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HOME May 2009

New Canaan Kitchen Tour Cornering The Market On Freshness, Friendliness

Bloominghill Springs Forth With Outstanding Collections

Decorating With Antiques How To On A Budget

Home of the Month A New Canaan Classic New Canaan

The Darien Times The Ridgefield Press The Weston Forum The Lewisboro Ledger

Bryan Haeffele photo

Greenwich Post New Canaan Advertiser The Wilton Bulletin The Redding Pilot

Vol. XIII, Number 5

A Hersam Acorn Special Section

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

May 2009

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May 2009

HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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INTO I THE I GARDEN ■

Trail to beauty and knowledge by Donna Clark

Donna Clark

I have news of a new trail system this spring for Connecticut, which already has hiking trails, bike trails and a successful wine trail. The Connecticut Garden & Landscape Trail will have hundreds of gardenintensive destinations, most of which are free and can be found within a few hour’s drive. You can find a listing of special events and trail venues on the Web site, ctgardentrail.com. Yes, there are a large number of greenhouse and nurseries on the list, but remember, they have stunning display gardens that reward the senses and give you new ideas for your home. There are nurseries that specialize in native plants, trees and shrubs, water gardens, almost any kind of garden you can think up.

Mild but tasty and easy to grow, pac choi is a good choice for stir fries.

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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There are many public gardens on the list that you can tie in to your trip – sorry, you’ll have to find the restaurants on your own. One of the garden centers on the list is the Garden of Ideas, just down the road from me in Ridgefield. Last week I was driving past it on one of my many trips to the vet in Danbury (sick dog), and I remembered they have a cooler with fresh vegetables for sale. There was baby arugula, spinach and scallions nicely packaged and reasonably priced. I rinsed the baby spinach for dinner that evening and started eating it raw as it sat on the counter. I haven’t tasted anything so flavorful in a long time. In comparison, organic spinach at the store has no taste. Visit the Web site for hours and tour times at gardenofideas.com, or call 203-431-9914. Now that I have tempted you again, you need to start buying from a local grower or grow your own produce. Even if what you buy at the grocery is organic, it is usually pretty old by the time it gets to you. As I am writing this, we have had only one meal of asparagus this spring, but with the recent temps in the 80’s, the asparagus crop will begin. I removed the cover from the lettuce and harvested two baby pac choi for dinner. Delicious. I also thinned the turnips, radishes, kohlrabi, and spinach. When you look at that little package of spinach or clump of seven turnips and wonder why they cost so much, I know the answer – it is a lot of crawling along thinning those plants. I use the pac choi in a stir fry with beef, mushrooms, and the usual garlic, ginger root, chicken broth, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. The cookbook I reach for

PEACEABLE FARMS “Your Stage... Our Stars!”

when I am going to stir fry is Betty Crocker’s Chinese Cookbook, recipes by Leeann Chin, Random House, 1981. I have no idea if it is still in print, but it is the best. The annuals will be delivered this week, so I hope the weather will have decided what it’s doing. We were able to buy the new Totally Tempted Cuphea from Proven Winners, and look forward to using it in garden borders and containers. This variety is very compact with burgundy-red blooms and a well-branched habit. I hope it lives up to the advertisements, and, of course, I’ll let you know. We also have been pleased to get Heliopsis ‘Tuscan Sun,’ a daisy with rich yellow petals surrounding a vibrant orange eye. It’s a perennial that grows 16 to 20 inches tall. We will try it in some of our larger containers and also in the borders. This plant has had a lot of advertising, and I’m anxious to see if it will stand the test of our gardens. We have a new garden this year that has all the ingredients to make it a success: fenced, flat ground, sprinkler system, and an appreciative owner. This is a remake of a garden designed by a landscape architect. The shape is wonderful, but the choice of plants is awful. I have heard there are so many college courses in landscape architecture that ones on perennials and annuals are low on the list. My suggestion to you is to see a garden the architect has designed before signing on. See Into the Garden page 26

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NEW CANAAN KITCHEN TOUR

Inspiration awaits in distinctive designs by Michele Davis

Contributed photo

Traditional styling mixed with rustic design create a comfortable, relaxing space.

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On Thursday, May 14, eight generous New Canaan homeowners will open their doors to give tour-goers a view of the best in current kitchen design and innovation. The homes vary greatly in size and style but share a commitment to uncompromising quality and state-of-the-art design. This year visitors will see not only beautiful kitchens but also magnificent decorating throughout these fine homes. The tour begins with a complimentary breakfast for ticket holders. From 9 to 10 at Waveny House, Le Pain Quotidien will serve fresh coffee and delicious pastries as tour-goers visit with friends, coordinate carpooling and plan their route for the day. Cars may be parked at Waveny all day, free of charge. From there, visitors are free to view the homes in any order they choose. Each home is a must-see, offering a distinct and interesting experience. Set on a ridge in one of New Canaan’s oldest estate areas, a magnificent shingleand-stone residence, built by Country Club Homes, makes a grand impression.

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

May 2009

ate a comfortable, relaxing space. For example, the island topped with Calcutta marble is paired with a raised buffet of knotty alder, and a custom hutch, painted in a slightly distressed blue-green, offsets classic-white cabinetry with beaded insets. The result is elegance balanced with comfort. A sprawling New England farmhouse, built by Imian Properties, sits on historic property. Outside, a wraparound porch invites visitors to enjoy panoramic views, while inside a front-toback hallway sets the stage for luxurious rooms with modern amenities, including a library with maple paneling and coffered ceiling. A spacious kitchen is timeless in design with an impressive island topped with Calcutta Gold marble adjacent to a rich end-grain walnut. Off the kitchen, a soaring two-story family room has second-floor balconies. It’s a New England farmhouse reinterpreted for today’s living. The original 1930’s structures on the next site were so charming that instead of razing them, M. Pires Construction chose to salvage and renovate. The new home of stone and clapboard has a large, open floor plan and includes a guest wing. Past a spacious family room with stone fireplace, a cus-

Contributed photo

Inside, a front-to-back hallway displays such collections as antique weathervanes and children’s sleds, which personalize this spacious home. Yet, it is the bold and playful decorating in the kitchen that truly set the tone. Red lava-stone counters are striking, as is the ceiling of red-and-white-gingham, and the large-scale, blue-and-white-check flooring with whimsical renderings of fruit. The next home, a traditional colonial, sits at the end of a long private drive, and features an extensive renovation by Brooks and Falotico Associates. The goal was to have a truly beautiful home that could also handle the day-to-day demands of a large, active family. To that end, a separate breakfast room was designed rather than an eat-in kitchen, allowing for pretty décor with comfortable furnishings. A butler’s pantry, food pantry, office, and two mudrooms have been cleverly incorporated to meet functional requirements and storage needs while maintaining a lovely appearance. In-town living is the popular trend, and it’s the location of a New England-style residence by Country Club Homes. A limited footprint required thoughtful design to create a surprisingly spacious home. An elegant hallway leads past formal rooms to the large, inviting kitchen. Traditional styling mixed with rustic design cre-

Classic elegance is a hallmark of this kitchen, in the simplicity and beauty of the custom cabinetry.

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RACKING I ONE’S I BRAIN ■

Communal sound: music vets, novices rock into open mic night by Tim Murphy They aren’t dressed like rock stars. Instead of tight leather pants, there are khakis pulled a tad too high and belts with cell phones attached. A guy playing harmonica is wearing a retro Fillmore East T-shirt, but with his short graying hair and glasses he looks more like a tax preparer than a former member of Humble Pie or the Allman Brothers. Then again, there is an appropriate reason for the lack of flash: None of these people is actually a rock star. The stage they are playing on is a foot high and roughly eight feet wide and 12 feet deep. A reduced drum set is nestled in a back corner; guitarists must be careful not to

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knock over the tiny amps right behind their legs; an organist plays his Hammond XK-3 while standing in front of the stage. To his right, a saxophonist and a trumpet player make room for a patron to squeeze between them on the way to the bathroom. Quarters are so tight that it wouldn’t take a premeditated Whostyle outburst to wipe out equipment – one musician tripping over a wire would do the trick. And there are plenty of stray wires. In lieu of a light show, there is a small oval sign hanging behind the stage that says Georgetown Saloon. That’s not the name of the band, but rather the name of the venue – a longstanding western-themed bar/restaurant off Route 7, at the junction of Routes 107 and 57 in Georgetown. Many people who visit the Saloon for the first time have a similar reaction: They can’t believe they are still in Fairfield County. It’s no biker bar, but the general appearance (lots of wood and little fuss) suggests a departure from the urban sleek-chic look de rigeur at watering holes throughout the area. The Saloon’s crowd is a mix of blue-collar workers and corporate types dressing down for the night. There’s not a pretentious fiber in the creaky floorboards, although the

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

May 2009

average income of the clientele is certainly well above the national average. Still, there is something undeniably refreshing about the place. Twice a week, the Saloon is host to open mic nights. On Tuesdays, an acoustic version, and on Thursdays, an electric counterpart. Both sessions have a house band, insuring that musicians who come alone will have people to perform with. On a recent Thursday, the solo guests included several guitar players, a bass player, the saxophonist and trumpeter, and two harmonica players. There were also a few bands, including one comprised of five dads from the Brookfield area who practice together on Friday nights. This was their first time in front of a live audience. After signing in, the musicians wait to be called to the stage by Roxy Perry, the master of ceremonies and also the house band’s singer. Each performer or act gets to play two or three songs before taking a seat and waiting – sometimes several hours – for an encore. About an hour into the evening, it’s clear that the Brookfield dads are in the minority. All the other performers have clearly been on stage before, and some of them are comfortable and skilled enough to be playing regularly at clubs. That group includes Roxy, whose booming, bluesy vocals blend Janis Joplin and Grace Slick. Along with other house-band members and several guests, she sings a few songs – including a medley of James Brown’s “Get Up” and the Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love” – before returning to her role as organizer and calling new people to the stage. As the guests take turns jamming with one another and members of the house band, a few trends emerge. Besides Roxy, there are no females, and the males tend to fall into the same age demographic (40-plus) and musical genre (blues-based rock). Since none of the guests are singers first, the emphasis is on instrumental solos

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See Racking One’s Brain page 28 May 2009

HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Decorating with antiques HOW TO ON A BUDGET by Stephanie Pelletier

Courtesy of Ridgefield Outdoor Antiques Market

Decorating with antiques has never been more affordable or more enjoyable. At the upcoming 47th Annual Outdoor Ridgefield Antiques Market on Saturday, June 6, novice and experienced collectors will find values in abundance. Shopping a show is one of the best ways to buy antiques and collectibles – you’ll have a chance to peruse the possibilities and meet the dealers who really know their market. To get you in the ‘collect to decorate’ spirit, we’ve gathered the best tips from a few of the show’s dealers. It’s Show Time! Weathervanes are prized collectibles, adding a note of whimsy to their setting.

Iris and Jonathan Oseas of Van Deusen House shared several great ideas for displaying your finds. • Group plates, platters and trays, hung with plate hangers, on a kitchen, livingroom or dining-room wall. Choose ones that are similar in color, shape or pattern for art-in-an-instant – no professional installation required. • Display textiles and quilts as wall hangings. They may also be used to create a faux headboard or as a room divider, and they’re ideal as cover-ups for imperfections that probably would take more time and money to fix.

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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• Liven up the guest room with a quilt that harmonizes with the room’s colors. You’ll have a new look without a total makeover. • Boxes are a terrific value and can be used for jewelry, hats and scarves. Bigger boxes can be re-purposed as a side table or coffee table, and also double nicely for storage. • Blanket chests are treasured for versatility. Use as a seat at the foot of the bed or as a window seat with colorcoordinated seat pad. The chests are also good for storage and are a perfect fit as a side table. • Yellow-ware and brown-ware bowls do double duty when collected and displayed together. The naturally warm tones of the ceramics make a unique backdrop in a kitchen cabinet or corSee Antiques page 12

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Antiques continued from page 11

Prints Please

• Collect and display by time period. Prints of the 1640s have a minimalist look, featuring gray and black tones in perspectives of cities, landscapes and fountains. They are an interesting counterpoint to a rustic room and also marry well with modern décor. • The hunting motif is a timeless classic. Choose prints of hunting scenes and frame in a complementary mat – ideal in a foyer, den or home office. • Make sure you ask how to care for your print. Paper contains acids that can destroy them, so be sure to use a rag or cotton mat. Use museum-quality UV glass to help prevent fading.

Anne Hall of Anne Hall Antique Prints has an extensive collection of prints to make decorating easy, enjoyable and budget friendly. Here’s how. • Collect and display in themes – they are amazing to look at as you focus on their fine details. Botanicals, birds, animals, and florals were popular subjects for artists from the 1640s to the 1900s. For example, barnyard animal prints look terrific in a French-country kitchen, while prints of large birds suit a formal dining room. Grape varietal prints are ideal for a wine bar, and birds of prey framing a picture window add drama and excitement to the view.

According to Corinne Burke, antiques dealer and interior designer, using your collectibles in unusual ways offers another easy and inexpensive way to show them off. • Weathervane characters: These prized collectibles are perfect for over a fireplace, on a headboard or on top of a hutch or corner cupboard. • Carpets and area rugs: Carpets aren’t just for the floor – hang them on walls. You’ll enjoy them even more than when they’re underfoot, and also save them from the wear-and-tear of foot traffic.

ner cupboard. These prized collectibles make a lovely and functional vase for seasonal flowers and greens, adding an eye-catching touch to any table. • Kitchen and garden tools have a sculptural quality that would add character to a kitchen, library or den. Easy to hang, simply use a microfiber cloth to polish the wood handles and give the brass fittings a warm glow.

Surprise With The Unexpected Courtesy of Ridgefield Outdoor Antiques Market

Baskets brighten a corner cupboard.

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How well did your outdoor furniture hold up over the winter?

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• Baskets: From storage to display, here’s another twist on this classic collectible. Stack one basket inside another, then mount them on a wall or place them on a mantel. They’re a real conversation piece. Don’t sideline your favorite pieces – place them center stage. And with these decorating ideas in mind, come to the show and see what treasures you can find to liven up your decor. The dealers will be delighted to help you stay within your budget and still come home with items that will continue to charm you for years. See you at the show! ■

DETAILS The Ridgefield Outdoor Antiques Market Saturday, June 6, from 8 to 4, rain or shine Ridgefield Community Center, 316 Main Street Admission, $7 For more information: 203-438-6962 lounsburyhouse.com

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Courtesy of Ridgefield Outdoor Antiques Market

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The warm tones of brown-ware make a colorful display.

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Little Italy JUST AROUND THE CORNER by G. Lisa Sullivan

Cucina Casalinga photo

You may not know it, but there’s a wonderful piece of the Italian countryside right here in our own back yard. Set on 2.3 bucolic acres in Wilton, the beautiful Federal-style home, owned by cookbook author Sally Maraventano and her husband, Ralph Kirmser, a local cardiologist, serves as a stage for Cucina Casalinga, Sally’s Italian cooking school for students of all ages, as well as the warm, inviting place where family and friends gather for holidays and dinner parties. Why not book a trip today? Salad Days Sally is delighted with her new kitchen, where she has plenty of room for family and students.

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A graduate of Georgetown University with a background in languages, Sally had been cooking for her family, which is of Italian descent, since she was 13. “Years ago, women didn’t go to culinary school, and my mother, a young widow with four daughters to raise, encouraged me to go to college,” Sally says. In June 1968, Sally married Dr. Ralph Kirmser, and found herself cooking and entertaining for the other doctors and their wives. “The women asked me to teach them how to cook, and the footprint for my school began in our first, smaller house on Sharp Hill Road,” she says.

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See Little Italy page 16

Cucina Casalinga photo

In 1981, following the birth of her third child, Tony, Sally officially launched her cooking school, hosting groups of four, the most her Colonial kitchen would allow. As the cooking school and her family grew, Sally found herself in need of more kitchen and dining space. Consequently, the couple searched for the perfect site on which to build their dream home. They didn’t have to look far. Located on Drum Hill Road, a few miles north of Wilton’s Stop & Shop plaza, the house, which was built in 1984 to the couple’s specifications, combines the exterior elements of Federal, Colonial and Saltbox styles with an open interior, not typical of most Colonials. “I wanted a house that looked as if it had been here for many, many years, but which also would afford my family and students the comforts and amenities that a newer, more modern home would allow,” Sally says.

Kids gather ingredients at the Italian-cooking camp, which runs from August 10 to August 13.

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Little Italy continued from page 15 Today, with three grown children – Fran Kirmser, a Manhattan-based Broadway producer with one daughter, Pia; Joseph and his wife, Sara, and their two daughters, Abbie and Lucia, who live in Italy; and Tony, who lives with them – Sally and her husband often find themselves hosting dinners and parties for the many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and anyone else who may be in the vicinity. Growing Pains

Cucina Casalinga photo

Cucina Casalinga’s classes are hands-on, especially for corporate team-building groups.

C A R P E T I N G • N AT U R A L S T O N E Beauty for your home…

Sally and her family had enjoyed their new home for nearly 20 years, until Cucina Casalinga, which translates as Homestyle Cooking, had finally outgrown its original kitchen and dining space. In 2001, renovations began, increasing the kitchen and dining area to nearly 900 square feet, including two walk-in pantries, honey-toned pine cabinets with Italian ceramic knobs, a ceramic tile floor that resembles slate, an adjoining mudroom, a fireplace, a large hutch for storage and serving, a farmhousestyle sink with adjacent produce drawers, a huge refrigerator and freezer, a Thermador range with six burners and grill, a European convection wall oven, an eight-foot-long island with sink, recessed steamer and two burners, plus an angled 12-pound, seven-foot Mylar mirror overhead, for use during classes. “My classes are hands-on, especially for corporate team-building groups,” Sally says, “although when I have a guest chef, the island, with the mirror above, can easily accommodate up to three rows of chairs for the students.” See Little Italy page 29

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Bloominghill springs forth WITH OUTSTANDING COLLECTIONS by Jeannette Ross

Contributed photo

Lois Bloom’s garden is an informal one, filled with things she loves.

Lovers of Japanese maples won’t want to miss visiting Bloominghill – a private garden at 95 Wilson Road in Easton – when it welcomes visitors on Sunday, May 31, from 10 to 3, as part of The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program. It will be open again on Sunday, July 12. Bloominghill is the aptly named work of Lois Bloom, who has designed, planted and maintained the property herself over the past 20 years. “This is an informal garden,” she said. “It’s just filled with the things I love.” They include small ornamental trees, dwarf conifers and her beloved Japanese maples, of which she has 25 varieties. The garden rambles along three acres of the more than four-acre property. Something is in bloom all year long, Lois said, even in January when the early blooming Dawn viburnum gets things started. Visitors in May should be treated to a spectacular display of Lois’s Japanese maple collection. The trees leaf out at the same time in a variety of vibrant hues, from pink to orange, chartreuse, red, and green. “They are so varied,” Lois said, “they look like flowering shrubs.” By mid-summer they will all have turned red or green, and in fall they change to their autumnal hues at different times. Spring is the only season they are all vibrant at the same time.

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The Japanese maples are of all sizes, from the petite Red Filigree Lace (Acer palmatum) to the taller Golden Full Moon Maple (Acer shiraswanum aureum). Some are grouped together to maximize their color, leaf shape and overall profile, while others stand alone as specimens. There is also an impressive collection of conifers, including a Dr. Seuss-like Serbian spruce, a blue-green Himalayan pine, Arizona cypress, and a small, boulder-hugging Hane pine. Among the specimen trees are a Styrax of the Pink Chimes variety, which should be in bloom this month, a Camperdown elm, a Heritage River birch with fabulously peeling bark, and a Katsura tree by the pond. Also in bloom in May will be lilacs, rhododendron and perennials, including amsonia and peonies. There are also ferns, stonework and sculpture to enjoy on this tranquil parcel. Slow But Steady Progress

Contributed photo

Although Lois and her husband have lived in the house on the property for 40 years, she didn’t begin gardening in earnest until about 20 years ago. They had a vegetable garden and a large bed devoted to asparagus. But when one year the woodchucks devoured the asparagus before the stalks could rejuvenate, Lois decided it was easier to buy vegetables at the farmer’s market. It was a renovation project that really got things going. The house that originally stood on the property had been built with a massive stone foundation in the 18th Century. That house burned down in the 1930s and was replaced with the current home, but a wall from the original foundation, which had been built into a hillside, remained. It was just outside her kitchen, and Lois decided she wanted a patio to butt up against it. The work was done by Bill Wargo, who included a few planting areas that got Lois started. “I’m a collector,” Lois said. On display in her home are her collections of blue and white china and antique maps and prints. “When I filled up the inside,” she said, “I started on the outside.” One thing led to another, starting with the patio, and she worked her way across the lawn creating one island bed after another. “I know the pop-

The garden rambles along three acres of the more than four-acre property.

See Open Garden page 47

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HOME I MOANER ■

Change of season by Ben Guerrero

Ben Guerrero

If my house were closer to the ocean, it would be worth millions. I sometimes pretend that the short apron of front lawn between the front porch and the street is the beach, the asphalt is the water and the sounds of the passing cars are the waves hitting the shore. Today I am sitting on my porch. After a winter that wouldn’t quit, the sun has finally come out. After endless months of cold, the sun has returned and over the course of the day, so far, the leaves on the red maples along Rusty Hinge Road have gone from where they were just a hint of a bud to almost full bloom. The grass already needs mowing, though the odd mixture of weeds that lend green to my lawn contains scant remnants of actual grass. The birds are thawed and chirping, and Red Foley, my loud neighbor and self-proclaimed mayor of the street, is out in front of his Cape Cod-style house, his bellowing caterwaul as much a sign of spring as the under-muffled motorcycles that threaten to flatten the hordes of littering pedestrians that have appeared along the roadsides like daffodils. See Home Moaner page 43

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Cornering the market ON FRIENDLINESS AND FRESHNESS by Nancy Fornasiero Tired of news about the weakening stock market, the stagnant housing market, the impossible job market, and myriad other failing economic markets? How about shifting your focus to a burgeoning market you can feel excited about? The Ridgefield Farmers’ Market, reopening this June (target date is the 12th) for its second season, is a local ray of sunshine, sure to pick up spirits after a long winter of harsh weather and gloomy headlines. Simple pleasures like wholesome food, community spirit and supporting local food producers is what it’s all about.

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Nancy Fornasiero

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Fifteen vendors range from fishmongers and farmers to bakers and beekeepers.

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See Farmers’ Market page 38

Nancy Fornasiero

In case you missed the hullabaloo last summer and didn’t get a chance to visit this Ridgefield gem, just follow the trail of foodies making their way to the Green next to Cellar XV Wine Market every Friday afternoon – rain or shine! This otherwise quiet niche at 88 Danbury Road comes to life from 3 to 7 p.m. with a colorful array of juicy fruits, yeasty baguettes, organic honey and eggs, crisp corn on the cob, leafy greens, fragrant flowers, and so much more. With 15 vendors, ranging from fishmongers and farmers to bakers and beekeepers, the weekly market has something for everyone. “And best of all,” according to Monica Brown, proprietor of Cellar XV and one of the market’s co-founders, “is the role the market has as a community gathering place.” And a true gathering place it is. Old friends bump into each other, customers chat with farmers about their backyard tomato plants, cooks swap recipes for spring rhubarb, kids with home-baked-brownie mustaches play tag, and the after-work types shoot the breeze while enjoying a few oysters on the half shell, washed down with a cold drink. The community feeling that permeates the market is no accident. When Monica and her co-coordinators, Eileen Segalman and Pam Rybarczyk, conceived the idea of a market, they saw their mission to be as much about “fresh, local and healthy food” as it was about “education and socialization,” and they planned accordingly when selecting vendors and making other choices for this successful enterprise. Those familiar with the market from last year will notice that not much is

Westport Aquaculture displays fresh and flavorful clams, blue point oysters and lobster.

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�� HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

A New Canaan Classic Home of the Month May 2009

LOCATION: Within walking distance of schools, town and train, this appea ing Cape-style home is situated in New Canaan. PROPERTY: Come spring, cherry trees bloom in abundance on this nicely landscaped half acre, tucked away in a cul-de-sac. HOUSE: Built in 1939, this home is the epitome of “home, sweet home.” Lovingly maintained, it’s warm and welcoming with such period details as glass doorknobs. A comfortable family home, its spacious rooms are ideal for entertaining as well. The living room has a fireplace and french doors, and the dining room has a corner cupboard. A kitchen, office and library complete th first floor. On the second floor is a master bedroom, two other bedrooms and laundry room. There are two full baths and one half-bath. GARAGE: Two-car, attached. PRICE: $1,165,000. REALTY: Brotherhood & Higley. Agent: Julie Taylor, 203-966-3507. Photography: Bryan Haeffele.

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Into the Garden continued from page 5

I had a visit from someone looking for a home for his female miniature donkey. I think three donkeys is as many as I can handle, so if anyone out there knows someone looking for a little donkey let me know. I have had my female donkey There is certainly a lot of green, organic gardening being written about this for almost 30 years now (she is over 40) and don’t think she will be around much spring. I have always been green and organic but have not advertised the fact – it’s longer, but I will say she is the best. a state of mind. You either believe in it or not. Virginia informed me that she is growing a pepper for me again this year – the Krimzon Lee. She gave that one to me last year, and I loved it so much that I am growing 10 of them this year. She will have no problem introducing another gardener to this wonderful pep�� per, however. That’s gardening – sharing. �� Questions or comments: �� donnaclark@ix.netcom.com. ■

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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HOME Vol.XIII, Number 5 is a special section to: Greenwich Post, The Darien Times, New Canaan Advertiser, The Ridgefield Press, The Wilton Bulletin, The Redding Pilot and The Weston Forum in Connecticut, and The Lewisboro Ledger in New York • 47,000 copies published monthly • Jackie Perry, editor Jessica Perlinski, designer • Thomas B. Nash, publisher • For advertising information, call 203-438-6544 • For information on editorial submissions, call 203-894-3380 E-mail: home@acorn-online.com • Extra copies are available free at the Hersam Acorn office, 16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield, Conn. (behind the town hall) Copyright 2009, Hersam Acorn Newspapers, LLC

Box 1019 Ridgefield, Conn 06877 203-438-6544 May 2009

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Racking One’s Brain

continued from page 9

and extended jams. After a while, the sameness of sound and style begins to grate and one wishes for a reggae act to play Bob Marley or a punky bunch of twenty-something girls to cover a Sleater-Kinney song. Neither of those things happen, however, and the most recent cover song of the night is Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” which appeared in 1993 and is now old enough to have its own driver’s license. The lack of musical diversity doesn’t seem to faze the crowd, many of whom are either family members or friends of those performing. They clap and cheer enthusiastically after each solo, and the musicians show their gratitude with appreciative smiles. For those content to make music a side project, that applause and the thrill of performing live are reward enough. Still, while watching some of the other more seasoned musicians, it’s natural to wonder if they would be happier doing this full-time, putting out records and playing in front of larger crowds. During a break between songs, while Roxy invites another guest to the stage, the mind is free to ponder the usual factors – ambition, talent level, connections, opportunities, monetary concerns, quality of life – that turn a passion into a hobby and not a career. But those thoughts don’t have much chance to linger. Soon there are more rumbling bass lines and forceful guitar chords, and a middle-aged man in a pink polo shirt is blowing away on a harmonica. When the microphone in front of the trumpet player slides down, a musician in the house band alertly leaves his seat and makes the correction. No one has brought a roadie, and yet on this night it doesn’t make any difference. ■

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May 2009

Little Italy continued from page 16 The renovation – a typical triangle formation, making it easy for Sally, and anyone else who happens to be cooking, to reach the range, fridge and sink – took five years to plan and about seven months to execute. “I wanted to have everything conveniently located and organized,” Sally says, “since I’m working in the kitchen sometimes six to seven hours a day.” Sally even allowed for extra space – 52 inches, to be exact – between the island and the sink area, so several cooks would have room to work at once. Breaking Bread

Whether Sally is cooking for family and friends or teaching a group of women, men or kids to cook, she is most at home in her kitchen. Today, the space can hold up to 25 people, and Sally’s made sure – with the help of interior designer Kerry Sheridan, owner of Sheridan Interiors in Wilton – that everyone feels right at home. The inviting blue, gold and amber tones are a nod to the colors of the Tuscan countryside. Italian tiles, dishes, serving pieces and stemware – all the result of the couple’s trips to Italy – combine with old black-and-white family photos to make a perfect setting for eating, drinking, cooking, and making merry. Classes for children, age 10 to 16, and for adults of any age are offered during the day and evening, and have included a Mother’s Day Brunch, Men in the Kitchen and Kids Cook Chinese. A kids summer Italian-cooking camp, from August 10 to August 13, will feature a visit to Gilbertie’s Herb Garden in Easton and a Tuscan picnic. Private parties for birthdays, anniversaries and

bridal showers, as well as corporate team-building groups, are also a large part of Sally’s business. Sally’s tours feature local trips to the markets of Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, and this fall, Sally will conduct her 54th tour to Italy. “From September 12 through the 19th, I’ll take 10 students to stay in an Italian villa and cook with Tuscan chef Valter Roman, in Lucca,” she says. “Over the course of a week, my students will have authentic hands-on Italian cooking, and experience market tours and an excursion to Cinque Terre by boat, to learn about this beautiful region of Italy.” In preparation for the trip, the students might start on Sally’s own patio, which features a terra-cotta beehive pizza oven with a Connecticut fieldstone surround and adjacent Italian herb gardens. “We usually eat outdoors whenever we can,” Sally says, “and being outside, surrounded by my herb gardens and fountain, always makes me feel like I’m in Italy.” For more information, call 203-762-0768, or visit the Web site, cucinacasalinga. com. ■

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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SHOPPING I WITH I FRAN ■

Going green means more than the arrival of spring by Fran Sikorski Time to refresh interiors and exteriors for spring, and if you’ve wondered what’s inside the small terra cotta building on Catoonah Street in Ridgefield, with the sign Mythic Paint aloft, now’s the time to visit this retail store that opened in May 2008. Here’s the exceptional news about Mythic Paint. It’s the world’s only high- performance premium paint with zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds), zero toxins and zero carcinogens. Mythic Paint is for those who are looking for stronger, safer, smarter non-toxic paint with legendary performance, available in 1,200 vibrant colors. Another plus – no toxic solvent means no toxic smell. VOCs are organic chemical compounds have enough vapor pressure under normal conditions to significantly vaporize and enter the atmosphere as greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming and are bad for your health. The color palette of Mythic Paint is actually limitless, according to company owners Bob and Renee Torre of South Salem, N.Y., and Mythic Paint has outperformed all the leading paint brands in the industry’s notorious “scrub test.” It is safe for people, pets and the earth, and is Green Seal Certified.

Mythic’s performance is “off the charts,” said the Torres, earning the highest marks for color, consistency, coverage, and durability. “We weren’t a paint company trying to remove toxins from paint. We built the business from scratch with nontoxin paints developed at the University of Southern Mississippi, a national leader in polymer science. We partnered with them, and it took six years and a lot of money contributed by the university and various government grants, but they finally came up with Mythic’s proprietary paint technology. We’re family-run and work with people on a personal level, making time for all our customers,” said Renee. Also available at Mythic Paint stores are multi-purpose and drywell primers, semi-gloss, high gloss, flat, eggshell with a slight gloss, exterior satin with low- luster, exterior semi-gloss, and all the accessories necessary for a paint project.

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

May 2009

In need of a perfect match for an exact shade? “Not to worry,” said Richard Torre, brother of Bob and manager of the three Mythic Paint stores. “Mythic can match any competitor’s colors in any finish, no matter whose color chip it is. A big plus are the 7-inch-by-10-inch paint samples of 140 of the most popular colors. No other paint company on the planet can deliver all these features,” he said. Mythic Paint stores are in Ridgefield, 17 Catoonah Street, 203-431-1377; Bedford Hills, 17 Depot Place, 914-241-6757; and Yonkers, 68 Torre Place, 914969-1111. They are open 8 to 4:30, Monday to Friday, 8 to 1 Saturday, closed Sunday. Practically Green Fran Sikorski

Tish Vrendenburgh, owner of the new Practically Green at 23 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, 203-431-3000, has filled her new shop with many “down to earth goods” made from 100% recycled materials, more than you could ever dream possible. A visit here deserves a good long browse to take in all these eco-friendly products that make life easier. Note that the house, which is owned by Tish and her husband, Bob, who live in Ridgefield, has enjoyed a unique renovation, most suitable for displaying the many interesting products Tish has found in markets around the world. This new shop does not celebrate green only on St. Patrick’s Day but all year round, with a choice selection of biodegradable products, all Fair Trade, according to Tish, who said the more she “got into eco-friendly products” while renovating the building, the more she found �� to enhance the space.

Recyclable and bio-degradable products are featured at Practically Green in Ridgefield.

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See Shopping with Fran page 45

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Geothermal Energy WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? by Janis Gibson ��

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Connecticut Wells Inc.

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In summer, the system cools the house by pulling the heat out and reverses the process in winter.

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Alternative energy sources. Renewable energy sources. Those terms are used increasingly as awareness grows that the fossil fuels – oil, coal, natural gas – we depend on are limited and damaging to our environment. Of the three most noted renewable sources – solar, wind and geothermal – geothermal is probably the least familiar. Basically, with the assistance of an electrically powered pump, geothermal technology uses the constant temperature of the earth, about 52 degrees in this region, to provide heating, cooling and hot water for homes and commercial buildings. The Web site of the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association describes the closed-loop system this way: “Water or antifreeze solution is circulated through plastic pipes buried beneath the earth’s surface. During the winter, the fluid collects heat from the earth and carries it through the system and into the building. During the summer, the system reverses itself to cool the building by pulling heat from the building, carrying it through the system and placing it in the ground.” As interest in alternative energy increases, so do the calls to Connecticut Wells Inc. of Bethlehem, which has completed more than 400 residential and commercial closed-loop systems throughout the Northeast. Among its commercial clients are the Mark Twain House in Hartford, the Bronx Zoo Lion House, the Greenwich Audubon Society, and the Darien Public Library.

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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And now that tax credits of 30 percent are available to homeowners and businesses for the installation of geothermal systems – thanks to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 and the Reinvestment and Recovery Act signed into law earlier this year – inquiries are up again. “The first question homeowners usually ask is, ‘How many wells do I need and how deep,’” said Anthony Ganio, president of Connecticut Wells. “But need is not based on square footage but on the efficiency of the building. How tight is the envelope of the home? What is the heat loss due to insulation, windows, drafts? You’re not going to have big savings if you have lots of loss. Newer homes are usually built to meet Energy Star requirements, so a large new home can be more efficient than a small older home, which might have single-pane windows and little insulation.” The place to begin, Anthony tells callers, is with an energy audit performed by a licensed heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC) contractor. “Talk to an HVAC contractor and do a Manual J study, which measures heat lost. Every 12,000 BTUs equals one ton of heat loss. A typical building has a heat loss of five to seven tons. We generally have to drill 150 to 175 feet per ton. Typically, a homeowner will need two to six wells 350 to 450 feet deep.” He adds that some owners will need to update windows and insulation and have drafts sealed to make a geothermal system viable. Once the heat loss number has been established, Connecticut Wells designs a system that details the number of wells, how deep they need to be and where best to dig. Geothermal installation is done in partnership with an HVAC contractor, he said. Connecticut Wells provides all the external service needed, “from planning to permitting to planting,” and the contractor provides the internal aspects. Connecticut Wells began as a driller of water wells in the 1960s and installed its first geothermal wells in the 1980s. “We were doing maybe one a year then,” Anthony recalled. “In the mid-1990s, CL&P initiated a rebate program, which really got our feet wet doing geothermal. After the CL&P money ran out, there remained some interest, but it finally started to rise a couple of years ago. Interest really took off last summer when oil went over $100 per barrel. We did two to three a week.” See Geothermal energy page 44 May 2009

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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HOMEBODIES ■

Starting from scratch by G. Lisa Sullivan I turned 40 three years ago, and while many people consider that to be their midlife point, and some 40-year-olds experience a midlife crisis, I didn’t undergo a major crisis until this year, when I turned 43 (call me a late bloomer). It all started innocently enough late last August, with a few mosquito bites on my ankles. Or so I thought. And then my life started to turn upside down. Just around the time my daughter’s school was about to start after summer vacation, my ankles started to itch. I began applying bug spray before my daily dog walk, thinking I was getting bitten by mosquitoes. Within a couple of weeks, as August became September, the “bites” got a lot itchier and began spreading up my legs. I mentioned this to a couple of friends, and they suggested it might be poison ivy. Since I rarely garden and never hike – limiting my contact with the plant – I discounted

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their theory. Hydrocortisone quickly replaced the lemon meringue-scented body lotion I keep on my nightstand and apply every day. Mystery Diagnosis By early October, the itching on my legs had worsened, and I scheduled a visit to my primary care doctor, on the same day I was to have a flu shot. I thought the bumps resembled eczema, and began surfing the Internet for more information. “It looks like eczema,” my doctor declared during the visit, and he prescribed a stronger hydrocortisone cream, which I immediately purchased and applied. The cream didn’t help, and I made an appointment with my dermatologist. “It looks like eczema,” she said, prescribing yet another, even stronger steroid cream (my nightstand was becoming overrun with creams, lotions and ointments), “but it could be bed bug bites, scabies or flea bites. Do you have a dog?”

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

May 2009

Well, Clancy, the Welsh terrier we’ve had for 10 years, has never had fleas, as far as I know. In fact, I’ve never even seen a flea, and had no idea what they look like. After looking up flea-bite photos on the Internet, however, I was sure that was what was causing my “bites,” and I proceeded to call an exterminator. The hair of the dog ... “I’m pretty sure I’m getting flea bites, and we need to have someone out and exterminate for fleas right away!” I explained via phone to the pest-control customer-service rep, as I struggled to scratch my back. “Where are they, ma’am?” he asked. “They’re all over my body, and they itch like crazy!” “Uh, no, ma’am, I meant, where are you finding the fleas in the house?” “Oh! Well, I’m assuming they’re in our bedroom mostly, where our dog sleeps. Can someone come out immediately?” As the rep explained the enormity of the expensive de-fleaing process (moving everything in the entire house off the floors, including in the closets, vacuuming all the carpets, washing the floors twice, etc.), I wanted to make certain we did in fact have fleas. Taking a flashlight and magnifying glass, I combed through the carpet next to our bed, where Clancy sleeps in his own little doggie bed. Finding nothing more than lint and some dirt particles and nary a bug, I took Clancy to our vet to check for fleas. He didn’t have any, and I resumed my investigation into some other cause. Too much information! Over the next weeks, I was determined to self-diagnose my ailment, and, thanks to the Internet, I learned virtually everything there is to know not just about fleas but also about scabies, bed bugs, food allergies, and chronic hives (based on my Internet findings, I was convinced at one point or another that I was suffering from each of these conditions). I tried to think of anything that might have changed in our house that could be giving me a rash or hives ... laundry detergent, bleach, cleaning products, an overabundance of dust. I switched detergents and eliminated bleach from the whites, and vacuumed up a storm in the house. As the rash and hives spread, I added Caladryl and an oatmeal-based body cream to my nightstand ... anything to try and alleviate the itching, which always seemed worse at night. Eventually, I was referred to an allergist, who determined that I might be allergic to a medication I take every few weeks. I stopped taking the medication and began taking high doses of antihistamines and a low dose of prednisone, a steroid with numerous side effects, while I waited for relief.

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Affliction Since this all began, I’ve undergone two sets of blood tests and two skin biopsies, each revealing nothing of significance. My entire midlife crisis could be due to stress, my doctors tell me, possibly resulting in chronic hives that will hopefully disappear ... or maybe they won’t. It’s possible that I could have this for the rest of my life. I’m thankful, and fortunate, that my husband is so patient and supportive. I know he feels as terrible as I do about my situation. I had always been relatively healthy and happy, and now it feels like this illness has taken over my body and I have become another person. However, I’m slowly learning to live with whatever it is I have, and trying to get on with my life. With the addition of yet a couple more prescription creams and ointments, plus the antihistamines and prednisone, my nightstand truly resembles a CVS pharmacy shelf. I know my lemon meringue-scented lotion is there somewhere ... I just have to find my way back to it. ■

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Bars that serve

BECOME THE HOST(ESS) WITH THE MOST(EST) by Olga Adler The summer is here and so is the entertaining season, and in the current economic climate, home parties are hotter than ever. Wine seems to be the drink of choice for many occasions – a glass of wine can dress up any lunch or dinner and make a gathering of friends and family more festive. Whether you would like to start a collection or have leftover bottles after a party, proper wine storage is a concern. If you are not going to drink the wine within weeks, then you need to have a storage strategy. Wine is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Experts recommend storing wine at a constant temperature of 55 degrees, with humidity at about 75%. Wine does not like vibrations, and air quality is an important factor to consider as well. Cork is very porous, so storing your bottles in the basement next to the oil tank or cans of old paint is not the greatest idea. Over time, the cork will absorb the chemical vapors, which will damage the wine. A Walk-In For Your Vino?

Olson Photographic

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Whether you plan to hold 40, 400 or 4,000 bottles, there are countless storage options available to wine lovers. A walk-in cellar is a collector’s dream and the best option for larger collections (turns out it works not only for wine – have you seen that Heineken commercial?). Furnished with climate-control systems, inventory software and custom racking made of cedar, mahogany or redwood, a wine cellar may also include a tasting area with table and seating, as well as custom tile murals and cobblestone floors.

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www.newenglandbarn.com May 2009

Not Just Wine

If cocktails are what make your guests happy, then I can clearly see a wet bar in your future. Outfitted with granite or travertine top, a bronze or copper sink

Olson Photographic

A walk-in cellar has to be properly insulated with plastic vapor barrier, and there has to be a source of fresh air for the climate-control system to work properly, although enclosed air systems also exist. Choosing the right lighting is also important, as bulbs that produce too much heat will interfere with the cooling system. I also like to install door-jamb light switches to make sure the light turns off automatically when you leave the room. An electronic keypad will protect your collection from unwanted visitors. If dedicating a separate room is not an option, the next best thing is a wine fridge, which can hold from 20 to 200 bottles. A more flexible choice, a fridge can be placed in any room of the house. But what if you do not want the “fridge look” in your family room, kitchen or living room? That’s when custom cabinetry comes to the rescue, and your imagination is the only limit. A cabinet that houses a wine fridge or two can become a central feature in any room without revealing its purpose until the door opens. And when it does, the fridge acts as wine central, with everything you need for your next wine-tasting party: glasses, decanters and all your wine accessories, as well as cheese boards, knives and plates.

A wine bar with fridge can fit nicely into any setting.

See Bars page 42

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Farmers’ Market continued from page 23 changing in 2009. (The only significant thing is the extra hour added to accommodate after-work shoppers, making the new closing time 7 p.m. instead of 6 p.m.) The organizers felt that it would be a mistake to tinker with a formula that turned out to be so successful, despite a few obstacles during the early planning stages. Monica says that the first season of business met and perhaps even exceeded the expectations of her committee. “I have to say, it was a complete home run!” Overwhelmingly positive feedback from many happy customers proves her point. And happy customers translate to happy vendors. Chris Bassette of Killam & Bassette Farmstead sells her wares at 18 area markets, but boasts that her stand at the Ridgefield Market is “one of her most profitable,” and says that she has had a “terrific response” from the community there. She, her partner Henry Killam, her husband, and her five children are at this very moment busy at work on their 65-acre farm in South Glastonbury to provide another season of bounteous produce for their newest loyal customers. Jeff Northrup of Westport Aquaculture has also sold his products at other area markets but enjoys this one the most. “It’s just a fabulous market and these three women have created something very special. Being out on this lawn, the friendly faces, the warm atmosphere ... I really enjoy being a part of it.”

When asked which vendors were the most popular with shoppers, the organizers were stumped, explaining they were all well-liked, with “each developing his own niche, relationships and client base.” They recommend that market visitors take the time to meander past all the stands, since from week to week the featured items vary depending upon the season, weather and whim of the vendor. According to Monica, the best way to stay on top of what’s fresh and available is to consult the market’s Web page. “I encourage everyone to sign up for our e-mailed newsletter. It keeps you informed on a weekly basis as to what items are featured at each stand so you can plan your shopping. Other interesting tidbits like seasonal recipes are offered there as well.” WHO’S WHO AT THE RIDGEFIELD FARMERS’ MARKET Garden of Ideas: Ridgefield-grown produce, herbs, eggs, flowers Greenscapes: herbs, potted plants, flowers Killam & Bassette Farmstead: veggies, fruits, jams, pies, flowers, eggs Mad Hatter Farms: fresh vegetables On The Rocks Farm: all sorts of eggs Ox Hollow Farms: pasture-fed beef, pork, chicken, eggs Red Bee Apiary: artisanal honey, bee pollen, pure skin-care products Ross’ Bread: artisanal breads Smith Acres: fresh produce Stones Throw Farm: berries, veggies, flowers, herbs Trudy & Sage: raw goat-milk soaps Veronica’s Garden: tomatoes and other veggies Wave Hill Breads: organic, artisanal breads Westport Aquaculture: clams, blue point oysters, lobster Whistle Stop Bakery: muffins, sweet and savory pies, other baked goods

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

May 2009

With all the recent attention to reducing carbon footprints and supporting local growers, there’s never been a better time to support your community farmers’ market. And not only are foods at their nutritional peak when purchased there, they’re also at their absolute tastiest! Need more reasons to check it out? Go to ridgefieldfarmersmarket.org. ■

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Nancy Fornasiero

Ross’ Bread offers a variety of kinds and shapes of artisanal bread.

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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WINDOW I ON I REAL I ESTATE ■

Darkness falls: a cautionary tale of failed excess by Jane K. Dove It seemed like such a good idea. A Wall Street financier decided to build his ultimate “dream house,” modeled on the magnificent English country manors he had grown to love while studying as an exchange student in Europe.

From a middle-class background, Brad had gone on to achieve a top-notch Ivy League education on scholarships and loans. He was determined that his new residence would be “the genuine article,” constructed with only the finest of materials and using the best craftsmen available in Europe and America. The year was 2005, and his privately owned investment business, and the stock market that supported it, was off on a jet-propelled run to huge profits. As he told his friends, “Money is no object with this house. I want what I want.” What Brad wanted entailed hiring an architect to draw plans for a 20,000square-foot fieldstone manor, topped by an imported slate roof and soaring chimneys. The home would be constructed on a five-acre site in one of southern Fairfield County’s most prestigious communities.

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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May 2009

With Brad guiding him every step of the way, the architect arrived at an intricate and idiosyncratic plan that encompassed 18 rooms – a library, media room, exercise room, walk-in wine cellar, two-story vaulted ceiling, great room with balcony, guest and au pair suites, six bedrooms, and numerous baths. The house would be built on a soaring timber frame that was left revealed in several of the rooms, lending a gothic, cathedral-like quality. All of the home’s complex systems used cutting-edge, fully-computerized technology. Brad estimated the value of the completed home, which he proudly named Graymoore, at $16 million. Great Start

When the time came to break ground for the unique project, Brad, well schooled in the Wall Street principles of leverage and the use of “other people’s money,” decided to minimize his own cash outlay. He easily obtained construction financing and things were off and running. When construction began, Brad was on the site daily, working with his architect and contractor to oversee the activities of a small army of workers. Brad, whose father made his living in the construction business, had a good basic knowledge of the work involved and supervised every detail, also acting as cheerleader and dispensing praise to his workers. All the materials that went into the home’s construction were the finest available, with many, such as the slate for the roof, imported from Europe. Wood for the elaborate inlaid flooring was of the highest quality, and Brad chose an English craftsman to produce wooden light fixtures for the vaulted ceilings in the main rooms. All 250 windows were custom-made. When the time came to lay the fieldstone on the exterior walls, Brad brought in large quantities from Vermont, and huge piles rose on the building site.

Each piece of stone was hand-split to the proper size and thickness and then laid over a mesh-and-mortar base, an arduous process that consumed many weeks of his workers’ time and effort. Reversal Of Fortune

But with the house about 80% complete, Brad’s fortunes changed for the worse. His business suffered a downturn in profits, and he was forced to refinance his construction loans over time, eventually falling behind in his payments. Progress slowed at Graymoore as Brad became hard-pressed to pay bills, and several key workers simply stopped showing up. His architect quit and his contractor walked off the job after not being paid for several months. To make matters worse, things were not going well on the domestic front. Brad’s wife, never a fan of a project she viewed as totally egocentric, filed for divorce, adding to his financial woes. Brad mulled his options and decided to dig deep into his own resources to finish the house and then put it on the market. He hired a broker, who listed it at $16 million. But the year was now 2007 and the local real-estate market had already had its day in the sun. The home drew See Window on Real Estate page 44 ��

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Bars continued from page 37 and an ice-maker, a wet bar is every party’s entertainment central. Don’t worry about your teenagers ransacking your liquor collection while you are at work. Locking options are available for fridges and cabinets, and I even design secret drawers and doors that can hold anything from the “golden key” to special bottles and bar accessories. Usually located in a butler’s pantry, family room or library, your wetbar design can complement other cabinetry in the house or be in a world of its own – perhaps inspired by the style of your favorite vacation spot, like Napa Valley, Tuscany or Provence. Taste & Learn Olson Photographic

If you want to learn more about wine, wine-food pairings and wine storage, come to the 7th Annual Woofs, Wines and Felines on Saturday, June 13, from 4 till 7. The area’s largest wine event, hosted by Cellar XV at 88 Danbury Road in

Custom cabinetry adds beauty to a wet bar in a study.

Ridgefield, is going to be a festive outdoor (rain or shine) celebration of wine and food, with more than 60 wines from all over the world available for tasting, and food samplings from the area’s top restaurants. If you would like to learn more about wine collecting, buy a special Collector’s Ticket for a private wine tasting with Thomas O. Ryder of New Canaan, an internationally respected food and wine expert, renowned wine collector and a contributor to “Food & Wine Magazine.” There will also be a raffle with great prizes (including a wine fridge filled with wine!), and all proceeds will benefit ROAR, Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue. For information and tickets, contact Cellar XV at 203-894-8690. Come and lift a glass for homeless dogs and cats! Olga Adler designs wine cellars and all kinds of custom cabinetry. Her company, Olga Adler Interiors, is dedicated to life-style-driven interior design; olgaadlerinteriors.com; 203438-4743. ■

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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Home Moaner continued from page 20 I realize that I am sitting on my porch as we mark our tenth year of ownership of this property. Two years ago, we had it rebuilt, and I don’t think I have spent too much time on it since. That is because my hands are full. I work all night, three nights a week, spend at least a day recovering from the sleeplessness and use the remaining time to catch up on the rest of my life. Today, as the deadline for this column had passed and I sat in my dark office watching the real estate market circle the drain, I could hear spring happening through the slanted walls of this dilapidated house. Chain saws and string trimmers were making their debuts, their two-stroke engines conjuring up the image of distant, gigantic mosquitoes from a low-budget drive-in movie. Another spring at hand, happening right outside my door and I could just as well miss it as not, allowing it to pass right by as I sit in my office with my hands full. So, I have strung an extension cord out the front door, fired up my 60-pound laptop because I am determined to experience this beautiful weather before it gets too hot to breathe. I can see the kids in gangsta outfits walk their sloppy-tongued dogs as they pass the house. Joe, from across the street, sweeps his grass trimmings into a culvert. Joe has a big boat in his driveway. He used to take it out fairly often, but it has been sitting dormant for a couple of years now. Neighborhood gossips theorize that Joe got mad at the folks at the town boat ramp, so he refuses to have anything to do with the boat anymore. Except to take it out from under the tarp and hose it down. Joe likes to keep his vehicles clean and shiny. As I type this, he is puttering around the driveway, making sure everything is the way he wants it to be: orderly, polished, swept and clean.

Seven fat kids walk by in shorts. They are shorts only in that the legs don’t make it quite to their ankles. With an inch more on the hem, they’d be high-water pants. These kids are noisy and loud, blocking the traffic. They look around to see if they are being seen by Joe in his driveway, Red on his front lawn or me on the porch. The three of us stare them down, each of us in our own patented way. Joe’s been known to yell at kids that he thinks are up to no good. I tend to say hello, which can be just as threatening. Red will squawk something in his old tough growl. Someone just fired up a gas-powered hedge trimmer. A car slows down for the speed bump. Within the car, the music is so loud, with such a booming bass line, that I can feel the vibration through the street, across the lawn, through the footings of the porch and straight up the legs of my wicker chair. How can this be good for your ears? Then, without warning, all is quiet. No cars on any of the nearby streets. The lawns and hedges are, for the moment, trimmed. The only sound is the sound of the neighborhood birds. Across the street, Joe rests up against a broom handle quietly admiring his handiwork. Red Foley sits on his stoop, silent. I close my eyes. Birds chirp and there’s a mild breeze. I pick up the aroma of that first-day-of-spring wet dirt smell, though frozen only a week ago, now thawing and damp. Not quite barefoot season, but soon. Is that a seagull I hear? Waves lapping at the gate? A chainsaw kicks in, and someone has put far too much starter fluid on their afternoon charcoal. A truck full of lawn equipment rattles and clunks over the speed bump. A car pulls up to the duplex across the alley and begins impatiently honking the horn. Bring on summer. Can winter be far behind? ben.guerrero@sbcglobal.net. ■

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

Window on Real Estate continued from page 41

Geothermal energy continued from page 33

many curiosity seekers who marveled at its uniqueness, detail and craftsmanship, but no buyers emerged. In 2008, the unthinkable came to pass. Brad’s major creditor foreclosed on Graymoore and put it up at public auction for half its estimated value. But even with a 50% price reduction, the house failed to sell. Today, it sits sadly empty in all its Old World splendor. A visit to Graymoore reveals a magnificent, one-of-a kind home that few beside Brad would ever be interested in because it was built to please him alone. Brad has moved on, resigned himself to the loss of Graymoore and is hoping for the return of better financial days. Graymoore? Who knows? There is always the chance that one special person will come along and buy Brad’s dream, but the wait could be a long one.

The second question callers ask is, “When is the payback?” “I can’t tell you,” he replies, “as it depends on fuel costs and the efficiency of the home. In my opinion,” he said, “the first priority should not be payback, but to reduce one’s carbon footprint ... get off fossil fuels for heating and cooling. There are no carbon emissions with geothermal. It is a cleaner, greener way of heating and cooling a home. And once the closed-loop system is installed, the only costs are the operating ones for the electricity to move the fluid through the well bores and building. A recent customer survey showed that homeowners saved 30 to 50 percent on their heating and cooling bills after installing geothermal systems.” Once a system has been designed and permitted, how long does it take to install? “For the average job, expect people to be on site for two weeks ... four days to drill, two days to tile and grout. The interior work is then done by the HVAC contractor,” Anthony said. And what should the homeowner expect in the process? “Expect it to look like a bomb went off on your lawn,” he cautioned. “Drilling can be disruptive. Earth is dug out and we build a retention pit to contain it as much as we can. We also have to trench from the wellheads to the home. Afterward we restore as much as possible and seed and plant.” For more information on geothermal systems and information on federal tax incentives, see the company’s Web site at Connecticutwells.com; e-mail residentialsales@con necticutwells.com; call 800-344-7989. ■

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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Shopping with Fran continued from page 31 “The building was old and in total disrepair,” she said, during my visit, “but in renovating it, we integrated the beams, fireplace and stairways, and everything we put in place shows how easy it is to live green.” The shop has been divided into categories – organic bedding, blankets and towels; infant clothing, organic-cotton layettes, crib and changing table with no harmful chemicals, made by the Amish in Ohio; toddler gifts; recycled glassware, aluminum platters and serving bowls; colorful organic cotton carryall bags made with vegetable dyes to replace plastic bags; lunch boxes with reusable sandwich bags for grownups and kids; cleaning products with no harmful chemicals, and more. A colorful, stylish and utilitarian gift is the Klean Kanteen, which replaces a plastic water bottle, and one of my favorites was a funky clock operated by water instead of batteries. Add to that organic chocolates, coffee and tea.

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Items are placed in an attractive reusable, biodegradable bag, and there is complimentary gift wrapping. “Minding the store” while Tish is off scouting new biodegradable products is Carol Baird, whose enthusiasm spills over when she describes all the “must haves.” Practically Green is open Monday through Friday, 10 to 6, Saturday, 10 to 5 and Sunday, 12 to 4. Since Mythic Paint and Practically Green are on the same block on Catoonah Street, it’s easy to enjoy both new shops. Have a shopping tip? E-mail frananjoes@aol.com. ■

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

New Canaan Kitchen Tour continued from page 7

A fashion show of summer apparel for work and play will highlight the Greenwich Chamber of Commerce Business & Culinary Showcase on Thursday, May 28, from 5:30 to 8 at the Hyatt Regency-Greenwich. Top restaurants and caterers will present their signature hors d’oeuvres and specialties. Shown here are tops from J. McLaughlin.

tom-built hutch and deep chocolate-brown walls mark the entrance to the kitchen. A sizable center island with three large leather stools becomes the focal point. While retaining the charm and elegance of a bygone era, this home caters to the modern family. In a cluster of private town homes hides a little jewel. Each room is decorated with fine furnishings and rich colors. That opulence extends to the kitchen by Christine Donner Kitchen Design, where elegance and function shine. The cooktop hood, made to look like a fireplace mantel, has carved corbels and sconces. Warm honey-toned cabinetry, hand-painted backsplash and rich Green Gold granite countertops are alluring yet practical. The bar is dressy with mahogany counter, mirror backsplash and glass shelves lit from within for a glowing impression. The exterior of a 1950’s ranch reveals little about the highly sophisticated renovation within. Architect/interior designer Shelley Morris worked with TR Built on this Northern European-style home. French doors, tall windows, high ceilings, and open doorways allow light to flow and the interior and exterior to mingle effortlessly. White oak floors and natural wood beams add to the fresh, clean look. In the kitchen, open shelving displays collections of white stoneware. Calcutta marble on the island complements Saint Marc limestone on other counters. Modern amenities combine seamlessly with well-worn antiques in this unique home. An elegant, stylish restraint characterizes a classic brick Georgian sitting at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. The kitchen, designed by Kitchens By Deane, exudes the same timeless simplicity seen in the rest of the home. Plain-front cabinets with round mahogany knobs set the tone. Instead of mixed materials, the counters, backsplash and flooring all are made of Gascogne Blue limestone, adding to the seamless look. Simple lighting and solid linen fabrics work within a neutral color palette to create an easy flow throughout this gracious home. For more information, visit the Web site, newcanaancares.org, or call New Canaan Cares, 203-966-7862. ■

Contributed photo

The design is bold and playful in the kitchen of this stone-and-shingle home.

HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

May 2009

Open Garden continued from page 19 ular thing to call them is garden rooms,” Lois said, “but I just call them spaces because they don’t have any walls.” When she started, the entire place was very primitive – the hill outside the kitchen a jungle. The property had at one time been a farm, and all that remained were three ancient apple trees and two very old pear trees – all of which are still living – as well as a collection of forsythia and lilacs, which also remain although some have been moved around. Original stone walls stand up straight once more after some tidying up. Lois worked her way across three acres with no plan in mind. “I just bought things I loved and found a place for them,” she said. Sometimes they get moved and sometimes they stay put. At first she focused on planting perennial flowers and shrubs, and they have provided an easy-to-maintain foundation for the garden. Today there are thousands of bulbs and a number of flowering trees as well as all the other plants. Lois also gets lots of ideas from the New York Botanical Garden, where she is a docent. When Lois saw the sun shine through the botanical garden’s Himalayan pine, she knew she had to have one. “It’s absolutely stunning,” she said. Hers is small, but thriving. Ten years ago, Lois hired master stone mason Tim Currier of Newtown to build a fountain at the end of the kitchen patio and create a rock garden on one of Bloominghill’s slopes. Lois has also punctuated her garden with sculpture by Lubomir Tomaszewsky of Easton. Visitors who attend the July 12 Open Day will have a different experience. While the Japanese maples will be in their summer colors, the hosta, astilbe, Japanese primrose, meadow rue, hydrangea, and a riot of day lilies will all be in full color. Bloominghill is new to the Open Days program, and Lois said she joined in because she enjoys sharing her garden with others, and is looking forward to meeting other garden lovers. “I love to have people come and look at the garden,” she said. “You enjoy it so much you like other people to enjoy it as well.” Admission to the garden is $5, which is a donation to The Garden Conservancy. Visitors will be asked to park along Wilson Road. For information or directions, visit gardenconservancy.org or call 845-2655384. ■

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Contributed photo

Japanese maples, such as Red Filigree Lace and Golden Full Moon Maple, are featured in an Easton Open House Garden.

May 2009

HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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HOME, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.

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May 2009