2023 Spring Real Estate Showcase

•Elevatedover11feetabovesealevelonover2acresofland

•6000+squarefeetoflivingareaincludinganexpansivegourmetkitchen

•Spectacularsunsetsandsunrisesinyourprivateprotectedparadise

•Tieupyourboatonyour50ft.+dockwithoceanaccess

WaterfrontSpectacular

9GlennGorhamLane

5BD|5BA|2HB|9,111SF|$5,250,000

Withstunningviewsfromalmosteveryroomandsoaringceilings,thissophisticated5 bedroomand7bathhomeisrenovatedtoperfection.Withasundrenchedopen oorplan, 9GlennGorhamLaneboasts12foot oortoceilingslidersandwindowsthatframethe homeandconnecttheindoorandoutdoorentertainingspacestomultipleprivateterraces overlookingthewater.Originallydesignedasahomeandstudioforaninternational artist,thisuniquehomeoffers9111SFofoneofakindmoderncustom nishesthroughout, dramaticspaciousrooms,3contemporary oating replaces,anindoorsquashcourtand viewsofGorham’spondtoenjoythewaterbreezesandplentifulwildlifeyearround.Call Caseytoscheduleaprivateappointment.

ALOOKINSIDESOMEOFFAIRFIELD COUNTY’SMOSTSTRIKING ANDMEMORABLEENTRYFOYERS

byGretchenA.Peck

ahome’s“ rstimpression”issolidi edasyouapproachthe houseandtakeinitsarchitecturalcharacteranddimension. Butthenextbestimpressionismadewhenyouopenthefrontdoor andstepinside.It’sinthefoyerorentryhallwhereaguest rst becomesacquaintedwiththequalityanddistinctionoftheinteriorsof thehome.Double-heightfoyers,sweepingstaircases,sparkling oors, andchandelierstwinklingfromoverheadevokefeelingsofdrama, intrigueandnostalgia.Stunningentriesthat“wow”arememorable placesforgreetingsandgoodbyes.Grandstaircasesbecomemore formthanfunctionwhentheybecomesettingsforfamilyphotosat theholidaysoradescendingrunwayofsortsforteenagersdressed forprom,orabrideorgroomontheirweddingday.

Iftheentrytoahomesetsthestage,thestrikingentryhallat276 Mans eldAvenuebeginswithafairytaleoranold-Hollywoodepic. This2003-builthomewasEuropean-chateauinspired,accordingto listingRealtorMichaelFerraro,withCompassConnecticut.The

propertyiscurrentlyonthemarketfor$4.899million.

Themainentrancetothehomeopenstoaglamourousand generouslyproportionedspace,withadouble-heightcofferedceiling, adual-sidedbutter ystaircaseleadingtoasecond-levellanding, lightly nishedhardwood oorsandafront-to-backviewthatseesall thewaytothebackofthehome,wherethere’sanexpansivestone terrace.The8,972-square-footresidence,withanattachedthree-car garage,issituatedon1.32acresthatoverlookthe12thholeatDarien CountryClub.

“Fromthecurb,thishomeisaclassic,graciouscolonial,sittingup highonmorethan3acres,”RealtorPatteNusbaumdescribedthe six-bedroombrickcolonialat61WindingLaneinGreenwich’s mid-country.Nusbaumisthelistingagentfortheseller,whoisasking $4.35millionforthe7,283-square-foothome.Builtin1960,the interiorshavebeenrenovated,includinga2012additionandimprovementsmadejustthisyear.

130LeroyAvenue,Darien

NEWCONSTRUCTION $3,595,000Web#170555133DonnaSocci203.644.5028

40BirchRoad,Darien

$2,725,000Web#170558695

JanetOlmsted203.554.4022ChrisMerritt203.550.9824

596HollowTreeRidgeRoad,Darien

$1,750,000Web#170550979

CathyRussell203.981.3992PamSpellane203.461.3638

5WeedsLanding,Darien

$1,950,000Web#170558975

KarenBonner917.716.6250RobynDeCastro203.273.9589

2MorleyLane,Darien

UNDERCONTRACT $2,250,000Web#170555563

MaryLopiano203.912.4694

21RevereRoad,Darien UNDERCONTRACT $1,775,000Web#170554694

PattyReis203.979.0150

9PeterickLane,Darien

$1,695,000Web#170553343

NancyDauk203.858.1146

71RowaytonAve#7,Rowayton UNDERCONTRACT $1,275,000Web#170551502

PattyReis203.979.0150

2379BostonPostRoad,Darien

$849,000Web#170557589

DebbieLawrence203.536.7408

EMBRACINGOURFUTURE.

"WehadareallygoodexperienceworkingwithVikktoriasearchingforandbuyingahomethissummer.Vikktoria istheagentyouwantonyoursideeverytime.She’sdetailoriented,knowsherbusinessreallywellandguidedus througheachstepofthewaytomakeourliveseasier.Totopitoffsheconnecteduswithalltheneighborsand familiesintheareawhichwasamazingforustomeetsomanywonderfulpeoplesoquickly."

"Ifyouarelookingforthebestrealestateagent,thenlooknofurther.VikktoriaCooperisabsolutelythebest.She isincrediblyresponsive,knowledgeable,intelligent,direct,anddedicatedtoherclients.Sheembodiesabsolutely everythingyoushouldbelookingforinarealestateagent.Frombuyingourfirsthometosellingitwhileliving abroad,Vikktoria'sexcellentguidance,professionalism,andoutstandingknowledgeofthehousingmarket consistentlysupportedusandensuredsuccess."

"DaveiseverythingonecoulddesireinaRealEstateagent.Hegavesoundadvice,workedtirelessly-always wasavailable-andhelpedsomuchinpointingustotheprofessionalsneededtocompleteourtransaction. Theultimateendorsement:IwoulduseDaveagain."

"Davewasfantastictoworkwith!Helistenedtowhatwewantedinahomeandworkedwithustofindthe perfectfit!Davewasproactiveinthesearchforplacesandwasalwayssendingusnewandexcitingoffersto lookat.Davewascomfortingduringtheentirehomesearchandreallyhelpedtomakethehomebuying processasstressfreeaspossible.WewouldhighlyrecommendedDaveasyourrealestateagent!"

"IchooseDaveLyonforhisknowledgeoftherealestatemarket,his“Cando“attitude,andhispersistence! Hedevelopedanintensivemarketingplantocoverallphasesofmytransaction.Intheend,myhomesold quickly,andhishelpfulnessextendedtothedayoftheclosingandIbeyond.!Icouldn’thavechosenabetter Realtor!"

Lefttop&bottom:Agrandfoyerandstaircasethatascendsupthroughthreelevelsgreetsguestsat97 FrogtownRoadinNewCanaan.Thesix-bedroomcustom-builtGeorgiancolonialisofferedtothemarket for$4.95million.Right:Acaptivatingfront-to-backviewawaitsguestsjustinsidethefrontentrance at97FrogtownRd.,NewCanaan.RealtorJanisRyanHennessy,withWilliamPittSotheby’sInternational Realty’sNewCanaanbrokerage,isthelistingagent.PhotosprovidedbyWilliamPittSotheby’s.

Thefoyersetsthetone fortheinteriors.

“Whenyouopenthedoor,youaredelightedbythewarmfeelof thehome,enlivenedbythemanywallsofglass,”Nussbaumexplained.“Thetwo-storyentry,withalarge‘wagon-wheel’chandelier, introducesyoutothequalityofthehigh-end nishesofthehome— beautifulherringbonewood oorsandwainscotting.”

61WindingLaneiscomplementedbyastoneterraceforoutdoor living,diningandentertainingandgorgeousgardensamongthe 3.20acres.

Thereisaspectacularentryfoyerat97FrogtownRoadinNew Canaan.Thefrontdoor,framedbysidelightsandatransomwindow, openstoapaneledfoyerwithespresso-huedhardwood oors.Afew stepsforwardplacesyouinthepositiontoobservetheelegant

centralstaircasethatwindsupwardsthroughseverallevelsofthe home.Or,yourgazemightwanderthroughtheheartofthehomeall thewaytotheentertainingterracesofftherearofthehome.

Thesix-bedroomGeorgiancolonial—builtin2004byGardiner LarsonHomesandsituated(withapool)on2acres—iscurrently offeredtothemarketfor$4.95million.JanisRyanHennessy,a RealtorwithWilliamPittSotheby’sinNewCanaan—andapast presidentoftheNewCanaanBoardofRealtors—isthelistingagent.

“Whenpeoplewalkthroughtheentryforthe rsttime,theyare takenbytheviewclearouttotheterracefromthefrontdoor,” Hennessysaid.“Theceilingheights,moldingsandstaircaseare extraordinaryandappreciatedbyclientsandbrokers.

“Thestaircasehasalandingonthesecond oor,bytheprimary suite,andcontinuestothethird oor,”shecontinued.“Thememories oflookingdownfromthethird oortotheentrywouldalwaysbe remembered.Abridewalkingdownthatstaircasewouldbesomethingtoalwaysremember.”

TH ELINKSATOXFORDGREENS

OXFORD

55+ActiveAdultCommunity

NooneunderstandstheimportanceofcommunitylikeDelWebb.AtTheLinksatOxfordGreens, socialcalendarsfillupfastandthepossibilitiesforadventureare endless.OurfulltimeLifestyle Directorplansacalendarfullofeventsforallinterestsandactivitylevels,soyou’resuretomake newfriendsandfeelathome.Doyouhaveapassionyouwanttosharewith others?Startyourown clubwithlikemindedneighbors!Gatherwithfriendsattheclubhouse,swimlapsintheheatedpool orplayaroundofgolfatTheGolfClubatOxfordGreensonlystepsaway.Winddownwithanart classorjoinneighborsforaglassofwine. Yournextgreatadventurestartshere

• StartingfromtheHigh$400’s

• 3SpaciousHomeDesigns 17,000SquareFootClubhouse

• IndoorandOutdoorPools

• 18-holePublicGolfCourse

• GolfandTennisLeagues

• Morethan50ClubsandInterestGroups withPlannedActivities YogaandFitnessClasses

• BallroomandBilliardsRoom

• LandscapingandSnowRemovalIncluded

• 10-YearLimitedStructuralWarranty

Formoreinformation,visitDelWebb.com/TheLinksorcall(203)533-0602. ©2023PulteGroup,Inc.Floorplansareforillustrativepurposesonlyandmaydi erfromtheactualfeaturesandmeasurementsofthecompletedHome.Dimensionsandsquarefootagesareapproximateandvariancesmayoccur duetofieldconditions,finalconstructionplans,constructionvariancesand/orcompliancewithbuildingcodesorothergovernmentalrequirements.Features,options,amenities,floorplans,designs,materialsanddimensions aresubjecttochangewithoutpriornotice.FloorplansarethepropertyofPulteGroup,Inc.anditsa liates.

8LaurelAvenue,MilfordCT

activeshorelinecommunity. Offeredat$1,595,000.ContactArnoldPeck203.314.6790and203.641.2327.

873NORTHSTREET,MILFORDMULTIFAMILY

StatelyTwo-FamilyHouseintheNorth EndofMilford.

Turnkeyready!Beautifulhardwoodfloors thru-outthishome.NEWStainlessAppliances, GraniteinKitchens,LEDlighting,tiled baths,eachunitwithitsownwasher/dryer. Architecturalaccentstobefoundfromthe originalconstruction.Liveononefloor,rent thesecond!EasylivinginMilford,CT.BROKER RELATEDTOOWNER.

Offeredat$1,595,000. ContactArnoldPeck203.314.6790

FAIRFIELD-BLACKROCK

“FAIRFIELDCT”-BlackRockAreaMixed-UseBuildingForSale. GreatforAttorneys,Accounts,Insurance,RealEstate,Office orManagementCo.,Chiropractor,oranyProfessionalUse.

MILFORD

HeritageSoundSpacious3Bdrm Townhouse, largeLRw/fireplace,sliderstoprivate atrium,DR,Eat-inKitchen,onecar garage&CA.Ingroundpool,tennis &apond.WalktoWalnutBeach& Boardwalk.MinutestoHwy,Pkway, Shopping,Hospital,Restaurantsand TrainStation.TownhousebytheSound.

Offeredat$320,000

DavidFrankel203.675.9813.

lotsize,presentzoneallowsforMulti-FamilyUse. MarkGlassman203.314.0605

LOTFORSALE

TwohousesfromBeach! 80X90lotwithAsRightto buildduplexhouses.

343BEACHSTREET#401 WESTHAVEN,CT

Condoat“Oceanside”withdirectviewofthe sound,features,2bedrooms&2fullbaths. Openfloorplan,fullyappliancedkitchen, withgranitecountertops&island.Large livingroomwithagasfireplace,Frenchdoors leadingtoa5.6X17.6balconyoverlooking thesound.Masterbedroomsuitewithafull bath&walkincloset.Complexhasaheated swimmingpool&elevator.2assignedparking spaces.ConvenientlylocatedtoYale,UNH, shopping,park,restaurants&trainstation. Greatopportunitytoownyour dreamcondobytheSound. Offeredat $299,999 DaveFrankel203.675.9813.

Offeredat$495,000 CallArnoldPeck203.314.6790. andshopping.Newermechanicals,roof, hotwaterheater,furnace.. Turnkeyready!LeahFonte203.815.6186.

229BostonNeckRoad|Narragansett,RI

$12,000,0005BD3F1HBA3,509SF12.36A c res Dan&NicoleHarding401.954.1850

2NinigretAvenue|Westerly,RI

$8,500,0008BD5F1HBA5,168SF LoriJoyal401.742.1225

284CarnegieHarborDrive|Portsmouth,RI

$6,900,0005BD6F1HBA12,022TOTALSF AlyceWright401.662.7993

1261NorthMainRoad|Jamestown,RI

$4,695,00017+AcreWaterfrontOpportunity BobBailey401.413.6928

288SpringStreet|BlockIsland,RI

$3,995,0003BD2BA2,044TOTALSF RosemaryTobin401.741.1825

9MonkeyWrenchLane|Bristol,RI

$3,499,0006BD5F1HBA7,256SF PilaPexton401.862.1977

16CentralStreet|Charlestown,RI

$3,200,0004BD4F1HBA3,530SF LoriJoyal401.742.1225

8BeaconHillRoad|Newport,RI

$2,995,0005BD4BA5,922SF AlexandraThursby401.266.9000

101-125KenyonFarmRoad|Narragansett,RI

Startingat$1,950,000PrivateBuildableLots Dan&NicoleHarding401.954.1850

The Fifth Wall

CeilingsasaStatement

Theceiling

REDESIGNINGAROOM?

whenconsideringhowtodesignorredesignaninterior room,certainlyconsiderdetailslike nishes, xtures, furnishingsandtextiles,butdon’tneglecttoconsiderhowtheroom’s ceilingfactorsintoyourvision.Aroom’sceilingcanbeanimportant designelement,anddonewell,itcanbeanawe-inspiringfocalpoint.

RobertBlosioisaRealtorwithWilliamPittSotheby’sInternational Realty.Currently,he’sthelistingagentfor488WestRoadinNew Canaan,ahomewithinteriorroomsrepletewithdistinctivestylethat doesn’tstopwherecrownmoldingsbegin.

“WhenIwalkintoaroom,theceilingandtheceilingheighthelps withapositivesenseofcomfortoranadversefeelingofalienationor claustrophobia,”Blosiosuggested.“Italsohelpssetthe‘tone’and ‘energy’ofeachroom—meaning,thegeneralfeelyougetwhenyou enterthespace.Inthishome,theyde nitelyachievedthat.”

Theeight-bedroommanor,designedinFrenchNormandyarchitecturalstyle,wascustombuiltin2014on4.02acres.“Thehomewas builtbyWadiaAssociatesofNewCanaan,”Blosiosaid.“Theinterior designerwasBrookeAckermanBick,whowaswithRalphLaurenand isnowwithPeterMarino[Architect}outofNewYork.”

Amongthe16,299squarefeetofinteriorspaceareroomswith cofferedandtrayceilings,spacescrownedinthickandintricately detailedmoldings,andrichlytexturedceilingtextiles.

“Eachceilinganddetailofthishomewaspickedoutbythe presentowners,whowereheavilyinvolvedandpassionateaboutthe décor,”Blosioexplained.“Theywantthehometoshowthehighlevel ofdetail,butmakeitfeellikeahomeandnotjustashowpiece.You getthatfeelingwhenyouentereveryroom.”Themainhouseat488 WestRoadiscompletedbysaltwaterpoolandpoolhouse,atennis court,acustom-builttreehouse,andlovelypatiosandterraces.The sellerisasking$7.895millionfortheNewCanaanproperty.

“Ceilings—andtoacertaindegree—ceilingheightsareunique,in thattherearenodistractionsorvisualhindrances,”accordingto AndrewS.Whiteley,wholeadsTeamAFAatWilliamRaveisinSouthport.“Forexample,wallsareoftencoveredorobscuredbyartor furniture,butthepotentialforaceilingtostandaloneandstandout can’tbeunderestimated.Whenyouconsidertheceilingasa fthwall, one’sappreciationforitelevates.Toleaveitplainorunadornedisa missedopportunity,inmyopinion.”

Whiteleyisworkingonbehalfofthehomeownersof30HydeLn., Westport,anantiqueColonialthatdatesbackto1795.Knownas“the JosephHydeHouse,”thepropertyisoneofWestport’smosticonic andhistorichomes,henoted.It’sonthemarketfor$4.2million.

nishintheof ce/ libraryat488WestRoadadds colorandtexturetothespace, whilemeldingwellthewood paneledwallsandbuilt-ins. PhotoprovidedbyWilliamPitt Sotheby’sInternationalRealty.

Thiscofferedceilingat488West RoadinNewCanaanstandsout withcontrastingcolorthatcarries throughtothebuilt-ins.Photo providedbyWilliamPittSotheby’s InternationalRealty.

Thislower-levelbonusspaceat22Brookridge Drive,Greenwich—a ve-bedroomcolonial currentlylistedfor$3.995million could becomethego-toplaceforteens,young adultsandtheirfriendstoplaygames,watch moviesandsportingevents,andenjoysnacks preparedatthewetbar.Photoprovidedby CompassConnecticut.

roomsto

grow

38BruceParkDriveisa5,643-square-foot,four-bedroomhouse,designed byArchitectChrisPagliaro,andbuiltin2022ona0.55-acrelotintheBrucePark Estatesassociation.Ithasabonusroomabovethegarage,whichcouldbeadapted forkids’spacesovertime.DouglasElliman’sJenniferLeahyisthelistingagent fortheproperty,offeredtothemarketfor$4.495million.Photoprovidededby DouglasEllimanRealEstate.

byGretchenA.Peck

Thislargethird-levelbonusroomat22BrookridgeDr.,Greenwich,couldbeadapted overtheyears,perhapsasalargeplayroomforyoungerchildren,andlaterasa mediaroomforteensandyoungadults.PhotoprovidedbyCompassConnecticut.

kidsandtheirfriendscrashduringbreak.Andthen fastforwardtowhenthekidshavetheirownkids, andyetagain,itgets lledwithpack-n-plays,toys andnoise—somanymemories.”

AsaRealtoraccustomedtoworkingwithclients sellingdistinctiveluxury-marketproperties,it’snot usualthatLeahy’slistingsaffordawealthofspace and oor-plan exibility.

whenyouliveinahomelong enough,it’slikelyyou’llredesign theroomsovertime—replacingfurnishingsand fresheningthewallswithnewpaintcolors.But youmayalsofindthattheveryintentionand purposeofaroommaychangebasedonthe phasesofyourownlife.Perhapsyouturneda roomintoahomeofficeduringthepandemic, orreclaimedaspacetoaddanamenity,likea homegymorcraftroom.

Iftherearechildreninthefamily,they’llgrow andmature,too,andthatmaynecessitatere-imaginingsomeoftheinteriorrooms,aswell.

Take,forexample,the ve-bedroomcolonial homeat22BrookridgeDriveinGreenwich.The propertywaspreviouslyfeaturedinGreenwichTime asa“HotProperty.”It’sofferedtothemarketfor $3.995million.JennyAllen,aRealtorwithCompass Connecticut,isthelistingagentfortheproperty.

A5,762-square-foothomethat’sbeenrenovated andupdatedsinceits1900-eradebut.Thefour-levelhouseissituatedon2.42acres,withatwo-car garageandpool.Amongthe oorplansareseveral bonusspaces—oneonthetop oor,andtwoon thelowerlevel—thatcanbeadaptedovertimeas childrengrowandmature.Overtheyears,they mightplaytheroleofplayroom,aplacetohost

APR 2023

partieswithfriends,sleepovers,evolvingintoa teenagehavenforwatchingmoviesandplaying videogames,orthego-toplacefortheircollege-agedfriendstocongregateandplaypingpongorshootpool.

Homebuyersareoftencounseledtopaycareful attentiontowhattheirpracticalandlifestyleneeds aretoday,butbuyersmightalsoconsiderhowthe homewill“grow”andchangewiththeirfamilies overtime.

“Ihavefoundthatoneofthemosttransitional roomsinahouseisthebonusroom,”accordingto JenniferLeahy,wholeadsateamofagentsat DouglasEllimanRealEstate.“It’saplace,whenthe kidsareyoung,thatcanbeaplayroom.It’swhere alltheLEGOs,dolls,crayons,craftsandsupplies live—aplacewherechildrencanplayandmakea messorbenoisy.

“Thentheygetolder.TheLEGOsareout;the couchgetsbigger,asdoestheTVandthegaming systems,”Leahycontinued.“Itbecomesmoreofa hangoutspacewherekidsbringtheirownfriends. Then,thekidsgotocollege,andallofthesudden, itbecomesanotherlivingroomfortheadultsto watchtheirownshowsinquiet.Sometimesitgets turnedintoanof ce,anartstudio,ora exible space.Itmightbecomewhereallthecollege-aged

“Mylistingat38BruceParkDrivehasan incrediblebonusroomabovethegarage,”Leahy noted.“It’sabrightandsunnyspaceonthesecond oor,awayfromthebedrooms.Thereisanalcove, whichcouldbeusedasareadingnookorhomeworkstation,andclosetsforstorage.Everyonewho looksatithasadifferentideaofhowtheywould useit.Mostlikeitasaplayroom;otherswilluseit asa tnessroom,of ce,mediaroom,orgame room.Thereisaccesstoabathroomnearby,which alsomakesitgreatforakid’sbunkroom,ora bedroomforover owguests.Thisroomserves manypurposesforeveryone.”

38BruceParkDriveisa5,643-square-foot, four-bedroomhouse,designedbyArchitectChris Pagliaro,andbuiltin2022ona0.55-acrelotinthe BruceParkEstatesassociation.

“Askidsleave,notonlybonusroomschange, butsocanbedrooms,”Leahysaid.“Myoldestson leavesforcollegenextyear,andalthoughhisroom willbeempty,itwillalwaysbeasafeandfamiliar placeforhimtoreturn.I’msureIwillshedmany tearswalkingpasthisdoor.Ifthereisabedroomfor them,youalwayshopetheywillcomebackand keepcomingnomatterhowoldtheyare,andno matterhowmanyoftheirownchildrentheyhave. Maybeit’sanaspirationalthought,butIjustwon’t letgo!”

Coverphotocredit:AdobeStock Foradvertisinginformation,call203-330-6238. 301Merritt7,Floor1Norwalk,CT06851

©2023HearstConnecticutMediaGroup

AshleySanderson SpecialSectionsDesigner

WHENBUYINGAHOME,CONSIDER HOWINTERIORSPACESMAYBE ADAPTEDOVERTIMEASAFAMILY’S NEEDSCHANGE

A cup of tea can be the best solution for everyday wellness

women to prevent morning sickness during pregnancy. Like turmeric it also has anti-inflammatory properties and can be helpful in reducing pain caused by osteoarthritis and menstruation.

3) Another popular spice is cinnamon, which is known for its healthy antioxidant properties and delicious sweet taste. It may help to reduce inflammation and be heart healthy. It may also be helpful in regulating blood sugar levels within the body, and even have some protective e ect against developing colds.

4) Chamomile is a flower that has historically been associated with relaxation and calming. Many di erent cultures have used it alongside lavender as a soothing beverage to enjoy before bedtime.

antioxidant compounds. Studies with this phenomenal beverage are linked to many areas of health and wellness. It’s no wonder that tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. People drink tea proudly knowing they are not only enjoying something delicious, but also giving their well-being a boost.

(BPT) - Before medicine and pharmaceuticals filled our remedy box, food and food ingredients were considered healing agents. Hippocrates was wise in his understanding of the special powers of food, beyond satisfying our appetites: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” There are many cultures that rely on herbal remedies and natural foods for everything

from soothing an upset stomach to lifting our spirits when we’re down, to calming jittery nerves and even fending o colds and flu. Many of the best cosmetics tout ingredients to smooth skin, prevent aging, block the sun, reduce inflammation and minimize pu ness. There are four common herbs that have been used by many cultures and that are found in many of our kitchens.

1) Turmeric is a commonly used ingredient in Ayurvedic practices. In Hindu, the bright yellow color of turmeric is associated with the sun. In India, turmeric is used in wedding and religious ceremonies and is thought to bring good fortune. Not only is it said to brighten our spirits, but it has also been found to have some anti-inflammatory properties, which are healing for the body

2) Ginger, a relatively inexpensive and easy-tofind root, is considered a very healthful spice in the same family as turmeric. It is rich in many healthy components and has a strong aroma caused by the compound gingerol. Ginger has a long history of use in traditional and alternative medicine. It is most commonly used to soothe a stomach ache and combat nausea, and is frequently used by

Many of these ingredients can be found in our pantries, and including them in our diets is as simple as incorporating them into recipes or brewing up a delicious cup of tea. Herbal teas are a delicious and probably the easiest way to introduce these ingredients into our daily lives. Sipping tea throughout the day provides a natural break. Many tea drinkers proudly sport their mugs to stay hydrated, refreshed and alert.

Tea itself (from the plant Camellia sinensis) contains many healthy compounds such as polyphenols, which are great

Bigelow Tea has long understood the art of blending top-quality ingredients in their teas and has recently introduced a new line called Bigelow Benefits, which takes the concept of herbal tea one step further by carefully crafting a tea bag with an enticing mix of beneficial herbs, flowers and fruits that supports your daily health. The flavorful combinations include Cinnamon & Blackberry, Peach & Ginger, Chamomile & Lavender and Turmeric Chili Matcha to name a few.

Designed to add everyday value to a regular healthy lifestyle, each contains ingredients that are commonly thought to help safely support and enhance life’s everyday moments and bring the wellness benefits of ancient civilizations to your teacup. For more information about Bigelow Benefits, visit bigelowtea. com/benefits.

So next time you are looking to have a more healthful lifestyle, or just a good night’s sleep, look no further than your tea cup.

EXPERTTIPSFOR

GARDENING

WHATTOPLANT,WHENTOPLANT, ANDHOWTOWATERYOURWAYTOA GORGEOUSGARDENTHISSEASON

whetheryou’reanavidgardener,orarethinkingabout plantingagardenforthe rsttime,it’salwayshelpful tohavesomeexpertadviceheadingintothespringplanting season.MaggieBridgeispartnerandmanagerofsalesmarketing forSamBridgeNursery&GreenhousesinGreenwich,Connecticut.She’salsothepastpresidentoftheConnecticutNursery& LandscapeAssociation,andinearlyApril,shetooktimeoutto sharesomeguidanceaboutspringtimegardening,includingwhen toplant;whattoconsiderplanting;andhowbesttomanagesoil preparationandwatering.

“Contrarytocommonmisconceptions,plantingscangenerally bedoneanytimethegroundisnotfrozen,”Bridgeexplained. “Nowisanidealtimetoplantmanyhardytrees,shrubs,perennials,groundcoversandcool-seasonannuals.”

Whenaddinglandscapingelementstoyouryardandgarden beds,considerhowtointroducecolor,texture,nativeplants,and thosethatwillattractpollinators.

“Ifyouareplantingspringcolorincontainersorgardenbeds, watchnighttemps.Covertender owersandbudswithanold sheetorfrostblanketiftempsdipbelowfreezing.Samethingsgo forlettucesandcool-seasonveggiecrops,”Bridgenoted.

Speakingofvegetablegardens,it’snottooearlyintheseason tosow.

“Nowistheperfecttimetogetthatveggiegardengoing,”she said.“Cool-seasoncrops,likelettuces,Swisschard,spinach, kales,andmorearereadynow.Ifyoulikepeas,nowisthetime; don’twait.Theydonotfarewellintheheat. >>

“Youreyesand ngertipsarethebesttoolsyouhavewhenitcomesto watering.”—MaggieBridge;Photocontributed.

I’msoexcitedabout apinkpussywillowwe foundthiswinter.

>> “May15isthelastfrostdateforour area,sothatisthegeneralsafedatefor warmcrops,liketomatoes,cucumbers, peppers,eggplants,squashandmore.It doesnotpaytopushthesecropsearly,”she warned.“Theywillstuntandwillnotproduce.Soilprepcanbedoneanytimeprior toplanting.Ialwaysrecommenda2-to-1 soil-to-compostratio.Anyorganicmatter youcanaddtothesoilisagoodthing.”

“Alwaysaddcomposttoyourplantings, unlessyouhavealreadyrichsoilorthearea hasrecentlybeenplanted,”Bridgeadded. “Fertilizerswilldependonthetypeofplants youareinstalling.”

Ifyou’refeelinguncertainaboutwhatto plantthisspring,Bridgeofferedsome suggestions:“Iloveazaleasandrhododendronforbrightcolorinthelandscapeduring thespringseason.Theyareoftenunderestimatedandwrittenoffasold-fashioned,but newhybridshaveproducedsomewonderfullycolorfulplantswithabundantblooms. Otheroptionsarecoralbarkmaples,with stunningredstems;yellowandpinkmagnolias;dogwoods,pinkandblackpussywillow; blackmondograss;hellebores,spring bulbs—plantedinthefallorwith nished plantsinthespring—forsythia,pansies, ranunculus,andmore,lotsmore!”

BridgeandtheteamatSamBridge carefullyselecteachseason’snewofferings. Askedwhat’snewandexcitingthisspring, shesaid,“Rightnow,I’msoexcitedabouta pinkpussywillowwefoundthiswinter.The varietyis‘MountAso.’It’ssounexpected andstunning.Ialsoloveournewpottery selections.Wehavethebiggestandbest selectionwe’veeverhad.”

Besidessunlightandsoilnutrients,irrigationiscriticaltoagarden’sseasonalsuccess.

“Besuretowateranythingthatisnewly planted—atleastagoodsoakingoncea week,or1-inchofmeasurablerainfallinone week—fortreesandshrubs,andasneeded forperennialsandannuals.Potsneedwater

alittlemoreoftenandwilldependon weather,”Bridgeadvised.

“Youreyesandfingertipsarethebest toolsyouhavewhenitcomestowatering,” shesaid.“Lookatyourplants;lookatthe soil.Aretheydrooping?Isthesoillightly colored?Isthesoildrytothetouch?Isit dryifyoudigdownalittle?Goaheadand water.Ifit’salreadydamp,wait.Always checkthesoil.

“Someplants,likehydrangeas,willwilton veryhotdays,evenwhenwet,toconserve energy.Asagoodruleofthumb,untilnew plantingsareestablished—typicallyoneto threeyears—youwillneedtowaterwhen thegroundisnotfrozen,”sheadded, offeringthefollowinghandyguide:

TreesandShrubs: Treesandshrubberies requireadeepsoakingonceaweek.Ifit

rains1-inchormoreinaweek,skip watering.Adeepsoakingisturningyour hoseonaslow owfor20minutes.

Sprinklersthatturnonfor veto15 minutesadaydonotdothetrick.That promotesashallowrootsystemanda recipefordry,crispyplants.

Perennials: Wateryourperennialsthree to vetimesaweek,dependingonthe weather,especiallyheatandwind.

Annuals: Waterannualplantingsthreeto seventimesweekly,dependingon weather.Thesmalleryourpotorbasket, themorewateringyouwillneed.

“Fewer,deeperwateringswillencourageastrongrootsystem,”shenoted. Bridgealsorecommendedgardenersleverageoneparticulartool:“Dripirrigationis yourbestfriend.”

MaggieBridge,partnerandmanagerofsalesandmarketingatSamBridgeNurseryandGreenhouses, explainedhowcriticalirrigationis owerandvegetablegardens.Sherecommendedadeep,soakingwatering schedule—ratherthanmorefrequentandsuper cialwaterings—forplants,shrubsandtrees.“Fewer,deeper wateringswillencourageastrongrootsystem,”shesaid.Photocontributed.

“Whatisuniqueat30HydeLaneisthatthearchitectusedsomeof theoriginal1700s oorboardsandwoodbeamsfromtheoldhouseand repurposedthemthroughouttheaddition,mostnotablyontheceiling inthefamilyroomoffthekitchen.Theantiqueanddistressedwood helpsunifytheoverallcharmandatmosphereoftheentirehouse.”

“Gorgeousceilingheightscanbedramaticandcreatea‘wow factor’inaroom,”RealtorKarenScott,partneroftheKMSTeamat CompassConnecticut.“Whenone nishestheceilingswithshiplap, wallpaper,fabricsorotherdesignaccessories,thatbecomesthefocal point.The nishescancreateacozyandwarmvibe,awhimsicalor funfeeling,orde neadistinctivestyleforthehome.Theoptionsare endlessandbecomingmoreandmorepopular.”

There’sastunnerofagreatroomatScott’slistingat11OverRock LaneinWestport.Ithasacathedralceiling—beamedandanchored bya eldstone replaceatoneend.Theroomhasseveralexposures, withFrenchdoorsopeningtoaterrace,outdoor replaceandpool. Thepropertycomprisesasix-bedroom2004-builtclassiccolonial, withathree-cargarage,thepool,sauna,homegymandhome theater,situatedona1.40-acrelot.It’slistedfor$5.2million.

“Often,Ifeellikefurniture, ooring,accessoriesandrugstaketheir cuefroma‘wow’ceiling,”JaclynPicarilloremarked.She’saRealtor withHigginsGroupPrivateBrokerage,withof cesinWestport, Fair eldandSouthport.

“Theheightofceilings,theembellishments—orlackofembellishments—onaceilingcansettheentiremoodofaroomand,quite honestly,fortheentirehome,”Picarillosaid.“Ceilingheighttendsto beakeydecidingfactorwhenIshowclientsahometobuy.

“Whenahomehaslowerceilings,Ioftengetfeedbackthatthe housefeels‘claustrophobic.’Whenceilingsaresoaringorvaulted throughout,clientsoftengivefeedbackthatthehousefeelscavernousorcold.Thesenegativereactionscanquicklybeturnedtoa100% positivewiththerightceilingaccents:beams,exposedorboxed; generouslystackedmoldingdetails;afabuloustrussstructure;fullor partialpaneling;therightpaintcoloror nish,wallpaper,oracombinationofthese.”

50SylvanRd.,N.Westport,isoneofPicarillo’sactivelistings.This elegantstonemanor,builtinthe1920s,presidesover3acresinthe OldHillEstateneighborhood.Thenine-bedroomhomeaffordsnearly 11,000squarefeetoflivingspace,nine replaces,custommillwork, severalhomeof ceoptions,andalonglistofamenities.There’sa heatedpoolandapoolcabanawithakitchenette,changingrooms,a fullbathandlaundry.Thetenniscourt—recentlyresurfaced—issided byaviewingpartyhut.Theaskingpriceis$4.375million.

“Thebeamsinthelivingroomarereclaimedandinadarkerhue thatbringsalittledramaanddepthtothecreamywallcolor,”the

listingagentexplained.“Theyhelpspotlightthehand-carvedwood banisterand replacemantle.Thediningroombeamsarepainted andaddasophisticated,moreformalelementtotheroom,which worksinunisonwiththewallpanelingandbrick ooring.Inthenewer sectionofthehouse,thereisabreezewayandbigrecroom,with vaultedceilingstowhichtheowneraddedatrussandceilingpaneling.Itnicelyties-inthesefunspacesnearthepoolandtenniscourt.”

“IloveitwhenIwalkintoahouseandaceilingre ectstheowner’s ordesigner’spersonality,”Picarillosaid.“Youcanseethattheydared tobedifferent,orleanedintoclassic,livelyormoody.Thoughtfully placedrecessedorcovelighting,astatementchandelierorknock-out pendantsandsconcesarethe nalappointmentsthatIthinkmakea roomandahomemostmemorableandstandoutfromtherest.”

Beautifulceilingembellishmentsarejustoneofthemanycompellingattributes to50SylvanRoad,N.inWestport,currentlyofferedtothemarketfor$4.375 million.Thenine-bedroomstonemanorwasbuiltin1920andtoday,affords luxuryday-to-dayliving,awork-from-homeopportunity,anddecadentamenities. Theseller’sagentisJaclynPicarillo,aRealtorwithHigginsGroupPrivate BrokerageinWestport.PhotoprovidedbyHigginsGroupPrivateBrokerage.