The Gold Coast Standard and Darien Real Estate » Property of the week

Property of the Week, 8 Flintlock,Norwalk Ct. $469,000.

Karen Brewer — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 01:27:08 +0000

ATTENTION FIRST TIME CT HOME BUYERS! As a favor to a good friend,I conducted a public open house at this great house in Norwalk,CT and thought I’d share the information. It is the perfect starter home , great for someone with a couple of children, teenagers, or even visiting family. How can one house be all this. First of all,the house is located on a cul de sac in Norwalk, making it perfect for those with young children. There are three bedrooms on the main level as well as 1 and one half baths on this floor. The street is full of kids and block parties.

The baths as well as the kitchen have been completely and tastefully remodeled,Stainless appliances, granite counter tops,tumbled marble back splash, new bath fixtures etc. There is a full living room,dining room and separate step down family room. On this level of the house, one child, two children, no problem.

But what if you have older kids or teens? No worries. 8 Flintlock has it all. A FULLY FINISHED BASEMENT complete with seating area, two bedrooms and a FULL BATHROOM. Again- all in immaculate condition.

There is a deck, and a lovely backyard with babbling brook. Don’t take my word for it. Take a look at the photos. Or call me for a video of the property. Let me know whats important to you about this home, I’ll capture it on video and send it off to you. Reach me at 203-554-0951.

8 Flintlock is off of West Norwalk Road minutes to the Post Rd, Darien and New Canaan shopping districts. The nearest Metro North station would be Darien which is about 2 miles south of Flintlock. At $469,000 this home has it all.

Darien Real Estate,Short Sale in Town…

Karen Brewer — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 02:17:58 +0000

Blessedly, the town of Darien,Ct has been largely spared from the real estate meltdown of the past few years. It is true that real estate values in Darien have declined nearly 30% but compared to other parts of the country, that’s actually not so bad.

The number of foreclosures and short sales have also been on the low side. Many have come on the market and quietly been turned over to the banks.One such property is 12 Five Mile River Road.

If any of you know Darien,Ct homes,you know that this is a pretty, prestigious address. I had occasion to reacquaint myself with this home this past weekend and I’m amazed that it remains available.

This Darien house is in a great location, although on a back lot,it is walkable to Five Mile River,one of the prettiest waterfront streets in town.The house was purchased in 2006 for $2.1million and is being offered now for $1.495.The home itself is in fine shape.New kitchen,updated baths and a lovely pool.For you investors out there take a look. TO VIEW THIS HOME CONTACT ME AT :kbrewer@wpsir.com or 203-554-0951.

Looking to Build in Darien CT?

Karen Brewer — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:56:55 +0000

I have a client/builder in town who is looking for anyone interested in building a home here in Darien Ct. The lot he would build on is on a premier street a full 1/2 acre in Darien that has not been fully developed nor built on, in the last 15 years or so. It is walk to town,train and Royle school . This home could be between 2000-3000 sq ft, full finished basement,two car garage and custom designed for a family or downsizing couple. If you or anyone you know might be interested,contact me at 203-554-0951.

Darien Property of the Week,17 Ridgeview,$725,000

Karen Brewer — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 02:47:47 +0000

OK Im shameless and I admit it. I am indeed promoting my own listing.This one is a really cute 3 bedroom home on a really lovely street here in Darien called Ridgeview.Ridgeview is off of Camp Ave not far from the Stamford border and the neighborhood of Springdale. The street is a dead end and full of farmhouses and cottages. Most of the lots and 17 Ridgeview is no exception, are sited on less than .25 acres.The street is full of well cared for homes with beautiful gardens out front which lines Ridgeview with flowers.

17 Ridgeview is around 1500 sq ft,has three good sized bedrooms and updated kitchen and baths.The condition is pristine.You cant find anything in this price range in Darien that is so private and well located. A great buy at $725K. Click here for more pictures.

This home is minutes to the Talmadge Hill Metro North train station,shopping and schools.

8 Flintlock Rd,Norwalk Ct Open House

Karen Brewer — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 01:41:15 +0000

ILL BE HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE AT THIS GREAT STARTER HOME IN NORWALK ,CT THIS SUNDAY

JUNE 27,2010 1-3pm

STOP BY…

http://thegoldcoaststandard.com/category/property-of-the-week/

Great New, Stamford, Ct. Rentals …The Lofts at Harbor Point

Karen Brewer — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 22:01:17 +0000

I wish I had a dollar for every phone call we’ve received at William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty for reasonable rental apartments.Typically,people are looking for apartments near to the train in the $2000-$4000/month range. Young professionals who are not ready to buy, but work in the Stamford area are particularly interested in these properties.Its not an easy find,until now.

Enter the Lofts at Yale and Towne in Stamford,CT.The Lofts are 225 loft style apartments located in the old Yale Lock Factory on the south side of Stamford. The units are located between the Stamford train station and the waterfront and is part of the Harbor Point Development.The apartments have incredible 11.5 foot ceilings and 9 foot windows in all units It has its own Fairway supermarket and down the line will be home to acres of new parkland and the waterfront access.

The apartments are flying off the shelf as it were, with nearly a quarter of them already rented.Amenities include a state of the art fitness center,concierge service, and free jitney to the train station. The apartments themselves have granite counter-tops,exposed brick walls,solid wood cabinetry and a washer/dryer in each unit.

If you’d like to see one of the units (there are studios,one and two bedrooms) contact me directly at 203-554-0951. Rents range from $1500-2150/month.

Property of the Week, 24 Colony Road,Darien Real Estate

Karen Brewer — Wed, 05 May 2010 22:16:35 +0000

From time to time there are homes for sale in the Darien CT real estate market that simply confound the Darien Realtors .The other day I walked through such a home which, for some reason, simply has not sold despite it being a great deal.

The house is located at 24 Colony Road in Darien which is a premier street and beautiful neighborhood.Kids are everywhere,the neighbors all know each other and its probably a mile to the Noroton Heights train station as well as shopping.One of the towns great recreational resources,Woodland Park is practically in the backyard! Typically, when homes come on the market on Colony Road,multiple offers are not far behind.

24 Colony Rd, An Unclaimed Jewel in Darien

24 Colony is a classic colonial,and has over 2600 sq ft of beautiful space.There is a charming built- in corner cabinet in the dining room and has it has other vintage details as well.Sited on .25 acres with 4 bedrooms and three and one half baths it is a great family house.

The home is in great condition although it’s true that it could use some updating.The kitchen and baths need some improvements, but not major overhauls, and there is already a large,private master suite at one end of the house that could use some new decorating.But the floors have all been refinished and the property is in lovely condition.The yard may be a bit shallow for some but its fine for barbecues, a swing set and the kids to play. This neighborhood can easily withstand ANY improvements made to the house.Homes on Colony Rd have traditionally been in great demand and have sold upwards of $2million.

Why this house remains on the market is a mystery.That said,today’s,buyer does seem to favor homes that are completely redone.However, at this price, on Colony Road in Darien($1.350,000) this residence provides a good, old fashioned opportunity for customization and appreciation.

24 Colony Road is an UNCLAIMED JEWEL on the market in Darien.

Click on the link, 24 Colony Road to view pictures and a full listing.

If you wish to see this home or ask more questions about it,contact me at kmbrewer2@aol.com or call at 203-554-0951.

If you can’t make it to town and have further interest Ill shoot a brief video of the property and email it to you.

What You Get For The Money $700,000 Darien,Ct. Real Estate

Karen Brewer — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 01:51:59 +0000

Since the real estate market in Darien,Ct started to soften in 2007 we have seen more and more homes on the market in this price range.In Darien,Ct homes in the $700-$800K will be small colonials or capes of about 1,400-2,000 sq feet on up to a quarter of an acre. You can expect two-three bedrooms,perhaps a master and 1.5 or 2 baths. These homes are usually older and can vary in condition.Most are on busy streets but if you can find one on a quiet street,even if it needs work, it can be an excellent investment.

There are 12 homes in this price category on the real estate market in Darien as of today, April 27, and some are very good values. Here are a few of my favorites.

23 Ridgeview,Darien Ct. This is one of the few homes not located on a busy road.Ridgeview is a cute cul de sac near the Stamford border. The homes on the street are modest and typically priced in the $600-$900K range. Its a good “starter street”. This home has three bedrooms, a brand new kitchen and room for expansion.The property is quite small but private and fine for young children.Its closer to the Talmadge Hill train station than the larger Noroton Heights or Darien stations and thats a trade off here. If you don’t mind a 10 minute drive to the Noroton Heights train station, at $725,000 asking,its a good value.

179 Hollow Tree Ridge Rd.This street runs for about three miles from the Post Rd, in Darien,all the way north to Wee Burn Country Club. Just a stones throw from the Noroton Heights train station is #179.This is a completely renovated farmhouse with brand new kitchen and baths. The rooms are decorated with warm colors and the kitchen is really great. Large and almost brand new it’s still in keeping with the style of the house. The property is lovely with a great deck.The home has three bedrooms which are of standard size. The master bedroom is located on the third floor.But, if you’re looking for convenience to shopping and trains, this home is a winner. Definitely move in condition.Just bring your toothbrush.Asking $799,000.

58 Edgerton St. This listing is brand new and I predict it won’t last.Priced very well at $739,000, it is located on a popular street,walkable to shopping, the Metro North station and Equinox gym.The house is a classic Darien cape with expansion possibilities.The kitchen could use a little updating but has nice white brick walls and the home is in excellent condition otherwise. A renovated downstairs bath is decorated with very popular beadboard. There are built ins and a finished basement and the backyard is large.The street can be busy at certain times of the day but the house is a best buy in my eyes.

189 Hollow Tree Ridge Rd. Just up the block from the farmhouse is #189 This is an extraordinary value for Darien. It’s pre-fab construction, built in 2000 and at over 2,000 sq. ft., is one of the largest homes in this price point.While it’s true that it may lack the charm of the older homes, this is an ample house for a young family with two or even three kids.Kitchen and baths are in excellent condition and there are hardwood floors.Even on a rainy day, the house was full of light. The basement was recently finished and it adds meaningful square footage. Walk to train and shopping too.This home is new to the market so pictures haven’t been published.Ill get them out as soon as they are.

If you want more details on these or any other homes in this price category,contact me at kmbrewer2@AOL.COM or 203-554-0951.

Property of the Week, 203 Long Neck Point,Darien CT

Karen Brewer — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:50:00 +0000

If you were paying attention to this weeks Darien Market Report, you would have noticed an unusual entry under the New Listings category. It is 203 Long Neck Point Road and has been listed for $16.75 million.Below is a reprint of the New York Times coverage of the property.A once in a lifetime opportunity and landmark status makes this my Property of the Week.

Contact me for more pictures or information about this property.kmbrewer2@aol.com

Room for a Baker’s Dozen

Enlarge This Image

Legacy of John D. Crimmins

A long-held family estate, Firwood, shown in 1877, is on the market.

WHEN John D. Crimmins bought his wife and 13 children a summer home in Darien, Conn., in 1891, he did what any self-respecting successful Victorian businessman would do. He gave the house a name: Firwood.

The house, on Long Neck Point, was the family’s summer sanctuary and a place to which John D. — as his descendants refer to him — retreated on long weekends when he wasn’t running the construction company that helped create the New York City we know today.

As a developer, Mr. Crimmins built many hospitals and churches. But he made his mark with elevated railways, and also laid the first underground lines for telegraphs and telephones.

When he died, Mr. Crimmins left his property to his daughters. Several of them went on to rear their families on land subdivided from the original 15 acres.

“They were scattered around Long Neck Point, so it was covered by cousins,” said Bill Ewing, a Crimmins great-grandson.

Darien eventually evolved from a summer resort to a year-round suburb. Mr. Ewing’s mother, a Crimmins grandchild, brought up her nine children at Firwood, and she died there in September. Bowing to changing times and demographics that leave Crimmins descendants with families of at most three offspring each, her heirs have reluctantly put Firwood on the market for $16.75 million

“I’m heartbroken,” said Sheila Daley, Mr. Ewing’s sister. “But the house is too big and land values have gotten so that it’s not practical for any one of us to take it over.”

Ms. Daley lives in a nearby house that John D. originally built for the entertainment of his children, complete with a billiard room and a great room for other games.

The rambling main house, at 203 Long Neck Point Road, sits on 4.8 acres on Long Island Sound. It has 14 bedrooms, 9 full baths and 13 fireplaces.

E-mail: bigdeal@nytimes.com

Property of the Week, 64 Cedar Gate Rd.Darien,CT…Not Your Moms’ Colonial

Karen Brewer — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:03:43 +0000

I sometimes hear from home buyers that they are not interested in the basic Colonial or Cape Cod syle home that is so ubiquitous here in Darien,Ct.They want something a little offbeat,or eclectic .One such home is currently on the market. It is located in the private Cedar Gate association and is number 64. Cedar Gate is a part of the prestigious Delafield Island Association in Darien. Although minutes from downtown and major highways, it is like a world of its own and unlike other neighborhoods in Darien. No white picket fences and manicured lawns.Cedar Gate is deeply wooded,winding and unusual .Homes range from English stone cottages and colonials to rambling Tudor styles.

64 Cedar Gate is a 1916 artists cottage big enough for a family with two or three children. The house is situated on a level and VERY private half acre in the Delafield Island area . 64 Cedar Gate has a two story vaulted ceilings in the living room and master suite. A massive stone fireplace rounds out the picture.All the other rooms which include three more bedrooms and two and a half baths are all unusual,over-sized and contain unique architectural features. There’s a loft bedroom, wainscoting around the dramatic living room, a step down family room with old fashioned split door and a sitting room in the master bedroom area. The exterior is level and has a cool stone patio as well as a detached two car garage.You can even walk to the train!

Don’t take my word for it. Take a look at the pictures although they

don’t do justice to this unique Darien home Priced at$1.350million

.http://www.searchpoint.net/listingdetail.asp?_account=idd&_em=1&_org_id=ctcmlsgf%2Dr&mls_property_id=98475487&_sponsor_org_id=ctcmlsgf%2Dr&_agent_public_id=5729&_sponsor_office_id=JPIT02&_per_id=

For a tour of this private home or more pictures,contact me Karen Brewer, at 203-554-0951