Fantastic private end unit near the pool with a first-floor master suite and walk-out lower level! Approach via the tree-lined boulevard with natural stone walls, lush landscaping, and an elegant iron gate. Welcome to the sophisticated living offered by this luxury condo in Westport, Connecticut. Enjoy the privacy and scenic views of the woods framing your deck, backyard, and patio outside the lower level. The open floor plan features a grand entry that opens to the living room with a vaulted ceiling, fireplace, and private deck.
This coveted home enjoys a private park-like setting with the convenience of key amenities just minutes away. Head downtown, to the train, Westport Country Playhouse, Levitt Pavilion, or Compo Beach on a whim. Spacious, luxury accommodations are ready for all your needs. The beautiful pool and cabana offer cool relaxation all summer just steps from your door. Come home to the lifestyle you deserve!
Reach out for more information and an invite when the listing hits the market!
Head downtown, to the train, Westport Country Playhouse, Levitt Pavilion, or Compo Beach on a whim. Enjoy shopping for luxury clothing, furniture, and fine eating and dining!
You will love Sherwood Island State Park and…
you’ll flip over beautiful Compo Beach!
If you are thinking of making a move in the Westport, Connecticut area, reach out to see what timing is right for you.
Reach out for more information if this community looks exciting to you!
Welcome to a sneak peek behind the scenes of a truly remarkable restoration project in the heart of Downtown Rowayton, Connecticut. At 6 Crockett Street, a majestic antique Victorian home is undergoing a meticulous restoration process, breathing new life into its authentic antique windows and preserving the charm of a bygone era.
Behind the Restoration
Restoring a historic home is no small feat; it’s an art that requires passion, dedication, and the skilled hands of experts. At 6 Crockett Street, the team at R. J. Aley Building Contractors, based in Westport, is weaving their magic to bring this antique gem back to life. One of their best practices is to gently steam the windows to preserve the original glass and remove the old paint instead of chipping and sanding. This prevents lead dust and particles from getting into the air and onto the ground. Their commitment to preserving the home’s historic character while incorporating modern amenities is truly commendable.
The Windows That Tell a Story
One of the most captivating features of this Victorian beauty is its stunning antique windows. Each pane of glass, every piece of intricate woodwork, tells a story of a time when craftsmanship was revered. The restoration process involves a delicate touch, a keen eye for detail, and a deep appreciation for the heritage of this home. Witnessing the transformation of these windows is like stepping back in time.
Why 6 Crockett Street Is Special
A Prime Location: Situated in Downtown Rowayton, 6 Crockett Street offers the perfect blend of convenience and tranquility. You’re just steps away from local shops, cafes, and the scenic waterfront.
Historical Significance: This antique Victorian home is a piece of living history. It’s a testament to the architectural beauty of a bygone era.
Modern Comforts: While preserving its historical charm, the restoration project also ensures that this home is equipped with all the modern amenities you’d expect, making it a comfortable and stylish place to call home.
How to See It for Yourself
If you’re captivated by the idea of owning a piece of history and experiencing the beauty of this antique Victorian home firsthand, we invite you to get in touch. You can DM us here or call us at 203-912-4440 to schedule a showing. This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of Rowayton’s history.
To Sum it Up
The restoration of 6 Crockett Street in Rowayton, CT, is a testament to the love and dedication that goes into preserving our architectural heritage. We thank R. J. Aley Building Contractors for their exceptional work in bringing this antique Victorian home back to life. Don’t miss the chance to make this historic beauty your own – contact us today to arrange a viewing!
Ever wonder what the difference is between a home warranty and homeowners insurance? Here’s the scoop from our experts at William Raveis Insurance!
If you would like to see a brochure for the American Home Sheild Warranty and what it covers, send me a note below.
A home warranty is a great thing to have in your toolbox as a homeowner, especially if you have some older appliances. It can also be of great assistance when selling your home if your buyer’s inspection indicates that some appliances are working but past their indicated lifespan and your buyer wants some reassurance. Likewise, if you’re buying a home and you have concerns about older appliances, an annual home warranty plan can protect you from the expense of needing to repair or replace many elements in the house. Your negotiations will be more attractive if you ask for a credit toward a home warranty instead of a whole new appliance.
My husband likes to get a dumpster every year, or at least every other year right around this time. It’s funny, there always seems to be one of each in every home, the Pack Rat and the Purger. I’m definitely…the first one. Which one are you? 🙂
Our window above the kitchen sink looks out to the driveway, and one year I looked out and saw my bike in the dumpster! I said, “Hey, that’s my bike!” In truth, I hadn’t ridden it in years, maybe decades, so I didn’t have any strong arguments. Plus it turned out to make room for a nice new one that I actually do ride!
As hard as it is to part with…stuff, how much stuff do we really need to hold onto?
Although it takes a bit of time and effort, It is always refreshing to sort through and get rid of unneeded things. Not everything has to be thrown in the trash. Many things can be donated to GoodWill, Veterans of America, and other organizations, given to friends, family, or neighbors, or sold online.
You will also be glad you kept up with managing your clutter when it comes time to make a move.
Especially if you’re thinking of moving in the near future, you will have to put all that stuff somewhere anyway.
Doesn’t it make good sense to lighten the load before you have to pay to move it and then un-pack it again at your new home?
I have a client who put her dream move on hold for years simply because she didn’t want to face moving all the stuff in her attic that had been sitting in un-packed boxes since her previous move a decade earlier! Once she called me to help get the process going, she was de-cluttered, had some deferred maintenance done, plans made, and sold her house in a month! Her dream was to travel overseas for a year or so, and she’s been having a blast traveling ever since!
It’s always a good time for a fresh start.
1. “Revamp Your Closet: Toss Unworn Clothes & Shoes for Goodwill or Cash!”
2. “Digital Detox: Sell or Recycle Old Electronics – Phones, Computers, and More!”
3. “Clear the Shelf: Bid Farewell to Unwanted Books & Magazines!”
4. “Paws Off: Part Ways with Unused Pet Toys and Supplies!”
5. Kitchen Refresh: Clear Out Old Food & Supplies for a Fresh Start!
6. “Garage Transformation: Free Up Space by Purging Bikes and Toys!”
7. “Paperwork Be Gone: Discard Old Bills, Policies, and Tax Records!”
8. “Unclutter Your Vanity: Say Goodbye to Unneeded Toiletries and Makeup!”
9. “Farewell to Festive Clutter: Rid Yourself of Unused Holiday Supplies!”
10. “Banish the Misfits: Bid Adieu to Mismatched Socks, Sheets, and More!”
And that’ll do it! 😃 Reach out to me if you would like some resources or help getting started!
Yes, definitely reach for the hot chocolate! But first make sure you are proactive about protecting your pipes, especially those that are most vulnerable to freezing. Think about your exterior pipes, pool plumbing and any uninsulated pipes.
Our regional insurance expert, Robert Reade of William Raveis Insurance just sent out the important bulletin below that I wanted to share it with you, especially if this is the first winter you are in a new home or have a new pool.
Good Afternoon, With the temps dropping here in CT this weekend to -35 degrees with the wind chill in some areas I thought it would be good to send a reminder on how to prevent frozen pipes.
Homeowners everywhere in the Northeast need to consider the risks of frozen pipes in their homes. Water damage and freezing claims were the second-most frequent type of claims filed in the United States between 2016 and 2020.
Water damage and freezing claims were the second-most frequent type of claims filed in the United States between 2016 and 2020.
Homeowners who file these claims lose an average of $11,650. About one in 62 insured homes make a claim related to water damage or freezing each year.
Though these are troubling statistics, you can avoid frozen pipes and water damage claims by learning how pipes freeze, taking preventative action, and investing in some tools.
You can avoid frozen pipes and water damage claims by learning how pipes freeze, taking preventative action, and investing in some tools.
No matter where you live, these four types of pipes tend to be the most vulnerable to freezing:
Uninsulated pipes
Pipes on the exterior of the home
Pipes located in attics, garages, basements, crawl spaces, or other uninsulated areas
Copper or galvanized steel pipes
There are other areas in homes that are susceptible to freezing, as well. The connectors and hoses on washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters are vulnerable to freezing as they can become brittle and break. Sinks and showers also pose potential hazards.
Outside, spigots, sprinkler systems, and swimming pool lines might not be as well insulated as indoor plumbing and could be the first points to collapse during a hard freeze.
How to prepare your pipes for colder weather:
Drain, remove, and store outdoor hoses to keep them from becoming fragile or tripping hazards after a snowfall or freeze. Also, drain water from outdoor lines, such as those connected to swimming pools and sprinklers.
Open outdoor hose spigots but close the inside valves that supply them with water.
This process causes the water to drain and—in the event of a freeze—expand without bursting a pipe.
If you go on an extended vacation, turn off the water to the home and open all the faucets to drain any water remaining in the pipes.
Insulate water supply lines and pipes in the garage, basement, attic, and other unheated areas with foam, heating cables, or pipe sleeves. Do the same for pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Make sure your home is enclosed and insulated.
Find and seal any cracks, drafts, and holes in the home’s exterior. Even small openings can welcome cold air inside, which impacts pipes and heating bills.
Enclose crawlspaces and insulate the attic. The added layer of insulation keeps warm air in and cold weather out.
Close the garage door to keep heat inside, especially if it closets water supply lines, the water heater, or a washing machine.
Keep the thermostat at a consistent setting—no lower than 60º Fahrenheit—during the day, night, and when you’re on vacation.
You might see a higher utility bill, but it’s cheaper than water damage costs.
Open the cabinet doors when temperatures fall below 32º Fahrenheit.
Opening cabinets allows warm air to circulate around kitchen and bathroom plumbing.
Let hot and cold water trickle through your pipes during frigid nights to help prevent them from freezing.
Find a local plumber. In the worst-case scenario, you should have the number of a trusted plumbing professional on hand.
There are products out there to help prevent frozen pipes and protect pipes against bursting. The Resideo Wi-Fi Leak & Freeze Detector can be purchased on Amazon for only $80. It can sense your homes moisture, temperature and humidity changes. It’s an early warning system when weather changes and pipes are in danger of freezing. There are many other products out there that can help aid in preventing substantial damage from burst pipes, such as pipe heating cables for vulnerable pipes, insulated pipe tape, outdoor faucet/spigot covers, just to name a few.
If the pipes freeze, it’s tempting to head to the nearest hotel for some running water, but don’t be hasty. Follow these steps to keep a freeze from becoming a disaster:
Shut off the main water valve.
Call a plumber if the frozen pipe is in an area you can’t reach—like underground or in an interior wall.
Use warm air to help thaw the pipes if you can access the frozen pipe. You can use a hair dryer, heat tape, or a quality space heater, but don’t leave it unattended—they can catch on fire.
Slowly turn the water back on, watching for leaks. You may need someone to assist you with this step.
Repeat steps three and four if the water doesn’t resume flowing immediately.
If a pipe bursts before you can thaw it, immediately shut off your water to prevent a flood. Mop up any mess you can reach and contact a plumber. Once the plumber assesses the damage, get started on an insurance claim.
Be safe and stay warm! Let me know if you have any questions, 860-690-5052.
During a recent meeting of the Greater Fairfield Board of Realtors, a panel of town officials from several departments presented updates and information for discussion among the group. I was struck by the new Conservation Director’s announcement that the volume of inland wetland violations has skyrocketed recently with all the new homeowners moving into town and being unaware about the presence and importance of wetlands. He asked if we could help him get the word out to people.
So (on an unseasonably hot day in November!) I met with Fairfield’s new Conservation Director, Tim Bishop over coffee to talk about how I can help homeowners in town learn how to protect our precious wetlands. Tim is an expert environmentalist with almost two decades of experience. He is an excellent resource for our town and truly wants to collaborate with homeowners to help them get their home improvements done while protecting our fragile natural resource, the inland wetland areas.
When meeting with Tim, I learned that most people are not aware of the importance of protecting wetlands. I learned that protecting our inland wetlands is critical to controlling flooding and stormwater run-off, maintaining our water quality, and preserving natural ecosystems that need still (vs. flowing) water to breed and live. Healthy wetland areas hold onto water which allows a natural cleaning process to occur and provides the environment necessary for wildlife survival, while controlling flooding.
People don’t realize that their actions could be permanently destroying this critical natural resource, and they don’t realize that what they do in their yard impacts other people. So I assembled the information below to address the key issues and also put it in a handout for people to use and share.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PROPERTY IS REGULATED?
Call the Conservation Department. Ask your REALTOR® to check your deed.
Your property may have a water course, wetland soils, a buffer zone from adjacent wetlands, or a conservation easement to preserve another fragile natural resource.
Your property may have wetlands and be regulated even if it appears to be dry. Regulated activities include any “digging” (even 1 inch down) and “dumping” (depositing any material in wetland areas)
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF ACTIVITY ON MY PROPERTY IS REGULATED?
Call the Conservation Department to learn what impact your future plan would have on the environment and how it can be done safely. They will tell you if your project needs a “staff level permit”, a “commission level permit”, or no permit at all.
Be sure to come in for a Concept Review before submitting a permit application online! After your Concept Review, you can submit your online permit application.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?! Water Quality: Healthy wetlands hold onto water & enable a natural cleansing process for clean water. Flood Control: Healthy wetlands control flooding & prevent storm run-off.
Ecosystems: Healthy wetlands hold onto water that is critical to wildlife’s ability to breed & survive. Prevent Permanent Loss: Once a natural wetland area is damaged or destroyed, it can never be restored to its original natural integrity. Prevent Violations: Conservation violations are costly to the department, to you, and to the environment.
Resource to Help You: The Conservation Department is led by expert director, Tim Bishop who is here to help you plan your project and protect our inland wetlands.
Just Give Them a Call!
CALL BEFORE YOU START. Learn whether your property is regulated, what you can do, and where you can do it.
Tim Bishop, NEW Conservation Director 203-256-3071
FAQS:
Q. I’ve heard horror stories about getting Conservation involved in any projects. Why should I jump through hoops and pay the town extra money?!
A. Good news! There is a NEW director of conservation and new staff, all of whom are experts at protecting the inland wetland environments. They want to collaborate with Fairfield residents to ensure we can all enjoy the benefits of preserving healthy wetlands. They are very reasonable and are streamlining pricing, guidelines, and the way they work with homeowners. They truly want to connect with you to help you get your project done in a way that is safe for the environment and protects it for generations to come.
Q. Why would activity on my property be regulated by the Conservation department?
A. There are three possible conditions: 1) There are watercourses or wetland soils on your property. 2) There are wetlands or wetland soils on a nearby property with a protective buffer zone extending onto your property. 3) There is a conservation easement on your property deed (I.e. to protect a meadow). If any of these conditions exist, activity on your property is regulated by Conservation. This does not mean you will always need a permit or that you can’t implement your plans. It means that the experts in the department need to work with you on a plan that is safe for the environment.
Q. Why does conservation regulate my land?
A. The department only regulates activity that has an impact on the environment in regulated areas. It does not regulate your land. What you do in your yard impacts other people and the environment.
Q. What activities are regulated?
A. Any activity that involves digging (even an inch down) and dumping (depositing material in a wetland area) that disturbs wetlands. Some examples are: Installing pools, fences, patios, generators, sprinklers, koi ponds, dumping branches, brush, animal waste, etc.
Q. Can I plant stuff?
A. Check with conservation first if you have a regulated property to learn which species are native vs invasive. A permit will be needed for anything requiring trucks or heavy equipment, but manually planting native species might not even need a
Q. How long will it take to get a permit?
A. There are two types of permits, the CWC (Certificate of Wetland Conformance), and IWP (Inland Wetland Permit). CWC is a “staff level” permit which takes 1 to 1.5 months. It includes a 15-day waiting period for the public to weigh in on the applicant’s posting in the newspaper regarding their proposed activity. The template for the post is provided by conservation.
IWP is a ”commission level” permit which takes 3 to 4 months. The inland wetland commission is a self-managed group that adheres to regulations from the state. They meet monthly. Some projects may need discussion in more than one meeting.
Q. How much will it cost me to get conservation involved?
A. The new director, Tim Bishop is in the process of revamping the fees to make them much more cost effective. There will be a simple menu of activities, each with a very reasonable associated fee.
Q. How can I stay informed about inland wetland information?
A. Tim posts new information each month on the department homepage at Fairfieldct.org/conservation. But you can always call and ask your questions directly. Tim says, “Just give us a call!” Of course you can also stop in during office hours and visit the wetlands map.
If you are thinking of buying and/or selling a property and have questions, you can reach out to me below.
Charmer on Charles! Grab this beach area gem and jump into the perfect home and lifestyle!
Coveted property and neighborhood
Set on a vibrant street with million+ dollar properties and its own Facebook Group, this gracious home can soon be yours. Featuring enviable curb appeal, an elegant fireplace, hardwood floors, and French doors leading to the new maintenance-free covered deck, what’s not to love?
Space to suit
There is ample space for all your needs with a front-to-back living room and dining area complete with French doors overlooking the rear gardens, an eat-in kitchen, a light-filled study or den, and a large full bath with laundry on the first floor. Three bedrooms and another full bath reside upstairs. There’s plenty of storage space for all your stuff with an attic and full basement. The freshly painted basement is ready to serve, complete with a double sink for projects and gardening.
Creature comforts
Decompress in your private, fenced, and beautifully landscaped property. Relax in the shade on your covered deck. Park and store your things in the garage. Enjoy energy-efficient natural gas, forced air heat, city water, and city sewer.
Best location ever!
Stroll downtown to the train, chic eateries and shops, or to Penfield Beach and neighborhood parks! Secure the relaxed yet bustling lifestyle you crave here at home and hop on the train to Manhattan in just over an hour whenever you wish.
1) Have a Signature Cocktail! This makes your guests feel like they’re on vacation when you hand them one on the way in, and you can make a large batch up front instead of trying to accommodate drink requests on the fly.
2) Create a DIY Photo Booth! Create your own themed frame with a hula hoop and some craft supplies, add some props, and let your guests create some serious history!
3) Try a “More is More” Centerpiece! Make an impressive centerpiece using a grouping of small pretty vintage or themed pieces like a creamer, sugar bowl, shot glasses, or apothecary bottles, and fill them with fresh blooms from your own garden.
What are your favorite party tricks that make the magic when supported by your amazing kitchen?
Share your ideas below! If you are thinking of making a move in the near future, reach out as well. Is your kitchen living up to your standards? Curious what your home is worth in the current market?
Special thanks to our guest writer, Sharon Wagner for this article! As a senior herself, Sharon Wagner understands that an older body and mind impacts the daily lives of many seniors. She created SeniorFriendly.info to offer advice geared specifically toward seniors to help them make healthier choices and enjoy their golden years.
After experiencing the painful loss of a parent, partner, sibling, friend, or another loved one, you may feel as if you’ll never fully recover from the grief — especially if nearly everything in your home or everyday life reminds you of the loved one you’ve lost. And while it’s best to delay any major life decisions within six to twelve months of losing a loved one, according to Psychology Tools, moving into a new home and/or relocating to a new city or state could be the change you need in order to cope with the grief you’re experiencing.
Moving provides a fresh start, and in some cases, it allows you to be closer to friends and family during an emotionally challenging time in your life. But whatever your reasons may be for moving after the loss of a loved one, this guide from real estate pro Linda Raymond will help you to make the change of scenery you need in order to move on with your life — as painful as it may be.
Get Ready to Move
If you lived with the loved one you’ve lost, selling the home you shared can be an incredibly painful experience. You’ll need to sort through your loved one’s belongings, decide which items to keep or donate, and handle the logistics of buying and selling a home. And when preparing to list your home, you’ll need to make any necessary repairs or improvements, such as fixing cracked windows, leaking pipes, or anything that could turn away potential homebuyers. You’ll also need to start saving for a down payment on a new home unless you plan on renting.
As time-consuming as moving can be, the process can be a much-needed distraction when you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. Just refrain from getting rid of your loved one’s belongings too soon, or you may regret it later. You can always move everything into your new home and sort through them at a later time. Consider storing them in a garage, basement, or rented storage space, and sort through them when you’re ready.
To reduce stress on moving day, you may also wish to hire professional movers. As Consumer Affairs notes, movers can help with packing, loading, and unloading your belongings, allowing you to focus more on creating a fresh start.
Connect With Friends, Your Community, and an Online Therapist
Whether you’re moving into a new area where you don’t know anyone, or you’re looking to connect with others who’ve experienced grief, resources are available to help you navigate your grief. Some ways to meet people in a new area include:
● Volunteering in the community.
● Attending Meetup events in your new city.
● Finding a roommate with similar interests as you.
● Connecting with friends on social media.
For most, therapy is key to working through the various phases of grief. Busy lifestyles, however, may not make it possible to attend regular therapy sessions. Instead of forgoing time with a counselor until you can carve out a few hours, there’s now telehealth options, which allow you to meet with a mental health professional from your computer or smartphone. And when it comes to costs associated with therapy, online therapy is more affordable. What’s more, you can find a therapist who fits your needs and schedule a same-day appointment.
Make Your New House Feel Like Home
As you settle into your new residence, incorporating old memories, decor, and keepsakes can help to make your new house feel like home. Try turning some of your loved one’s clothing into a memory quilt, creating a photo collage to display in your new house, or repurposing furniture from your former home. Doing so will allow you to start anew while keeping your loved one with you as you enter the next chapter of your life.
Moving for a change of scenery isn’t the right choice for everyone who’s coping with grief, but it could be a good option for you if remaining in your home feels unbearable after the passing of a loved one. Selling your home and starting over in a new city, state, or country isn’t a step you should take immediately following the death of a loved one, but it’s something to consider several months or years down the road. Everyone copes with grief in their own way – including finding emotional support via online therapy – and for you, that may mean selling your home and starting anew in an unfamiliar place.
Linda Raymond’s real estate blog is loaded with insights and advice on the home-buying and selling process. Reach out to Linda today for more info! 203-912-4440.
Linda Raymond Real Estate Blog, Fairfield, Westport & More 