Category Archives: CT

CT, real estate

It’s All About The Journey … 30 Mind-Blowing Sceneries That Totally Define Connecticut

Connecticut scenery is arguably some of the best in the United States. From mountains, to rivers, to rolling plains, Connecticut has a little bit of everything. In fact, we are known for having back roads so lush with greenery that you forget you’re on your way to work! See the beauty come to life on screen in these gorgeous photos captured by photographers during their travels through the Constitution State.

 

 

1. Mystic River

 

2. Wadsworth Falls, Middlefield

3. Litchfield

 

4. Short Beach, Branford

 

5. Fairfield Country Club

6. Hartford

 

7. Farmington River Valley

 

8. Southport Beach

 

9. Pine Creek

 

10. Indian Well State Park

10. Indian Well State Park
Trenten Kelley/Flickr

 

11. Buttonwood Farm, Griswold

 

12. Old Saybrook

 

13. Collinsville

14. Kent

14. Kent

Jaine/Flickr

 

15. Lighthouse Point

16. East Granby

 

17. Pine Orchard Pier, Branford

18. Rocky Neck State Park

19. New Haven

 

20. Tod’s Point, Greenwich

21. Talcott Village

22. Pequonnock River Rail Trail

22. Pequonnock River Rail Trail

kenneth casper/Flickr

 

23. The view from Cobble Mountain

24. Sleeping Giant State Park

25. East Rock Park

 

26. Quinnipiac River

27. Avon

 

28. Compo Beach, Westport

 

29. West Cornwall Bridge

30. Hamden

Connecticut’s beauty is definitely worth talking about. Is it as pretty as you remember?

 

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CT, home, real estate, Stamford

It’s All About the Journey … A Bedroom or A Spare Room for Spare Time?

One of the first thing buyers’ mention when purchasing a home is the number of bedrooms and bathrooms they want.  No matter what the preference, when considering auxilliary bedrooms, certain things remain constant. Buyers usually hope to find bedrooms that will fit a double bed, dresser, possibly a desk and as much storage space as possible!

If your bedrooms satisfy those requirements, that’s great…but what if your current living situation doesn’t require one of the bedrooms to be used on a daily basis?  Without changing structural elements, you could use that square footage to pursue personal interests or activities.   Here are some easy ideas to turn that spare bedroom into a space you can enjoy until you’re ready to sell.

Media Room

A big flat screen TV, a comfortable couch and a nice stereo system can be just the beginning of a place to get comfortable and read or watch a movie.  It can become a private space that allows you to get the television out of the living room and turns that space into a conversation and entertaining room.

Quiet Room or Library

If you’ve collected too many books over the years and have no place to put them, a library can be a good use for a spare bedroom. It can also be used as a designated “quiet room” to meditate and relax in.

Home Office

One of the most popular uses for a spare bedroom is a home office.  Adding lights, furniture and desks can convert the space into a practical home office with privacy. Make sure you have a reliable internet or WiFi connection.

Home Gym

No excuses!  It’s right next door.  Your workout routine can be personalized with any equipment you prefer.  Medicine balls, treadmills, weights, or video workout routines can all be accomplished in the square footage of a spare bedroom.

Yoga Studio

Another variation on the home gym could be turning a spare room into a yoga studio and save money by not going to someone else’s studio. Find a large mirror, bring in a fan, your favorite yoga mat and you’re ready to go.  If you want to take your home studio to the next level, add hardwood flooring, a small TV to follow along with yoga instruction videos, and a radio.

Craft Room

Whether you’re knitting, painting, working on a stamp collection or want more room to work on your favorite hobby, a spare bedroom can easily be converted into a craft room.

Guest Room/Den

It’s always great to have a dual purpose room.  A daybed or sleep sofa will easily accommodate the occasional overnight guest.  When you don’t have guests, it becomes a room to get away from it all and curl up with a good book or watch a TV show your significant other wants no part of!

Lounge/Study Area

Setting up a spare bedroom as a lounge or study area eliminates overcrowding when both these spaces are allocated to individual bedrooms.  The rooms are also dedicated for specific purposes making clean-up and organization a lot easier.

Music Room

If you’ve ever wanted space in your home that’s devoted to music, turning a spare bedroom into a music room is a good idea. It can serve as an individual’s private space to spend time practicing or enjoying their own personal musical interests.

A spare bedroom doesn’t need to become a warehouse of stuff you don’t know where else to put. The good news is you don’t need a mansion to incorporate any of these ideas.

Every room can be a place to relax, rewind, and enjoy!

 

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CT, home, real estate, Stamford

It’s All About The Journey … Powder Rooms – Small Spaces Capable of Making a Big Statement!

Powder rooms are intimate and private spaces that reflect the style of your home.  They are also the great equalizers.  No matter how large or small your home is, powder rooms (generally), are approximately the same size.  Adding the right embellishments and detail provides another opportunity to show buyers you care about your home.

Here are some considerations:

Create a focal point

Your goal is to draw attention toward the sink area.  One option is to apply a new paint finish to the existing cabinetry.  This is usually more cost effective than changing out the whole vanity, sink and fixtures.  Adding updated hardware can transform a standard cabinet to look like a custom vanity.

If the budget allows, a new countertop and sink can update a vanity that is in good shape.  A great way to cut costs is to purchase a leftover piece of quartz or stone from a local distributor for a new countertop.  They often have popular remnants in neutral colors leftover from bigger projects.   The entire installation process can be done for a fraction of the cost of an entirely new custom vanity.

Adding a new sink – whether it’s a state-of-the-art vessel sink or an under mount sink or molded sink/counter combination can complete the entire design element.

Pedestal sinks are another cost effective option. Be sure there is adequate storage for additional toiletries nearby.

Flooring

 Ceramic or porcelain tiles as well as natural stone floors are always popular choices in a bathroom, but if you have existing wood flooring, it’s not necessary to change.  A powder room receives less traffic, and a properly treated wood floor can be resistant to moisture penetration and less prone to scratches.

Embellishments

A decorative framed mirror can serve to further accent the vanity.  You can either purchase a new one, or a frame can be built around a wall mounted mirror using trim molding placed around the edges.

Just like any other space, lighting is critical.  Changing out the fixture can add both style and mood to this intimate space (especially if you still have the old “Hollywood Lights” screaming 1970’s & 1980’s!).  Consider sconces on either side of the mirror, or a light fixture above the mirror.  If the only light source is on the ceiling, consider a stylish little chandelier.

A fresh coat of paint on the walls goes a long way.  Light and brightly colored walls are more reflective, making any space feel open and airy.  Additionally, light colors amplify the effect of natural light. (which everyone loves!) The opposite can work as well, deep colors can give a rich and intimate feel to a small space.

Little Amenities Make a Big Impact

Toilet tissue dispensers can be hung on the wall, but should be up to date.   Other options are to place some rolls in a pretty container (like a basket) or a toilet tissue stand near the commode.

Most people prefer to use hand cleanser out of a dispenser.  A decorative dispenser is more sanitary and eliminates the mess of a bar of soap.

Placing luxurious hand towels nearby, either on a shelf or in a basket on the sink will create a spa like environment.

A pretty rug in front of the vanity, beautiful bath accessories and a special piece of artwork is all that is needed to complete the picture and provide a lasting impression.

Toilet bowl brushes or plungers are not decorative accessories!  Keep this little room clean and free of clutter.  Store any necessary tools behind closed doors in an accessible location.

A waste basket should be convenient but not the center of attention.

 

A powder room can be a fun project to update!  For a small space, it can make a big impact on buyers.  Create something that will make you smile!

 

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CT, home, real estate, Stamford

It’s All About The Journey … The Gang’s All Here!

Family rooms are an integral part of any home whether the living room acts a multi-function space in a small home or apartment, or you have a separate family room in a sprawling abode, these are the spaces where everyone can gather and enjoy each other’s company. There are a few key elements every family room should have: ample and comfortable seating, attractive storage, somewhere to put your feet up – such as an ottoman, (which has a dual purpose for extra seating if space is tight and can provide possible storage) and great lighting  – overhead lighting illuminates the space, but you will also need task lighting for reading, playing games, etc.

The three main categories that will create a warm and welcoming family room are: a successful design plan, inexpensive updates and unique decorating ideas.  By incorporating some of these elements into your space, everyone will want to kick their shoes off and stay awhile!

Designing Your Family Room

  • Opening your family room to adjoining spaces so the room is visible, ultimately invites everyone in.

  • Define the open spaces by introducing some architectural elements such as arches, columns or you can use furniture as a divider.

  • Plan your home entertainment system early on in the design phase to ensure that all electrical wiring and any integrated systems meet your needs.

  • Create one major focal point within this space. Whether you install your large screen plasma TV on the fireplace wall or have windows overlooking a pretty outdoor space.

  • The furniture layout should be oriented toward the focal point of the space and feel cozy. Try to ignore the impulse to line your furniture pieces up against the wall thinking it creates more space.  It doesn’t.

  • Keep traffic patterns in mind when planning a furniture layout. The ability to walk through the room without navigating through a maze of furniture is essential.

Easy & Inexpensive Updates for Your Family Room

  • Swap out throw pillows. Add deep velvet fabric pillows, tapestry and rich colors in fall and winter, then you can swap these out for bright colored, cotton or canvas pillows in spring and summer.

  • Freshen up old furniture by adding cozy, beautiful throws and blankets in colder months. This not only gives color and texture but can hide rips and stains!

  • Let the sun shine in! Clean windows inside and out, add new curtains, swags or drapes. If privacy isn’t an issue, lose the blinds and sheers and let light pour in!

Clever & Unique Family Room Ideas

  • Get rid of clutter by adding multi-functional storage pieces. Think ottomans with hinged lids, coffee tables with drawers, photo boxes to hold odds and ends, which will fit beautifully in a bookcase.

  • Create the illusion of space and light by grouping a collection of mirrors with decorative frames.

  • Spray paint is your best friend! Take old, mismatched picture frames and give them a new life with a coat of flat black spray paint. The texture of each frame gives dimension while the monochromatic color gives your items the look of a collection, not clutter!

  • Swap out those energy draining bulbs with compact fluorescents or LEDs that create a soft light from your lamps without breaking your budget.

  • Raise your curtain rods, and extend them well past the windows! The illusion of huge windows is created by adding additional ‘framing’ around the ones you have

      Inviting, comfortable and relaxing! 

    No wonder the gang’s all here –

    Is it Super Bowl Sunday already?

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CT, home, real estate, Stamford

It’s All About The Journey … Choosing Kitchen Appliances – Consider the Current Cook and Potential Buyers!

What is a kitchen without it’s appliances?   After all, the primary function of a kitchen is for cooking and preparing meals, (unless you’re my mother who once looked at an apartment in NYC and didn’t realize there wasn’t a kitchen!).  Functionally obsolete appliances can turn the joy of cooking into the agony of defeat, they’re also one of the first things a buyer will notice about your kitchen.  A little paint can refresh tired looking wood cabinets but there’s no hiding that harvest gold range!

If your appliances could use an update, here are some tips on how to choose the right cooktop, fridge and more.

Cooktops – Gas, Electric or Induction

   The choice is personal, but the preferences are fierce!  Gas is very popular because there is more control of the temperature settings. With gas  you can turn the heat up or down immediately  & with more precision, as opposed to electric units which adjust more slowly.  When shopping for gas cooktops  ask about BTU’s which is an energy measurement and is short for british thermal units, and variable control which addresses how long you can maintain “simmer” without the flame going out.  Burner grates made of cast iron or metal allow for better heat transfer from the burner to the pan.  Choices for fuel are either natural gas or propane, so  if you are not in an area with gas available, propane is the way to go.

Electric is the most common option – these are flat top models which tend to be the least expensive option and what you will find in most homes.

Induction heat  is a flat cooktop like electric that performs like fast-heating gas stoves and is gaining popularity in todays’ kitchen.  With induction cooking you lose the least amount of heat from burner to pan.   It’s also a time-saver because you can bring a pan of water to boiling faster than you can on a high performing BTU gas range top.

Range Hood 

Any cooktop demands a proper ventilation system that will usher exhaust out of the kitchen. Recirculating fans may take out some of the cooking steam, but they don’t move out any heat.  Exterior blowers and inline blowers provide high-performance ventilation.  Noise levels can vary, if you hear the sound of suction (and not the motor running) this is a good thing.  No one wants to turn on the range hood and think a Cessna is about to land in their kitchen.

Ovens

 Conventional ovens  can be gas or electric (there are even dual energy range options where you have a gas cooktop and an electric oven). Styles vary from an all-in-one  cooktop/oven range to wall mounted double or single oven units. Interior size is an important factor when shopping – you should make sure the Thanksgiving turkey is going to fit!

Convection ovens are often an option within a conventional oven (or sometimes microwave-we’ll get to that later).  They circulate heat with a fan to cook food faster and more evenly and will help you get dinner on the table faster than a traditional oven.  The downside is you don’t get the standard bake/roast/broil settings.

Refrigerators/Freezers

 Freestanding models slide into a space and generally protrude 6 to 7 inches beyond counter depth (a 24 inch depth is standard).  Counter-depth units will look more like built-in units but be careful not to sacrifice form for function.  Check out the interior cubic feet of storage for each unit.

As for configuration, French-door refrigerators (on top) with freezer drawer (on bottom) are very popular.  They allow you to store pizza boxes, sheet cakes, deli trays, etc. that are difficult to fit into a side by side refrigerator. You can also choose the traditional freezer on the top/refrigerator on the bottom or a side-by-side option.

Another consideration is if you want a water/ice in the door dispenser. If you  are focused on water purification, there are units that will accomplish this.  Otherwise the systems simply pass water through a copper pipe in the unit and out your refrigerator door.

Microwaves

Microwaves can consume a lot of counter space.  Microwaves built into the cabinetry are becoming very popular as well as microwave drawers which nestle among base cabinets and are very handy. Built-in microwaves over the range can also act as a venting mechanism.  As mentioned above, there are many models that also have a convection oven cooking feature.

Dishwashers

Traditional dishwashers with doors that pull from the top down are the most popular style and they can be paneled to blend with the cabinetry for a seamless look.  Drawer dishwashers are another trend on the rise because they are easier to load and can be installed at various heights, based on your needs.  Because they can handle smaller loads, they are also more efficient.

This is another appliance where noise levels can vary.  If you want to have a conversation while the dishwasher is running, make sure to check out the decibel level on the spec sheet to see how quietly it will operate.

Finishes

                             Now that you’ve considered your appliances, think about finish.  Stainless steel is still the most popular but now comes in more varieties than the traditional polished finish.  Black stainless has a more muted tone and smudge free has a more brushed appearance. Both eliminate the common “finger prints” complaint when considering stainless steel appliances. Whatever look you prefer, stainless is still the most requested finish among buyers.

Energy Efficiency

Last but certainly not least, consider energy ratings when purchasing appliances.  The higher the rating the more you will save on your electric bill and energy consumption. A factor any home owner will appreciate!

 What time is dinner?

 

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CT, Downtown Stamford, real estate, Stamford, Uncategorized

It’s All About The Journey … Downtown!

The Stamford Downtown has it’s own special district knows as the Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) which is a Business Improvement District established in 1993 with the mission to “manage, enhance and promote the Downtown experience.”   And what a job they’ve done – there is so much going on in this Downtown that it has its own website!

 With such a wide array of dining options, I’ll begin with a section for the foodies out there.  You will be sure to find something to please your palate with over 80 restaurants offering everything from burgers and shakes to cuisines from around the globe including Morocco, India, Spain and of course, Italy. It’s common to see people meandering along Bedford Street or Columbus Place,  meeting for cocktails at one restaurant and strolling to another for dinner then dessert.  During the summer, restaurateurs open their outdoor patios and the street feels like a bustling, small European city with cafe tables dotting the sidewalks from one end to the other.

 

Feel like dinner and a movie?  You can catch a first run film on one of the 15 screens at either the Bow Ties Cinema Landmark or Bow Ties Cinema Majestic. For those with a more independent streak, head over to the Avon Theatre. The Avon Theatre Film Center is non-profit and member-supported. Its’ members are dedicated to presenting compelling independent, foreign, documentary and classic films.  The Avon, itself a 1939 historic landmark, also holds special events that include forums for in-person, community dialogue with directors, actors and others in a  “Main Street America” setting.

 

 

 If you enjoy live entertainment, The Stamford Center for the Arts offers two venues.  The Palace Theatre, and the Rich Forum.  The Palace is a local landmark with a long history starting with  Mary Vuono, who operated the Strand Theatre next door and was its’ visionary.  After successfully remodeling and expanding the Strand Theatre, Mary decided to purchase the building next door in 1920.  The Palace theatre was born 7 years later in 1927.  Dubbed “Connecticut’s most magnificent” when it first opened, the Palace continues to offer the best of entertainment from well-known music and comedy acts to international dance companies and theatrical productions. The Stamford Symphony also calls the Palace its home and holds many concerts throughout the year with highly acclaimed guest musicians and evenings dedicated to compositions from classical masters including Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky.  The Rich Forum includes the smaller Truglia theatre and Leonhart Studio where you can be an audience member for tapings of televised shows including Crazy Talk, Maury Povich or Jerry Springer.

 

 

Stamford Downtown holds many events scattered throughout the year.  Some are yearly events, such as Repelling Santa and the Holiday Tree Lighting.  Santa and guest repellers descend 22 stories from Stamford’s tallest building, Landmark Square, and then gather around Bedford Street for more holiday music and fun while waiting for the countdown to Stamford’s Holiday Tree lighting.  A summer farmer’s market showcases the best of local produce, flowers, and baked goods and in the fall over 100 craftsmen and artisans pitch their tents to showcase items for sale at Arts and Crafts on Bedford.   Of course how could I talk about Stamford Downtown events without mentioning the very successful summer concert series of Live at Five held every Thursdays for 8 weeks, and Jazz up July held every Wednesday evening in July where you can still bring a picnic dinner.  Many well-known acts perform their stage shows to the enthusiastic crowds.  These series have become so popular that many people travel statewide and from nearby New York to enjoy a balmy summer evening under the stars with food, drink and live music.

 

Downtown Stamford also has the vibe of a college town with satellite campuses of the University of Connecticut and Sacred Heart University offering undergraduate and post graduate degrees in their respective Stamford locations.  The UCONN Stamford campus was originally located on Scofield Town Road, the site of the current Scofield Magnet Middle School.  In 1990 planning began for a UCONN campus located in the heart of downtown.  The downtown campus opened in 1998 in a contemporary glass enclosed building at the former site of “Bloomingdales”-a landmark of it’s own. The location allows students to gain valuable work experience with business leaders at many Fortune 500 corporations headquartered in the heart of downtown.  Sacred Heart University came to downtown in May of 2013 where it launched graduate programs in Business, Arts & Science and Education.   Classes are offered in the Landmark Square building.

If all of this sounds great, you might wonder what the housing options are.  A multitude of modern apartment complexes have been developed in recent years to accommodate the growing demand for housing.   There are currently more than 30 apartment buildings from high rises to low rises providing a large variety of choices.  Older, more established buildings will have fewer amenities but keep you in the thick of the action, while newer or luxury complexes can offer everything from media and billiard rooms to indoor/outdoor pools and rooftop terraces.  Three of the many condominium complexes located downtown are The Biltmore, The Classic Condominiums and Trump Parc. These are all high rise buildings with varying price points and amenities that appeal to different buyers. There are also other high rise buildings and townhomes located within a few block radius.

So if you enjoy an urban lifestyle in a vibrant and bustling environment, come take a look at Stamford’s Downtown.  It just might be the right fit for you!

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CT, real estate, Stamford

It’s All About The Journey … Welcome To Newfield!

If you ask any resident of Newfield what they like most about their neighborhood, most will comment on the winning combination of living in peaceful surroundings and having quick and easy access to schools, recreation, shopping, downtown and commuting.  Apparently, they are not alone in that sentiment.  According to “Areavibes.com” an internet website that tracks the livability of neighborhoods, Newfield was ranked #1 in Stamford.

 

Today Newfield is comprised primarily of medium to large single family homes on ½ acre to 1 acre lots, but the original history of the area has deep roots in farming.   Newfield was home to Puritan Poultry Farms, Mortimer Hess Farm, and most notably, Woodacre Farms, a 144 acre dairy farm which operated in the 1930’s and early 1940’s.  Atherton Holder, the owner of Woodacre Farms was well known for raising prize winning dairy cows that grazed on the verdant pastures.  The farm was sold in 1942 but continued operating as a dairy farm under the new name – Sterling Farms.  In 1965 the officers of Hubbard Heights Golf Club dedicated their efforts to the eventual realization of another municipal golf course for the City of Stamford.  Their determination led to the purchase of the property through the “Open Lands” program and Sterling Farms Golf Course opened in May of 1972 and often referred to as the “Public Country Club”.

Sterling Farms is a recreational gem featuring a beautiful 18 hole golf course that has been ranked the #1 public course in Fairfield County, year after year. A driving range, putting green and 6 outdoor tennis courts complete the facilities with golf and tennis lessons available throughout the Summer.

If you thought Sterling Farms was only for the sporting enthusiast, think again, because theatre lovers have a home there as well.  The Sterling Barn Theatre (now Kweskin Theatre) opened on July 14, 1972.   Originally operated by Stamford Parks and Recreation, the theatre has been managed since 1992 by Curtain Call, Inc. a nonprofit arts organization.  Year-round productions and workshops are presented by and for area residents in the Kweskin and Dressing Room Theatres.  The Kweskin Theatre offers a more traditional experience while the Dressing Room Theatre is more caberet-style, with table seating and the ability to enjoy a “picnic” meal and a bottle of wine while watching the show.  In 2012, Curtain Call started “Shakespeare in the Park”, an outdoor theatre experience where the audience can bring picnic baskets and lawn chairs to the “great lawn” and enjoy an evening under the stars with a production of one of Shakespeare’s classics.

Whether finishing up a round of golf, tennis match or leaving a show, you can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant on the complex featuring a lower level geared for golfers to pull up their carts during play and traditional dining upstairs.  A large outdoor deck provides beautiful views of the course and glimpses of Long Island Sound. They also have live music on weekends.  In addition, The Clubhouse at Sterling – a Banquet Hall, can be rented out for private parties or meetings and features a large Dining Room, Bar Area and Enclosed Porch.

 

If you enjoy living in peaceful surroundings but want to be close to conveniences and recreational pursuits, come take a look at the neighborhood of Newfield.  It just may be the right fit for you!

 

Check out my recent sold listing at 48 Edward Place in the Newfield neighborhood

List Price: $559,000, Sales Price: $566,000

 

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