Mentioned In
Custom Regency Chandelier
August 14, 2012SOLD!!!!
BELL JAR LIGHT – PRICE: $200
August 10, 2012DIMENSIONS (in inches):
HEIGHT: Glass – 15, Whole fixture 26
WIDTH: 12
The chain cane be replaced with longer one or shortened. It is currently 3 feet long.
Country Club Living – Opportunity Knocks!
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.
At the end of Bridle Trail, you will find this beautiful 1940’s Colonial and fully loaded property!
Where else would you want to be!
Tennis anyone? Most people won’t get a chance to play at Wimbledon, but they can play with you!
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
We are back after a July Break!
August 3, 2012We hope you are having a wonderful summer. It has been a while since we posted, but we are back with lots to talk about. Summer time brings us out of doors for us to enjoy what we have been working for and what we enjoy most: gardens, sailing, tennis, hiking or simply enjoying the view!
As always, gardens can be a big part of what makes a home special. Spending time up on Mount Desert Island every summer is so inspiring. Acadia and Frenchman’s Bay offer a very unusual opportunity for spectacular landscapes and gardens. The Mount Desert Garden Club takes great pride in their small but not insignificant membership, and they should! It is where you will find some of the prettiest, most dramatic as well as some of the most well thought out gardens in New England. Every Summer, six gardens are chosen to participate in the Garden Tour. Here are some highlights that will inspire!
Fantastic potted clay pots surround this spectacular house on Somes Sound in Northeast Harbor.
The property combines native planting and GLORIOUS container gardening.
Views of Somes Sound from the native pink granite terrace.
A mossy sanctuary that leads to a beautiful garden in Seal Harbor, ME
A spectacular border that shows off many of the prettiest summer blooms
Meadow Rue. Fabulous!
A natural garden pool made from the native pink granite found all over the Island.
Another Seal Harbor spectacular.
Overlooking Bracy Cove. Very special.
You just never know what you may find on the Maine coast!
Looking out to the Cranberry Islands.
All over the property were these fabulous lanterns to light the way at night. What a beautiful way to discretely post lights around your property!
Another spectacular garden in Seal Harbor.
Landscape Architect Dennis Bracale has combined a Tudor garden in the front of the house with and East Asian waterfall courtyard against the cliffs of the mouton behind the house.
Backed up against the mountain behind the house, she is watching…
Not a bad view over Bracy Cove
RYAN STUDIO PILLOWS – 2 at $175 each
August 1, 2012Bought at Good Food Good Things.
Contact us for further information.
New consignment piece -3 Balloon Shades for $300.
July 23, 2012A lovely set of balloon shades that would be a welcome addition anywhere in your home. Asking $300 for 3 of them.
Contact us with any questions or interest at mymfaulkner@optonline.net
381/2″ wide and 25″ long at lowest point.
Michalian and Kohlberg rug added to our consignment shop!
July 23, 2012Gorgeous Michalian and Kohlberg, rug asking $3,950, what a fabulous deal!!!
Would look gorgeous and timeless in a living room or dining room.
Approximately 10×13 and purchased for $12,000.
Contact us at mymfaulkner@optonline.net with any questions or interest.
The Summer Sale… great opportunities available!
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 offers a very central location in town
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
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
Remember “Fab Master Bath”? Now is your chance to consider 13 Oak Park Avenue.
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.
Nothing beats this curb appeal at 19 Prospect
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
6 Woodley Road
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
Nantucket shingle up on 79 Stephen Mather
Check out that fireplace!
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.
Grand opening of illume´, hosted by NYC&G
June 4, 2012
The Accessory Store has done it again! We attended the opening of illume´, the new venture from our go to store for any lighting need – shade, bulb, re-wiring, candles – you name it, they do it. illume´ is now open in the city on 58th Street just steps from the D&D building. We could not miss out checking out their new spot and it did not disappoint.
Michelle, Chris and Wes enjoying the lovely evening
Marketing Director, Michele Roofthooft with owner, Mark Candido
This small space hits the mark; lots of antique glass, beautiful black cabinetry, a creamy gold grasscloth on the walls, blue painted ceilings and esquisite furniture that highlights the grand collection of shades and lights. They are diplayed in a way that gives credit to the beauty of the shades themself. It is like a candy store for lampshades.
The workshop side of the store
Hosts the same lighting odds and ends all in one place
They can rewire anything into a light-look at these!
Don't these look like party favors?
Your house is your home, inside and out!
June 1, 2012Memorial Day weekend is busy, and there is a lot to honor and celebrate. This year the garden proved to be equally exciting. If you have a garden that blooms at various times through out the summer then you were so pleased to see the peony in full blossom, as well as a lot of other wonderful plants pushing their way through the ground. Everything is so lush this year.
If you have just moved into your new house, get inspired. If you are thinking about selling your house, this is a time to to enjoy the fruits of your labor! After all, your house is your home, inside and out!
While I was at home in Washington, CT last weekend, I went up to Cornwall to visit my friend Charlotte. Charlotte grew up in Darien, and when it came time to sell her family’s sensational Goodwives River home, she took a piece her childhood: a cutting of the roses her mother had planted. They are thriving in their new home!
Roses from her mother's garden in Darien. They will be beautiful!
Charlotte’s garden is one to love, and be inspired by!
A newly planted border outside the kitchen window.
potted plants are always so effective on a terrace
The creeping hydrangea are so full and lush. It takes a long time to cultivate this, so get started!
Little creatures keeping track of the rain fall.
A fabulous focal point for a garden! Love this!
Waldingfield Farm is a special compound that five generations have been lucky to enjoy. I am lucky to be part of the fourth generation. I was so happy to at home last weekend. It felt as if we were in full Summer. The gardens speak for themselves, but don’t think that the love here is without labor!
Grandmothers urns help make the garden a very special place.
Five generations later, they bloom like pros!
Mom's border making its way into full bloom. It will peak later in August.
The breezeway, a special place to sit for lunch or with a book. The grapes that hang on the vine over the arches are beautiful but sour!
The peony boarder is spectacular this year. This is one of the best times in the garden! Note the Wisteria that is creeping along the house, headed to the pergola.
Another view of the West terrace were the trees are a very important part of the landscape.
The trees and stone walls create a very natural landscape.
Doris, the goat, is from Marvin Gardens in Wilton, CT on Route 7. An exceptional resource for garden treasures!
Grandmother's Budda lady watching over us
Memorial Day weekend
May 29, 2012
Something very special about living in this town is our show of patriotism. Here are some highlights from 2012.
Over 2000 flags are placed on the graves of veterans every year
We salute our veterans today and every day and the yellow ribbon will stay on until they are all home.
FLEA IN ROWAYTON
May 24, 2012
Flea is a small shop in the heart of Rowayton village (1588 Rowayton Avenue) that we came upon one day during open houses. What initially caught our eye was the gorgeous new garage in the parking lot behind Sails Restaurant. I am planning on building a detached garage (one day) and wanted to take a closer look. We then realized that there was a cute shop housed in the garage. Run by Laura Grabe and Laura Jayson (aka the dough girl), they have turned this garage into something special. The spot is stocked with everything from dog beds and tunics, framed art, woven baskets and candles. The best part is you can shop while tasting the delicious dough girl treats and Espresso Neat coffee.
dough*girl baking company has been run by Laura Jayson since 2007 and her tasty treats have been blessing us all over town. She runs the shop in the morning, then goes to her kitchen in Stamford and bakes her treats for the next day. She rises at the crack of dawn and delivers them to places like Espresso Neat before heading back to Flea.Her passion truly shows and their taste is second to none. Don’t miss this little jewel in Rowayton.
Laura Jayson of dough girl fame
I had found these stools and have been lusting after them ever since. I needed 5 but they only had 4. I decided to go back last week to see if somehow, magically, 5 would appear.
Antique stools with a cool blue chevron fabric
Well they still only had 4 (someone PLEASE buy these fab stools) but I stumbled across something even more special. Right there in front of me was a Dorothy Draper Imposter Chest. I could not believe my eyes! I was so nervous to look at the price tag…..these typically run over $1000 in poor condition and this one was in very good shape. When I saw the price was $450 I could not believe my eyes. I was about to own my very first Draper Imposter. For more information on Dorothy Draper and her Heritage Chests check out this great write up by Circa Who.
I can't believe they have not sold this huge Xanax
The prettiest looking surfboard
You can even pick up some Dough Girl treats and coffee
We loaded it into my car and it just fit!!!
Into the house it went and fit perfectly in my living room. Even my husband liked it. Thinking of a Christopher Spitzmiller lamp with a pop of color like chartreuse or orange.
So in anticipation of Memorial Day check out this cute shop tucked into a corner of Rowayton village. It is the kind of place that when you leave, will have found a friend and a new local lust!
26 Greenleaf Avenue
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.
Love the curb appeal of this 1931 colonial and how it is sited on 1.86 acres
The library with gorgeous paneling
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.
Oh how I wish I knew where the owners bought these
Variation on the main sconces that run throughout the house – upstairs landing
Looking into the living room from the family room
Family room-runs along the back of the house with french doors leading into the rooms and french doors leading outside
The kitchens has plenty of sunny space, a dining and sitting area
Love the glass pantry door – nice touch.
My dream – a second refridgerator, freezer and of course, a wine refridgerator
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.
Love how they worked this into the one bedroom. Wouldn’t you want to study back there?
The master has its own private enclave and is very warm and inviting.
Master Bath
We even noticed the nice touches on the baseboard covers
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.
Look at this screened in porch – amazing!!!
Of course what I love the most…..the pool
Check out all the detail. Another great door handle
If you would like to see this wonderful home on Bump Along, let us know.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
BELL JAR LIGHTING – NEW CONSIGNMENT ITEM
May 21, 2012BELL JAR LIGHT
PRICE: $200
DIMENSIONS (in inches):
HEIGHT: Glass – 15, Whole fixture 26
WIDTH: 12
The chain cane be replaced with longer one or shortened. It is currently 3 feet long. Bought at Kaff’s.
California dreaming on Five Mile River
May 18, 2012I read recently in athome magazine (Moffley Media) that Design within Reach had moved their headquarters from California to Stamford, CT! And, they have opened up a new beautiful store as well. I was so excited to hear that Design within Reach had come to our corner of Connecticut. Love it! So chic. Everyone needs a little sleek, modern and simple style infused into their life here in Darien. To that end, it suddenly occurred to me that “Contemporary Cottage”(18 Five Mile River), as it is called by Kelly Associates, is the perfect candidate for someone who wants to create that ‘California Livin’ on Five Mile River. The person who ends up buying this house is really going to have a fun and exciting project. Asking $1,375,000 listed by Sheree Frank at Kelly Associates. If you would like to see this property, please call us.
The great room at Five Mile River
Imagine what these windows at Five Mile River could do?
Five Mile River Great Room
Love this Californian home-natural wood and loads of white paint
Cool lighting can “light up your space”
DWR super cool furniture will make all the difference
Don’t forget about the outdoor space
DWR can help you with just about everything-including the outdoor space
We challenge you to try to think outside of the “colonial box” with this home. Five Mile River will pay dividends with its location and is hard to go wrong with such a sought after address. Perhaps you can turn the garage into a mudroom and add a California type portico for your cars OR do what most people do and just leave your cards outside. Whatever you do, let us know! And let us know if you want to see it.
-Kim and Abigail
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitaiton.