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HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

Buying A Piece Of History Life In A 1763 Home

Dare To Be Different? Marzis’s The Place For You

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Dare to be different? Marzis’s the place for you by Robin E. Glowa Dreaming of traveling to foreign lands for a spectacular shopping adventure? Perhaps the Middle East or Peru, Columbia or Mexico? Are you yearning to visit quirky little secret spots or exotic bazaars, where you could buy amazing, one-of-a-kind, unusual treasures from around the world to dress up your home? You need travel no further than Seymour to find fantastic furniture, fascinating accessories, lighting and objets d’art that will add a deeply personal cachet to your space. Owner Marianne Peloquin has brought her love of highly distinctive home embellishments to her first shop — Marzis in Seymour. In retail for many years, Marianne settled on Seymour with its quaint streets and array of businesses “owned by real people, not corporate giants. I think this is a more personal destination for shoppers,” says Marianne. “I believe in buying what you love,” she says. “I like a mixture of old and new, and I also like recycled pieces. By using a natural approach with recycled materials, you achieve an instant piece of history, using the old to create something new.” Marianne has made Marzis into an intimate and inviting place to explore. Soft light from gorgeous handmade lamps reflects off the rich persimmoncolored walls and warm wood floors. A large cowhide rug stretches out on the floor, and there are brilliant splashes of color throughout — in giant glass vases and other vessels in bright orange, sassy yellow and vibrant blue.

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Marzi’s is an inviting shop to explore, ﬁlled with the sights and scents of an exotic multicultural bazaar. It’s a hub for home fashion and a source of distinctive gifts. It’s a mixture of old, new and recycled items, such as handcrafted furniture, chandeliers, jewelry, pillows, pottery, and glassware. — Wayne Ratzenberger photos

“The store has been very well received,” says Marianne. “It’s a unique shop with a little bit of the unexpected. You will find a broad range of items here from armoires and framed art, chandeliers to costume jewelry, with a price range for everybody. Shoppers often come looking for something specific, whether it be architectural pieces, lighting, furniture, or accessories. There is a real mixture of antique, vintage and new.”

Marianne. “I appreciate the care and pride that goes into their work. I also love the eco-conscious stream that’s created by using reclaimed and reused materials.”

Those looking for distinctive furniture will delight in the rustic yet elegant coffee and dining tables, beautifully carved chairs upholstered in animal hide or intricately patterned fabrics and end tables fashioned from antique and reclaimed wood. “Most of the furniture I carry is handcrafted,” she says. “These pieces make excellent investments that will last. But they’re also so sturdy and well-made, they are really kid-friendly and will stand up to wear and tear.”

The perfect accessory can bring a room to the pinnacle of perfection. Marzis offers incredible one-of-a-kind pillows. Leather pillows studded with metal coins evoke gypsy tambourines, lush animal hides and fur are ever so soft, and perhaps the most beautiful pillow of all time — a rich brown silk stunner encrusted with thousands of tiny chunks of amber. It’s an amazing work of art to which Marianne responds, “Isn’t it great? I just had to have it here!”

“It’s fun to mix things up,” Marianne says. “You can pair one of these classic, clean-lined tables with a funky handmade lamp from Mexico for a great eclectic look. I also carry stunning hand-hammered copper and wood furnishings from Mexico, such as the coffee tables and china cabinets. These pieces are made using very thick reclaimed copper, which is finished with a seven-coat acid wash, resulting in a beautiful red-and-black-flecked finish.

Marzis is not only a hub for home fashion but a great source of distinctive gifts as well. Brides may register here for pottery dishes glazed in tones of burnt umber, grass green or milky cream to pair with handsome brown glass goblets.

“I try to deal with mostly family-owned companies. I like talking and dealing directly with the owners,” says

Or a breathtaking cocktail set from the House of Faberge would be a monumental wedding gift. The set is housed in a regal-blue velvet box. Inside, cut-crystal lavendertinged cocktail glasses and a crystal shaker lie nestled on a bed of gleaming white satin.

Brides may purchase lovely gifts for attendants, too. There is a large selection of jewelry, much of which is handmade by local artisans. The unique offerings include long silver chains embellished with blue quartz, moonstone, abalone, brown pearls, fresh water pearls, and charms, as well as big chunky pieces fit for a Roman goddess. From large pendants fashioned from such earth gems as Brazilian calcite, raw iolite or fluorite to delicate drop earrings, the perfect bauble may be found at Marzis. There are enticing gift items tucked into nooks and crannies everywhere in the store. A Black Forest soy candle set would be an excellent choice for a favorite fellow. The black candles are deliciously scented with a blend of Douglas fir and ebony with a subtle hint of black currant. Marzis also has a full line of Archipelago candles in such yummy scents as blackberry sage, lavender spice, wasabi mint, rhubarb vanilla, and lemon eucalyptus. French bath salts, body cremes, lotions, and lip balms are available in an array of flavors and scents. For fabulous finds for the body and home, make Marzis your next destination. Stop by the store on Sunday, March 1, for a special first anniversary celebration. Marzis at 16 Bank Street, Seymour, 203-888-7660, is open seven days a week from 10 to 5.

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Buying a piece of history by Joanne Greco Rochman When Gordon Michael Williams and wife Lina moved into their historic home on Main Street in Newtown, they knew they made the right decision. While some people might be inclined to step away from a house that dates to 1763, it was a move that the Williamses welcomed. Considering that Gordon moved from California to Connecticut to teach history at Trumbull High School, which he did for 32 years, the move into the history-filled house was not surprising. What is so telling, is that on the first night in their vintage home, as Lina sat in the

Life in a 1763 home den in her favorite comfortable chair in front of the fireplace (one of eight), she turned to her husband and said, “This feels right. This feels like home.” And so it has been since 1990. The Williamses live in the house that is known as the Caleb Baldwin House. Not only

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Living in such a history-drenched property, Lina said she often connects historical facts and events by connecting them to her home. For instance, if she reads that Chopin presented “Polonaise” for pianoforte in 1818 to the moth-

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is the house vintage, but it is on the National Register of Historical Places. It’s filled with wonderful stories, ranging from the time it provided a night’s rest for one of French General Rochambeau’s soldiers to its days as an inn. The French army encamped in Newtown in 1781 on its way to the siege of Yorktown, Va., which essentially ended the Revolutionary War. As an inn, it was a popular place in the 1700s, where the locals would gather for a tankard of ale.

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er of the Czar, Lina would think, “Oh my, people had been living in my house for 55 years by then.” Throughout these more than 240 years, there have been only five families who owned this charming house. “I feel as though we’re its caretakers,” explained Gordon, adding that they almost didn’t get the house. “All of the previous owners had last names that began with the letter ‘B.’ Mrs. Behre wasn’t sure if she was doing right by selling it to us — the Williamses,” he said with a laugh. Obviously, the property has been in good hands. Although the Williams have replaced the roof on the barn, renovated the kitchen and replaced old wiring, the house was in good condition when they bought it. What is still intact, perhaps more than ever, is the charm and warmth of the house. You feel it as soon as you enter the magnificent front door, which quite likely dates to 1763. The Williamses have done their research and know that originally the house was a saltbox; it is now a colonial. They also learned that the roof-line has changed some, as well as the side porch. They believe that Caleb Baldwin, the first owner, bought the property even earlier than 1763. The barn, which stands proudly on the property, had once been home to horses. “The stalls are still there,” said Lina. As for the house, Lina said that she and her husband always loved old houses. “We love the irregular floor plans. Some homes, you walk in them for the first time and you know where you’re going to find the living room, den, dining room ... but not in an old home like this. Builders had so many layouts, with different doorways leading to unexpected hallways and cozy rooms,” explained the lady of the house. “We love that the cornices don’t match, that doors are at different heights, that there’s a trap door in the attic and that the floors creak.” This old house was home to Lieutenant Caleb Baldwin, who served in the Revolutionary War. The Williamses’ living room was once a tap room, and their dining room was once a parlor, where people

The Caleb Baldwin House once provided shelter for one of General Rochambeau’s soldiers, who was on his way to the siege of Yorktown, Va., in 1781. — Pierre Rochman photos

would gather and discuss issues of the day. One of the Mrs. Caleb Baldwins started the first lending library from this house. She then deeded to the town the house next door and donated 100 books. That was the start of Newtown’s public library. Joining the couple in the den during a relaxing weekend or entering the room when Lina’s book group is discussing the latest bestsellers, a welcoming warmth seizes you and its charm is such that you don’t want to leave. The fireplace in this room, once the kitchen, includes an adjacent beehive brick oven, which was perfect for baking bread. The main fireplace in the room still has a crane- on which Lina likes to hang a pot of mulling cider on a cold winter’s day. Because the house is on the historic Main Street, the Williamses have faithfully maintained its original appearance.

who couldn’t resist including it in one of his oil paintings. A friend saw the painting at an art fair and alerted the couple. It now hangs in their sunny dining room. As Toby, a proud, plump cat struts about and claims the sunniest spots as his own, Gordon shares what it’s really like to live in a home with so much history. “Between

FEBRUARY 2009

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April and October — at 5 p.m. — I’ll habitually take my drink and my book outdoors. I look at the house and the garden, and I know that this house is as much a part of us as we are of it. I’ve had some true emotional experiences here.”

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Home sweet home

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THE I JEWELRY I BOX ■

Protecting your jewelry

Create a niche of tranquility

by Joe Brandt Q: I keep hearing about homes being robbed and people losing their jewelry. How can I protect myself from that happening? Should I get a burglar alarm system? Buy a safe? A: Never leave your fine jewelry in an obvious place, such as in a jewelry box on your dresser or “hidden” in the top drawer. Find a convenient place to stash any jewelry you’re not wearing, and do so on a daily basis. (In the event of a burglary, jewelry is often the primary target.) An old suitcase in the back of a closet may do nicely, or a hollowedout book on a shelf or nightstand. Try to use your imagination, but avoid the medicine cabinet, and under no circumstances use the cookie jar! And by the way, alarm systems are not a sure bet. They often rely on an audible external speaker (wires can be cut) or police response, but by the time the police arrive, it can be too late. Most small safes (unless professionally installed) aren’t worth the money, because they can be picked up and carried away! Q: I’m always worried whenever workmen have been in the house, even though nothing has ever been taken. Am I being unnecessarily concerned?

Create a hideaway where you can retreat from everyday cares for a mini vacation.

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Gary Morrison ��

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Choose a staycation date and focus on a few areas to transform into an oasis. The bedroom and a corner getaway are easy upgrades. In my bedroom, I purchased new bed linens and worked with the creative staff at Tigerlilys

A: Not in the least. Many times, thefts are the result of someone observing something of value on an earlier visit, and an accomplice (who will pay a visit once there’s nobody home) is tipped off about the location. This could be from any number of sources, not just workmen: delivery people, telephone repair technicians, even friends of your teenager. Jewelry that is not being worn should always be hidden from sight. If you get into the habit of doing that, you’ll never be sorry.

Questions or Comments Questions regarding jewelry may be sent to Joe Now that’s a vacation. Even if it’s just a few steps away! Brandt at JLBCO@hotmail.com. Because of space �� limitations, we will be able to publish answers to only Samantha Knapp is creative director at La Maisonnette in a few questions, although every effort will be made to �� Cos Cob, 239 East Putnam Avenue; 203-629-6512; fax 203�� respond privately to all reasonable inquiries. (Names 629-3271; e-mail samanthaknapp@yahoo.com; Web lamai- �� will never be used in any published questions.) Please sonnettestore.com. �� use the word “Jewelry” in the subject line.

Sa y A it W Cl ith os �� e ��t

There is a reason we want to go away, and by identifying those little pleasures, you can begin to create the same feeling at home. Is it serenity and tranquility that a new location brings? Is it an inviting bedroom with luxurious linens that hug you long past daybreak? Or is it experiencing cultures and traditions of someplace new?

In a cluttered office space, den or enclosed patio, carve out a getaway niche — splurge on a cleaning service to help (Merry Maids offers a range of services and prices). Surround yourself with a collection of books or magazines, an entertainment system to watch new releases and a small fridge for refreshing treats.

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Economic conditions have put the brakes on thousands of vacations nationwide, including my own. With the car parked in the driveway, it is the right time to embark on a tour round your home.

in Greenwich to create two Euro shams in indigo Java fabric (batik-style) by Manuel Canovas. The soft linen fabric adds a hint of Parisian art and the blue sea. Candles, New York Times bestsellers and a water pitcher on my bed stand take me away.

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by Samantha Knapp

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HOME I OF THE I MONTH ■

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U T S TA N D I N G

Value

LOCATION: This Trumbull colonial-style home on three levels is notable for its spaciousness and diversity of use. PROPERTY: An attractively landscaped acre has parklike grounds that offer the privacy of unspoiled woodlands and a pool with patio trimmed with perennials. HOUSE: Built in 1966, this house has been updated and offers a host of amenities. On the main level is a foyer, a living room with marble fireplace, a formal dining room, a gourmet kitchen with dining area, a family room with brick fireplace, a half bath, and a screened-in porch. On the upper level is a master suite with built-in storage and lavish bath. There are three more bedrooms and a full bath. A second entrance and staircase leads to two offices, a kitchenette, a storage room, and a half bath. The lower level has a family room with fireplace and a built-in bar and fish tank , a laundry area, a playroom/guest room, lots of storage, and a full bath. OUTBUILDINGS: A gazebo and shed. GARAGE: Two-car attached. PRICE: $669,900. REALTY: Prudential CT. Agent: Joan Hainsworth, 203-2612260. Photography: Wayne Ratzenberger.

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