The stairs may be the last place a homeowner thinks about updating.  But stairs often dominate the landscape, and updating them can bring a fresh and modern perspective to your home.  A few changes can take your staircase from drab to fab!

Remove the Carpet or Add a Runner

Since stairs are used so much, the carpet can look dingy and worn. Replace the carpet with hardwood or even new, updated carpet in a neutral palette.  If the hardwood is in good shape but you like the look of carpet, adding a runner can provide an instant update.

Paint the Stairs

If you take the carpet off and don’t like what you see underneath, paint the stairs in a fun color to coordinate with the rest of your entry. If it’s the main foyer be careful to use a color that will be appealing to a wide variety of buyers.

Paint the Risers

If you want to keep your treads in natural hardwood, it is easy to add some color or design by just concentrating on the risers. A coat of white paint refreshes scuffed risers.  Adding a color can make a bold statement. (Think strategically, your goal is to sell the house, so the same rules apply to painting risers as painting the entire staircase).

Update the Balusters (the spindles that come down from the railing to the floor) or Stain the Handrail a Darker Shade

Change the baluster or handrail if you have a bigger budget. If you don’t, a little sweat equity goes a long way.  Consider staining an oak railing a darker color to give it a fresh clean look.  If you have oak balusters, painting them white can contrast nicely with a dark stained handrail and take your staircase out of the 1980’s and into 2015.

Add a Newel Post

Adding an architectural element can create interest on a lackluster staircase.

Decorate the Wall in the Staircase with Artwork

Change outdated, mismatched frames and move them into modern frames in a uniform color and pattern.

 Add Decorative Molding

Wainscoting adds a classic, timeless element to your stairway. Raised or flat panels going up the stair wall and underneath can add visual interest to an otherwise overlooked area. If your budget is tight, adding trim molding imitates the look of raised panels for a lot less money.

Take a look at your staircase with a fresh pair of eyes.  Doing some of these improvements can have a dramatic effect on modernizing the entire foyer and adding a welcoming vibe to your home.

Since stairs are used so much, the carpet can look dingy and worn. Replace the carpet with hardwood or even new, updated carpet in a neutral palette.  If the hardwood is in good shape but you like the look of carpet, adding a runner can provide an instant update.

Paint the stairs.

If you take the carpet off and don’t like what you see underneath, paint the stairs in a fun color to coordinate with the rest of your entry. If it’s the main foyer be careful to use a color that will be appealing to a wide variety of buyers.

Paint the risers.

If you want to keep your treads in natural hardwood, it is easy to add some color or design by just concentrating on the risers. A fresh coat of white paint refreshes scuffed risers.  Adding a color can make a bold statement. (Think strategically, your goal is to sell the house, so the same rules apply to painting risers as painting the entire staircase).

Update the handrail.

Change the baluster or handrail if you have a bigger budget. If you don’t, a little sweat equity goes a long way.  Consider staining an oak railing a darker color to give it a fresh clean look.  If you have oak spindles, painting them white can contrast nicely with a dark stained handrail and take your staircase out of the 1980’s and into 2015.

Add a decorative ornament to the newel post.

Adding an architectural element can create interest on a lackluster staircase.

Decorate the wall above the stairs with new artwork.

Change outdated, mismatched frames and move them into modern frames in a uniform color.

Add wainscoting.

Wainscoting adds a classic, timeless element to your stairway. Raised or flat panels going up the stair wall and underneath can add visual interest to an otherwise overlooked area. If your budget is tight, adding trim molding imitates the look of raised panels for a lot less money.

Take a look at your staircase with a fresh pair of eyes.  Doing some of these improvements can have a dramatic effect on modernizing the entire foyer.

Entryways and foyers create a transition from outside elements to the inner warmth of your home.  You want buyers to feel welcome, comfortable and intrigued to see more.  Don’t underestimate the importance of creating a welcoming entry.

Try these easy ideas to add vibrancy to your vestibule or fizz to your foyer and buyers will feel right at home!

Let there be Light

 For overhead lighting, suspend a pendant or a chandelier high enough so that the tallest person you can imagine won’t hit their head.  Hanging it much higher loses its visual effect and if you hang it much lower it could cut off someone’s head.

A table lamp also casts a soft glow that blankets your space just enough for you to function without causing a harsh glare. Keep the base slim so the lamp doesn’t feel overwhelming, especially on a slender console table.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

               A mirror helps create the illusion of extra space.  Make sure that it is in proportion to the dimensions of the foyer.

               A mirror also reflects light and can bring the sun into a darker hallway.  If you follow Feng Shui, do not place a mirror directly opposite the front door as this would send the Chi or energy in the home right back out.

Nook Look

               If you have a little nook in the foyer, tuck in a table and a chair (or even just a chair) to give it a cozier feel.

               Give the chair a pop of color by covering it with fabric in a lively pattern or a small pillow. This also provides a spot for people to remove shows in inclement weather.

Shut the Front Door

               Front doors make an impact on the outside and inside of your home.  Consider painting the interior of the door a color that coordinates with the accessories in your foyer.

               Ensure the door can open fully without encumbrances behind it.

Keep it Simple

               An outdoor mat keeps the entry free from debris. Once inside, the foyer should be simple, neat and organized.  An area rug can be added to warm up the space in colder months.  Keys, coins, mail, shoes etc.  should be organized and stored out of sight.  A cluttered, messy entry is a big turn-off to buyers.

Which way do I go?

                No one likes to enter a space and be confused where to go next.  Consider a runner or artwork on the walls to cause the eye to go in the direction you want buyers to go.

Bring the Outdoors In

               A potted plant, or a vase filled with fresh flowers brings life to the space.  Make sure they are well-tended.  Replace flowers before they become wilted and ensure your plants have adequate sunlight and water.

Follow these tips and buyers will feel welcome, relaxed and excited to continue the tour of your home.

Call me to find out how to get buyers to your front door!

Now that daylight savings is coming to an end, it’s a great time to go through the following checklist to make sure your home is ready for winter. You can refer back to this guide for yearly fall maintenance.

Put Away Outside Furniture, Planters, Garden Hoses, Etc.  

If you haven’t done so already, clean your outdoor furniture and accessories and store them away for winter.  It makes set up time in the spring go much faster!

Clean the Gutters

Gutters carry rainwater from your roof down the side of your home and away from the foundation.  When gutters get filled with leaves and other debris, the water has nowhere to escape. If it backlogs, you could end up with water inside your home which can create mold, or worse. If it freezes and icicles form on the gutters or along the roofline, this is a sign you may have ice damming, a problem many Northeasterner’s experienced last winter. This creates a nightmare you really don’t want to deal with!

Rake or Blow Leaves From the Property  

Be mindful to clear all drains around and in front of your house, so they are free of debris and drain properly.

Have the Furnace and Generator Serviced

Have your heating system inspected by a professional. It may not be too late to avoid the last-minute rush, consider scheduling this task soon, before the heating season is full swing. In addition, don’t forget to change your filters if you have a hot air system.  Clogged filters make it harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, and can seriously increase your utility bills. If you have a hot water system, you may want to bleed your radiators to get the highest efficiency.

If you have a gas run generator, check the tank and make sure you have fuel for the winter. You should also run the generator to make sure it’s in good operating condition-you don’t want this to fail when the power’s out!

Winterize Your Sprinkler System and Outside Water Lines 

Take steps to ensure that outside faucets (also called sill cocks) and in-ground irrigation systems don’t freeze and burst by draining them of water before the first freeze.

Here’s how to drain faucets: Close any shut-off water valves serving outside faucets, then open the outside faucet to drain the line of any water in the system. (There may be a small cap on the faucet you can loosen to facilitate this draining.)

Check the Roof

Stop problems this fall before ice and winter winds turn them from annoyances into disasters.  Check shingles for cracks and wind damage. Look for damage to metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys. Scan the entire roof for missing, curled, or damaged shingles. Look in your gutters for large accumulations of granules, a sign that your roof is losing its coating.

Replace Bulbs In Outside Lights

It’s dark for 12 hours a day this time of year.  Make sure your lights are up for the challenge!

Replace Batteries In Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Monitors

Connecticut law requires a smoke detector in every bedroom and on each level of your home as well as a carbon monoxide monitor on every floor of your home.  Make sure to test and replace the batteries to ensure everything is in working order.

Fix Broken Window Seals and Check For Drafts

A home with air leaks around windows and doors is like a coat left unbuttoned. Gaps in caulk and weather-stripping can account for a 10% of your heating bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Get the Chimney Cleaned

Have a professional clean and examine your chimney for any cracks, creosote buildup or necessary repairs. This applies to fireplaces as well as furnaces.

Fire Extinguishers

Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher rated for all fire types (look for an A-B-C rating on the label).

Tree & Shrubs

       Have your trees inspected and call the power company to inform them of any limbs that may interfere with power lines, (they will come & determine if they need to be cut – usually for no charge). Check for weak or dead limbs that can break from freezing temperatures or heavy snow and cause damage to household structures. Now is also a good time for fall landscape maintenance-make sure shrubs and plantings do not block walkways & driveways when the snow starts to accumulate. You want to have good access to your house & entryways. You can also cover delicate plantings to protect them from harsh winter weather.

There may be additional items specific to your home, but following this list will give you a good start and help protect your home from most common costly repairs that result from New England winter weather.

If your home is on the market or coming on during the season, check off these items and home buyers will keep you on their list.

Westover residents enjoy the best of both worlds – the beauty of the “country” with the neighborhood’s private, natural setting; and all the benefits of city living because of its close proximity to vibrant downtown, all forms of commuting, shopping, schools and entertainment.  There are also two beautiful parks in this quiet corner of Stamford; one for history buffs that includes a “secret garden” and the other for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the unspoiled beauty of nature.

Let’s start with a little bit of history. Fort Stamford, located on Westover Road, held historical significance during the Revolutionary War.  Stamford was lucky enough not to be invaded by the British army as many neighboring towns were, but the threat of invasion was something feared by many Stamford citizens.  In the fall of 1781, a Fort was built by the State to protect the Stamford-Greenwich area from British Loyalists or “Tories, and was completed in December 1781.  General David Waterbury oversaw the construction of the 135 foot by 165 foot Fort that was manned by three hundred men. Thankfully, the need for the Fort did not last very long. Less than 1 year after its construction, in November of 1782, the preliminary articles of the Treaty of Peace were signed and on September 3, 1783, the formal treaty was signed ending the Revolutionary War.

Since 1783, the Fort Stamford land was owned by private residents. After the death of the last private owner, Augusta Goodbody, there was concern over the property’s fate and in 1972 the Stamford Board of Representatives approved the purchase of the property.  In 1975 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Fort Stamford is a quiet, beautiful park with a secret garden named the “Goodbody Garden”, maintained by the Stamford Garden Club.  Over 30 gardeners spend approximately 280 volunteer hours from March through November every season.  The garden is resplendent in annuals and perennials and a lovely spot for a picnic, quiet reflection or a stroll around the grounds and serves as a beautiful wedding backdrop.

The more well-known park in Westover is Mianus River Park,- 300+ acres of mature forest and dramatic landscape with acreage divided between the towns of Stamford and Greenwich.  The Mianus River Park is enhanced by the beauty of the 20 mile long Mianus River. The River flows south-southeast from Bedford, New York over a dam in Cos Cob Harbor and eventually finds its way into the Long Island Sound.  The river is a source of drinking water for up to 150,000 residents in lower Fairfield County and adjoining New York, making it particularly important to maintain a responsible compromise between recreation and preservation for users of the Park.

The Mianus River is also an extremely popular river for fishing.  Each spring and fall, the Connecticut DEEP stocks the river with thousands of trout.  There are fishing regulations in place from September 1st until the third Saturday in April allowing for catch and release only.  From the third Saturday in April until August 31, anglers are allowed to keep a maximum of two trout per day.  The park provides countless opportunities for other outdoor recreational pursuits, including: hiking, cross country skiing, mountain biking, and bird watching.  Dog lovers are some of the park’s most avid visitors since your loyal companion is welcome to explore the trails, provided he/she is leashed at all times. You can enter Mianus River Park from the east entrance in Stamford off Merriebrook Lane.

The history of a portion of the Mianus River Park and the neo-Georgian mansion on the property begins with the scandal ridden and often tragic life of the flamboyant and internationally famous torch singer, Libby Holman.   In 1931 Libby married tobacco heir Zachary Smith Reynolds. Less than a year after their marriage, Zachary was shot & killed a party held at the Reynolds family estate in North Carolina.   Libby was rumored to be having an affair with her husband’s close friend Ab Walker, and subsequently both were indicted for murder. The Reynolds family was averse to scandal (unlike the Kardashians), and persuaded authorities to drop the charges and the death was ruled a suicide.  The inheritance left Holman and her son Christopher enormously wealthy.  It was during the 1930’s that Holman purchased 55 acres straddling the Stamford-Greenwich border on the Mianus River and the mansion was completed in 1938, creating the estate known as “Treetops”.  Holman purchased adjacent parcels as they became available, expanding the estate to 110 acres. Today Treetops is owned by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Four Easements are held by the Stamford Land Conservation Trust, the Greenwich Land Trust and the municipalities of Stamford and Greenwich. My mother was Libby Holman’s social secretary for 2 years.  She loved the high profile, artsy social gatherings, but her favorite thing about working at Treetops were the flowers – “ There were fields of daffodils every spring and the house was always full of fresh flowers which  inspired me to always fill my home with flowers”.

Natural beauty, history, and a country feel with the convenience of city living make Westover one of the most desirable residential areas in Stamford.  Westover is comprised of spacious single family homes, some on up to 2 acres of property.  You will also find the exclusive private gated community of Westover Park, with homes dating from the 1930’s as well as Hycliff which offers residents access to an association pool, tennis court, and children’s playground, all of which are maintained through annual dues. The association also sponsors numerous social events throughout the year, including a Spring Egg Hunt, Summer BBQ, Halloween Parade, and a December Holiday Cocktail Party. Other home options vary from Antique Homes, Stone Carriage Houses, Colonials, Ranches, Contemporarys and newer construction.

So if you prefer a little bit of everything in a natural setting, come take a look at Westover …. it just might be the right fit for you!

The West Side is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Stamford and as such has seen many transitions over the years. This neighborhood has a long history of being welcoming to many immigrant families wanting to establish roots in Stamford. Restaurants, food markets and establishments including local food trucks have found their niche in the eclectic demographics of the West Side.  Many of us who grew up in Stamford (and are beyond the mid-century mark!) remember the West Side as “the” neighborhood for authentic Italian cuisine. I’m sure these names will conjure up memories of day’s past – Sabia’s Open Door, The Brass Rail,  Bevivino’s –  all familiar to long time Stamford residents.  The last remaining (and still very popular) of these original family restaurants is the granddaddy of them all, Pellici’s.  Pellici’s is a Stamford Landmark and has been at the same location on Stillwater Avenue since 1946.  A loyal and expanding clientele continues to flock there for traditional Italian family fare – especially their baked chicken – a secret family recipe handed down for generations.  It’s nice to see with all the changes coming to this neighborhood, a local favorite is still part of the fabric of our ever changing city.

The health and wellness benefits to the community are substantial and many innovative ideas have already taken shape. In 2010, the one-mile district along the Stillwater Avenue commercial corridor was designated the “Vita Health & Wellness District”, with the goal of improving the health of the neighborhood.  Vita is a priority focus for Stamford Hospital.  Initially focused on residents of the West Side, Vita may become a model for the delivery of services throughout the city and beyond.

Speaking of the Stamford Hospital, did you know that the exterior of the current hospital is used as the image for Pine Valley Hospital in the soap opera, “All My Children”?

The new medical center is expected to open in late 2016 has been touted as a state-of-the-art facility.  The redevelopment is expected to raise the profile of a hospital that is surrounded by world class medical facilities between New York and New Haven and is a branch of the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System and a major teaching affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

For Stamford, and particularly the West Side, the new hospital is expected to deliver significant economic impact.  The U.S. Department of Labor consistently recognizes the health care industry as a huge driver for job growth.  With a roster of 2,400 employees, the hospital is among the top five employers in the City.  Under the expansion, the hospital is expected to grow its staff, though it is still too early to know what the exact increase will be.

Fairgate Farm, located on 129 Stillwater Avenue, is an all-organic, volunteer-powered community farm and part of the Vita Health & Wellness District in Stamford, Conn.  2015 is their fourth growing season. Last year, more than 3.5 tons of organic fruits and vegetable were harvested. Volunteers take home much of what is grown and share it with their families and neighbors.  Fresh-from-the-farm deliveries are also made to local agencies here in Stamford. Recipients include the Scofield Manor residential care facility, the New Covenant House soup kitchen, the Shelter for the Homeless, the women’s shelter at Inspirica and Community Health Centers.

Without a doubt, this is an exciting time for the West Side.   With the success of a revitalized South End,  the West Side could be the next neighborhood ready to make the “leap into the future” and establish itself as the health and wellness hub of the city. Housing options are all inclusive and range from single family homes and condos to multi families and apartments. Charter Oak Communities, formerly the Stamford Housing Authority, has also developed new units and rejuvenated several streets providing attractive, affordable homes for many West Side residents.

So if you’re looking for an area in Stamford with growth potential, and a planned focus on health and wellness, come take a look at this neighborhood. Check out this wonderful townhouse – it could be just right for you!

21 Richmond Pl., #1 – 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Townhouse with 2 Car Attached Garage

Sometimes referred to as the neighborhood of Ridgeway, Mid-City packs a lot of punch into a small geographic area!  Within a ½ mile radius, residents have access to shopping centers, restaurants, medical facilities, fitness centers, a wonderful city park and a public golf course.  There are also corporate complexes and a hotel to accommodate traveling executives or visiting guests.  The housing options include established leafy pocket neighborhoods, gated townhome communities and apartment rental buildings.

Scalzi Park is one of the anchors of Mid-City and is the 3^rd largest city park in Stamford. The park was  named after John A Scalzi, Jr. a lifelong Stamford resident and a talented athlete in three sports – baseball, football and basketball.  Scalzi went on to Georgetown University where he continued his athletic career and became a pro baseball player with the Boston Braves in 1931.  His career was shortened by an arm injury but he continued pursuing his life-long love of sports by becoming a top college basketball and football official and later a district scout for the New York Mets.  Scalzi Park is comprised of 48 acres and features tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, softball fields, running and hiking trails, a splash pad for children, playground, roller rink, and a bocce ball arena.   Cubeta Stadium is also located in Scalzi Park and is home to the Stamford American Legion baseball squad.

Right around the corner from Scalzi Park is one of two Stamford Public Golf Courses, E. Gaynor Brennan Golf.  The course was officially called the Hubbard Heights Golf Club from its inception in the ’20s, until 1978. The name was changed that year to E. Gaynor Brennan, in honor of the former official who was instrumental in purchasing the club in ’49. The 70 acre course was originally private but opened for play to Stamford residents on April 1, 1949.

There are quite a few “pocket” neighborhoods in this section of Stamford.  One of these neighborhoods is known as Hubbard Heights.  Taking a ride down Hubbard Avenue is like a drive through the city’s history.  In the early 1900’s downtown was expanding and the population was growing and becoming prosperous.  A hospital was built and most of the doctors purchased homes in this nearby neighborhood. In fact, Hubbard Avenue was often referred to as “Doctor’s row”.  But the neighborhood goes back even further.  Two pillars on Hubbard Avenue report it was settled in 1796.  The pillars were erected in 1900 and many large Colonials, Tudor and Ranch style homes were built during this period.

Another Single Family neighborhood in Mid City is the tranquil and bucolic neighborhood of Revonah Woods.   The streets are quiet and shaded by lush vegetation and colorful flowers. This might seem a world away from the hustle & bustle of city life, but is actually less than one mile from downtown nightlife and shopping.  This little oasis is beloved by residents who feel they live in a hidden gem in the middle of a city.   It was originally developed in the 1920’s, far from downtown, but the city grew around it and the neighborhood character remains remarkably untouched.  Residents love the feeling of living in the country but are just a short walk away from all amenities. There is a mix of architectural styles from 1920’s Georgian, Federal and Tudor style mansions to ranches and capes built after World War II.

Chesterfield is another neighborhood in Mid-City. A gated condominium community, it was originally a garden-style apartment complex known as Bracewood Lane and it is now comprised of single level and townhome style condominiums.  It was developed in the early 1980’s and continues to be one of the most popular complexes in Stamford, offering 2 pool and a clubhouse.

The central hub of these neighborhoods is the bustling Ridgeway Shopping Center. It went through a major renovation in 1999, re-adding a supermarket, more retail stores, pedestrian friendly corridors and a parking garage.

When I grew up Summer Street was a 2 way street with a much more residential feel, though a lot of the Victorians were used as offices back then too. I remember the days when there were two large shopping centers next to each other – Ridgeway  which had Sol’s Toy Store, Penn Drug, Sears (with the horsey ride out front) and Ridgeway Theatre; and Town & Country with the Army & Navy store, La Bretagne Restaurant and Fotomat!.  I grew up in a garden apartments known as Mayflower Gardens (there’s an office building there now with a big red sculpture in the front), on the corner of Summer & Second St.  Back then (yes, a few years ago) Washington Boulevard did not run behind the apartments – it was woods up to the River and my girlfriend and I were the “Queens of the Forest”.

Mid-City offers an unbelievable array of lifestyle choices with recreational and shopping opportunities galore.  It’s perfect for those looking to be in a neighborhood with all your amenities close at hand and yet a sense of suburbia.  So come take a look at Mid-City, it just might be the right fit for you!

A diverse community, Waterside is located on Stamford’s most western peninsula in the southern part of Stamford.  The Western Branch of the inner harbor of Stamford Harbor separates the South End from Waterside along with the east branch of the harbor.  They are the highest concentration of water-dependent uses in the metropolitan area and are the most intensively-developed portion of the city’s coastal area. The inner harbor is near the city’s central business district at the hub of three major transportation modes (highway, rail, and water).  Historically, the Stamford Harbor west branch was a center for the distribution of coal in the city and for shipbuilding. It was also the terminus for steamship services to New York. Today, O&G Industries receives shipments of sand and gravel there in barges for its concrete and asphalt plants. O&G also permits commercial fishermen to use their docking facilities.

One of the most iconic structures in Waterside was the iron-trussed bridge built by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company in 1887. Originally named Oliver Street Bridge, its name was later changed to the Pulaski Street Bridge.  It was the largest and considered the most magnificent of Stamford’s four iron bridges. The Pulaski Street Bridge connected the South End to Waterside, but after 100 years in existence it was no longer structurally sound.  The bridge was demolished and replaced by a generic roadway.  To placate community outrage, the pieces were not scrapped but set aside in hope of future use.  Unfortunately the sections were taken apart with a blowtorch making re-construction difficult.

From 1900 to 1949 Waterside continued to grow. Thanks to the drawings of Whitman Bailey, (a sketch artist who began contributing almost weekly to the Stamford Advocate in 1924 and continued for 30 years) the early images of the emerging Waterside community have been preserved. Waterside was one of Whitman Bailey’s favorite sketching areas.

In more recent times, Waterside has experienced another growth spurt with worldwide corporations and local enterprises calling Waterside their home.  The corporate headquarters for Gartner, Inc., Conair, and Daymon Worldwide have been established in the area for over two decades. Italian and seafood restaurants provide waterfront dining and opening in 2008 The Loading Dock, a unique catering facility became the area’s first truly modern, industrial-chic venue for all kinds of celebrations. The summer water taxi connecting the two peninsulas of Waterside and Harbor Point expand weekend entertainment options.

Housing options in Waterside run the gamut from apartment complexes and modest single or multi-family homes to waterfront condos and lavish residences in the private waterfront communities of Southfield Point and Dolphin Cove Quay.

When most people think of Stamford’s multi-million dollar seaside neighborhood with private yacht clubs and floating docks, Shippan is the first area that comes to mind, but Dolphin Cove is a younger waterfront community which lies at the southeastern tip of Waterside. Most of the streets have nautical names and it has strong ties to the boating community with deep water access that can’t be found in other areas of Stamford. The original 121 acre parcel belonged to C. Russell Feldman, an industrial mogul, and was purchased in 1972 by Barry Montgomery who envisioned developing a seaside community reminiscent of old New England villages. The homes are on small lots but with a big emphasis on the water and summer fun! This private community has association pools, tennis, beach and deep water docks.

Waterside has yet to see the vast development that has taken place in the adjacent South End Harbor Point peninsula. That is part of the appeal for buyers looking for a waterfront community with potential for growth, or those seeking a more private waterfront enclave.

Come take a look at Waterside, it just may be the perfect fit for you!

Central location, vintage charm, lots of housing options, commuter friendly – just some of the reasons residents choose to make Glenbrook their home.  Bordering Darien to the east, Springdale to the north, Cove to the south and downtown Stamford to the west, many of the tree lined streets are within walking or biking distance to the train, restaurants, schools, shops and Stamford’s vibrant downtown-or a very short car ride. Truly a small suburb of Stamford!

Glenbrook Post Office on Courtland Avenue – 1912

In 1866, Joseph Whitton purchased a 20-acre tract  in New Hope, as the area was originally called. The New Canaan railroad was built five years later, passing through the center of Whitton’s land. Whitton laid out streets, including Cottage Avenue, Union Street, and Railroad Avenue.  In the 1870s, New Hope residents decided they wanted a name more pleasing to the ear and came up with “Glen-Brook.”  Until the 1960s Stamford’s now large neighborhoods, like Glenbrook, were often looked on as individual, unofficial towns, and residents would write their mailing addresses using the name “Glenbrook, Conn.” instead of “Stamford, Conn.” In the 1950s, the train station was moved from a spot near the Courtland Avenue overpass (on the New Haven line) to its present location a bit to the northwest on the New Canaan line.

The area became very popular in the 1930’s and 1940’s and many homes were built during that era.  The vintage charm of these homes resonates for today’s buyers, who love the details and quality of that period.  Living close to the city center is also making a comeback for people who want conveniences within arm’s reach and not the maintenance and additional expenses that come with living on larger lots in more remote locations. If living in single family home isn’t your cup of tea, Glenbrook offers many other options for a lifestyle that might suit your needs; townhomes, condominium complexes, and rentals ranging from new construction apartment buildings to flats in multi-family homes are also available.

If you want to search out unique items to decorate your living space, take a trip to United House Wrecking, which has become something of a Stamford institution. Conceived as a demolition business, United House Wrecking started collecting old bricks, lumber, odd doors and leftover pieces of furniture from homes that were, shall we say, “passed their prime”.  This popular and distinctive store is located on Hope Street in a 43,000 square feet emporium filled with salvaged antiques, architectural remnants, and more recently, new furniture and custom made items were added to the mix. It’s been at the Glenbrook location since 1988 and attracts customers from far and wide who like to browse the immense space in search of the perfect find.

If you’re a NYC commuter, Glenbrook is certainly on your list of places to live in Stamford. The New Canaan Branch of Metro North stops in Glenbrook and has direct routes to New York City’s Grand Central Terminal.  Five thru trains leave Glenbrook each weekday morning starting at 5:45 am and in about 50 minutes you will arrive in Midtown.  There is also quick and easy access to I95 to the South and the Merritt Parkway to the North.

The Glenbrook Community Center, home to Activities For Kids – the former Glenbrook Elementary School

If you enjoy contributing to the community, consider joining The Glenbrook Community Association. This active association has organized fundraisers, neighborhood restoration projects, after school activities, preschool, summer camp and Internet webpages to keep you informed of all that’s going on in the community.  Since 2000, the Glenbrook Neighborhood Association has held an annual block party popular in the neighborhood. The free event features food, games, a raffle and music. The association raised money in 2006 for a small park on Hope Street. A fun fact – in August 2007, scenes for College Road Trip, a Walt Disney film released in 2008, were shot on location in one of the Queen Anne style homes of Glenbrook.

 When you’re considering where to live in Stamford, take a look at Glenbrook; a neighborhood that harkens back to the lifestyle of yesteryear with a renewed appreciation from the newest generation of homeowners.