Jay Spaziano
Go Green!
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Jay Spaziano Real Estate & Lifestyle Magazine
Dear Readers,
I hope you have made it through this exhausting election season. As I am sitting here in our office in Washington Crossing, directly in the path of our revolutionary war heroes, I can’t help but wonder if they have been watching over us. Their courage and fortitude are undeniable and reflect a crossroads in our history when a republic was paramount. I’m sure they were afraid of the outcome, but that fear was brushed aside for the greater good and all in effort towards the ultimate goalfreedom. Let us remember those who have lost their lives so we can be free.
This Thanksgiving I’m grateful to everyone out there fighting for the freedom of our republic so my daughter, and all our children and grandchildren, can live in a safe, just, and prosperous United States of America.
Hope you enjoy!
Gina Spaziano
Gina & Jay Spaziano
Jay Spaziano Real Estate
1113 General Washington Memorial Blvd. Washington Crossing, PA 18977 (215) 860-2800
gina@jayspaziano.com jayspaziano.com
Interior Garage Trends Transforming Utility into Style
NNOWADAYS, garages are no longer just a place to park your car or store infrequently used or forgotten items. They are evolving into functional, stylish extensions of our homes. Here are some of the top interior garage trends that blend utility with aesthetics.
High-Performance Wall Panels
Traditional drywall is being replaced by high-performance alternatives like PVC-based panels. These panels are not only more durable, but also resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew. They are easy to clean and maintain, making them perfect for high-traffic areas. This trend ensures that your garage walls remain in top condition, providing a sleek and modern look.
Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy flooring continues to be a popular choice for garages. It offers a durable, easy-to-clean surface that can withstand heavy use. Available in a variety of colors and finishes, epoxy flooring can be customized to match the overall aesthetic of your garage. This trend not only enhances the visual appeal, but also adds a layer of protection to the concrete floor.
On-the-Wall Organization Systems
Cluttered garages are a thing of the past with the rise of on-the-wall organization systems. These systems, often made from high-strength materials like PVC, can hold heavy items and come with various accessories like hooks, shelves, and baskets. They help keep tools, sports equipment, and other items neatly organized and easily accessible.
Overhead Storage
Adding overhead storage in the garage is an excellent solution for maximizing space and keeping the area organized. By utilizing the ceiling, homeowners can store seasonal items, bulky equipment, and other infrequently used belongings out of the way, freeing up valuable floor space. These storage systems often include sturdy racks or platforms that can hold significant weight, ensuring safety and durability. Overhead storage not only helps in decluttering the garage but also makes it easier to access
items when needed, enhancing the overall functionality of the space. Many different options are available such as manual or power lift racks and slide rail systems.
Multipurpose Spaces
Garages are more than just a catch-all for storage today. Homeowners are renovating these spaces into various flex rooms. The cool air in the garage is the perfect environment to create your home gym and the concrete flooring is a perfect, flat space to add a home workshop. Garages can even become decorated entertainment areas with close proximity to your home’s interior amenities. This trend is all about maximizing the utility of the space. By incorporating features like foldable workbenches, modular storage units, and comfortable seating, homeowners can create a versatile environment that meets various needs.
Smart Garage Technology
The integration of smart technology is transforming garages into high-tech hubs. Popular integrations include automated garage doors, climate control systems, security cameras, and smart lighting. These innovations offer convenience and enhanced security. Homeowners can control and monitor their garage from their smartphones, making it easier to manage the space.
Natural Light and Ventilation
Incorporating large windows and skylights is a growing trend in garage design. These features bring in natural light, making the space feel more open and inviting. Improved ventilation systems also ensure that the garage remains fresh and free from fumes and odors.
The latest interior garage trends are all about transforming this often-overlooked space into a functional, stylish, and sustainable part of the home. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your garage’s utility or enhance its aesthetic appeal, these trends offer plenty of inspiration for your new home or next renovation project. ●
It's Wrapping Season
How Cars, Designer Shoes, Home Décor, and more are Homing in on the (Gift) Wrapping Game
PPROTECTION: It’s something we all crave for our most treasured possessions, from cars to purses to a gorgeous pair of Valentinos. Ceramic coats, tinting, PPF and wrapping are fast becoming the easiest way to protect your luxury items and add uber customization.
Ceramic Coating
Think of it like a glossy wax on steroids – wicking water away from your car’s painted surfaces. Less car washes? Yes, please! Plus, this special treatment can be used to keep everything from Chanel bags to couches, car interiors, and sofas looking pristine. Stains from coffee, pets, wine, and more are no match for this protective coating; a simple wipe down and the mess is gone.
Tinting
From improved EV engine performance to longer battery life – even anti-aging benefits – a proper tint job can go the extra mile for you AND your whip. Even oncologists have begun recommending window tinting to patients since it blocks harmful UV rays. If you’re not into a darker aesthetic, near-transparent tints are available – so you can reap the benefits of tinting without sacrificing visibility and vibe. Good for your car, good for your skin, and good for your overall health. What’s not to love?
PPF (Paint Protection Film)
This revolutionary, ultra-thin vinyl acts like an invisible forcefield – preventing damage such as scratches, stone chips, and corrosion from bird droppings and chemicals. PPF reduces damage that can lead to more extensive and costly repairs down the road. Did you know? Paint jobs significantly influence a car’s resale value and can cost upwards of $25,000 on high-end vehicles. Plus, (not surprisingly) insurance companies love when you protect your assets, because it costs them less when damage occurs. That makes replacing this and other add-ons a cinch.
Car Wrapping
While it’s typically thought of as something businesses use for mobile brand awareness, there’s more to it than meets the eye. This easy on, easy off film helps achieve a look that reflects your unique style. Ever seen a rose gold car on the road in Bucks County? That’s a wrap. Best of all, wraps are easily removed with zero damage to the original paint, so owners can easily switch up their ride’s look or simply revert to its original color.
Alicia Conner, co-owner of Seven Wraps shares, “Luxury marques like Bugattis, Lamborghinis, and Ferraris and more don’t stock high inventories which often means color choices are limited. Most of our clients come to us after purchasing a brand-new car in a blah color, because they’re not willing to wait years for their dream car. We work with them to choose a custom color or design, so their vision can come to life. We recently consulted with a client who plans to wrap his 4-million-dollar car in a cool, bright color, just for fun! Whether it’s a $100,000- or 4-million-dollar car, you should love the look of what you’re driving – no exceptions.” ●
Seven Wraps is Bucks County’s premiere automotive restyling shop, excelling in the fine art of tinting, paint protection, wrapping, and detailing vehicles. For more information, visit:
to
166 Old York Road
Luxury Townhome in a quaint enclave that looks and feels like new! Enjoy 4 levels of sophistication with multiple outdoor spaces showcasing a tremendous, wooded backdrop and within walking distance of shopping and dining in New Hope!
1. Scan QR code with the camera app
2. Tap the notification to open the link View this home online!
Wonderful natural light from 3 walls of windows on every floor in this exceptionally open layout. Well-maintained and on trend, this home will not disappoint. The Gathering Room boasts a lovely shiplap accent wall, gas fireplace and flows into the Gourmet Kitchen highlighting a large island, neutral palette with open shelving and a crisp
An upscale elevator for convenient access to all levels, private 4th floor offering wonderful flexibility and can be utilized as an additional bedroom with full bath or the perfect space to work from home.
subway backsplash, a suite of stainless appliances and more making it a bright and comfortable space for everyday enjoyment. An upscale elevator for convenient access to all levels, private 4th floor offering wonderful flexibility and can be utilized as an additional bedroom with full bath or the perfect space to work from home. Additional amenities include a 2 car garage with epoxy floors and storage room, electric car charger, additional driveway parking, picturesque views, high ceilings, neutral palette throughout, and wide plank hardwood flooring. Low maintenance living in a tremendous location with quick access to the Route 202 corridor, New Hope Boro and Lambertville for entertainment in the highly desired river towns. ●
The Friends of the Delaware Canal
Preserving a National Treasure
The Delaware Canal has existed since 1830, almost 200 years. It was built in 1832, and operated until 1931, then became a state park in 1940.
YYEARS AGO, a group of neighbors believed a 60-mile greenway spanning the length of Bucks County was worth protecting. Many like-minded people thought so, too and that's how the Friends of the Delaware Canal (FODC) came to be.
The Friends' advocacy runs the gamut from meeting with legislators to working on significant projects and obtaining grants for projects like bridge restoration, 9/11 Memorial bench installation, towpath mile marker placement, and wayfaring sign placement. They engage and educate the community through curated walks, talks, bike rides, and paddling events.
As a stewardship organization, volunteers are the lifeline of FODC. The towpath is divided into 36 sections, and volunteer Canal Tenders look after each one to keep the trail free of trash and debris. Canal Action Teams take on larger restoration and remediation projects, including painting bridges, repairing canal structures, and removing invasive plants.
Over the next few years, the Friends of the Delaware Canal will implement their 2032
plan and embark on ambitious projects for the future. In 2023, a comprehensive survey of neighbors, towpath users, and canal users was completed. The results of this study provided the Friends with a focus and direction for the organization's next phase.
With the support of local and regional partners, FODC is committed to improving the visitor experience within the park with a primary focus on access and amenities. In Easton, the plan includes an expanded picnic area, kayak launch and restrooms. At the Giving Pond in Erwinna, a favorite spot adjacent to the canal, the plan outlines new access points to better connect the towpath to the pond and footpaths. In New Hope, where the canal is carried under Main Street, plans include improved street crossing signals, signage, and ramp access to the Locktender's House complex.
These proposals coincide with an unprecedented budget commitment from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to repair and restore many canal structures including culvert pipes, waste gates, bridges
and an aqueduct. This commitment equates to a total investment of more than $50 million in project work along the Delaware Canal.
The canal and towpath help make Bucks County unique and accessible to hikers and bikers alike. This 60-mile greenway is worth preserving for generations. We encourage you to visit the canal and enjoy this national treasure. ●
If you want to learn more about the Friends of the Delaware Canal and how to get involved with this organization, please visit their website at www.fodc.org.
LLOCATED IN PIPERSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA,
The Farmette is a registered 501(c)3 rescue and sanctuary that provides a place for hope, healing, and happiness for donkeys and horses who were unwanted, mistreated, or slaughter bound.
The Lifesaving Work of The Farmette Hoofbeats of Hope:
Over 4 million donkeys are slaughtered each year worldwide and, as a result, their population is rapidly shrinking in many countries. In the United States alone, over 160,000 horses are annually shipped for slaughter. Most of these beautiful animals are healthy, friendly, and even welltrained. All with unique stories, the donkeys and horses living at The Farmette escaped being a part of these horrific statistics. The Farmette is both a rescue, offering the adoption of animals to approved homes, as well as a sanctuary, providing a forever home for various animals. As such, they do not offer riding lessons or boarding. They provide animals with food, shelter and all necessary medical treatments. Yearly veterinary care per animal is $500+ so monetary donations are highly appreciated. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach to being involved, you can reach out to The Farmette. They offer a "Farmette Fitness" Program for barn cleaning volunteers that can save you the cost of a gym membership. Wheelbarrow and manure forks provided!
If you would like to meet these friendly horses and donkeys - and maybe take some funny selfies! - that can sometimes be arranged. Contact them via email for more information about upcoming events or to schedule a visit (private visits are not available year-round).
Many of The Farmette’s permanent residents have special needs, are older, have strong bonds with other animals there, or they have already been through enough at the hands of humans and they are there to stay. Some animals are up for adoption so if you are interested in providing a forever home for a horse or a donkey, reach out to The Farmette. Donkeys need donkey buddies to be happy so they are like potato chips: you can't have just one! Many rescues are overwhelmed and auctions receive an endless supply of animals. Donkeys can live a long time, some up to 40+ years old. Prospective adopters should take this into account when determining an appropriate match. Adoption should be considered a life-long commitment. The adoption application can be found on The Farmette’s website.
Sponsorship programs are also available if you are interested in sponsoring or partially sponsoring a particular animal. Two different programs are available, you can sponsor either a "full" (one year) or a "half" (6 months) donkey. Sponsorship is a fulfilling way to save lives. As a perk to being a sponsor, you can visit your sponsored animal each month! Sponsorship is truly meaningful and without it, sanctuaries, such as The Farmette, would be unable to remain in operation. The opportunity to foster or be a quarantine foster for new rescues or for animals waiting for their own forever homes is also an option. Please check out their website for additional information.
The Farmette also offers Virtual Visits! As scheduled visitors or surprise guests, the donkeys and horses will come to you -- virtually! Choose a particular donkey or horse from their recent Facebook posts to make a brief appearance or arrange for a longer visit with multiple animals. The Farmette is willing to customize your experience. They offer Zoom or FaceTime with you, your friends, your family or a group of your employees. Choose your own adventure and let their sweet, adorable and funny animals liven up your virtual world in an unforgettable experience! ●
www.thefarmette.org
info@thefarmette.org
Photo courtesy of ©Danielle Perloff at @yellas_lens
Photo courtesy of ©Danielle Perloff at @yellas_lens
Photo courtesy of ©Ally Rynkiewicz
Photo courtesy of ©Ally Rynkiewicz
The Yardley Tavern: History Flows Here
FFILLED WITH HISTORY, one of our listings –the homestead located at 857 River Road in Yardley – was the source of inspiration for our History Around the Corner feature this fall. This unassuming dwelling, nestled near the Delaware River, holds stories etched into its very stones. With the stone structure dating back to 1750, in its early years it served as a resting place for travelers crossing the Delaware River as a tavern and a place to spend the night.
Historical research on the property can date the first owners, Robert and Richard Vickers, to 1681. It was then turned over to The Tunnicliffe Family (1685-1745), John Doble (1745-1771), Thomas Yardley (17711805), Daniel Anderson (1805-1818), James Anderson (1818-1827), Elisha (Elijah) and
Mary Ann (Anderson) Reeves (1827-1877), The Estate of Elisha Reeves (1879-1880), and The Scattergood Family (1880-1965). Several more stewards took ownership since then.
During the American Revolution, the homestead most likely witnessed the movement of troops and supplies. Historical research found circumstantial evidence suggesting General George Washington himself likely frequented the tavern for a pint of beer or even stayed the night in one of the guestrooms. In a letter written by General Washington to his officers, he refers to “Yardley’s ferry or somewhere near it”. Taverns were commonly co-located with ferry houses.
The letter dated December 12, 1776, requests guards be set along the Delaware River.
The location of the property along the Delaware River between Trenton Falls and Yardley in conjunction with Washington's movements and other letters provide contextual plausibility that Continental soldiers were camped near The Yardley Tavern. In addition, based on the scarcity of resources to sustain the troops and Yardley's wealth, researchers believe that it’s possible that the house was a refuge for the Continental soldiers for a few weeks in December 1776.
Over time the property turned into a successful cattle farm. One owner’s beliefs turned the home into a true refuge for escaped slaves seeking freedom. Research indicates it was once a stop on the underground railroad and the smokehouse in the rear yard was used as a safe house.
Jeff Devlin, host of Stone House Revival
on HGTV and the DIY Network, known as the “the go-to guy when it comes to historic houses in and around Bucks County, Pennsylvania . . . where the structures are literally older than the country itself” featured the restoration of the home in Season 4, Episode 4. While there in 2021, local craftsmen found a copper British halfpenny dated 1774. It may have been intentionally left in the walls of the home as a token of good fortune or it could have been dropped or misplaced by one of the structure's inhabitants.
So, as you drive by the Yardley Tavern House, imagine the stories it holds—the echoes of travelers, the whispers of freedom seekers, and the quiet pride of those who shaped its legacy. ●
$950,000 $1,095,000
28 Keith Lane, Upper Makefield Twp
Thompson Mill Road, Newtown $2,600,000
29 Milyko Drive, Washington Crossing
Yeates Aly, Newtown
$1,760,000
5 Harmony Way, Newtown 550 Palmer Farm Drive, Yardley
$820,000 $640,000
8 Ely Farm Lane, Upper Makefield Twp 2810 Windy Bush Road, Upper Makefield Twp
Martindell Drive, Newtown
1130 General Washington Memorial Blvd., Washington Crossing
403 S Main Street, G#104, Doylestown
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Gina and Jay,
I don't think we've ever met two people more committed to serving their clients. You make buying and selling real estate easy. Please enjoy and let us know if you're ever in the Savannah area or wish to visit.
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