Mentioned In
The Showcase
December 16, 2012
During the week of December 17th, I’ll be blogging about six exciting pieces, all from the 2006 YWCA Holiday Tour. I’m thrilled to present these lovely antiques and custom made items, and I hope you will take a thorough look at these special offerings. I call it The Showcase and it is as follows: a crotch mahogany linen press, a pair of Pembroke drop-leaf tables, a French occasional table, a custom Lee Jofa chintz sofa, a pair of Schumacher covered swivel chairs, and a Stark sisal rug. If you’re in the market for a gorgeous instant living room, this is it! Please visit the site daily for The Showcase and a very happy holiday to you, one and all.
Mary Yvonne Faulkner, Consignment Girl on Real In Darien
Sending love to Newtown
December 16, 2012
Our hearts are broken after the events on Friday in Newtown, a wonderful community much like our own. We blog about homes with great architecture and beautiful interiors but today we wish for nothing more than the homes in Newtown to be a haven for comfort and healing. Because architecture and interiors are nothing without love and community. We know life goes on but we do so with heavy hearts.
The 6th PICK of Christmas
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.
Lovely original details such as he built-in bookshelves and the mantle, add a lot of charm.
Many opportunities to create your garden!
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!
December 11, 2012
10 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.
Elegant, and beautifully established foundation plantings.
The rear view shows off a beautiful place to entertain.
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.
My favorite room – the sunroom.
Comfortable and easy. Beautifully done.
A well planned kitchen in warm tones blend beautifully with the rest of the house.
Family room filled with southern charm.
Doors in the family room lead out to terraces.
If you would like to see this property, please call us.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Fun and Fresh
December 7, 2012
For those of you familiar with the amazing talent at Hable Construction, you’ll definitely want to take a peak at this. Texan sisters, Susan Hable Smith and Katharine Hable Sweeny, now Brooklyn based, have rocked the textile world with their chic and whimsical designs to much acclaim. They put the fun and fresh in practical and these storage bins are no exception. The Storage Bushels are Sweet Pea Beads and retail for $275 each. The Rose Checker and Sweet Pea Beads Hideaway Storage retail for $215 each. The pieces shown are gently used and will be sold at half price. Whether you need more space for Santa’s Christmas delivery or a place for last year’s loot, do it in style with Hable Construction. Check them out at www.hableconstruction.com.
Storage Bushels: $138 Each
Hideaway Storage: $108 Each
E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.
The 2nd PICK for Christmas
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.
NOTHING like a large square entry. Love it when it feels like its own room.
All beautiful archways lead to more beautiful rooms.
Magnificent windows.
A real kitchen. for all to gather in.
The way out… to your very own compound.
This where everyone will want to hang. And its gorgeous.
Note the little projector. Everyone needs their own screening room.
The study.
The landing. Yes, it is really nice to have one.
Here it goes. The gardens and grounds are fabulous.
more to see…
more to see…more to love.
Tennis. Wimbledon style!
Where you will host with Long Island Iced teas.
The (tennis) judge’s view.
Even the gardening shed is good.
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.
Cherry Christmas
December 6, 2012Let’s face it. Nice entertainment centers are hard to find, but this cherry veneer cabinet is chic. Comprised of one large center compartment suitable for multiple components and two side shelving units, it’s utilitarian and beautiful with dimensions of 20″ width, 75″ length, and 57″ height; however, I love this piece for its versatility and easily could see it as a bedroom armoire or elegant dining room addition, perfect for storing those lovely wedding gifts we often retrieve for special occasions.
Price: $500
E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.
Big Baby News!
December 3, 2012We are very excited about William and Kate’s news! Congratulations!
The Duke and Dutchess of Cambridge
We will have to get to a Nursery blog soon!
OUR FIRST ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY
December 1, 2012
We are in the spirit here at Real in Darien. After a tumultuous fall:Hurricane Sandy, the election, and the apprehension of a financial cliff, we thought we all needed something to celebrate and look forward to. So we are having our first REAL IN DARIEN HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY. All you have to do is send in a picture of your very own HOLIDAY VIGNETTE – your front door, mantle, or any festive shot in your home by December 22nd to abigailhmoore@optonline.net. BE CREATIVE. To win, you must show your ability to think outside the box. Go for it! The winner will receive their very own copy of “The Big Book of Chic” by our favorite lust of all time, Miles Redd.
This book is full of gorgeous rooms inspired by a true genius. It also looks fabulous on your coffee table.
Love the simplicity of this front door.
Try a swag instead of a predictable wreath.
Wish we saw more Williamsburg inspired doors.
Great Idea for an outdoor urn!
Trying to imagine how they made this stay put.
We will then be giving away our favorite “THE BOOK OF CHIC” book by Miles Redd.
Be creative and send your pictures to abigailhmoore@optonline.net by December 22nd. Be creative and have fun!
Getting ready for Christmas
November 30, 2012The second Thanksgiving is over people move right into Christmas, and decorating for the holiday. For a long time I resisted and waited until at least the first week of December to pass so I could feel the season coming on. The air changes and the leaves are truly gone after Thanksgiving. It starts to feel like December. Over the years I have given in, earlier and earlier, and now on December 1, I will start to DECK THE HALLS! I felt inspired by some photos I have seen recently.
December will be a fun month for us here at Real in Darien. We have a fun CONTEST coming up, and we will be showcasing the 12 PICKS FOR CHRISTMAS. Maybe a set of house keys will find their way under your tree!
Welcome!
Merry Christmas. Nothing like lights to light up Santa’s path.
Great Idea for an outdoor urn. Thank you Martha, you always do come up with a Good Thing!
Gorgeous! and so welcoming.
Alessandra Branca’s signature red touch. Such a wonderful and welcoming hearth!
Stephen Sills…keep it about the spirit of giving. But, these presents do look so elegant and fabulous under the tree.
Focus on the ornaments! They make the best hostess gift.
LOVE LOVE this interior door. Christmas in California at Mary MacDonald’s. One of my favorites.
Christmas… You can count on color at Tory Burch’s house!
Carolyn Roehm’s signature blue and white is gorgeous.
Ahhhh! Miles. Always fabulous.
rushing through the snow…Very excited for a fun and festive Christmas. With any luck it will be a white one!
Reward Yourself Luxuriously
November 28, 2012If you’ve been extra good this year and can’t wait for Santa, reward yourself with this luxurious Michalian and Kohlberg rug. It’s exquisite in design and quality, with dimensions of 10′ width and 13′ length, and, it’s just been reduced from $3,950 to $2,950! The original purchase price was $12,000 so this is a steal the Grinch himself would love to roll up in his sack! What a festive way to warm and spruce up a room for the holidays, and who wouldn’t want to entertain with this beauty under foot.
E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.
North Darien – where the land lies high and dry
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.
106 Stephan 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.
Sit and enjoy a family gathering. You can say ‘go play’ to the kids and mean it!
People work hard to make a flat back yard. Here, it is part of the package!
Bocce anyone?
Time for that sit-and-ride mower you were eyeing!
A flat open lawn is something to love!
This home is worth a look (or another). Asking $2,499,000. Listed by Holly Hurd at Kelly Associates.
Happy Thanksgiving
November 21, 2012Wishing everyone a wonderful, safe and happy Thanksgiving!
Fabulous front door! What a way to greet friends and family on Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is one of our favorite family holidays of the year. There are so many ways to make coming home to celebrate beautiful and delicious. Have fun with it. Thinking we should do a Holiday Door Contest next year! Any thoughts?
Beautiful maple leaves make a warm and festive table top centerpiece.
Maple leaves and other gatherings from your back yard can be dressed up as well
Even Mums look good when you put them in beautiful containers.
A nice alternative to the classic orange and brown themes of the season.
Then again, we do love our orange!
Another lovely country door. Very welcoming for all your family and friends. (Yes, even the Crows!)
Gobble Gobble!
Setting a beautiful table makes an already special family/friends gathering even better. (Gotta love that Christopher Hyland tiger stripe on the dining chair!)
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving…..Abigail & Kim.
Kensett – A very custom towhhouse to consider
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’.
Kensett Club house. It has a gym, Great Room with a bar, and downstairs access to the pool.
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)
Dining area and living room are laid out to enjoy a chic yet casual lifestyle.
Beautiful open kitchen in the Norwood House. Gorgeous custom finishes are offered to make it your own. No two houses are the same.
The island will be a wonderful work station or buffet for dining on the terrace.
Nice detail on the stairs. This townhouse has great flow for entertaining. The sliding doors in the kitchen open up to a stone terrace.
Master walk-in closet
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).
Love the chalk board! Upstairs landing with a built-in desk are seating area.
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.
Another angle of that “gorge” kitchen
A view to the living room.
A very serene first floor Master Bedroom
Beautifully designed and built vanity off master which leads to bath and large walk in closet.
WOW! You can have any kind of tub you want.
Don’t bring your kids to the showing. You won’t get them out! A great way to handle bunk beds!!
That blue tile in the kids bath is fantastic.
Big fabulous laundry room. The tiles are sensational!
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…..
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 Victorian
A particularly good kitchen and family room. Has a nice Swedish feel to it.
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.)
This picture is disappointing. 278 Noroton is amazing in person.
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 entry
The kitchen is a very pretty hue of sage green. A nice diversion from the “white kitchen”.
Family room opens up the kitchen.
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
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.