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Heaven on Hollow Tree
May 16, 2012
I have always been intrigued by what lies beyond the pillars
We knew it was coming, and we were lucky to preview this 1920’s house at 593 Hollow Tree Ridge Road, down at the end of a lovely country driveway. Asking $2,800,000 through Kelly Associates, be the first in!
What an entrance
Down the long, perfectly maintained pebble driveway.
What a statement this gracious home makes. We couldn't wait to get inside.
We have talked about front doors before and this will be no exception. This is a door! Heavy, wide, and laden with much love – check out the door knocker.
Really good door knocker!
Imagine the shock when we walked in and saw THE WALLPAPER. It is THE WALLPAPER that inspired us to use the pineapple as our own signature at Real in Darien. Something about this particular pineapple is quite perfect. And It is just the appetizer for the rest of the house.
One side of the living room
It is all in the details… the wide staircase, the beautifully proportioned second floor landing, the old hardwood floors, the french windows in the living room, the shutters, the terrace that wraps around the sunroom and bucolic garden out back. The sun light that pours into the living room, even the linen closet at the top of the stairs is “old school”: doors and draws inside the closet. No, you cant keep her fabulous furniture, but you can create your own paradise here as Hannah has over the years. This is a very special house and will make the next owners very happy.
Love the bird cages-they are superb in this sunroom.
That orange is ideal in this dining room.
Interesting den feature
Family room should be in a magazine
Breakfast area
Even if your daughter doesn't ride, what an amazing spot in this bedroom
The landing is more impressive in person
Nothing like the real thing
Ivy, ivy everywhere
Sublime pond with a fountain
The patio is sited well off the sunroom-ideal for entertaining
Another spot for relaxing outdoors
We hated to say goodbye
Don’t miss this opportunity to live in a home with such timeless elegance. Call us for a showing of this once in a lifetime spot.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Getting back to the garden
May 14, 2012We started this entry weeks ago, with every intention to post, and then other ideas got in the way. I still think we can start by saying that we have had an early and mild Spring this year. It is SO FUN to be back in the garden!
First bloom in the planters… the pansies
The weather being just so beautiful these past few months is making us think about the garden; picking up winter scraps on the lawn, getting the pansies in, and getting the flower beds ready for the summer. It is a little early, but since mother nature is forcing us to face Spring early this year (no winter whatsoever!), lets do it!
Mix and match colors and textures
In this Spring market, it is so nice to see what gardens are coming into bloom. Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but I will take you back to 5 Salem Straits. Listed through Kelly Associates. If you would like to see this property, we would be happy to show you.
Can’t wait to see this in full bloom at 5 Salem Straits
Something that really popped out at me was the cutting room at 45 Ridge Acres. (Now under contract through Halstead/Darien). It’s beautiful; the red brick floor and soft moss green on the walls are very chic. This is the kind of cutting room those of us who garden dream about. It is such a treat to have a place where you can create beautiful arrangements from your own garden. You can work in a shed, or in the corner of your garage. Yes! Use that third garage bay for a garden center of your very own. If you want to go to the next step and add a sink , I saw a gorgeous one at Good Food Good Things. The stone urns underneath are pretty fab as well.
One of a kind sink available at Good Food, Good Things, Darien, CT.
Sink details
A trough made into a potting sink I saw at Pergola in New Preston, CT very durable and perfect for potting and cutting flowers. This is a beauty!
I was in my neighbor’s greenhouse the other day which is a lovely stone/glass structure in her garden. The sink at Good Food Good Things or Pergola (in New Preston, CT) would be Divine in there! You don’t see a lot of spaces like this around here, it would be so exciting to have a greenhouse like this!
Think candlelight dinner under the stars
From my own potting shed. Couldn’t resist these pink ranunculus.
Yes, pink works really well for me. Never go wrong with pink.
Getting back to all the gardening to be done, something we encourage is potted flowers and plants. These days the urns you can find are beautiful without spending too much money. Potted flowers are easier to manage and much less maintenance. You are not weeding all summer, (some of us enjoy garden work, some of us don’t) and they are wonderful additions to a terrace. And, of course, window boxes. But get creative. Don’t just stick the old ivy and typical flowers that we see everywhere. Experiment with texture, and go for it!
Planted these for Mothers Day
Look at how the window boxes give my shed a little love!
I was wandering New Preston, CT and one of the treasures up there is Pergola, a sophisticated yet down to earth garden shop with a “green” approach to the garden. They have a lot in pots and beautiful garden accessories (note the garden sink they have built from a trough). If you ever find yourself wandering around Litchfield County, make a stop at Pergola!
At Pergola in New Preston, CT.
Beautiful old fashioned table and chairs at Pergola
Cherry blossoms at Pergola
More beautiful garden accessories at Pergola
Inside Pergola
Flower pots that will be lovely inside and out doors
Lastly, but certainly not least, few of the best garden resources are very close to Darien. Mariani Gardens is, hands down, the best one in the area, if not the Tri-State. This is a totally different (not necessarily better) experience than White Flower Farm, or Elise or any of the better flower/shrub farms. Mariani Gardens is an all encompassing garden experience – and you can take a break from shopping the extraordinary species and have a lovely lunch at their cafe . Its a great way to spend the day. Check it out!
An extraordinary experience at Mariani Gardens
A little bit more local, Elise Nursery is another great option for landscape design. This is one example.
An old stand by. White Flower Farms is always considered one of the best sources for flowers and shrubs.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Welcome to our new online consignment shop
May 10, 2012
We will help you find fun and interesting pieces through our new consignment shop!
We are now offering a place to sell your furniture, pillows, lighting fixtures or anything else that you don’t want to take with you when you move. Or, if you are moving and need a few pieces to jazz up your new house, it could be waiting for you right here. Antiquing and furniture makeovers have always been a hobby of ours and all it took was one smart and savvy friend to suggest we try incorporating it onto our blog.
Just send us an email with a picture and price you would like for it. If we agree that the price is fair and the item is Real in Darien worthy, then we will post. Our commissions are VERY competitive.
Go ahead, clean out the attic or look for just the thing your home has been missing. Forget the antique stores and start here. We promise to make shopping fun and the prices reasonable.
and the results are in…..
May 9, 2012Check out the winner of the Farrow and Ball front door contest! Congratulations and thank you for the divine inspiration.
Estia’s…On Our Minds!
May 8, 2012The ladies who lunch in Darien have never had it so good. For that matter, we all haven’t had it so good! After the best breakfast around and another mouth watering lunch we decided to return with camera in hand. At 12 noon, there was not a table to be had. The food is fantastic, the ambiance is terrific, decor very cool and the bar is very inviting (probably not for breakfast, but certainly for lunch!) Estia’s Little Kitchen started in Sag Harbor around 12 years ago. Collin Ambrose, the owner, “the chief cook and bottle washer”, has now brought his talent and expertise to Darien, and we hope he will continue this great tradition of good food right here for many years to come!
Off the menu: a delicious combo of egg, avocado, tomato and Andouille.
Daily special. The veggie burger. Not like any other!
View from the bar.
The much anticipated opening for dinner is tonight and I bet it does not disappoint. We are very lucky. Go check it out if you haven’t. From what we understand, it is quickly becoming the “go to restaurant”.
The world is getting smaller
May 2, 2012
I picked up my new issue of House Beautiful and while I don’t usually pay attention to Restoration Hardware ads, I was struck by it this time. It said
“The world is getting smaller (and so are we)”.
Small doesn’t have to mean plain and boring
It goes on to say how they are listening to their clients by making smaller furniture for smaller homes. If you live in a small home your style should not be diminished and they have begun to recognize that.
Turn your attic space into the office you have always dreamed of
I live in a small home and have always dreamed about all of the closets, and rooms, I thought would make my home and life perfect. But with age comes the wisdom to realize that closets won’t make you happy. So while I still wish for a little more space, I now realize that my small home does bring me happiness. First off, it is so easy to manage. It takes me seconds to get from the kitchen to the living room to the family room so I have less travel time to pick up all the things my kids seem to drop for me. My oil, cleaning and landscaping bills are not killing us which eases stress (we have enough of that in our lives). But most importantly, I buy less “stuff” – more quality and less quantity.
Don’t be afraid to use vibrant wallpaper in a small space
After all those years of wishing for more, I am so happy with less.
Use fresh color in a small space
When I first moved here a friend referred to my house as a “cottage” and I almost passed out. Now I giggle as I reflect back on it and realize that cottage has become the place I most want to be.
Many of our favorite homes in this blog are smaller because they typically ooze the charm and character we seek when looking at homes with our clients.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
43 Huckleberry Lane and a stop for eggs at Crafty Farm Girl
April 24, 2012On Tuesday we were at it again. We started the morning with a trip to Crafty Farm Girl in Tokeneke to pick up some fresh eggs. Yes, that’s right….I said fresh eggs…in Tokeneke, not the Berkshires. They are from the chickens she keeps, and Crafty Farm Girl sells them in a cooler at the end of her driveway along with other homemade treats.
Margot picking up some eggs
This is a soon to be local lust. Stay tuned…..
We then ventured with great anticipation to 43 Huckleberry Lane. We were excited to see architecture not usually on the market in Darien. This house is SO COOL! Frank Lloyd Wright or The Harvard Five from New Canaan is the first thing that comes to mind. The Living Room is the MOST dramatic I have seen in town.
The back wall in the living room is stone, like the wall around the fireplace. This room is just stunning and I can imagine how magical it would be during the fall or a snowstorm.
At 5,800 square feet of open space, this contemporary is screaming for entertaining. The kitchen and dining room have the same stunning panoramic windows but there is a cozy family room if you want to escape. Three bedrooms are on the first floor with their own TV area, and a large master upstairs with his and hers bathrooms, closets (dreaming about that right now), and an office. The large laundry room includes the all important dog bath. The basement hosts an oversized TV/workout/bar area with access to the pool. It also has a new solar thermal system for the a/c and heat.
We would love to show you this unique property. Call us if you would like to see it. We dare you to think outside the “colonial” box and consider what will be THE GO TO HOUSE FOR A GREAT PARTY! This property is offered through Kelly Associates at $2,199,000. THIS PROPERTY IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
DWR on Canal Street in Stamford
P.S. We were really pleased to hear that Design Within Reach has moved their headquarters to our very own Stamford, CT. Walking through 43 Huckleberry Lane brought all kinds of ideas to mind of what DWR could bring to a design and decorating makeover here! Take a trip down to Design within Reach in Stamford. It will inspire you to throw a bit of modern in your home!
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
The ultimate experience…It’s all in the bells and whistles!
April 24, 2012The ultimate suburban experience is now on the market. Put down those Frontgate catalogs and look up to what might be all yours. If you are in the market for special property, offering the bells and whistles rarely seen here, call us! We can make your dreams come true only 35 miles from Manhattan at 20 Wee Burn Lane (5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, 3 half baths) offered through Kelly Associates, asking $4,750,000.
20 Wee Burn Lane - this is something!
What this “ultimate experience” brings to the table is the unique space you will have for all your toys. Lets get right to it… check out the garage!
Drive up to the Porte Cochere - garage door on right.
EVERY MAN’S DREAM
Once you have opened the door to the garage, you realize that you are ‘not in Kansas anymore’. Immediately, the over sized three car garage, with 14′ ceilings, that holds 6 cars with lift system sets the stage for a special experience. The Eagle XTL car service/storage lift will allow for a full sized SUV to fit underneath; or your Porsche. The garage doors are 10′ high x 9′ wide to accommodate a full boat trailer, storage shelves and rack system for bikes, kayaks and other fun stuff. In addition, there is a utility sink to go with the full size tool bench, ZAP commercial door openers (no overhead motors) and last, but not least, radiant heat in the concrete slab.
Bike and kayak racks.
Note the lift for the car.
Fantastic work station in garage.
The interior of the house is equal in divine scale, and offers detail and luxury for a buyer looking in this price point.
Front entry at 20 Wee Burn Lane.
Tricked out kitchen-fab.
To stay on topic, I will get to the basement which is a continuation of what all sports enthusiasts would cry for. Hockey lovers come one, come all (or any other sport, for that matter); the sports lockers, powder room with large stainless steel sink, the Dri-Tec waterproofing (20 yr guarantee) and the Polymer textured floor coating (epoxy) will not disappoint.
Special flooring in this all purpose lower level.
Your very own locker room.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
The Way Home
April 19, 2012Since most of Darien is out of town this week, I took advantage of my extra time and went down to Greenwich where the Historical Society hosted a fantastic luncheon and lecture featuring Jeffrey Bilhuber. Jeffrey Bilhuber, the very celebrated decorator, is my rock star. Some people like the Stones, I will stick with Jeffrey Bilhuber. I can promise you, this “rock concert” did not disappoint.
Reflections on American Beauty.
He was there to talk about The Way Home, his latest book. In a very theatrical presentation, Jeffrey Bilhuber talked about his experiences with clients, and how together they create homes that define who they are, and where they have come from. Since I like to think that I am helping my customers find the house they will make their home, this afternoon was the perfect way to supplement the journey I have with my customers.
Abigail Moore with Jeffrey Bilhuber.
As it turns out, not only can he pull a room together with color and trim, he can speak to a room full of people as if he knows everyone personally. He is an excellent speaker. He never uses the same word twice, never stalls on his thoughts, and is genuinely excited about his projects. He had us all dreaming of our own decorating experiences and we all came away with a “new best friend”. I am guessing he came away with a few new clients.
Highlights from The Way Home.
Answering questions at lunch.
Beautiful tables by Juliska and Bilhuber.
Bilhuber and the winner of the grand raffle prize - 3 hours of consultation with him!
Circa Who in West Palm Beach
April 10, 2012
I am on my way down to Palm Beach for Spring break and while I am down there, if anyone is looking, I can be found at Circa Who , my favorite store in West Palm Beach. I check in on their new finds almost daily. When I first discovered this jewel of a resale shop in the Northwood section of West Palm Beach, getting down there over winter break became a priority. Once, I was after a ceramic bamboo lamp. The lamp I had spotted on line was sold the day before I got there, and would soon appear in the Garnet Hill catalog for the Lilly Pulitzer spread (pictured below). At least it was Lilly that beat me to it! No fear, there was a slimmer, taller pair that would look even better in my family room. Phew…
Garnet Hill catalog…..That’s my lamp!!!
You will find unique, Palm Beach vintage ‘must haves’ reminiscent of a bygone era on the island. I could not pass up sharing this new Pagoda Mirror that is on the site right now. I have a cream one just like this in my kitchen that I bought last year. It adds an unexpected kick in my traditional New England home.
Love the dog on top of the garden stool.
I am truly obsessed with lighting… all lighting, and have promised my husband that I will not indulge any more…but maybe one more time. This chandelier is one of their latest treasures, and I think it might be one for the collection.
You do not have to limit yourself to a chandelier. They have more lamps than anyone could ever dream of. And the more lamps, the better.
Same green but in a table lamp.
These remind me of my Asian figurines that I transformed with the help of The Accessory Store in Stamford, CT.
Circa Who has the most impressive inventory of chairs. While there are tons of imitations out there, these are the real deal and are worth shipping up sight unseen (they will take care of that for you) and recovering if needed (but most of the vintage Palm Beach fabric may be worth keeping).
Garden stools are now sold in every catalog but they always have an original selection and no 2 are ever the same. LOVE LOVE these elephants.
I have been looking for a table to put in my kitchen and have been craving a fretwork console. Could this be the one? I will find out when I am there next week on vacation.
Or a Chippendale Credenza? Love the faux bamboo. Plus I could store more.
How fun is this elephant table!
A similar one in Ruthie Sommer’s pool pavilion. She probably found it at Circa Who.
These Dorothy Draper imposter’s are my new lust after seeing a pair at 262 Tokeneke Road (asking $1,099,000 through Halstead Property. If you would like to see this home contact us). They make a statement anywhere. I may have to find a spot for these…..
My mother still has her coffee table just like this from the 70’s. She still will not give it to me.
I just love what Tracy has done wit this resale shop and one can tell she loves what she does. We look forward to seeing more of these Circa Who pieces in Darien, Connecticut!!!
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Custom tables from Mather Meadows Design
April 4, 2012When Holly Hurd had her open house at 106 Stephen Mather Road (for sale through Kelly Associates) the first thing we noticed in her living room was the phenomenal glass coffee table. A glass coffee table is one of those pieces that can be used beautifully in any living room. As it turns out, one of Holly’s many talents, and businesses, includes designing and manufacturing these glass coffee tables through her Mather Meadows Design. They can be made in all sizes and shapes (side tables, end tables, consoles – pieces are special order to client’s desired size). This table is gorgeous and makes a huge impact in a room filled with beautiful things.
It has a bottom shelf where you can place your books and put more decorative items on top. The glass is so thick and the joints are seamless. On a side note – we rarely see this blue in a living room and it just hits the mark!
Holly was our very first blog post because everything she does we just love. She has so many creative and design talents and these tables are just one of them. If you are interested in designing your own table, contact Holly at Mather Meadows Design. You will not be disappointed.
hillhh@aol.com or 203-434-4201
Everything is Rosey
March 30, 2012
We love this salmon colored clapboard house with grey shutters that sits in the middle of town. We understand that it is slated to be torn down and that is a crying shame! It provides charming character to downtown Darien. We don’t want to become a town that looks like everyone else up the Post Road. Rosey Costello, the owner of the pop up EVERYTHING IS ROSEY, is renting the house until the owner tears it down. The house adds so much to the already fun shopping experience here. We are a small community and it is so nice to go into a shop where they know your name and make you feel like they are happy to see you. So many of her friends work there and it must be the friendliest place in town. Could they be having more fun! All the items are whimsical yet serve a great purpose; hostess gifts, teacher gifts, tins, soap dishes, tunics, and my favorite bags, bags and more bags.
We love that all the merchandise is under $100. She also has colorful tunics, cover-ups and dresses to get your spring started.
Rosey has lived in Darien for 15 years and is a welcome addition to our revitalized downtown.
Rosie travels around the tri-state doing shows in addition to this shop. Go visit her at 1015 Boston Post Road and pick up that gift you need or another bag for yourself. This building has been empty for years and we hope that Rosey’s shop will make people see how charming the house is, and how nice it is in our downtown. Please don’t tear it down!
Let’s move it! A mini market update
March 25, 2012What happens when properties are priced correctly? They sell. Plain and simple. The market will move when buyers see some fair value. And, the proof is in the contract.
The last few weeks in the market has been busy here in Darien. We have seen a lot of properties going into contract. Not all, but many are those that have gone through a few price corrections. After months on the market sellers are beginning to see the reality of where buyers are going to feel it is time to take the plunge – at a lower price. It is what it is, and at the end of the day a house is only worth what someone is willing to pay. I say it is all good. We are seeing movement in the market and that is good for everyone.
Put it all on the table: lots of bedrooms, no work needed and the right price.
28 Rocaton, asking $2,195,00, is exactly what most people are looking for in Darien. Neighborhood with tons of kids, walking distance to trains and town, private, and most importantly all you need to do is bring a toothbrush (no, furniture is not included). This house is done done done and there is plenty of space. Not much of a yard, but my guess is that the kids are playing in the street around here. There is virtually no traffic, and unless you live back there, there is no reason to be driving around back there. This house went to contract in a few days. Listed by Chichi Mayhew at Kelly Associates. THIS PROPERTY IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Keep Calm
March 23, 2012
Just when I think “what have I done” taking on this venture, a friend sends me this. Made my day!
Farrow and Ball exterior door paint competition!
March 21, 2012
Have you seen the Farrow and Ball Great Outdoors competition for the best exterior door makeover? I have been planning on painting my house and was always going to keep my high-gloss black door. But this contest had me thinking, should I think outside the box a little more? Perhaps paint my door a whole new kind of color? A Parma Gray, Plummett or even Brassica (three of my favorites)? I saw a home on Delafield Island that was white brick with gorgeous blue-gray shutters. They were so elegant and unique; not blue yet not grey. Perhaps they were a Farrow and Ball color? Lamp Room Gray or Light Blue?
Love the curb appeal with the black shutters and green door
Farrow and Ball wants to see a picture of your exterior door showing the before and after difference. Whether it is your beach house, shed, front or back door, just take a photo and post it online by April 12th for a chance to win.
So instead of Spring cleaning, paint that door. It is amazing what a simple change can make for your whole house and the front door sets the tone for your curb appeal. They show you exactly how to do it and include a step-by-step guide (and would love even more if someone actually paints it themselves). Perhaps we will have our very first winner.
