Mentioned In
18 Fairmead – The lifestyle part II
May 11, 2015
Julie Murphy holding the Dowager, one of her three chickens.
A beautiful garden fenced in for the chickens.
Free Range.
A new addition to the garden, with four varieties of apples!
She is laying an egg!!
Once upon a time there was a basement, and it was transformed into a mudroom and living space like no other!
Mudroom hooks and storage
The details.
NO ONE would have imagined the transformation.
The floors have radiant heat.
Movie night here would be just fine, thank you.
Even the required egress is fab!
Crafts room for the kids.
Everything those little creative minds need!
Thanks Julie for letting us into your amazing home. We cannot wait to see what you have up your sleeve!
18 Fairmead – the perfect Mother’s Day gift!
May 10, 2015We are so excited that 18 Fairmead is new to our market. While we are sorry to see the fabulous homeowner leave (good news….to undertake another wonderful project), this is a great opportunity for one of you to live in A VERY SPECIAL home. This home has been completely transformed and not one detail has been overlooked by the very talented owners. This is a blog (part of a series) that we did last spring. Asking $1,495,000 through Amanda Davenport at Halstead Properties. SOLD AND CLOSED.
18 Fairmeade. Remember this listing? You will not believe what has been done here!
Julie Murphy has transformed this antique into something magical. We spend the morning with her and she quickly became a Real in Darien BFF. And, we have some BIG NEWS, she is now curating for FLEA in Rowayton. FLEA not only has the best lunch in Fairfield County, it has very magical treasures (do you remember the Draper chest I picked up). Now Julie will be focusing on keeping FLEA stocked with items that she finds on her weekly hunts, including Brimfield, various antique shops, or her favorite salvage yards. If you are looking for a “one of a kind”, then make sure you make this a regular weekly stop. It is unlikely you will see any item there for very long. The grand opening is this weekend-be sure not to miss!
To be continued. Check back to find out more about this chicken coop!
Alice Mae Orr – If we can only come close
May 7, 2015Congratulations to one of the Best Realtors around!
Alice Mae Orr. 50 Years of fabulousness!
Photo curtesy of Ana Blaze (Houlihan Lawrence)
Our new listing hits the market-30 Richmond Drive
May 4, 2015
I am happy to say we have been busy, and some of that “busy” has been with our new fabulous listing at 30 Richmond Drive. It’s a great price point for buyers trying to get into the Darien market and the house shows beautifully. Four bedrooms, two baths, and professionally landscaped and terraced. It has a full basement with a playroom, laundry room, gym and plenty of storage. It has been meticulously maintained, convenient to town and on a quiet street. SOLD AND CLOSED
Asking $1,249,000 offered by Kim Swift and Abigail Moore at Houlihan Lawrence/Darien.
Gracious and lovely. The flow is wonderful in this home.
Very well maintained and freshly painted.
Kitchen opens up to the breakfast area and family room. Lots of sunlight!
A very large master bedroom to be transformed into your own santcuary.
The second…
and third bedrooms are charming.
The piece de la resistance!
Fabulous terrace and fireplace just in time for summer.
Professionally and beautifully designed landscaping all around the house.
The fire pit stays!
A side entrance for al fresco entertaining.
If you would like to see this fabulous house, please call us.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
25 Peterick Lane
March 10, 2015
25 Peterick tucked away at the end of the cul de sac. Before we know it the Daffodils will be poking their way through the ground.
Let’s here it for Spring… and a new listing that we are jumping up and down about. LOVE LOVE this ‘new to market’ house, situated on a level acre on the back end of Peterick Lane. If you are looking for charm, quirky, and a gorgeous newly renovated kitchen – oh and did I mention TONS of sunlight – this may be what you have been waiting for. Came on today at $1,645,000. It has four bedrooms, two and a half baths and a total of about 3300 square feet. First ‘brokers open’ is today (Tuesday, March 10) so unless you are on another agent’s blast, you are hearing it here first! Listed by HoulihanLawrence/Darien. SOLD AND CLOSED.
It warms my heart when I walk into a house that is unpredictable. Seemingly “cottage” like from the outside, it’s absolutely spacious as you make your way from sun lit from to sun lit room. A gorgeous new kitchen and extra large great room in the back is where you will spend most your time.
Brand new kitchen with exceptionally think counter tops (love that). It is a very pretty yet chic kitchen.
Top of the line cabinetry and appliances of course.
A very fabulous space where everyone will convene. I am enjoying the fact that you don’t see a TV!
The rest of the house takes on a very Sweedish feeling. Light paints, simple lines, wide floorboards. It feels like you float through from room to room.
The formal living room will be a great gathering spot for ‘grown up’ evenings.
This room would make the perfect library, or smaller sitting room with a television.
I kept thinking about Penny Morrison and Caroline Irving and how they would decorate this house. I have visions of all those gorgeous textiles and textures throughout this house. Simple walls, not a lot of wall paper, but some of those unparalleled combinations they create. Check out the sites pennymorrison.com and irvingandmorrison.com
The work of Irving and Morrison.
There are four bedrooms. Each as a ton of sunlight.
And each a very nice size.
Floor plans are always helpful. There is a lot of opportunity for expansion here as well.
Expansion possibilites for the master and master bath could be considered.
Let us know. We would love to show this little gem. Even if you are not in the market, this just might be what you didn’t know you were looking for!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Snow day thoughts
March 5, 2015
Despite the long winter, we have been putting our snow boots on and taking the snow banks head on. The spring market started early for us with 2 signed contracts, 1 listing to be launched this spring, and numerous other deals in the works.
While overall we are still not thrilled with the inventory numbers, we are making progress. More homes are starting to come on and even some bidding wars to go along with them (topping the list is 10 Christie Hill…flew on and off so quickly, if you went out to shovel you missed it) .
37 Stephanie Lane, 3700 square feet of light and views.
37 Stephanie Lane is a beautifully appointed 4 bedroom home. It has a deck that spans the back of the house and numerous doors and windows to take advantage of the sunsets the site offers. Listed at $2,285, 000 through Houlihan Lawrence.
A well proportioned room (and house).
If you are ready to plunge into spring, give us a call. With daylight savings and 50 degree weather forecasted for next week, it will be here before we know it.
Happy Valentines Day
February 14, 2015To all our neighbors and friends, Happy Valentines Day.
LOVE this fabulous red door, particularly on Valentines Day!
There is still time to get beautiful arrangements for the one you love. Neilson’s is doing a fabulous job. Check out their shop here in town.
Exciting things are happening and you should know what is really going on
February 9, 2015
There has been a lot of chatter this past week around the PARTNERSHIP between Houlihan Lawrence and Kelly Associates. It’s not surprising that Chris Fountain pipped in on all the excitement as well. So much speculation about the details of this merger might have you thinking…..well, keep thinking, and watching the leadership we bring to the real estate business.
Like Kelly Associates, Houlihan Lawrence is a family run business. Siblings Nancy Seaman, Chris Meyers and Stephen Meyers are the engine behind this top Westchester firm. After watching what HL has accomplished in Greenwich in the last year, the two families, after years of a close friendship, decided to join forces. The top Westchester firm, on its way to being the number one firm in Greenwich, aligning with the top Darien firm…it makes all the sense in the world. This is a merger, not a “buy-out”. Jeff Kelly continues to be at the helm, and our infrastructure will strengthen, something that is hard to grow as a small independent. Kelly will gain the marketing platform and global reach that Houlihan Lawrence can provide. After the dust settles, you will find that we are still the firm that remains focused on the local market, understanding life in the northern suburbs of New York City better than anyone, while keeping our hands on the pulse of what is nothing less than a global real estate market.
Kelly Associates has been a wonderful place to work, and the two of us wouldn’t be anywhere else. When we started this blog, which was “ground breaking” out here in the provinces of Darien, the Kelly family not only supported it, they embraced it. FINALLY, agents were thinking “outside of the box”. When a firm in town (hmmmmm, which one could that be) sent us a ‘cease and desist’ letter (some would say you have not made it until you have been delivered your first) Kelly supported and encouraged us further. In this business you cannot grow and succeed without taking risks. You have to innovate and change with the times. What is happening here is exactly that, so why wouldn’t we embrace it! This is about real professionals leading the way in real estate and staying on top.
This is going to be a great year. Our business continues to grow and Real in Darien is reaching new heights. We are proud to continue working with the Kelly family and be a part of our new “mothership” Houlihan Lawrence.
If you are currently working with another broker, this is not a solicitation.
A Reminder: Paradise Found
February 8, 201538 Wee Burn Lane is fabulous. If we could all be so lucky… (a girl can dream!) It’s not often that we at Real in Darien are rendered speechless. But, in fact, these pictures say it all. This is a fanatastic example of the scale and proportion we are always looking for. Built in 1935, and renovated over the years to create a home for generations to love, the house is situated on just a little more than four and a half acres. It has six bedrooms, six and a half baths in about 6800 square feet of living space. Asking $5,795,000. Offered by Doug Milne at Houlihan Lawrence. Listing has expired.
38 Wee Burn Lane. Bucolic and private. Now that Shagbark is under contract, I don’t have to feel guilty about moving on to my next favorite house!
Built of stone, slate and clap board, surrounded by flat lush lawns.
Gorgeous pool and pool house. I will say that I am not sure the jacuzzi should be directly in front of the pool house. That is a cocktail party accident waiting to happen!
Grand without being pretentious. Architectural detail is everywhere. And, wisteria is dripping everywhere! LOVE it.
Hard to find something better than this in Darien (on the market).
I would live out here!
Understanding the floor plan is key when looking at any house, but the house is so fabulous it really doesn’t matter what the floor plan is!
Second floor lay out.
My favorite room in the house. China and crystal closet and all the storage you need for your entertaining!
Some day!
My mind is running wild with ideas about who should take this decorating project on. Tom Scheerer, Bunny Williams, or even one of my new favorites, Ashley Whittaker.
If you would like to see Wee Burn Lane, give us a call. We would love to show you just how fabulous it really is.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
“Buy the best, and you will only cry once” – Miles Redd
February 1, 2015As we sit in the aftermath of what was not the”Blizzard of the Century”, but in the freezing cold, there is every indication that the Spring market is upon us. Buyers are out and about. It’s “house hunting season” again and nothing speaks louder to me than that quote from Miles Redd! When you are out looking at properties remember that getting what you really want can happen. Whether you are buying something that is move-in ready, or you are looking for a project, everyone’s “best house” is out there. You just need to take that leap!
Safe to say I would get a good cry in over this and live there happily ever after.
11 Huckleberry Lane, offered by Kate Balanoff through Houlihan Lawrence, is a classic and gracious colonial with six bedrooms, five full and two half baths generously spread out inside 7200 square feet. Newly built in 2003, it has settled into its own and holds up its end of the bargain as a “classic”. Bring your kleenex; who knows, maybe you will get a good weep in! Asking $3,395,000.
The entry at 11 Huckleberry makes a formidable impression. Big Chic looms here…
Everyone needs to own a really good hall lantern at some point in their lives. And here would be your opportunity. I would suggest looking at what Robert Kime has right now. I think Miles would agree.
Or just start here, looking at what the design world is talking about.
And how he would work the upstairs hallway! Another good example of Miles’ talent. Coincidentally, this house is on the market through Houlihan Lawrence! This house would be a fabulous weekend retreat.
The dining room at 11 Huckleberry has enough wall space to wrap some fabulous “high impact” wall paper around it. To say nothing of the dining room table and chairs you will be shopping for. Dinner for 18.
This is the BIG KITCHEN you are leaving the City for! Fabulous, done and that is one gorgeous wood countertop on the island.
Make no mistake, this den at the other end of the kitchen is where everyone will wind up at the end of the day. Very comfortable. Check out some of Robert Kime’s Ikat for this room as well.
One of the chicest “teen” hang outs we have seen. It is nice for the kids to have a their party room too!
I would say working at home would be quite comfortable here!
11 Huckleberry is perfect for large scale pieces; art, or furniture, as well as fabrics and window treatments that make bold statements. This house really presents an opportunity for a fabulous design statement. Have I made my point here?
Miles is the man for the job at 11 Huckleberry. It would be Big Bold and Beautiful!
I
If you are looking for a good, big cry, call us. We would love to help find the best house for you. They say February 1 is the official start of the Spring market, but around here, it is always a good time to look and move into your new house!
If you are currently working with an agent/broker, this is not a solicitation.
Another option in your search might be
So much of it is about the packaging
January 24, 2015
and we would agree with these beauties that are flooding our office. They are chic and elegant but most importantly, they capture you instantly.
BIG and EXCITING Kelly News
January 23, 2015Our outstanding Kelly family is merging with one
outstanding leader in real estate.
LOCAL MARKET LEADERSHIP.
WORLD CLASS CONNECTIONS.
For 125 years, our team of real estate experts has been the market leader in New York City’s northern suburbs. We have the largest regional and global network with long-standing international connections and partners in 56 countries.*
We look forward to bringing you continued and exceptional leadership in Darien Real Estate.
* from our new, beautiful Houlihan Lawrence website.
A New Year….and a new deal on the books.
January 15, 2015
It was a busy holiday season for us, especially with the closing of 18 Salt Box. It was a impeccably maintained home, on a lovely cul-de-sac close to the beach and YMCA (oh and let’s not forget to mention the cedar roof and copper gutters at this price point). The house next door (16 Salt Box) originally had the same floor plan but underwent an amazing renovation/addition and also closed recently at a record breaking $2,295,000! Our clients plan on doing some amazing things to the inside (the outside could not get any lovelier) which should make this spot for them exactly what they were looking for.
A wonderful backyard-flat & great landscaping!
Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year. We are back at work and have some amazing things up our sleeve….stay tuned!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas
December 22, 2014
…hung by the chimney with care…
A wonderful time of the year.
Christmas Shopping
December 14, 2014Oh what fun it is… go to shopping at Christmas! And, to see all the stores beautifully lit up for the holidays. We no longer need to head to the 7th floor (at Bergdorfs that is…) to find wonderful treasures for under the tree, or for our friends who are throwing fabulous holiday parties. We have some wonderful options within a just few miles of Darien.
We dropped in at Juliska and found that it was decorated with care hoping St Nick will soon be here!
A lot if inspiration for decorating at home. Really gets you in the mood, especially when everything on the table is for sale!
Love this table setting. Soon to be a classic for certain.
So many fabulous ornaments, a favorite hostess present of ours.
Definitely for someone on my list. What a lovely way to present an hors d’oeuvre.
Every presentation is gorgeous.
There is a large assortment of small trays and serving pieces that make a holiday party really pretty.
You must know someone with a December birthday!
But of course…
It was hard to leave with out the bags breaking. Juliska is definately a “one stop shop” for christmas shopping.
Next stop: The Stamford Antique & Artisan Center. And, just as one would expect, the pleasure was all ours. WOW! It looks fabulous and there are many many objects and furnishings that will make fantastic and very special Christmas presents.
Huge impact in the new Garden room. A pleasure palace for the eye.
A console (modern) with an unusual design that no one else will have. Gorgeous.
This container would look great with a big red bow under the tree! Santa? Are you listening?
Star light Star bright. I think we have found THE MUST HAVE lantern.
Inside the book store you will find treasures for all book lovers.
How fabulous!
Old School… remember the miniature staircase from Scully & Scully? And, a table full of goodies.
For all the textile lovers. Piles of beautiful old and new textiles. Dream pillows or table cloths or anything else that will add some texture and interest in your home. Or someone else’s !
See how lovely!
A compliment to any book shelf. And a fabulous present for someone.
Rooms filled with amazing things that will make everyone smile on Christmas day.
A great idea for the library or the guest room. What a gorgeous package this makes.
Oh what fun it is…only 10 days left!