
79 Stephen Mather, offered at $3,095,000 has seen a $400,000 price reduction. Situated in back country Darien, Stephen Mather is host to this 6690 square foot new home. The best rooms in the house are the kitchen and family room, shown above. This will be where you have THE BEST parties!! Go in and make an offer! Listed by Christie Veeder at Kelly Associates.
A few things to keep in mind: now is a good time to borrow if you are ready to do so, and you are likely to find sellers who are ready to negotiate. Waiting for the “perfect” house never works. No house is perfect. It is what you will do to the house you buy that will make it perfect for you! (We always have ideas on how to make a house perfect for you!) These may not be our “favorite houses”, but we think these houses mentioned are among the many that are poised for a deal – both for the seller and the buyer. And remember, if there is a house you would like to see, please call us.
26 Greenleaf Avenue
Monday, May 21, 2012Last week we had an opportunity to revisit 26 Greenleaf Avenue, asking $2,650,000 listed by Ann Griswold at Kelly Associates, on a quiet lane close to town referred to as “Bump Along”. This has intrigued us for quite a while (and even more so now with a new price reduction) and let us show you why. THIS PROPERTY IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE/Kelly Associates.
The house has so much room (5755 square feet and 7 bedrooms!) but once again it has something we love, perfectly sized rooms that are not too big or too small. You walk into this home which is in super condition, and are met with a home with loads of character. The curved staircase and the ceiling beams all add to this charm. There is great detail everywhere we looked. It took me a while to move on past the stunning lighting fixtures that run throughout this house and tie it together so well.

Family room-runs along the back of the house with french doors leading into the rooms and french doors leading outside
When you get upstairs you are treated to loads of wonderful space for a family. There are 7 bedrooms with common space for the kids or guests. This could be so fun especially since there is also a great basement space.
The master has its own private enclave and is very warm and inviting.

Then it is off through the most gorgeous mudroom I have ever seen. Beautiful paneled walls (love the color) and slate floors. There is more than enough room for all the gear in here.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.