Connecticut Select Homes | Fairfield County CT Real Estate » Real Estate Blog | CT Select Homes | Higgins Group Realtors http://ctselecthomes.com Fairfield County CT Real Estate Mon, 21 Nov 2011 01:50:51 +0000 en hourly 1 Sunday Open House: 4 Ledgemoor Lane, Westport http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1446 http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1446#comments Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:16:36 +0000 Danna Rogers http://ctselecthomes.com/?p=1446 Join me to see this stunning, newly completed home, Sunday, November 6th, 1-3PM 

Built by Andy Frank, everything is perfectly thought out— from the large sunny kitchen and family room, elegant living room and spacious dining room, to the first floor office and luxurious master. There are 5 bedrooms, 5 full and 2 half baths, and a large walk-out finished basement with high ceilings and plenty of light. There is a pool site on the property and a roomy 3 car garage. This ideal location is close to town, beach  and trains.

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]]> http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1446/feed 0 Vintage Charm, Updated for Today’s Living http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1358 http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1358#comments Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:33:05 +0000 Danna Rogers http://ctselecthomes.com/?p=1358  

Built in 1806, this lovely farmhouse sits on over an acre of beautifully landscaped property with a fabulous renovated red barn with 3 car garage and in ground pool.

 The main house offers 4 bedrooms, 2 full and 1 half bath. All the charm has been retained with pine paneling, chestnut floors, and exposed beams. Thoughtfully updated, the house is a great entertaining home with a large living room, family room that walks-out to the stone patio and a “party-barn” with full bath and bedroom loft. As part of the Abbots Lane association, there is a great cul-de-sac as well . This ideal location is close to town, beach  and trains.   REDUCED:  $1,125,000

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]]> http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1358/feed 0 $399,900 – Updated Vintage Colonial http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1290 http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1290#comments Sun, 08 May 2011 00:44:49 +0000 Laura Lander http://ctselecthomes.com/?p=1290 This updated East Norwalk colonial offers convenience and easy living. Walk to the train or bike to the beach from this family neighborhood. Enjoy a glass of wine on the welcoming front porch. The interior features crown molding, hardwood floors, built-ins and a charming window seat. The family room has French doors that step out onto a patio overlooking perennial gardens. Additionally, there is a terraced deck for extra entertaining space. Basketball hoop and a large grassy area complete this picturesque outdoor scene.

This vintage home has 1,586 square feet with 3 bedrooms 1 1/2 baths. It has also had many recent improvements. The roof has been replaced with new plywood and 40 year architectural shingles. Additionally, the hot water heater and furnace were recently replaced.

Charming, updated and an amazing location – this home has it all!



Front Web photo closeup front porch web IMG_3021 Staircase view web Living Room WEb Kitchen 2 Web Kitchen Web Dining Room Web foyer web Family Room Web Bedroom Web Kids Bedroom WEb Half Bath Web another bedroom web Office Web Web sullivan Bathroom Bathroom with shower web Patio and deck web Sullivan backyard night shot Backyard web Deck Web picnic table deck web

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]]> http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1290/feed 0 $2,599,000/ or $4,299,000 with extra building lot- Longshore Golf Course Westport, CT http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1167 http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1167#comments Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:23:35 +0000 Elizabeth Steffen http://ctselecthomes.com/?p=1167  
Do you dream of beautiful flat property? Golf course views? Walk to the beach?   Well then, here’s your opportunity!!!  Own this renovated colonial on one of Westport’s premier cul-de-sacs across from Longshore Golf Course. Open floor plan includes gourmet kitchen open to family room with dramatic cathedral ceiling, formal living room with fireplace, dining room, sun room with stone floor and small den. Hardwood floors throughout. This special home boasts six bedrooms, four and a half bath, one bedroom with full bath on first level for in-law or au pair. Over an acre of estate like property.                       
 
Add an additional building lot with tennis court for a total of 2.65 acres $4,299,000 for the package. 009 YH FOYER YH FAMILY ROOM YH FAMILY ROOM 3 YH FAM KIT YH KIT 2 YH KITCH YH LIVING YH LIVING 2 YH DINING YH MASTER YH MASTER BATH YH BRM 2 YH BRM 1 010 012 005 008 006

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]]> http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1167/feed 0 RTM Overturns Controversial Amendment 621 http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1164 http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1164#comments Thu, 20 Jan 2011 03:36:34 +0000 Elizabeth Steffen http://ctselecthomes.com/?p=1164 For the past month and a half Westporters have been debating the ramifications of a new amendment recently passed by the Planning and Zoning. As Valerie Jacobs, lead petitioner against P&Z’s Amendment 621 explained, “A few weeks ago, P&Z passed Amendment 621, which among other things: (i) imposes a brand new 15% “building” coverage test in AA and AAA zones, (ii) requires homeowners to include patios and terraces in the 25% “total” coverage test (which also includes driveways, etc.), (iii) changes the way that pools and tennis courts are measured (e.g., tennis courts now count at 100% instead of 50% and the coping on pools now counts); (iv) requires people with wetlands and steep slopes to deduct 80% of those areas area BEFORE they multiply the new 15% rule (which greatly reduces their property value and buildable area–even though they can’t build on those areas anyway).”

Last night after nearly five hours of testimony, the RTM voted 32-1 overturning the amendment which P&Z had hoped would regulate and limit big houses as well as mitigate runoff and protect fragile aquifers and waterways. Corwin, the chairman of P & Z felt the P & Z was “fulfilling a commitment to the town as a whole, to our children, our grandchildren.” He said the amendment was in accordance with the Town Plan of Conservation and Development because it addressed the issues of water quality and big houses.

Soon after P& Z passed the amendment on Dec 9th, a huge public outcry arose over the hardships that would ensue, arguing that the new regulations would decrease home values by decreasing house-lot coverage from 25 to 15 percent.

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]]> http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1164/feed 0 Fireplace Safety Tips http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1137 http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1137#comments Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:05:38 +0000 Danna Rogers http://ctselecthomes.com/?p=1137 With winter settling in, it’s time to get your fireplace ready for the cold months ahead.  Dave Leopold from Pillar to Post Home Inspections offers tips on how to stay safe and warm when using your fireplace.Annual Inspections – Have your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional to ensure that it’s obstruction free and clear of creosote – a black, oily accretion that builds up on the inside walls of the chimney. Because creosote is highly combustible, a thick accumulation creates a fire hazard.

Length of Use – Use the fireplace for short-duration fires, no longer than five hours.

Plan Ahead – Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials. Use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces. Leave glass doors open while a fire is burning.

When to Clean – During periods of heavy use, clean the wood-burning firebox regularly once the embers are cold. Leave about an inch of ash because it acts as insulation, allowing the coals to heat faster and retain more heat.

Upkeep – Check that vents are unobstructed and able to do their job. Clean the fan and all air circulation passages. In non-wood burning fireplaces, clean and adjust glowing embers and logs for best appearance.

Cap Your Chimney – Have a cap installed at the top of the chimney to deter animals from entering, help prevent water damage and keep debris from blocking the opening. A spark arrestor will prevent live embers from escaping the chimney.

Safety First – Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergency. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with charged batteries.

Use Common Sense – Never leave the fire unattended. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. Keep children and pets away from the fireplace. Do not use a vacuum to clean up ashes, because embers can smolder long after the fire is out, creating a real fire hazard.

For more winter preparation tips, please contact your local Pillar To Post office,

Pillar to Post Professional Home Inspection
Dave Leopold
146 Coleman Road
Fairfield, CT 06825
203-374-5448
homeinspection@optonline.net
http://www.pillartopost.com/fairfield

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]]> http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1137/feed 0 $2,575 – Townhouse Rental on Westport/Norwalk Border http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1078 http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1078#comments Wed, 17 Nov 2010 21:50:15 +0000 Laura Lander http://ctselecthomes.com/?p=1078  

Spacious townhouse in desirable Strathmore Lane complex located on the Westport/Norwalk border. This two story townhouse features an open floor plan with hardwood floors leading out to a deck with a beautiful wooded view. Additionally, the entire complex was recently upgraded with new windows and siding. Inside, the en suite bedrooms have new carpeting and walk-in closets. On the second floor there is also a laundry area and access to a large attic for storage. Included with this unit is a one car detached garage. The complex features pool and paddle tennis and is within walking to Westport train station.

strathmore web front strathmore living room website strathmore living room dining web site strathmore dining web site strathmore kitchen table website favorite strathore kitchen sink website Strathore web photo bedroom strathmore bathroom remodeled website strathmore web bathroom

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]]> http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1078/feed 0 Fairfield County Libraries Offer Much More than Books! http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1053 http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1053#comments Mon, 01 Nov 2010 01:10:45 +0000 Laura Lander http://ctselecthomes.com/?p=1053 We all know that libraries offer us a variety of books, magazines and DVDs, however Fairfield County libraries offer much, much more. Below are some of the not to be missed highlights of some of our finest libraries.

Westport Library is known for their Meet the Author programs. Barbara Taylor Bradford was recently promoting her new book and answering the questions of her many loyal followers. Keep your eye on the library’s calendar and you can meet anyone from a famous ballerina to a chef! Also, don’t miss the café and their famous annual book sale under the big tents in July.

Weston Library is located in the center of town on Norfield Road. Weston is a smaller library and known for their personal attention. Miss Joy runs the children’s room and she is beloved by the entire town. You can always count on Miss Joy for an age appropriate book suggestion or help with a project. Adults can step up to the counter and take a look at the always present NY Times Bestseller list. If the book isn’t in, the librarians will put your name on the wait list and give you a call when it comes in. If you’re a Weston teen with a library card you can study for your SAT’s from any computer at PrepMe.com.

Wilton Library located in Wilton Center has something for everyone. Need to learn a foreign language? The library has Byki (Before you know it) an online language learning program with over 70 languages that can be used by any patron. Teens can take a babysitting course or participate in “Poetry in Motion”, which promotes creating poetry that will be performed and published. If you have small children check out the Lego Club, which incorporates stories with Lego building and Math Club which teaches math through puzzles and trick questions. Adults can sit by the fireplace with a good book or enjoy an art show.

Fairfield is our largest town featured in this article and has two libraries. One library is located in the beach area and the other is on Fairfield Woods Road. Fairfield library offers some excellent help for business owners. They have offered classes in business writing and small business website designing. Some unique programs for children are Drop-in Pajama time and Dad Storytime. Teens can drop in the first Saturday of every month and from 10:30-3:30 pm they can perform community service. The library will give teens duties such as shelving books, clerical work and getting ready for special programs. This is a wonderful and flexible program for teens.

Easton may be small but they also have a wonderful town library. Easton is currently featuring a Short Story Mystery Writing Contest through the Mystery Writers of NY Chapter. For children there are craft lessons and storytimes. Adults can enjoy coffee and tea every day courtesy of the Friends of the Library. Teens can access PrepMe to study for their SATs.

The good news is that you can visit any of the above libraries and keep up to date on their many programs through the websites listed below:

www.westportlibrary.org

www.biblio.org/weston

www.wiltonlibrary.org

www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org

www.eastonlibrary.org

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]]> http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1053/feed 0 Halloween Events In Fairfield County http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1035 http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1035#comments Fri, 22 Oct 2010 19:30:57 +0000 Jen Schwartz http://ctselecthomes.com/?p=1035 Halloween is a great time for spooky costumes, haunted houses, scary movies and, of course, trick-or-treating.  Residents and visitors to Fairfield County can also look forward to a variety of fun parades and unique activities.  The following are some family friendly Halloween events my children have enjoyed throughout the years:

PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY From Earthplace Website: www.earthplace.org

“Carving a jack-o’-lantern is really fun and very messy. Keep your kitchen from becoming a slippery, orange nightmare. Carve that pumpkin here at Earthplace. We have the smocks, tools, paint and decorations to help you make a really spectacular display for Halloween. Enjoy some cider and cookies to give you energy. Bring your own pumpkins and candles. We have the rest!”

Saturday October 23, 10:00 AM – Noon

$8 per member child, $10 per non-member child

YUCK DAY

“The ickiest, squishiest, yuckiest things will be found at our annual Yuck Day. Meet a 10 foot Burmese python, touch a wiggly earthworm, be tickled by a Madagascar hissing cockroach, go eyeball to eyeball with a corn snake, feel the “million” legs of a millipede on your arm. Create your own bat or footprint ghost. Dissect an owl pellet. Take a trail walk with an Earthplace naturalist to look for mushrooms, insects and other gross but great natural items. There will be plenty of Halloween cheer, so don’t miss the yuckiest family event in town!”

Saturday October 30, 11 AM – 4 PM

Admission is $7 per person

Westport Halloween Parade For Children: From Westport Town Hall Calendar of Events

Wednesday, October 27, 2010, 3 – 4pm

Where            YMCA

Main Street and Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880

“The Parks and Recreation Department, Downtown Merchants Association and Westport P.A.L. team up to offer a wonderful Halloween event for the children of Westport.

Children will meet in front of the YMCA and march up Main Street, trick or treating along the way, eventually making their way to Town Hall for more treats. Afterwards, a gathering on the Green will take place with fun-filled entertainment from DJ’s Sound Solutions and lots of cookies and juice. Snack and drinks from Parks and Recreation will be available. Don’t let the rain scare you….the parade might be canceled but the entertainment will move to the Town Hall Auditorium.”

Weston Annual Halloween Parade: From Weston Calendar of Events

Saturday October 30th

10:30 AM

Location: The Town Green, Weston

“Halloween is coming soon, but the fun starts before the light of the moon.  Grab those costumes, either sweet or scary, all the kids are welcome, every ghost, ghoul, or fairy!  Light breakfast treats, not tricks, following the parade.”

Enchanted Castle Fairfield, CT

From Enchanted Castle website: www.enchantedCastle.org

“A Fairfield Halloween Tradition. It is a non-threatening magical storybook experience where children and their parents tour six fantasy theme rooms where they interact with the storybook characters and receive a treat.”

Weekdays Oct 22nd – Oct 31st from  4-7 pm Sat 10am -5 pm Sun 12pm- 5pm, Admission $5.00 per person.  739 Old Post Road, Fairfield, 203-336-7364

Halloween Monster Mash, Stepping Stones Museum

Celebrate Halloween at our spooktacular party for families. Enjoy live animals, hands-on activities, tasty treats, games, a monster mash dance, storytelling and more. Register early! Friday, October 24th & Saturday, October 25, 2008 6 – 8 PM

Beardsley Zoomobile “Creepy Crawlies” & Pumpkin Carving at the Pequot Library

Saturday, October 25th, 2008 11 AM – Noon

Beardsley Zoo’s Zoomobile will visit the Library with its Halloween assortment of delightful creatures. Come learn about these lovely critters from the Zoo’s wildlife educators. Then carve your family pumpkins on our Great Lawn because WE CLEAN UP! Bring your own pumpkins and a sharp knife to cut the lids. We’ll provide the carving tools and stencils—plus snacks and “spooky” songs…. (Registration required for zoomobile—max. 30 children. The pumpkin carving portion of the event cancels in bad weather.) 30 kids max–Registration required–Kindergarten age and above. www.pequotlibrary.com

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]]> http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1035/feed 0 Getting your house ready for the cold… http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1031 http://ctselecthomes.com/blog/1031#comments Sun, 17 Oct 2010 12:15:18 +0000 Danna Rogers http://ctselecthomes.com/?p=1031 It’s hard to believe that summer is gone here in Fairfield County and Fall is upon us.  In between apple picking and cheering on local High School football games, Fall is also a great time for house maintenance. Since the weather is cooler, outdoor chores can be much more pleasant, and your home will be well prepared for Winter.

Here are some suggestions for new and veteran homeowners.

1)      Give your yard a quick makeover:  cool weather is perfect for planting bulbs for perennials such as tulips, and crocus which bring a little spring color to your yard. It’s also a good time to plant or transplant small trees and shrubs. 

2)      Clean up flower beds: take out any old annuals and cut back perennials that are no longer blooming.  When raking leaves, think about using the leaves to “mulch” flower beds to keep any weeds from growing before winter.

3)      Check your large trees for weak or over grown limbs.

4)      Exterior touch ups: take a walk around the house and check to see if the exterior needs any paint or small repairs. Take care of small repairs in roof tiles and shingles before the winter can make more severe damages.

5)      Clean gutters and down spouts.

6)      Check your systems. It’s a good idea to have a service plan with your HVAC provider. Having your heating system cleaned and serviced will help extend the life-span of your system.

7)      Have chimney’s cleaned, and order or chop your wood for the season.

8)      Check the seals and weather stripping around doors and windows. Give windows good cleaning too.

9)      Once the temperatures get closer to freezing at night make sure to empty outside faucets and hose lines.

10)   Get markers for your driveway to mark for the plows, once the ground is frozen they are much harder to put in.

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