Mentioned In
Out on the Trail
May 12, 2014
5 Salem Straits, built in 1919, this is a must see for anyone who is looking for a very special property in Darien.
A true gem in a fabulous location. One of our all time favorite houses. Asking $3,795,000. Offered by Maggie Marchesi at Kelly Associates. (off the market right now)
We had a few Open Houses that proved well worth the visit this week. Some of the homes that separated themselves from the pack were 4 Hoyt Court (SOLD at $999,999 – 7/14) a nice renovation on a sweet street. 21 Brush Island – an unbelievable piece of property with trees that take one hundred years to become what they are now, as well as a fantastic view over looking Holly Pond. Since we sold 25 and 27 Brush Island we think it will be very interesting to watch this part of Darien transform. Another piece of land we “walked” was 203 Long Neck Point. A sweeping 4.8 acre lot overlooking Long Island Sound that presents itself as a unique opportunity to own privacy and gorgeous views that would cost you a lot more in Greenwich (pretty sure about that). Unfortunately this parcel is also an opportunity for a developer since it is easily subdivided. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. There are enough houses down on the end of Long Neck as it is. Lastly, a house at the top of our list as a “house we love”, 86 Greenleaf (SOLD at $2,200,000 – 7/14). A sensational 1926 house with fabulous bones and potential that comes with a gorgeous piece of property. The listing price will make any renovation worth every penny.
50 Hanson Road is a sensational house that has been renovated in the last four years. Bathrooms are beautiful, the property is flat and private, and you really get a feeling that Slim Aaron is documenting life as you walk in to the living room that over looks the pool. The kitchen has been renovated and includes top of the line appliances but keeps with the 1950’s grove. This house has a ton of space, and if you are one of the few in Darien that will take a leap and live in a mid-century modern, this is your chance. A Very Cool House. Five bedrooms, five and a half baths, and about 6000 square feet asking $3,100,000. Offered through RealtyQuest by Vanda Baker.
50 Hanson Road across from Wee Burn Country Club.
Some fabulous out door furniture would help. And a cabana boy to bring the drinks…
Can you feel it! (photo/Getty Images)
Huge front door and impressive front hall paves the way to living in a very gracious and chic mid-century modern. I would love to see what Tilton & Fenwick would do in this house.
Love Tilton & Fenwick! Inspired 🙂
50 Hanson is a fantastic palate for Tilton & Fenwick
Stairs leading to the Master Wing. Dressing rooms, enormous bath and private study allow someone total privacy from the rest of the house.
Beautiful, sleek and very easy kitchen for family living and fabulous parties.
To the right of the kitchen.
lots of space all around.
The Mud Room. Big enough for a lot more storage!
35 Hazel Street, completed in 2014, is actually under contract but the builder, Carl Goodnow (also a Kelly agent) had an open house for all brokers to show his work. There was no doubt that it would be beautiful, but now we know what to look forward to when he does his next project. Asking $1,945,000 through Kelly Associates. (SOLD at $1,895,000 – 6/14)
35 Hazel. Blazing new tracks for buyers and builders a like on a quite street off West Avenue. 5 bedrooms/5 and a half bath in 4200 square feet of beautiful space.
Ready for your gardening touch and Brine Lax pitch back 🙂
55 Cedar Gate, nestled back in the woods of Cedar Gate Association, will give you a renovated house with lots of nooks and charm. It is the perfect combination of charming and modern amenities. It’s actually an ideal weekend “get away” for all you readers who are looking for something to escape to on the weekends. Four bedrooms/three and a half baths, and approximately 3700 square feet. Asking $1,675,000, offered by Keily Fuller at Kelly Associates. (SOLD at $1,580,000 – 9/14)
A very charming cottage in Cedar Gate. You have privacy and quiet from the hustle of everyday life!.
A turn key offering. Just move in and love living here!
Two key features. Kitchen and baths are “done”. Simple and clean.
An open floor plan where the cooking and living are easy.
A room you could really do something fun and interesting in.
Love tha turquoise. Of course it is not staying with the house, but it shows you what a pop of color can do here.
Creative use of cool and quirky space. Kids only. Love it! 🙂
A great place to wake up to on Saturday morning after a long week. Consider it for a weekend getaway only one hour from the City.
We would love to show you just how fabulous all these houses are. If you are ready to get in the market, give us a call!
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Spring into spring…
May 7, 2014SOLD: This item is no longer available.
with this vibrant, geometric pair of Good Goods custom pillows. Beautifully constructed with piping and crisp cotton, it’s a perfect complement to any room waiting for a fresh burst of spring. The dimensions are 25 x 25.
PRICE: $100 for the pair.
E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.
We have seen it, and you can too! OPEN HOUSE ON SUNDAY MAY 4, 1-3PM
May 3, 2014374 West Avenue, which backs up to Hazel Street, is ADORABLE!!!! Finding a house at this price point that you can actually live in is becoming harder and harder. Just like the few other properties we saw this Spring that “get you into Darien”, this will not last. Asking $799,000. Offered by Janine Tienken at Kelly Associates.
Picture Perfect. This is what you are waiting for! 374 West Avenue.
SO charming, and ready to move into. Good Goods here we come! Lot’s of possibilities here!
Open to the kitchen, this could also be the family room.
I would say you probably want to make this the dining room. Ballard Designs has some fantastic dining room tables and chandeliers that would pull it all together. But, Thomas the Tank Engine works well here too… 🙂
Look at this yard! Fenced in and backing up to Hazel. A real neighborhood for you.
If you would like to see this property, and can’t make it tomorrow, call us! If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitaion.
The doors of Carmel
April 30, 2014
After a week in Carmel, California we are back and diving headfirst into a very busy spring market (Swifts Lane, Point O’Woods, Wheat Lane, Half Mile, Sunswyck, Noroton Avenue oh my). We promise to catch you up soon. In the meantime, here are some shots of what makes Carmel so special. I did not see a door I did not love and it made me appreciate my dutch door even more!
I finally let her in a picture!
The last few weeks (or maybe months)
April 25, 2014This has been such a strange Spring market. We keep waiting for the “rush” and it just hasn’t come. There have been a few situations where houses came on and went to sealed bids right away – anything between $750,00-$1,100,000 – but mostly it is weeks before a house goes into contract. There are plenty of buyers out there, so sellers fret not. Buyers have the luxury of looking… and are apparently still not feeling any sense of urgency. In the end, Darien is a good market for buyers and sellers.
There are some really fabulous houses on the market.
19 Sunnyside is an exceptional example 🙂 .
19 Sunnyside Avenue. Asking $1,795,000. Totally renovated – completely new from the foundation on up. A must see under $2M. (off the market 7/14).
Also on the market again this Spring is 5 Seagate. It was rented by a local decorator and it looks absolutely fabulous. (If you want to know who the decorator is, give us a call…she can transform your house too). This is a fabulous opportunity to be close to water, and everything else in town! Asking $2,195,000. Offered by Janine Tinken at Kelly Associates. (SOLD at $2,100,000 – 8/14)
LOVE! Wait til you see how fabulous it looks inside!
Welcome. An inviting front hall, lots of closets and the gateway to a very livable house.
Formal, yet comfortable living space. Not every room has to be where you can flop on to the couch…but yet you can here!
or here. Every room has been made to make you feel at home!
Work from home here.
A serene and soothing place to end the day. Perfect bedroom colors.
Just in time for a cocktail as Summer comes.
7 Devon Road is a brand new listing (as of 4/25/14) that is certain to be a “must see” for all the first time homebuyers out there. Do you remember Hilton Street, Ridgely or Fairview Avenue? They pushed the price tags on a sweet cape like this into the stratosphere. The demand is incredible! This is a fabulous house and shows beautifully. Let’s see how the buyers react. Given the past few weeks there will be a line out the door. Asking $969,000 offered by Cathy Lawton at Kelly Associates. (SOLD at $985,000 – 7/14)
7 Devon Road. So new this is still the only photo! Terrific street, nice fenced in back yard and a brand new garage!
Switching gears a bit, 35 Sunswyck has come back to market. It’s been a few years since buyers in this price range have had the luxury of being able to choose this beauty. It is so special that we will have to write a piece just on the hardware in this house. Truly exceptional hardware. However, these pictures will give you a good idea of just what we mean when we say ‘special’. Asking $4,195,000. Another fabulous property offered by the Nannah’s (Nan Peter and Hannah Burge) at Kelly Associates. (SOLD at $4,030,000 – 8/14)
35 Sunswyck built in 1931. Over looking the water. A very special opportunity for the right buyer… I know you are out there somewhere!
Notice the front door down below, the sensational staircase and its iron railings. This main floor landing speaks for its self. Gorge!
Sleek and sexy, the kitchen showing it’s modern side. Oh, yes, and with views of the water to die for!
A rival for our original Fab Master Bath! Take me Away Calgon!
My favorite room in the house! Can you imagine how cozy and fabulous! Water views and all. What a little sanctuary.
228 West Avenue, asking $1,139,000 is tremendous value in a great location. It is a very unique property with a lot of renovated space, and has very good out door space. A great house with a good asking price. There may be some conversation about being on a busy road, or that the pool is “as is”, but come on people, Darien is running out of space, and some day very soon, this property is going to be the best thing that you ever considered. If you are looking in this price range, you really need to look at, and consider this property. LOVE IT! (SOLD at $1,090,000 – 7/14)
228 West Avenue. A quitesential “in town” victorian built in 1885. With a fabulous front porch.
Great stone terrace and pool area. Pool is “as is”, but there is huge potential!
Renovated and updated, you will find beautiful floor boards and details such as original stained glass windows.
Dining room or family room with lots of sunlight.
Ok, its not Kitchens by DEAN, but look at the floors 🙂 You can add that fabulous kitchen later!
We did add a property to our Facebook page yesterday that is sublime. It is offered through an agent at Halstead but they don’t like it when we blog about their properties (are we stealing their thunder? really?). I actually think the agent would love for us to post is but we can’t. We do think it is sensational. One of the most beautiful properties on the market for sure. If you want to look at it, go to our facebook page. Or even better, if you want to go see it, call us for a showing.
If any of the properties here are of interest to you, call us. The weather is changing and the gardens are starting to bloom. It’s a great time to look at real estate in Darien!
If you are currently working with an agent this is not a solicitation.
Our new exclusive listing -19 Sunnyside Avenue…and you are the first to know. (TEMP OFF MARKET)
March 30, 2014
A 1936 Cape has been turned into a fabulous four bedroom home without losing any of the good bones you look for in a house.
Our newest listing will be hitting the market tomorrow and we want our loyal readers to be the first to know. 19 Sunnyside Avenue is a gorgeous, sun-filled home that was completely renovated by Jennifer Howard of JWH Design in Rye, New York. It has over 4,000 square feet with 4 bedrooms, 3 full and one half bathroom. If you are looking for a stylish home in Darien, this is what you have been waiting for. Offered by Abigail Moore and Kim Swift at Kelly Associates. Asking $1,795,000.
The chicest powder room around. The wallpaper and the sink set the tone for all 3 1/2 bathrooms.
From the gourmet kitchen to the Waterworks tiled master bath, this home is comfortable and stylish. It has great space and flow, perfect for entertaining. The bedrooms are spacious, the laundry room is extra large, and there is a brick-floored mudroom (always love that!) A generous basement area can be easily finished for another TV/hang out room, or a second home office.
Big windows throughout allow for a sun filled house!
A gracious open floor plan for the living room and dining room.
Love this entry hall. You cannot have the lanterns but can have fun finding new ones.
Elegant and sophisticated make this a fabulous place to entertain and cook.
19 Sunnyside Avenue is coming on the market tomorrow. The Broker Open House is Tuesday. Showings to start at 12:30pm on Tuesday. This is not going to last, so if you would like to see the house, please call us for an appointment (917.710.3329 or 203.274.1793). We would love to show you what we think is the best property at this price point on the market today!
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
You are going to Love Where You Live! SOLD/Closed
March 30, 2014
A great way to start the tour. Beautiful door.
I have to say that the high end of the market has made a dazzling appearance this Spring. There are two or three real beauties on the market now, and 309 Hollow Tree Ridge Road is definitely one of them. The fabulous Connecticut classic sits like a story book Cape just back far enough off the road, but close enough so that if you tend to admire houses as you drive by, this one might cause an accident. The asking price is now $3,400,000, (originally $3,975,000) and we have no doubt you will be silenced by the stunning recent renovation (as well as the gorgeous wall paper and paint job through out the house). Offered by Nan Peter and Hannah Burge at Kelly Associates.
The living room sets the tone for the rest of the house. Comfortable and luxurious (that green velvet!).
A room to love. Black lacquer walls. Seagrass ceiling!
Wow, now this is a kitchen.
Up close, absolutely gorgeous counter tops.
Beautiful choices are made throughout.
Off the kitchen. Comfortable and luxurious continues.
The butler’s pantry. The grasscloth is gorgeous.
One of three rooms “the family” can hang in. Note the Kelly Werstler wallpaper in the room off to the side! If you like wallpaper, this house has some stunners!
Bold move. Someone’s got to do it. Love it!
…the wall paper. An Albert Hadley classic.
Back entrance or sometimes know as “the mudroom”. Gorgeous. And, where you will notice one of the best paint jobs you have ever seen!
Who needs a front door when the back door looks like this!
The sunroom….chic and comfortable. Those chairs are to die for.
Is that a photograph by our friend Lynn… whether its movies or ping-pong, the party will be awesome!
Send the kids down here for “movie night”.
The curb appeal doesn’t get much better than this. If you are in this part of the market, this will not disappoint.
If you would like a private showing give us a call.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
LOVE IS IN THE AIR!
March 17, 2014That is, I love all the real estate that is coming on the market! In particular…we saw a few good listings out on the “Open House” trail last week.
401 Mansfield Avenue offered at $2,295,000. This house was on a house tour a while back and it warmed my freezing toes yesterday to walk into what I remembered to be the most welcoming and comfortable house in town. A fabulous renovation transformed this farmhouse into a super relaxed “shabby chic” home with all the top of the line comforts a Darien creature yearns for. This owner knows what she is doing (full disclosure, that “she” is Lisa Moseley at Kelly Associates) . So, if you have been looking for “this old house” that is move-in ready THIS IS IT! (CONTRACT SIGNED)
A wonderful old farm house with a quintessential front porch. Not in Vermont.
Wide floor boards custom to the room extend into the comfortable and chic “family” room.
A nice entertaining flow allows for the “crowd that hangs” in the kitchen without being to far from the rest of the party.
Best room in the house. Beautiful stone floors in this four season sun room.
8 Briar Brae listed at $1,795,000 listed with Pat Redican at Kelly Associates. A recent renovation added a lot of extra space that includes a few new bedrooms and fabulous study off the living room. Actually, its the paint color that is fabulous but it is a very nice study. Extra closets (including a a very large walk in for the master bedroom), an upstairs laundry were also added to the expansion… the list goes on. This house is done and is ready for the buyer looking for the “next step” in space. A fabulous opportunity to move right in is waiting here in the “sweet spot” of price points! (SOLD at $1,760,000 – 5/14).
Sitting high off the road, 8 Briar Brae has exactly what a family is looking for. SPACE!
VERY chic. Ready for some decorating flair.
If you didn’t like pink before, you will now. WOW! This really works in the kids bath. It pops off the wall in a surprisingly sophisticated way.
Adorable, in a David Netto col, chic and “who wouldn’t want this nursery” way!
5 Plymouth Road, listed for $1,895,000. It is virtually impossible to get into The Bay for under $2M these days – at least if you want views and space. Here is your chance. To be honest, you will want to put your own stamp on the place, but you can’t find this kind of opportunity right now for this price so close to the water anywhere else. By the looks of what is going on down there, this will be your last chance at a house of this size at this price. Offered by Sheree Frank at Kelly Associates. (SOLD at $1,790,000 – 6/14)
Here is your chance! A perfect summer get a way, and a chance to be a part of those famous Halloween nights in Noroton Bay!
A nice open living space, great for causal summer living. Bring Lynn Morgan over from neighboring Rowayton and you will transform this place into a beach/waterfront paradise!
Sort of like this….(photo curtesy of Lynn Morgan Design)
This could be what your Friday night looks like! Nice place to sit after a long week. (photo curtesy of Lynn Morgan Design)
Great views out over Pear Tree Point. (Yes, it’s out there…)
Worth a look!
5 Salem Straits brings us back to our “Secret Garden” blog in 2012. Location Location Location as the old saying goes. This is absolutely one of our favorite houses EVER to hit the market in Darien. If you read this blog regularly then you will probably understand this house sits in rare company in our minds. It’s a house that simply brings pleasure to show, and I am certain will bring pleasure to live in! It is back on again (owner took it off the last time), asking $3,795,000. Offered by Maggie Marchese at Kelly Associates. (TEMPORARILY OFF MARKET)
No need to go on again about this gem. This picture says 1000 words. If you would like to see it, we would love to show it to you.
7 North Road, WOWOWOWZA! What a house. It goes without saying the location is fabulous, but, more importantly, it has a great feeling on the inside. It feels lived in and comfortable, unpretentious yet super cool. The views from all sides of the house will knock your socks off. Even the howling wind on this freezing day (3/13/14) warmed my heart! The best part is the “Surf Shack” or “boat house” where summer days will spent sunning on the deck and jumping off the dock. A must see if you are “surfing” in this price range. Asking price $5,250,000. Offered by Doug Milne at Kelly Associates. (SOLD at $4,908,500 – 7/14)
Nothing like waterfront on Butler’s Island
Photographs never do enough. This is a fabulous and relaxing room off the kitchen. Keeping it Real!
Dare I say a fabulous kitchen!
A gorgeous spot at the bottom of Tokeneke.
Half way through March and we are starting to see signs of a Spring market. Better late than never! Inventory is moving fast in certain price ranges ( Linden, Briar Brae) so if you are interested in looking at what is out there, we would love to show you.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
WANTED: A HOUSE UNDER $1,000,000
March 12, 2014It is amazing how many clients we have that are looking for houses under $1 million. Sounds great right? Well this spring market is not cooperating with us! Believe it or not, there are only 12 houses on the market under $1million. This is an all time low. So we have all these eager buyers and there is so little to show them or what they love, ends up having 11 offers as was the case with 42 Ridgely Street. Needless to say it is just a bit frustrating!
90 Linden Avenue, listed by Janine Tienken at Kelly Associates for $739,000. Nothing makes us more excited than getting word of a new listing! This just came on today and we cannot wait to see it tomorrow. As of 3/16/14 ACCEPTED OFFER
307 West Avenue is offered at $749,000. It is charming and close to the train station.
88 Gardiner Street is a wonderful house, offered at $1,075,000! Can someone please explain why it hasn’t sold especially after we sold our listing at 60 Gardiner Street in just a few short days for close to ask at $1,070,000????? And that studio would be the perfect adult tree fort (aka backyard destination).
30 Hilton Street, offered at $789,000, needs work but could be a rewarding project, especially when we see where 36 Hilton Street closes (my latest favorite).
So if you are even thinking about it, now is the time to serious contemplate and plan to list your house. Not sure you can go very wrong. Especially when we bring our eager clients!
Things are heating up! – UPDATE
March 2, 201442 Ridgeley, listed by Kate Bates at Kelly Associates, has gone into “best & final”. All offers had to be in at 5pm on Saturday afternoon. Only one day on the market, honoring appointments made through Saturday. The Sunday showings were dropped due to overwhelming interest. (SOLD)
Really nice four bedroom in a convenient location. Especially when you have kids at Middlesex! Asking $999,000 through Kelly Associates
36 Hilton, listed by Halstead asking $945,000 is another new listing that has been hot hot hot for the last few days. It has been revealed that they are accepting offers and are asking that anyone who has an interest in bidding, do so by this evening (Sunday, March 2) by 5:30. Another way of saying they have multiple bids. The sellers will review all offers with their attorney and listing agent will notify the winning bid. (SOLD)
If you are considering a move, now is a great time to list your home.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Follow up on Fairview Avenue
February 20, 201433 Fairview Avenue
Asking $1,399,999
Multiple Bids. All bids were due February 19. I did say to get in ASAP if this was in your price range. Most of this town is on mid-Winter break and it still went into multiple bids.
If you area thinking about selling your home, now is a really good time to capture a buyers attention. And, I wouldn’t wait for all the other sellers to jump on the bandwagon.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
New to the market…slowly but surely!
February 19, 2014As we plod through this month of snow and ice, a few brave souls have taken the plunge and listed their homes. We thank them! Now it will be a race to see who can actually get their buyers to look at real estate in this weather! If there are any motivated buyers out there this week, here are a few new listings. There were actually only four new listings but they covered the spectrum of price points in our market.
For the newest Captain of Industry! Staff not included.
455 Mansfield, a six bedroom, eight and a half bath, five car garage, brick “georgian” manse came on the market (not to be out paced by all the snow that fell). It looms large on Mansfield, certainly one of Darien’s loveliest “avenues”. It has a sweet pool and pool house that is coming in a close second to the house itself. Built in 2000 by the well known builder Girouard Associates, there is no “little piggy” that will blow this down! Asking $5,250,000 offered through Kelly Associates by Doug Milne and Sheree Frank.
No, you will not have drinks with Crystal Carrington, but you will have a fabulous party here”!
Love the feeling of being on “a campus”. Everything you need is at your finger tips. Someone is going to have a field day choosing patio furniture!
Next, there is the house at 32 Old Oak Road that Jane Glassmeyer at Halstead had on last Spring. It’s back on the market asking $2,595,000. It has a big nice kitchen, lots of huge bedrooms and is what everyone calls “done“. If you are looking for something that sits privately on a cul de sac, and want to be up in the northern part of Darien, this could be your ticket! Can’t show you a photo but call us if you would like to find out more on this property.
Then there is 30 Maple.
Mucho Charm here at 30 Maple.
It’s always had that “je ne sais quoi” about it. It’s a house I always turn to look at as I drive by. It was built in 1875 and has some interesting architectural detail. I think this is a real diamond in the rough, but apparently it is not so rough! I hear that it is in good shape with new electric, HVAC, new insulation, as well as landscaping. Sadly the snow prevents us from getting excited about the landscaping but with four bedrooms, three and a half baths, and about 3000 square feet this house is very interesting. Darien is running out of space. Good space with good bones is not easy to come by with an asking price of $1,275,000. Offered by Gail Ord through Coldwell Banker/Darien. Nice! (SOLD)
Can’t argue that a big old fireplace like this isn’t a selling point. Beautiful furniture and fabric is all you need. And sconces.
And lastly, there is 33 Fairview, listed by Deirdre McGovern at William Raveis/Darien. Asking $1,399,999 this four bedroom, two and a half bath house is close to town, on a popular street that has seen some good real estate action in the last year. So, don’t wait to see this if you are looking in this price range. It won’t last! (SOLD)
Classic Connecticut Garrison Colonial. Seems to be a “no brainer” for many!
If you are not away for Spring break and you would like to go out and see some real estate this week, call us! We are here.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Child’s Play
February 19, 2014All nine pieces below are in good condition and ready to make any child happy. Dimensions are upon request.
E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.
Madeline PB desk/hutch with chair: $350
SOLD: This item is no longer available.
Bed/day bed with trundle (both mattresses and bedding if needed): $500
Night stand: $125
Table and chairs: $100
Tall chest of drawers: $200
Madeline PB full size bed with mattress and bedding if needed: $500 and in excellent condition.
Chest of drawers/changing table/hutch: $350
Madeline PB night stand: $125
The Mud Room
February 13, 2014In case you were wondering what real estate brokers do on a day like today, a day that brought more snow, a day that added another 10 inches to what we already have? Well, I can tell you! We sit around breaking down houses, room to room, thinking about which ones would work well for our customers. And, of course, fantasizing about what can be done in each. Which led me to the mud room. I couldn’t help but think about mud rooms today. I haven’t noticed many in the houses currently on the market. It is usually just a row of cubbies off the kitchen where everyone dumps their wet or muddy stuff. Or all their sports equipment. It is a critical part of the house so why not make it fabulous as well as utilitarian! (Just want to mention that 15 Shagbark has a gorgeous mudroom with stone floors and plenty of storage for everyone).
Well, yes, this one is a good one for what we are experiencing here in Connecticut this winter.
One of my favorites from a Suzanne Kasler house.
Kind of like how this is a little more relaxed.
This one takes the #1 spot!
For those of us who go big!
Love this.
Fabulous “back stairs”!
Sort of a nice way to enter the mud room – since that really is the only way people go into a house these days.
**photos found on Pintrest today.
