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SLOW roll out for Spring
February 8, 2014The snow has now officially become a big “downer” for the start of the SPRING MARKET. It is so hard to imagine that in only 8 weeks we will be watching the crocuses pop up, but keep the faith.
Darien had three new listings this week. Three different neighborhoods, three different price points. I wasn’t exactly racing to the phone to call customers after viewing these new listings, but I am certain it was more the effort it took to actually get out of my driveway the morning of “broker open houses” than anything else. Maybe my enthusiasm will return if I focus on some properties in Palm Beach. Just a thought…
128 Colony. Not quite as ‘tony’ as St. Nicholas, but 100 times better in so many ways.
We liked 128 Colony. Colony, a popular street, offers the quintessential suburban neighborhood experience, but not all the houses are situated so well. 128 Colony has a fabulous back yard abutting Woodland Park so you really have some privacy behind the house. It’s in great condition, and has lots of space – a combination that most buyers would put at the top of “the list”. Yes, it is in “move in” condition. I suppose the question is can you live with all the wall paper and themes playing out in each room. Five large bedrooms, three and a half baths, lots of living and entertaining space downstairs with a Great Room off the kitchen. It is quite a package at $2,150,000. Offered by Cathy Lawton at Kelly Associates.
Good deep back yard. Looks as if there is a lot of room for all your “sports fans”.
Its tough with the snow, but this is a really good terrace directly off the kitchen and Great Room. It offers super entertaining options! You could put some gorgeous outdoor lighting, planters and some McKinnon and Harris garden furniture. It really could be fabulous!
McKinnon and Harris. Check out their website. It’s gorgeous. Beautiful colors and designs to choose from. To The Trade only, but that’s no big deal.
A sensational collection of planters in beautiful colors. These would be perfect on the terrace at 128 Colony.
A gracious size for a living room. The ceiling height is a bit low, but the tremendous light streaming in through all the windows takes your mind off that. The whole house has great light, in fact.
Kitchen works well for cooks. Everyone else can hang on the other side of the island.
Or you check out a favorite “local” decorator Lee Ann Thornton and see what her magic could do!
A beautiful kitchen from Lee Ann Thornton. The WOW factor is huge, and would translate here seamlessly.
Another room with fabulous light. I love sectionals, and this room can definitely carry a big one. But, you can create a few seating areas in this room without making it feel as if it were strictly for Sunday Night Football.
Like this! A gorgeous way to create a Great Room. Photo by Thomas Loof. Decorated by Lee Ann Thornton,
Looking the other direction you can see the space you would have to work with. This is a really big room! So many possibilities!
Another thought I had while walking around the house brought me to this idea. A little less traditional, a little less formal. But Gorgeous! A room by Tom Scheerer. Go back and look through his latest book. You will be overwhelmed by the “fabulosity”! Photo by Mathew Hranek
We always say “focus on the floor plan”. If that works for you the rest comes naturally. The flow is pretty good on this one.
Lots of large(ish) bedrooms. The 5th bedroom, added over the kitchen is a perfect guest room, or au pair room, as it can be separated easily from the rest of the upstairs.
Over at 22 Casement, you will find a new listing that offers good space in good condition at a very sensitive price point. There just isn’t anything on the market (yet) mid $1M’s. So, by virtue of being in “move in” condition, this will be a hot ticket for people who are looking to get something bigger. Five bedrooms, four baths , approximately 3400 square feet, on a neighborhood street close to Town. Offered by Sarah Littlefield at William Raveis/Darien, asking $1,699,000.
22 Casement in a winter wonderland! Photoshop the snow out and you will discover a lovely “townhouse” like property waiting for someone who wants to move right in!
As good as “brand new”. Like the contrasting island! Great ceiling height here.
Something like this large Yolk pendant from Circa Lighting would be perfect over the island here! Comes in several tones. Gorgeous.
The kids will love it up here, but take my word for it, you will not be climbing these stairs to often!
If you would like to brave the weather and go out to see some properties, maybe these properties, give us a call. Our driveways were just plowed!
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Currey and Company Sconces
February 3, 2014Lots of inquirers about these but they sold quickly and are no longer available.
This pair of Currey and Company Pembroke sconces is brand new. They were purchased, installed, used a few times, and promptly removed because of a space issue. Elegantly constructed of iron and brushed silver, the pair has an extra set of shades pictured below.
Dimensions upon request.
Please e-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.
Price: $400
SOLD: This item is no longer available.
Poof and it’s gone – 133 Rowayton Avenue
January 29, 2014Wow that was fast. 133 Rowayton Avenue came on at an impressive $3,950,000 (and don’t forget those Rowayton taxes) and was sold (with 3 offers) instantly. Of course it is fabulous, has a slip and is maintenance free but this is still a great sign for the Rowayton market.
Gorgeous floors, gorgeous pantry, gorgeous kitchen!
The great room on the 2nd floor. A wonderful space to relax and escape.
Well appointed family room off of the kitchen.
We have always been charmed by these appealing town homes and it did not disappoint.
Wish we could say we could show you but you will have to wait for another unit to hit the market.
15 Shagbark Part II – The architecture of Ferguson and Shamamian – CONTRACT SIGNED
January 29, 2014
“You had me at hello…”. Yes, the front door matters and this one does not disappoint.
The architecture and exterior details behind this one of a kind listing in Darien qualifies for a “part II” for our readers. We just don’t see many houses on the market like 15 Shagbark each selling season. We consider this kind of house one of those “one in a few years” opportunity.
Ferguson and Shamamian is a firm led by traditionalists trained by the best; Ferguson at Princeton and Shamamian at Columbia. Later, they met at Parish-Hadley where they both honed their skills in traditional design and architecture. In 1988 they joined forces creating a firm that produces both exquisite homes and seamless additions to existing residences.
The combination of boxwood and brick lattice is exceptional. Peter Cummins is part of this and has created landscaping that includes a simple yet makes an impressive statement.
Less is more. Only Boxwood. You really don’t need much more than that.
Gorgeous planter with a no fuss statement plant. It all creates a beautiful front entrance.
This blog started when we came across a listing that was asking over $4M. That was two years ago. We have finally found what is the “real deal”. It does matter.
You can feel the weight of the shutter. If we could only get you to look, you would see first hand what we are talking about.
Simple and gorgeous. Every light fixture is right here.
Gorgeous place to sit and enjoy the evening. Note the stunning lantern.
View from the side of the house. If you recall our piece last summer that included some fabulous outdoor furniture, your imagination will run wild here. I am still obsessed with Janus et Cie.
I am imagining a bed of Peonies.
Something else that stands out in this home are the doors. They are about as fabulous as they come.
Oh the details…the fixture with the vine, the leader and shutter all make for an understated and classic vignette.
Love the creeping green along this back walkway. And I love that there is very little foundation planting.
This is the exterior view of that fabulous window seat in the family room.
Did I mention how the fabulous doors are? We sometimes see people skimping on them but we think it is always a mistake.
This is the exterior of the garage. Appreciate the molding instead of all clapboard.
The summertime go to space out side.
The addition. I cannot wait to see this in the summer!
Understated and waiting for you to come check the place out!
And of course a pineapple!!
If you are not including them in a pitch for your next home expansion or building project, it would be worth looking at their work just to get a sense of what to aim for. Here are a few examples of their work from other projects.
One of the front doors that stood out while looking through more of their work. Gorgeous detail in the columns and paneling.
Love these stairs. The detail!
Stunning example of some of Ferguson & Shamamians work. This is ceiling height!
Creating living space that is elegant and sophisticated yet totally livable.
Please contact us for a showing of this once in a lifetime home. Photos courtesy of Real in Darien and Ferguson and Shamamian Architects.
If you are working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Linen Crisp: No Longer Available
January 28, 2014Every room could use some invigoration from time to time, and these pillows can do the trick, beautifully. The collection of three was purchased from Good Goods, are in excellent condition, 100% percent linen, and are 24″square and 15″x 24″. They are currently shown in Lillian August ads.
E-mail mymfaulkner@optonline.net for assistance.
PRICE: $300
15 Shagbark Road, Part I – Standing Alone – CONTRACT SIGNED
January 22, 2014
15 Shagbark Road is set back at the end of the road. Very private and unpretentious.
15 Shagbark Road came on this week. It stands alone in its category… the category of “there is nothing else like it on the market”. Go ahead! Look at some of the other houses with big price tags! This one takes first place. 15 Shagbark is beautiful. Simply beautiful. There is nothing sassy, there is nothing charming, NOTHING TRENDY, and there is nothing to be done. For the buyer who needs no explanation, who wants and really understands quality and bespoke detail, we’ve got something for you! Four – six bedrooms, on about four acres. We are not blinking at the asking price of $4,895,000. Offered through Kelly Associates by Doug Milne.
Gorgeous place to sit and enjoy the evening. Note the stunning lantern.
If you are going to do it right, you bring in the Big Guns. The firm Ferguson & Shamamian gave new life to this lovely 1930’s brick Georgian in mid-country Darien by creating an addition and renovating the house to be what it is today. They have produced something that is worth the price of admission! If you have thought about moving, but only if something extraordinary comes on the market, now is the time to make your move. Call us if you would like to see the house. We would love to show you.
The house from behind. The grounds on the property offer a pool site. Love the minimal foundation plantings! Peter Cummings, Landscape Architect.
The original house has high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and wonderful scale. Decorated in a traditional yet timeless way, you feel swept in and right at home in this house. Beautiful fabrics and tones throughout the house. Nothing trendy, nothing hinting at “over done”.
The piano in the corner gives you a sense of the scale.
Look at the curve in this window…..stunning.
This is where Ferguson & Shamamian comes in. The start of the addition is here, in the simply appointed office off the kitchen.
The level of detail in the craftsmanship to the door knobs is notable.
And here as well.
I am not going to call this a “family room” because that would be a silly description, although it is certainly where any family would gather. It’s the sitting room off the kitchen. There is no better example of such a room that is sophisticated and functional. And it is entirely kid friendly. No reason not to let them play in here while something is “cooking in the kitchen”.
This is the most wonderful bay window ever! Just need a good Pinot Noir and “Me Before You” to finish it off.
Did we mention how we love the doors?
How fabulous!!These are the doors from the office to the family room.
Very comfortable and manageable.
Proof you don’t need an oversized over done kitchen. Perfection is here!
This home has more details than we can mention but here are a few:
So many custom touches. This fixture on the book cases is one of them.
As we mentioned earlier, it is all in the details.
Another example of a detail in the Butler’s Pantry.
The china closet off of the Butler’s Pantry.
Real in Darien loves lighting fixtures and this home reaches far beyond our expectations.
And this wallpaper is always a winner on a ceiling.
You may enjoy laundry in here.
The hallway from the mudroom to the back kitchen hall.
This back staircase. From the fixture, to the paneling, this room stands on its own.
Doors, doors, doors….
The powder room off of the kitchen.
This is the 2nd of 3 staircases…off the kitchen.
The master. Elegant, sophisticated, timeless. There are many words that come to mind as you walk through the master wing that, of course, includes dressing rooms for each.
Beautiful, cool colors. Note how the marble moulds the windows and doors.
And yes, there will be parties. There is certain to be a unparalleled wine collection here.
Floor plans are essential to understand. The flow must work before the house will work for you.
The second floor. The unfinished rooms are all ready to go.
The basement.
As perfectly planned out and bespoke this home is, it also feels like a warm and welcoming home. This is a place where you can throw the most fabulous parties in town or have the pre school class over for a playdate.
So, the Spring market has started. We are gearing up for all the new listings to come on so we can Sell Sell Sell! 2014 promises to be an interesting year for us and we look forward to showing you some beautiful real estate. Call us if you have any questions regarding properties you are curious about.
If you are currently working with an agent, this is not a solicitation.
Hello 2014!!! – UPDATE
January 12, 2014A new year is upon us and we hope, new listings as well. It has been a rather dull Fall market but the holiday was busy for us with the launch of our listing at 327 Middlesex Road. There were also 2 other listings that came on, 223 West Avenue (listed for $879,000 with Linda Terhune) and 25 Raymond Street (listed for $839,000 with Kate Balanoff). ACCEPTED OFFER! Heard there were multiple bids. Is this a sign of what the Spring market will bring?
25 Raymond Street has great curb appeal. You can also walk to Rowayton and have some lunch at our favorite Flea.
This kitchen had us at hello. We loved the urban feel and those fabulous floors!!!
The homeowner did a wonderful job renovating the kitchen and baths in this house.
Bright space for having friends over.
Another great spot. Wish the hide came with the house. This 3 bedroom house is bound to sell quickly.
223 West Avenue also has great curb appeal. Any home with a front porch I love.
This 4 bedroom house has high ceilings and spacious rooms.
Renovated kitchen!!!One less thing to do when you move in.
Another room to live in.
Go and see these homes if you are in the market. Both great yet different. We expect the market to be busy this spring and it will start happening early. Contact us if you have any real estate needs we can help you with at info@realindarien.com.
327 Middlesex Road OPEN HOUSE TODAY, 2-4PM
January 12, 2014
Come check out our open house at 327 Middlesex Road today from 2-4pm. This home is in a good, central location and has a great price of $850,000.
Opportunity knocking
December 28, 2013It’s on, it’s our’s, and this is a fabulous opportunity for someone to create a home to live for! 327 Middlesex Road in Darien. Listed by Abigail Moore and Kim Swift at Kelly Associates. Asking $850,000. Please call if you have any questions or would like to see this property.
Wonderful location. Close to trains, schools and shopping.
It’s a wrap
December 23, 2013With a little more than $13,000,000 put under contract this year, 2013 was very busy at Real in Darien. Most significantly, we sold our three listings within a week of hitting the market, when the average listing is on the market for 169 days. If you are thinking of getting into the market in 2014, we would love to help you sell and/or buy your next house. The right broker makes all the difference!
1. 25 Brush Island – after finding the buyer for 27 Brush Island last year, we were able to secure 25 Brush Island for our customers who had been renting the main house for the past two years. Asking $4,495,000 offered through Kelly Associates.
2. 13 Oak Park – Our listing asking $1,150,000. SOLD in A WEEKEND with multiple bids.
Remember “Fab Master Bath”? We had multiple bids with in days of listing
one of our favorites!
3. 60 Gardner Street – Our listing asking $1,099,000. SOLD the first weekend on the market.
The front door. A very important place to start. The house has fantastic curb appeal.
4. 207 Middlesex – Our buyers bought this fantastic new construction in May. Asking price $1,725,000. They were able to work with the builder to customize and add upgrades to the original plans.
Our customers worked with the builder to build a “dreamy” home.
5 .207 Middlesex – Our listing asking $1,995,000. Accepted offer in the first week on the market and now UNDER CONTRACT.
Gorgeous new construction in a fabulous location.
5. 327 Middlesex – A Kelly listing asking $849,000. Our Buyers are planning great things for this fabulous location at the top of Leroy Avenue.
Charming Cottage now. Wait until you see the transformation!
6. 45 Swifts Lane – Asking $2,995,000. Our buyers fell in love! UNDER CONTRACT. Offered through Halstead/Darien office.
45 Swifts Lane. A fantastic sweeping property on Gorham Pond.
7. 236 Tokeneke Road – A rental asking $3,600. RENTED by our customers.
It’s been a great year. And, we owe it all to our readers!
There is a lot to look forward to in 2014. We anxiously await many fabulous new listings!
HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It’s time to shop – The Antique & Artisan way!
December 12, 2013The real estate inventory is presenting with “slim picking” so we really can’t do our “12 Picks for Christmas”! We would never have guessed that we couldn’t find 12 houses we love to blog about, but it has happened. So, off we went to our favorite place to fill “the houses we love” with a few of our “favorite things”! The Stamford Antique & Artisan Center is overflowing with gems and jewels to fill your gorgeous house, and your friend’s gorgeous house.
A room that will bedazzle and bejewel you with fantastic pieces for home and hostess
The “back room” has been set up for the Holiday Sale, going on now, and for a few more days. Carefully are artfully chosen by the venerable Mari Anne Maher, it is like walking through a wonderland for the home. Take some time and go down there to browse, buy and actually enjoy holiday shopping.
I was drawn to these like a moth to the flame. An absolutely stunning set for any Christmas holiday table. Light and easy to hold. We love a good bar cart but these glasses will get your table going with enormous style.
Not for the faint at heart… admittedly, however sometimes you just need to take the plunge!
If we are sticking to the bar cart, these will be fabulous.
And, a price point easier to swallow…
Gorgeous – will make the summer al fresco dinner very special. A set of 10 which is a good number for a dinner party too.
Who can’t use another set of dinner chargers!
In the plate world… not so bad!
One can never have enough throw’s or quilts. On a guest bed, or the sofa for a cozy sit by the fire. The colors are gorgeous on this quilt. Very neutral and will stand out as stunning any where in your home.
For someone special and deserving.
For the music lover in your household. Or your high school roommate! I am sure someone was listening to this classic back in the day, and still… Yes, you are reading the price tag correctly. It is signed!!!!
You mean you don’t still have a turntable? It will look fabulous by the latest, state of the art system in anyone’s house.
Love this fireplace fender. Note the pineapples!
It is a good size, fitting a standard fireplace in any house. What a great piece to have.
AND FOR THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS
You must have something special when you answer the door. This is it! A classic piece from Roberta Freeman. She still makes these, but with the influx of Roller Rabbit, a vintage piece makes it all that more special.
Great price point for this. Think the new ones are A LOT more.
I made a beeline for the unmistakeable orange box only to find a true classic.
The box alone would make the experience of owning this worth it!
The vitrine is filled with fabulous vintage jewelry and watches. You will find something you love, for certain.
Share any treats you find at info@realindarien.com.
Nielsen’s sure can do up Christmas!
December 12, 2013
Ho Ho Ho.
Nielsen’s Florist and Garden Shop is ready for a wonderful holiday season, and they kicked it off with a Holiday Table Top fundraiser for Post 53. Run right over and pick up a gift for just about anybody.
Love the black red and white theme here.
I want to do a Birch Tree theme this year.
So pretty.
Great ornaments of all shapes, sizes and themes.
Love all the fairy houses! They will make fabulous centerpieces.
Gorgeous table accents.
One of my favorites.
Prizes for the lucky winners!
Ran into some friends.
Pick of the week-Kitchen and Family Room
December 7, 2013Here is the continuation of our thoughts on decorating 207 Middlesex Road. Now that we have sold it we thought it would be fun to give the new owners some ideas from the Antique & Artisan Center.
THE KITCHEN at 207 Middlesex is light and clean. There is a lot you can do with this space.
WOW-love this table!
The color on these chairs is delicious.
I am not sure I would pair these with the table but if I found something else, these would be my pick for a chair.
You always need extra chairs and these beat the ones at Costco!
How fab is this.
These are more of an industrial look.
or have a bit of old world.
Your kids will never be late for school (ok-I know it doesn’t work but how fabulous would this be int he kitchen).
It is all in the details!
THE FAMILY ROOM is right off the kitchen and is a cozy spot. Here are some pieces that would be perfect.
This may not be for everyone but I love it!
A MUST HAVE!
A little retro goes a long way.
You always need a bamboo mirror.
And again, the details.
Have a great weekend!
What would we do to 207 Middlesex?
December 2, 2013
After only a few short days on the market, we have contracts signed at 207 Middlesex Road. We thought it would be fun to pull together some ideas on what we would do with this home so took a trip to the Antique Center and this is what we found.
ENTRY HALL
207 Middlesex has a wonderful entry hall. The staircase wraps up to the second floor and is open all the way up. It is flooded with light. Here are a few thoughts on what would be a great fit.
This would make the entry hall sparkle.
This would be a touch of traditional in a more modern space.
I love this in the front hall.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this pop of color.
LIVING ROOM
The living room is a cozy spot with french doors and a fireplace. It would love some color.
Put this on the long wall.
These mirror are fantastic.
This sofa is so luscious your guest will stay all night.
Pink is always an unexpected winner.
You can never go wrong with some skin.
This is not your run of the mill buddha.
Never give up an opportunity for some Draper.
Not sure what I love more, the base or the shade.
Here is another great light option.
You cannot pass this up. Abigail has a set and they are unforgettable.
A nice touch to round out the room.
One last vignette….and a new twist on the starburst mirror.
DINING ROOM
The dining room at 207 Middlesex is large and elegant. It has a large bay flooded with windows and light, tray ceiling and paneled walls.
These chairs are perfect for the dining room.
This piece lends itself so well in the wide open space.
and yes, a starburst is always a winner.
This is a showstopper and would be perfect in the spot.
and last but certainly not least, how is this for a twist.
So what are your thoughts on how these pieces would work in this space? Let us know and come back tomorrow when we take a look at the kitchen and family room.
IT’S OURS. It is CLOSED
November 26, 2013
207 Middlesex Road. A gorgeous brand new house.
This brand new, gorgeous home was completed in May 2013. 4 + bedrooms/ 5 1/2 baths, a top of the line kitchen, finished basement and nothing left for you to do, this house has all the “bells and whistles”. But, come see for yourself. There is nothing else on the market like it right now so call us, you won’t be disappointed.
YOU DONT WANT TO MISS THIS.
Offered by Kim Swift and Abigail Moore at Kelly Associates. Asking $1,995,000.
Large, sunny dining room for 12.
Find me another kitchen like this… it’s a beauty.
This is where you will want to be.
Entertaining is a breeze. And gracious.
Breakfast anyone?
It’s hard to find a living room you actually want to be in. I promise you this is one to hold on to.
Think Super Bowl Sunday. It’s where the party is.
Get it?
Light that fire… The Master.
The Master Bath.
Another angle. But seriously, this is a “Fab Master Bath”.
The kids have never had it so good.
Oh, to be the only boy! Yours will love this.
Sunlight. Isn’t that what we all demand?
To be the oldest!
This is where the kids hang… were you wondering what to do with teenagers?
Work out?? And, yes, you can plug in your LIFESYCLE. The fuse won’t blow!
We would love to show you this unbelievable house. The generator alone should at least peak your interst. Call us. We would love to show you around.
If you are working with a broker, this is not a solicitation.