Mentioned In
Christmas Book List for 2014
December 7, 2014The book lists are out for Christmas and it is so fun to see what editors, reviewers and critics are recommending as “good reads” for under the tree. Naturally, we have our suggestions as well. So, if you are considering a move, a renovation or starting from the ground up with a new build next year, here are some books that we think will inspire you to get started on your projects in the coming year!
An historicist at heart, Peter Pennoyer takes classic architecture to the right heights.
One of our favorites. A must have in any library for those interested in Architecture and design.
Another point of view on the traditional vernacular. Ferguson & Shamamian is the team responsible for the renovation at 15 Shagbark. One of our favorite listings of 2014.
Timeless design. If you don’t own it already, you should. I suppose the best affair you will ever have is with your house!
Tom Scheerer will make you whistle a merry merry!
For the one who likes clean lines, Victoria Hagan has an exceptional eye.
Wildly Chic. Miles’ book is A Must Have.
For all you TB fans, this book will blind you with her style and color schemes!
Let your hair down and do what you like! Susanna’s book is a glorious collection of rooms and ideas that will inspire you to do just that!
Whimsey and style at its best. LOVE Katie Ridder!
Splendid new book by Markham Roberts.
Jane Garmey has put together a beautiful book that will transport you to some of Connecticut’s most lovely Eden’s. For anyone who loves to garden, this is a solid addition to your library.
A good gardening library starts with the basics. I think Vita qualifies…
Why not do the complete series.
A stunning garden book that really does deserve the coffee table spot. It will give you incredible ideas for your own garden.
Jack Staub also has this wonderful collection to read for your kitchen garden. In addition to Exciting Vegetables, there is Remarkable Fruits and Exceptional Herbs. These are beautifully done books and make fabulous Hostess presents.
All these books can be bought or ordered at Barrett Books. They have other very good suggestions at their Noroton Heights location. Call to order, or drop in and enjoy the experience of a great book store.
Cream of The Crop – SOLD/CLOSED
December 1, 2014
14 Crane Road was built in 2007.
There are 26 properties priced at or above $3,500,000 in Darien today. Almost a third of the total number of houses on the market. We generally tell people it takes longer to sell houses in the upper echelons of the market, but lately “longer” is a very undetermined amount time which understandably frustrates sellers. Rising to the top of these “echelons” is 14 Crane which came on the market about one month ago with an asking price of $4,325,000. Defying the sales statistics, it has gone to contract, underlining the indisputable fact that the cream always rises to the top. Offered by Kelly Associates through Rita Marber.
Have you read The Great American House by Gil Schafer III yet? It should be mandatory reading for everyone interested in the American traditional and classic architectural vernacular.
The architect Laurent T. Dupont, a New Canaan based architect, worked closely with the owner to plan a house that will stand the test of time for generations. While he still has an office, and takes on choice projects, I am told Mr. DuPont no longer takes on new projects.
Details…
The Kitchen. At the top of our list for one of the best we have seen on the market. Beautiful cabinetry, stone and wood counters and finishes.
A rich combination of metal, stone and wood. Nice patina!
Elegant and Casual pulled together to make gracious and grand entertaining space.
China cabinets, drawers for silver, serving platters and anything else you use for entertaining.
A light filled space that accommodates as many guests as you want.
A dining room that feels right is a dining room that will be used. Yes, they do exist!
It’s in the details…the paint job in this house is fantastic.
The bathrooms are clean and simple with finishes from Perrin and Rowe. These are the touches that make all the difference. The Master bath features their Mayfair line.
The exterior details will catch the eye of any buyer who is really looking for something good.
As impressive as it should be. The exterior hardware by Nobilus,
If you are in the market for something that is a strong example of “tradition for the way we live now”**, call us. We would love to show you what is on the market.
** from the title of “The Great American House – Tradition for the way we live now” by Gil Schafer III. Published by Rizzoli 2012
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Sumptuous
November 24, 2014These Ryan Studios pillows will brighten-up your holidays for sure. Velvety and ice blue, they are truly stunning and beautifully cut. Originally purchased at Erika K, they are practically brand-new and in mint condition.
PRICE: $200 for the pair
E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance
Go Hollywood!
November 11, 2014“Lights, camera, action” with this stunning and sleek Ralph Lauren search light lamp featuring a mahogany tripod finish. The dimensions are 65″- 77 1/2″ H and 24″ W.
Starring Price: $1,800
E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.
No Trick; A Treat!
October 31, 2014Halloween treats abound today. A great sofa and matching love seat are offered for a mere $500. No trick here, only a treat! Dimensions upon request.
E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.
Market Update: Where is everyone?
October 28, 2014It has been a long slow Fall this year, with limited inventory and many buyers sitting on the sidelines. A few people have ventured into the market but mostly we are wondering where everybody is? Has all that “pent up” buying power subsided? Inventory is low, yes, but there are some houses on the market in various price ranges that should not be overlooked. I am not talking about the over $3,000,000 price range where you have a quite a selection of fabulous houses, like my new favorite 1 Siwanoy.
17 Stanley Road came on the market last week. A sweet cottage that is ‘move-in ready” and has opportunity for expansion. The $795,000 price point suggests that it will not last long on the market since this is a very sensitive price range for people looking to get into Darien. Two bedrooms, one full baath, approximately 890 square feet. We will be watching. Offered through Kelly Associates.
Can’t resist this curb appeal!
Looks like someone had a one stop shop at Dovecote! Very nicely done 🙂
225 Middlesex Road continues to be active on the market. Sort of surprising since with the asking price of $1,225,000 you can have really well renovated space in a great location. Four bedrooms, three and a half baths, walking distance to schools and Noroton Train station. This is a great opportunity in Darien. Offered through Kelly Associates. 12/1/14 Contract Signed.
225 Middlesex Road. What color is your door?
Good space with a nice flow for comfortable living and entertaining.
Great back yard!
16 Libby Lane came on last summer just in time for a buyer to take advantage of that fabulous pool. But no one has come forward yet on this one. Another great opportunity in a central location that remains active the market. Nicely set back off the road, and a wonderful screened in porch we see a lot of potential here. Now asking $1.775,000 (originally $1,850,000), if you are looking around for more space this house could be a fantastic solution for you. Offered through Kelly Associates.
16 Libby Lane is listed by Kelly Associates.
Great Pool.
Classic floor plan. As you come in through the front door the living room is on your left, dining on your right.
Opportunity is not just knocking, it’s banging on the door at 22 Maplewood Drive, the bucolic street in North Darien. It’s a beautiful piece of property and there is a lot of house to work with here. Buyer Buyer are you out there? Lots of bedrooms, lots of space. Asking $1,875,000 offered through Kelly Associates.
22 Maplewood Drive, located off Stephan Mather Road
Lovely landscaping and private outdoor space makes this a very special property.
Patios, gardens and beautiful old trees on over an acre.
If you are looking to stay under the $3M price point, with all the bells and whistles, I would encourage you to go look at 8 Point Road on Wilson Point. Yes, it is not in Darien so you will be giving up what most people come to Darien for… the schools. If that detail is not an important factor in your search, you will love the views, the deep water dock and the splendid 1940’s colonial that shows beautifully. You won’t find this six bedroom, six full bath and two half bath house (about 4900 square feet) in Darien on the water with an asking price of $2,995,000.
One of the points of view from 8 Point Road.
A glorious detail in a house filled with charm and not lacking in patina…I am thinking Tom Sheerer is the man for this job!
8 Point Road in Wilson Point. Listed by Sothebys/Darien. Check it out. This is a house to love!
If you would be interested in seeing any of these properties, give us a call. We would love to show you these, or any other property you may be interested in.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Boogie in The Basement
October 20, 2014
You are going to want to get this into your life and your friends will there too! 143 Brookside, a new listing offered by Laura Kolderup of Kelly Associates, is a house with enough space for the “team” and a basement that takes no prisoners. Your kids will love you for it and their friends will love you even more.
Hockey anyone? And yes, that is a beautifully upholstered built-in for the fans.
It doesn’t matter who your team is (well not really, go Rangers) because there is wall space for them all!
There is also room for every toy in this basement.
Fully loaded with wine refrigerator and cold drawers.
Everything you need for the party is here.
Something for all sports fans out there.
Room for an enormous sectional.
Hang and watch the game.
If the guests need to stay…they can. The sleekest bath you will find in any finished basement. It makes you want to go back and look hard at bathroom design.
Very fabulous flooring.
And then there is the “wine cellar”.
Maybe they do not realize Florida State is undefeated.
To love or not to love…of course Jeter wanted to play one more game…
Look at all this space!
141 Brookside Road. 5 Bedrooms, 7 full & 2 1/2 baths, approximately 6200 square feet.This is a perfect house for your team so let’s go take a look.
Rental on Goodwives River Road
October 14, 2014
46 Goodwives River Road. Private and quiet.
46 Goodwives River Road, available through Kelly Associates, is a fabulous and unique custom home (built in 2005) sitting high off the road. Privacy, two wooded acres, a huge stone fireplace and a screened in porch set the tone for this wonderful rental property. 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, vaulted ceilings inside approximately 2300 square feet. Currently available as an annual unfurnished rental. $4500.00 .
Front Door and entry.
Open Livingroom with large stone fireplace.
Screened in porch off living room.
Summer time dinners will be fabulous out here.
Note the sink in the kitchen!
Dining Room.
One of three bedrooms.
One of Three and a half baths in great shape.
This is a really interesting property in a great location. Landlord responsible for snow plowing, tree pruning and lawn maintenance. Really worth a look if you are in the market for an annual lease.
Call us if you would like to see it!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
16 Juniper = a little slice of heaven in Rowayton / CONTRACT SIGNED
October 13, 2014
16 Juniper Road captures exactly what customers want these days in a new house. Simple, chic and playing out all the fantasies one has of living a minimalist lifestyle.
Making the Rowayton market proud right now is Liz Beinfield’s new listing at 16 Juniper Road in Rowayton. Tucked tightly in the Beach Association, you will find five bedrooms, four and a half baths, beautiful reclaimed wood floors and beams as well as blinding southern exposure that will light up your life! Asking $2,395,000 offered through Kelly Associates. SOLD/CLOSED
Kitchen that extends into a lovely reading and television seating area.
Gorgeous color (and texture on that island) in the kitchen
Oh those doors, those doors, those doors.
But we shouldn’t put all our focus on that perfect kitchen, family room space. The other spaces are equally fantastic. From the (stucco-like walls), curved archways and tone on tone colors, this home hits the mark.
The window filled cupola is where this light fixture hangs from….very dramatic
The master bedroom has a clean, cool, spa-like feel.
Moving on from ‘fab master bath”, we are going straight for ‘KILLER” master bath!
The windows (our favorite), the sliders and terrace make for a perfect package.
If you are looking in Rowayton OR if you are in the Darien market and want to “look”outside the box, this is the house to start with. Give us a call and we will show you what we mean.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
225 Middlesex has a new price ($1,225,000) and now cannot be denied
October 11, 2014
We are back after having a wonderful and busy summer. More on that shortly but in the meantime we are refreshed and excited for the fall market (wherever it may be). But 225 Middlesex Road came on and so here we go.
$1,295,000 ($1,225,000)with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths, 2762 square feet and an additional 350 in the basement. This home has a superb open floor plan with the living room flowing into the dining room/kitchen and then onto the fab family room. This is a great house, ready to move into so take a look if you are in this popular price range. Offered by Deb Hidy at Kelly Associates.
I love the open floor plan…so great for entertaining.
Have to love that wallpaper!
The family room hits the market with the row of windows and built ins.
A large and serene master bedroom.
There is nothing like a brand new basement playroom (as opposed to the dungeon my kids play in).
Check out this backyard! Loads of room and very private.
We hope you had a great summer. Call us if you are ready to jump into the fall market.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Getting it Right! SOLD/CLOSED
October 6, 2014One of our favorite colleagues, Peter Stuart, has listed 10 Searles Road. It is truly sublime. A Fraser Peter house built in 1924 and renovated in 2010, it is a true example of beautiful, bespoke and cool. It pushes this house to the front of the line for Houses We Love! It is the kind of house that makes the heart go pitter patter when noticing the simplest details such the door hinges and the window hardware. It’s always in the details, isn’t it? It’s the kind of house that gives hope in the search of a special and unique home. Six bedrooms, four and a half baths, set on a little more than a flat acre in the middle of Tokeneke Association. Asking $3,150,000 offered through Kelly Associates.
Architect Frazier Peters desigend this house in 1924. Renovations were done in 2010 and 2011.
Idyllic and charming. Welcoming and comfortable. You will immediately notice the attention to perfection as you approach the front door. For starters, the Bevolo lighting.
Gorgeous walls. A large elegant living room is the prefect room for this rich coral color.
Fabulous entertaining to be done here.
I am really hoping the person who buys this house leaves this stunning wall paper. Very sophisticated. Very beautiful.
Of course the beautiful fabrics and furniture won’t be here when you move in, and if you did change the wallpaper I am thinking Katie Ridder would be a perfect candidate for bringing a chic sophisticated style to this wonderful and quirky house.
Strong color and rich detail, both calling cards of the enormously talented Ms Ridder. Photo by Eric Paisecki. Courtesy of Elle Decor.
Love this wallpaper. Photo by Eric Paisecki. Courtesy of Elle Decor
The kitchen is sleek and modern with touches of a house built in the 1920’s. Note the window in the swinging door into the dining room.
Interior courtyard with doors that lead to the kitchen and children’s play room.
The Playroom.
A casual yet comfortable place to relax with the paper off the kitchen.
One of the many outdoor terraces to enjoy a beautiful evening with guests.
FLOOR PLANS always help
First Floor
Second Floor
Above the Garage
The Lay of The Land
If you would like to see this glorious property, call us! We would love to love to show it to you.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Creamy and Cool
October 1, 2014Subtle yet rich, this gorgeous oriental is not to be missed. The dimensions are just under 7’8 x 9’11, which is a great size for multiple uses. The price is just right, too: $500
E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance
OUR LATEST DEALS
September 27, 2014In spite of the low inventory, we were able to find some fabulous real estate this Summer for a few customers.
19 Rocaton
Asking $1,595,000, listed by Kelly Associates
Sold and Closed August 2014
That color!
8 Old Stone Road
Asking $1,575,000, listed by Kelly Associates
Sold and Closed in August 2014
Oozing with curb appeal, and in fabulous condition. Love this house!
6 Cecil Place, New Canaan, CT
Asking $1,950,000, listed by Coldwell Banker
Sold and Closed in July 2014
Situated on a charming cul-de-sac, very close to town.
We would love to help you find that special home you have been looking for…..give us a call.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Queen Anne Beauty
September 23, 2014Popular in the 1700’s and still reigning today, Queen Anne style is always a beauty. The cherry dining set below is by Thomasville consisting of two arm chairs and four side chairs. The seats are upholstered in a Lee Jofa raspberry and cream diamond pattern. All chairs are in excellent condition and just in time for the holidays.
PRICE: $600
E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.
The Most Important Room in the House
September 22, 2014
October 2014 issue of House Beautiful. (courtesy of www.housebeautiful.com)
We all know that the kitchen is the “hub of the home”. In fact we over heard someone say the other day, while driving around to open houses, “face it, once someone sees this kitchen it won’t matter what the rest of the house looks like”. The October issue of House Beautiful gets down to business with some fabulous kitchens, so we are too. Here are some of the best on the market right now!
10 Searles. Gorgeous. Bespoke. With details that will send even a well cultivated eye spinning into orbit. A more detailed blog coming soon. Asking $3,150,000 through Kelly Associates.
86 Pembroke Road. The stone fireplace is high impact making this extremely large kitchen feel cozy. A very custom kitchen with a special “wow” factor. Asking $4,795,000 through Kelly Associates.
320 Brookside Road. For the recreational Chef! This kitchen has plenty of space for the crowds while you are creating the delicious dinner (to be served out by the awesome pool!). Beautiful craftsmanship and materials used here create a kitchen with cabinets and an island that feel more like custom furniture. Asking $6,250,000 through Berkshire Hathaway.
309 Hollow Tree Ridge Road. Simply Stunning details particularly the countertop. Not one to be missed in your search for the most important room in the house! Asking $3,400,000 through Kelly Associates.
38 Wee Burn Lane. The entire house is special, but here you will welcome family and guests as you would anywhere else in the house. Asking $5,995,000
Kelly Associates.
As I sit here dreaming about the La Cornue range I hope to own some day, this kitchen in the October issue of HB takes it for me! I am going with the cozy and colorful kitchen! (courtesy of House Beautiful/photo by Victoria Pearson)