4HE
-ARCH
(/-%
7INTER &ARMERS -ARKET IN &AIRFIELD
-ONTHLY
3PECTACULAR #HALLENGE !WARD 7INNING &INISH
#HEESE 3TATUS 3URGE &ROM 7HIZ TO 7IZ
#ALIFORNIA $REAMIN ! 2EALITY )N 7ILTON
(OME OF THE -ONTH !WARD 7INNER .EW #ANAAN
4HE $ARIEN 4IMES 4HE 2IDGEFIELD 0RESS 4HE 7ESTON &ORUM 4HE ,EWISBORO ,EDGER
$AVID !MES
'REENWICH 0OST .EW #ANAAN !DVERTISER 4HE 7ILTON "ULLETIN 4HE 2EDDING 0ILOT
6OL 8)) .UMBER
! (ERSAM !CORN 3PECIAL 3ECTION
Winter Sale
BEST BRANDS. BEST PRICES. 40 - 50% SAVINGS ON FURNITURE AND RUGS
Take advantage of savings on a broad selection of famous brand name furniture, unique imports, upholster y and oriental rugs. SALE ENDS MARCH 23RD.
BAKER • HENREDON • KINDEL • KARGES • HENKEL HARRIS • CENTURY • E.J. VICTOR • SHIFMAN • BERNHARDT HICKORY CHAIR • MARTHA STEWART • LEXINGTON • HANCOCK & MOORE • AMERICAN HOME
w w w. s a f a v i e h h o m e . c o m
2
230 ATLANTIC STREET STAMFORD, CT
DANBURY FAIR MALL, DANBURY CT
203.327.4800
203.790.7200
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
March 2008
SONO OUTLET Additional Savings during these FINAL DAYS! Nothing will be held back! Up to 80% off New Truckloads arriving daily! Over 4 Million dollars of our top quality Home Furnishings and Accessories at OUTRAGEOUS prices.
Re-stocking daily! The outlet is stacked high with sofas, sectionals, dining tables, chairs, rugs, art work, lamps, antiques, linens and more…. PLUS -- NO Payments, NO Interest for 6 months to qualified buyers with our Lillian August credit card.
85 Water Street • South Norwalk, CT 203-838-0153 • www.lillianaugust.com March 2008
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
3
The
HOME Monthly
Luxury Made Affordable Headboards - Bedding - Window Treatments Ready-Made Products & Custom Design Where can you find them?
FEATURES Fairfield Winter Farmers Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . California Dreamin’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fine art and framing in Wilton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homes can grow older and bigger gracefully . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spectacular site ... spectacular challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheese goes from Whiz to wiz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bulldog Bar and Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fairfield Garden Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12-13 16-17 18-19 28-29 34-35 40-41 44-45 50-51
DEPARTMENTS Window on Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Shopping with Fran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Home Moaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Interior Insights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Into the Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Away from Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Homebodies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Construction Queen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 Home of the Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31 Racking One’s Brain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37 Cookbook Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39 Cover: Home of the Month in New Canaan.
...upstairs at The BARN Since 1969
We are here to assist you, Monday thru Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
THE
L AMP S HADE S TORE
Please Use Our Complimentary In-Store Gift Certificate
20%
Bring this ad in and get $25.00 off any $125.00 purchase in the store.
DISCOUNT
Limited Time Offer Code #T0308
EVERY SHADE • EVERY DAY THOUSANDS IN STOCK
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 thru Saturday, March 15, 2008
Ready Made | Custom | Recovering Lamp Mountings | Repairs
Please bring in lamp for proper fitting
The BARN 50 Hurd Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06604 Tel: 203-334-3396 www.thebarn-bridgeport.com See store for details; some restrictions may apply.
4
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
371 WESTPORT AVENUE (Route 1) NORWALK (1/2 mile east of Stew Leonards) 3/2008
Monday-Saturday 9 to 5 • Thursday TILL 7:00 • 846-2200 March 2008
■
WINDOW I ON I REAL I ESTATE ■
Renovation hazards: consult with an expert by Jane K. Dove When it comes to dealing with possibly hazardous or toxic materials during a home renovation, the best advice is definitely not to “do it yourself.” Architect Rob Sanders says the best approach is to consult your contractor or architect for guidance when problems are found on the site, and then get help from a firm experienced in removal and remediation. Rob, who heads Rob Sanders Architects of Wilton, does a lot of work preserving and renovating older homes, and says many of them, even some built as late as the 1970s, may contain hazardous materials. He describes some of the problems that might exist and how to remedy them, starting with the home’s exterior and then moving inside. Exterior Hazards
“Asbestos is one of the major culprits when it comes to hazardous materials,” he says. “It was widely used in roofing and siding post-World War II, and a lot of homes still contain it.” Rob says exterior asbestos is easy to spot. “It is a thin board product, no more than a quarter-inch thick, and gets very brittle with age. Fortunately exterior asbestos doesn’t flake easily, so it can be contained without too much trouble.” R TE E N I L W SA
Asbestos abatement companies, Rob says, are skilled in handling the substance. “They will surround the building with heavy plastic tarps, strip off the asbestos material and haul it away in a special Dumpster. Fortunately, this is a fairly easy fix because it doesn’t usually get into the atmosphere.” Another hazard that may exist on the home’s exterior is lead-based paint. “Again, you need expert advice,” he says. “Don’t take a power sander to the walls because you release a fine dust that contains lead. Connecticut laws say you cannot remove more than 50% of lead-based paint.” Rob says that once the legal 50% has been sanded away, you can move to a liquid stripper. “This can be laborious but you can use a general contractor,” he said. The final most common exterior hazard is the familiar buried oil tank. “There are many of these still out there,” Rob says. “In addition to homeowners protecting themselves from the consequences of leaks, they probably will not be able to sell their home if they have this type of tank.”
See Window page 53
LAWRENCE FARMS ANTIQUES
CLASSIC NEW ENGLAND BARNS
English and French Country Furnishings and Decorative Arts
AUTHENTIC MORTISE & TENON JOINERY
PRE-CUT WITH
6 Elm Street New Canaan, Connecticut 06840 Wednesday through Saturday 11am-5pm and by appointment (203) 966-8744 jwfantiques@aol.com
Maile Allen Will be exhibiting at the Wilton Historical Society 41st Annual Antiques Show on Sunday, March 30th Armonk Antiques Show April 26th & 27th
(860) 350-5544 GAYLORDSVILLE, CT
HANDCRAFTED TIMBER FRAMES
Your Yard, Garden
& Pet Place
• Lawn & Garden Equipment • Complete Lawn Maintenance • Sales & Service • Pet Food & Supplies • Landscaping • Rentals
Deer Fencing mailemap@aol.com March 2008
www.newenglandbarn.com
Young’s of Ridgefield 438-6760
Copps Hill Plaza, 91 Danbury Road Ridgefield (Rte 35) Open Monday-Saturday 8:00-5:30
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
5
■
SHOPPING I WITH I FRAN ■
New shops, designer ‘finds’ and going green by Fran Sikorski Checking the calendar as I sit at the computer writing this column, the first day of spring is two weeks away, and outside the snow continues to fall. Difficult to imagine what warm sunshine feels like in these conditions, but we are headed in the right direction to shed winter gear for lighter clothing – soon, I hope. You could be an early-bird shopper now, for spring merchandise is on sale in some stores.
Jeanne and Christy asked Lisa to join them because they had similar tastes – new and shabby-chic vintage furniture, tabletop gifts, lamps and chandeliers, jewelry, and pocketbooks. Attractive and inexpensive items by private label Twigs and Feathers are tea towels and soy candles. There are many gift temptations here, perfect for Easter giving and beyond, and wrapping is complimentary. See Shopping page 22
Three “very excited” new business women – Jeanne Rowella, who was in corporate relocation, Christy Kinsman, an artist with a design background, and Lisa Casagrande, who has owned furniture and gift shops in Wilton Center and Ridgefield – are The Gilded Nest 51 Ethan Allen Highway the owners of The Gilded Nest in Ridgefield, Junction of Routes 102 and 7 featuring furniture, accessories, jewelry and Ridgefield, 203-544-8802 an assortment of lovely, hard-to-resist tabletop 10 to 5 Monday to Saturday, gifts. Ridgefielders Jeanne and Christy also have noon to 4 Sunday a home-staging business, assisting Realtors to make homes for sale more attractive.
✦ Winter Sale in Progress ✦
HAMPTON COURT DESIGNS
Full Interior Design Services
388 Main Street • Ridgef ield, CT • 203 • 438 • 4797 Hours: Mon-Sat, 10-5pm; Sunday by appointment w w w.HamptonCourtDesign.com
Fran Sikorski photos
Fine Furniture • Accessories • Antiques
The Gilded Nest, where home is a lifestyle.
6
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
March 2008
Dedicated To Fine Landscaping Donald and Pamela Wilson -Owners
Established in 1977
Over 19 Years in Business
LLC
Ridgefield
431-0383 Newtown
426-6282 CT LIC. # 557534 #B 0449
• Oriental Gardens
• Rock Gardens
• Perennial Gardens • Poolscaping • Herb Gardens • Foundation Planting • Patios and Walkways • Landscape Lighting Artistic and Innovative Problem Solving
Serving all CT • Licensed & Insured • Free Estimates 877-926-8728
Win ter C leara nce For Breathtaking Beauty, Largest Selection, and Best Prices, be sure it’s Palace Oriental Rugs of Wilton. Your Total Resource for Fine Quality Rugs! New, Semi-Antique, and Antique We expertly CLEAN, repair, appraise & buy old Oriental rugs.
3 Generations in the Rug Business
19 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT (203) 762-0895 Exit 40B off Merritt Pkwy. Rte. 7 North across from Gateway Shopping Center (T.J. Maxx).
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-6; Thursday ‘til 7; Sunday 12-5 March 2008
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
7
■
HOME I MOANER ■
End of the line by Ben Guerrero In the first week of 2004, I started a part-time job at a methadone clinic. I answered an ad in the local newspaper, ironed a shirt, found the place, and waited in the lobby to be interviewed. Weeks later, they accepted my application and agreed to pay me a meager wage, and I have been there 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., five days a week, ever since. The science, politics and implications of methadone are worthy of debate, but not by me. Suffice it to say, if you are addicted to opiates, and that includes a wide range of drugs, legal and illegal, ranging from cough syrup to heroin, you can consider methadone. This is a very simple one-sentence explanation, but most people, including me, four years ago, know nothing about methadone treatment, and are only able to conjure up inner-city images of morally corrupt, streetwise felons, lining up in dark, dank hallways, lowering the property values in the neighborhood. If you have ever had a problem with opiates, one of the biggest problems you will confront is withdrawal. It is a miserable multi-symptom experience. Most of the folks I saw every morning were there because of fear. Fear that they’d have to suffer withdrawal. They were sick of being dependent on a drug that was increasingly more difficult to obtain, often forcing them to break the law to get enough money to pay for their habit. Trying to stop is not impossible, just horrible, so methadone is one way to go.
OUTDOOR FURNITURE RESTORATION CUSTOM POWDER COATING AND EXPERT RESTORATION & VINTAGE SALES EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY AT INCREDIBLE VALUE!
Fear was something I had when I sat behind the glass for the first time. Because of my severe lack of knowledge on the subject, I worried for my life. This was compounded slightly by the uniformed policeman stationed by the door. Those who qualify for admission to my clinic, have to agree to certain things: Stay drug-free for starters: That meant all drugs that are not subscribed and quite a few that are. This requires clients to take at least one urinalysis per month to screen for drugs. Clients have to see their counselor once a month. The clinic has a handful of counselors on staff, each one assigned to a group of patients. The counselor is on hand to help with problems related to treatment, employment issues, and life in general. Clients also have to pay for their treatment. This wasn’t a lot when you consider the price of heroin on the street, but there were some weeks when I knew that if I had had to pay for methadone I would have been unable to afford the lowest fee. For sure, though, patients at my methadone clinic had to see two people every day: me and the medicating nurse. Like some sort of post-apocalyptic McDonalds, I sat at one window and the medications were at the other. Clients come in, show me their I.D., I look at a card with their name on it to see if they need to see a counselor, make a payment, or produce a urine sample. Once cleared by my window, I would send clients off to the next, where the medicating nurse would
Specializing in Fine Quality Carriage House Style Doors and “Silent” Electric Operators
More Than Just A Garage Door!
ARE YOU READY FOR SPRING? Repairs ✸ Sandblasting Welding Re-strapping Sling Replacement Pick Up & Delivery Commercial & Residential 140 HIGHLAND STREET (just off Main Street) ✸ PORT CHESTER, NY 203-869-6227 ✸ 914-935-8839 ✸ www.pattisportico.net
8
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
Overhead • Swinging • Stock & Custom Designs Sales, Service and Installation of Insulated Wood / Steel / Vinyl Garage Doors
203-563-9300 Fax: 203-563-9313 • www.townandcountrydoor.com
March 2008
pump a prearranged dose of pink fluid into a Dixie cup, watch the client drink it and then make sure they actually swallowed it. Through the glass, I watched a lot of dramas, made a lot of friends, and I like to think, brought some dignity to the end of a lot of people’s ropes. The clinic, however, is highly regulated by local, state and federal agencies. On my first day, I was asked to sign a confidentiality agreement whereby I promised never to discuss any of the patients I saw with anyone. This had no expiration date. We were not allowed to leave papers around in the open with client names and we were not permitted to say their full names out loud, particularly in front of other patients. We could not confirm or deny participation of anyone in our programs, nor could we, without a signed release of information, share any patient information with any other health-service provider, family member, police officer or anyone else. I was not allowed to fraternize in any way with any of the patients, nor was I allowed to pick them up hitchhiking, lend them money or accept or bestow gifts upon them. All of this made sense to me four years ago, and it still makes sense to me now, which made it difficult when old high-school classmates arrived at the clinic for screenings, or family members of close friends walked in the door in desperate shape. I had to sort of feel them out. If they recognized me and expressed interest in sharing our common connection, I went ahead to the degree that I could, always being very careful not to imply in any way that our familiarity was going to come with special treatment. Which isn’t to say that I possessed any power or influence on the goings on at the methadone clinic. I was, after all, the lowest rung on the ladder. It was my job to keep the line moving and to make sure that everyone had a photo I.D. and a drug test each month. But I was the first thing everyone of these people saw every day and their overall jaundiced view of a methadone clinic isn’t all that different than anyone else’s. As I settled into my job, I began to put my own spin on the process. I made a point of treating every single client I saw with respect. Day in and day out, I couldn’t help but pick up little pieces of information about the individual patients. Soon I had managed to at least chip through a little bit of the hard protective shell that many of these people had developed in order to survive on the street. They were part of a system that involved humiliating waits in long lines to fill out forms to get assistance from the endless bureaucratic tangle. They had, many of them, destroyed their lives and their families and their health and were trying to make it back to where they could hold their heads up enough to see hope. I found out that I was able to help with that by being a friendly face behind a smudged window.
As the years went by, I honed my skills. I like to imagine that somehow, through it all, I was able to help someone hang on for another day. This, to me, was particularly strong when the client was a kid my son’s age – busted, alone, afraid, hiding behind a face-full of unkempt hair. To get through to one of these guys made a huge difference to me. It made the hourly wage less meager, gave the whole challenging undertaking purpose. Every morning, just before 5, the alarm goes off and I get out of bed. Clients wait in the dark for me to open the clinic just before 6. I am usually out of the building by 10:30, at which time I jump into studying. Twice a week I am in doing clinical rounds in the hospital in preparation for graduation from my nursing program. This is over at 11 p.m. If I can be in bed by midnight, I might just squeeze in 5 hours of sleep. As I type these words, I have 87 days to go until I am qualified to take the national nursing exam. The clinic has been very supportive of this, knowing that soon I will be moving on to other things. What none of us expected was that I would realize in early February that something had to go from my life if I was going to survive the final months of my schooling. I gave two-weeks’ notice at the clinic on Feb. 11. Somehow, it seems, the early days of February always mark key milestones in my life. Most of these events are far too personal to write about here, and I am finding, to my surprise, that leaving the clinic is becoming far more personal than I had expected. I am saying goodbye one by one, and there have been some tears on both sides of the window. With all the rules and regulations, I am not allowed by law to stay in touch with any of these folks, so my parting is akin to a death in a large dysfunctional family. I left there with sadness, but with optimism for myself and the people I saw every morning from 6 to 10. If we are a family, it is because we are all connected in some way by our struggles. Some struggles are huge and some are minuscule in comparison, but sometimes, by helping others, we are able to put our own struggles aside. And sometimes, a little reaching out is all it takes. Goodbye everyone, stay out of trouble! And whatever you do, do not contact me at ben.guerrero@sbcglobal.net. ■
Thinking Grand? Special pricing on Grand Victorian Dutch E SAV 0 00 $4,
14 x 16 Grand Victorian Dutch with 8ft. walls Sale Price $11,895
BEAUTY AND FUNCTION from plans to finishing touches
Of all decorating styles, I specialize in YOURS
Regular Price as shown: $15,895 OR Up to $1,000 in FREE options on Gand Victorian ordered Grand Victorian Buildings! Buildings! Visit www.TheBarnYardStore.com for details! O% Financing for 6 mo. on any Storage Building, Gazebo or Single Bay Garage
GARAGES ~ STORAGE BUILDINGS ~ GAZEBOS ~ STABLES ~ BARNS ~ SHELL HOMES
(203) 438 - 4743 w w w. o l g a a d l e r i n t e r i o r s . c o m
Ellington, CT, Rt. 83 860 896-0636
Windsor Locks, CT, Rt. 75 860 623-4644
Brookfield, CT, Rt. 7 203 740-7433
1-800-628-2276 ~ www.barn-yard.com ~ www.greatcountrygarages.com ~ OPEN 7 Days March 2008
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
9
INTERIOR I INSIGHTS ■
■
It’s not easy being green by G. Lisa Sullivan I could hear the shrieking of the fire engine sirens from a mile away as I waited nervously on the front lawn for the truck to appear. When it did, four of the biggest, hunkiest firefighters I’ve ever seen emerged from the shiny red vehicle. “Where’s the fire, Ma’am?” the hunkiest one politely asked. “In the basement,” I replied, simultaneously wringing my hands and batting my eyelashes, and wondering forlornly when I’d officially become Ma’am, rather than Miss. “Our washing machine stopped working in the middle of the cycle, and there’s smoke down there.” The hunks went inside to investigate, reappearing a short time later. “There’s no fire, Ma’am, just some smoke, and we unplugged the washer,” hunk number three said. “It looks like the motor burnt out, and since the machine is kind of old, you should probably just replace it. Keep your
windows and garage door open for a little while, until the smoke dissipates. Everything should be fine.” I waved them off in my best damsel in distress fashion and waited until the smoke had cleared. Then I hopped in my car and headed to the nearest appliance store to buy a washer, one of the most boring, mundane household items imaginable ... a necessary evil, if you will, and one which I hadn’t planned on purchasing for a while. Whoever sees your washer or dryer (except you or the firefighters)? I’d much rather shop for a kitchen appliance like a double oven or a cool espresso/latte/café au lait maker with all the bells and whistles. Buyer’s Remorse
At the store, I purchased a new washer in a matter of minutes and was relating the washing-machine-catching-on-fire-and-the-hunkscoming-to-my-rescue-and-me-buying-a-newA Miele fast-cooking oven is one of a number of energy-efficient appliances.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN & INSTALLATION
Earth Friendly Solutions For Outdoor Living TRUST OUR 25 YEARS OF CRAFTSMANSHIP TO CREATE YOUR DREAM LANDSCAPE CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR SPRING PROJECT 203.894.1480 ON-SITE CONSULTS AVAILABLE
PE
AC E A B L E VISIT OUR PORTFOLIO OF PROJECTS ONLINE
Redo Your View Freshen up your home’s décor and reduce energy costs with Hunter Douglas Duette® honeycomb shades. Available in a rainbow of fashionable colors and styles, Duette shades bring beauty and light control to windows of almost any shape or size. Add a select operating system and save $20 to $200 per unit.
COLBY’S
OF RIDGEFIELD
Serving Fairfield & Westchester Counties for 50 years
FARMS
WWW.PEACEABLEFARMS.COM
FINE WINDOW TREATMENTS, WALLCOVERINGS, FABRICS & UPHOLSTERY
13 Governor Street, Ridgefield (near Balducci’s)
340 PEACEABLE STREET | RIDGEFIELD, CT
203-438-8531 • www.colbysinc.com
SAVE $20-$200 PER UNIT (4 unit max)
Duette
®
honeycomb shades with select operating systems
DON’T DELAY. OFFER ENDS SOON! Offer valid March 1- May 31, 2008. Manufacturer’s rebate. Limits and restrictions apply. Ask for details. © 2008 Hunter Douglas, Inc. ® and ™ are trademarks of Hunter Douglas, Inc.
10
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
March 2008
washer story to a friend a few weeks later when I realized what an environmental faux pas I had committed. “Those new energy efficient washers are just great!� my friend said. “You must be saving a ton on water and electricity now.� “Uh, um, er, yeah, the new washer is um, er, great,� I stammered, caught off guard by the question, and silently berating myself with the knowledge that I had not, in fact, even thought to request an energy-efficient model at the store. As soon as we hung up, I ran downstairs, hoping against hope that I’d find I had inadvertently purchased an energy-saver after all. Maybe all the washers are automatically made that way now, I thought. I searched frantically for the Energy Star tag you see on all those appliance commercials, but no dice. I was even more environmentally incorrect than I thought.
The Learning Curve
Shortly after this discovery, I decided to call a couple of appliance stores to educate myself a little further on the subject energy-saving appliances. First, I spoke to Bill Lafontaine, owner of REO Appliance in Norwalk. “Most of the manufacturers have energy-saver stickers for the floor models so customers see those right away,� Bill explains. “Even if they hadn’t thought about buying one before they came in, this ‘reminder’ frequently encourages them to do so.� Bill says that energy-efficient refrigerators have compressors that contain a coolant that is better for the environment, while energy-saving dishwashers and washing machines use a lot less water. “The front-loading washing machines use 18 to 20 gallons of water, as opposed to top loaders, which use 40 to 50 gallons,� he estimates. See Interior Insights page 56
CANNONDALE VILLAGE Experience a charming, historic village with wonderful shops and a restaurant right behind the Cannondale Train Station. Please come visit us soon! 0%..9 (! 0%..9 "RITISH &OODS s 'IFTS &AIRIE "OOKS "RITISH %ASTER %GGS
0HONE &AX
*E WELRY
4EA 0OTS
4UESDAY 3ATURDAY AM ^ PM 3UNDAY AM ^ PM
)NSPIRED &LORAL $ESIGN 3WEETS
7EDDINGS s &ESTIVITIES s (OME !LSO 6INTAGE ,OOKS IN &ASHION !CCESSORIES
&ROZEN &OODS
! #ANNON 2OAD #ANNONDALE 6ILLAGE s 7ILTON #4 WWW PENNYHAPENNY COM
A Unique “Girlieâ€? Shoppe Antiques • Cottage Vintage & New!
• Vintage Linens • Jewelry • New & Antique Quilts • Fine China • Crystal • Cottage Furniture And much, much more! 203.761.8808 Wilton, CT
★ March 2008
•
203.858.7829 Hours: W-Sat 11-5; Sun 12-4
7ILTON #4
4UES 3AT 3UN
!LL -AJOR #REDIT #ARDS ,OCAL $ELIVERY
# ! . . / . $ ! , %
3PECIALIZING IN !NTIQUE 6INTAGE !RT 0OTTERY
! . 4 ) 1 5 % 3
#ANNON 2OAD 7ILTON #4 WWW CANNONDALEANTIQUES COM s
INCONVENIENCE COUPON: Receive 10% off at Penny Ha’Penny or Annabel Green with this ad. For Alternate Routes to Avoid Route 7, call 762-2233.
★
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
11
Fairfield Winter Farmers Market A GROWING CONCERN by G. Lisa Sullivan
Courtesy of Michel Nischan
The conversation went something like this. Business owner: “Hi, how can I help you today?” Me: “Well, we’re having company for dinner tonight, and I’m not sure what will go with our meal. Do you have any recommendations? That white one looks good ...” Business owner: “That depends ... what are you planning to serve?” Me: “Let’s see, I’m making chicken piccata with lemon saffron rice and asparagus.” Business owner: “Yes, this white one should complement your menu, and I think your guests will love it. Here, try some.” The business owner, John Barricelli of the Sono Baking Co., handed me not wine, as you might expect, but rather a slice of fresh homemade bread, golden brown and crusty on the outside and moist, tender and flaky inside. The bread practically melted in my mouth, and it was all I could do to keep from gobbling up the entire loaf at the Fairfield Winter Market, an offshoot of Westport’s two-year-old successful summer/ fall farmers market. Launched this past January, the Fairfield Winter Market, held indoors at the Fairfield Theatre Co., 70 Sanford St., and scheduled to operate each Saturday through the end of April, was created, in part, to Chef Michel Nischan’s entrée, Beef Short Rib Pot Roast, features locally grown produce.
12
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
March 2008
meet local residents’ demand for a nearly year-round farmer’s market in this area. And did I mention the bread? Growing Pains
Years ago, I would visit a Stamford-based farmers market each week. The market, which operated each Thursday in Columbus Park from July through October, featured vendors, mostly from New York and New Jersey, who sold a few varieties of tomatoes and lettuce (beefsteak and iceberg, mostly), Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples, Indian corn, and some flowers. Oh, and cookies and brownies that some nice Amish ladies from Pennsylvania came to sell (probably the best part of the market). Following my recent visit to the Fairfield market, it would be fair to say that farmers markets have changed a great deal in 20 years, and are not, in fact, an extension of a circa 1989 supermarket produce section. Modeled after successful metropolitan outdoor farmers markets in Manhattan and Boston, both the Westport Summer and Fairfield Winter
markets, which are projects of the Wholesome Wave Foundation’s Charitable Ventures, feature locally grown and raised, mainly organic and sustainable foods, including pasture-raised beef, pork and lamb; heritage breed eggs; farmstead cheese; artisan bread and pastries; certified organic salad greens; clams, oysters and lobsters; local honey; tea; goat’s milk soap; and wool hats, sweaters and blankets. Sponsored by the Wholesome Wave Foundation and Fairfield Theatre Co., in cooperation with the Town of Fairfield and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the Winter Farmers Market puts growers and consumers together in a dynamic, informative and often entertaining environment to learn about how and where food is grown locally, according to Katherine Dyer, director of Wholesome Wave Markets. “The first Westport Farmers Market, which ran from June to November two years ago, was located at the Westport Country Playhouse, so the Fairfield See Farmers Market page 48
Spring Island. A magnificent place between two of the South’s most magnificent cities.
We are right in the heart of the Carolina Lowcountry, 40 minutes north of Savannah, 90 minutes south of Charleston. The property is so spectacular, back in 1991 Arnold Palmer was reluctant to put a golf course on it. Nature gets top priority here -over one-third of the island is a nature preserve maintained by four full-time naturalists. Palmer did do the course and it is considered
his best. All the other amenities that make us competitive with any other development are in place. And the island is far from being overly developed. Fewer than 400 property owners share 3,000-acres of maritime forest and 3,500-acres of marshland. Spring Island is the first of its kind. And it appears to be the last of its kind. For a grand look at all we have to offer, click on our website.
SpringIsland.com For the best time of your life, you can’t find a better place.
42 Mobley Oaks Lane, Spring Island, Okatie, SC 29909 - 843.987.2200 Toll Free: 866.740.0400
March 2008
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
13
■
INTO I THE I GARDEN ■
Pleasing not persnickety plants by Donna Clark
Donna Clark photos
Easter and St. Patrick’s Day are only a week apart this year. White Flower Farm in Litchfield is opening the store at the farm on Saturday, March 15, roughly three weeks earlier than in the past. There will be a considerable display of houseplants, some very fresh cut flowers and the usual mix of tools, supplies, books, and gifts. I haven’t been to the farm in years, and, weather permitting, I’ll make the trip this year. For more information, 1-800-503-9624. I’ve made my share of trips to the oral surgeon this winter (implants), and the assistant is now a Master Gardener and is still very enthused with the program. This last visit she told me about the advanced classes being held. They are one-time classes, usually a couple of hours long, not too costly, around $50, and the best part of all – you can take them even if you aren’t a Master Gardener. To see the list of classes for spring go to ladybug.uconn.edu/. I met with a new client last week, and one practice she uses is, if a plant is not doing well after a year, move it to another location. That’s a good practice in theory, but sometimes it takes more than a year for a plant to settle in after being moved. We started talking about clematis and all the problems they may have. Her main problem was that they didn’t bloom much. After some thought, we decided it was sometimes a matter not only of being planted in the wrong place, but of which variety is planted. I have had the best success with a variety called Multi-Blue. This clematis has huge double-center flowers surrounded by single dark-blue/purple petals with pronounced blue stamens. It blooms from June through September and is a vigorous grower.
Clematis Multi-Blue is a favorite because it’s easy to grow.
Art Gallery
& Master Framer
✧ Representing International, National and Local Artists ✧ Over 5000 Custom Frames to Beautify Your Treasures
Our Gift To You $25 off CUSTOM FRAMING With this ad - Expires 3/29/08. Must be presented when order is placed
RIVER ROAD GALLERY Fine Art & Custom Framing 21 River Road
14
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
✧
Wilton, CT 06897
✧
203.762.3887 March 2008
A few tips on planting clematis. Plant the crown at least three inches deep. This will insure new growth from the roots if the plant gets the dreaded clematis wilt. There is no cure for this – the entire plant seems to wilt and die back. When this happens, you cut it back and wait for the new growth to come from the roots. Maybe it’s just been luck, but I haven’t had any wilt problems with Multi-Blue. Angelonia is an annual that we use in all our gardens. It has no problems with insect pests and is not a favorite of deer, rabbits or woodchucks. It needs full sun but doesn’t need to be staked, and you won’t need to deadhead till later in the season, around September. The colors are Angel Mist Dark Pink, Angel Mist Plum,
Angelonia Angel Mist Dark Pink is mainly pest-resistant.
Purple, and Angel Face White. Pink and purple will stay around 18 inches tall and Plum is about three inches shorter. The white variety tends to grow to 24 inches and be a little lanky. We had stopped using the white one because of this, but now I’m going back to it because it gives a really good look to the garden. Since we’re talking about annuals, I can’t stop myself from mentioning sweet peas. If you have a place to plant them, please give them a try. They need full sun and a four-foot fence to grow on. You plant the seeds directly in the ground sometime in March (I soak the seeds overnight). Some of the older varieties have more Sweet peas are ideal to plant along a fence.
March 2008
See Into the Garden page xx
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
15
California Dreamin’ Olson Photographic LLC
Olson Photographic LLC
Becomes Reality in Wilton by Jeannette Ross Three’s a charm, they say, and that’s what John Klein has in the home his company, Pembrooke Caledon LLC, built at 5 Powder Horn Hill Road in Wilton. In November, John and his partner Lin Daniels won an unprecedented third HOBI (Home Builders Association of Connecticut) award for Best Outdoor Environment, despite some formidable competition throughout the state. In 2004 the home was cited as Spec Home of the Year, and in 2006 it won for Best Remodeled Basement. The outdoor environment – you can hardly call it a backyard – is stunning. Perfect for large-scale entertaining or intimate family gatherings, it is a cohesive landscape of New York bluestone, river stone and large boulders that join three terraces, a gazebo with an outdoor kitchen, native plantings, a series of waterfalls, and a naturalized swimming pool. Under dramatic night-time lighting, it gives the impression, as owner Mary Kate Dellatre says, “of being at a resort.” Mary Kate and her husband, Al, live here with their two young daughters. (The basement remodel, which included a princess castle for the two girls, was featured in these pages in 2006.) When the Dellatres bought the house from Pembrooke
16
Caledon, they asked John if he would oversee the basement remodel and construction of the pool area. Today, the Nantucket shingle-style home has 8,700 square feet of finished space and sits on more than two-and-a-half acres. “The challenge with developing that outside environment was a very steep hillside,” John said. “It offered possibilities, but it also offered challenges.” Foremost among those challenges was a pond at the bottom of the property, indicating wetlands. Al Dellatre recalled how “the three of us were standing down there in the mud one day,” trying to figure out how to place the elements the couple wanted. “We knew we wanted the pool, an outdoor kitchen, the patio, but how do you fit what we wanted into the terrain, what with the setbacks, wetlands and other limitations.” “Especially having a pond on the property, we wanted to keep that natural look as opposed to something very modern looking,” Mary Kate said. The answer to the design problems lay in a three-tiered plan. As John described it, “The upper level is a narrow terrace where guests walk down a long corridor of greenery to the top of a staircase overlooking two lower terraces.” Guests then descend a gently curving stone stairway to the second level. This is the main entertaining area with access to the lower level of the house. The terrace, which is on the same level as the outdoor kitchen, is large enough to accommodate five tables of 10 guests each. “We thought about the basement and the pool together,” Al said. “When you walk out the French doors, you see the pool and you can hear the waterfall. It blocks out the traffic on the road but you can still hear the birds sing.” The lowest level features the kidney-shaped, heated pool, which is 60 feet long and 30 feet wide. There are terraces on two sides of the pool connected by a fourfoot wide and four-foot tall walking wall, which is a retaining wall for the pool. With the meadow and pond beyond, this walkway gives the impression of an infinity pool. All the terraces are built of bluestone. The two upper terraces are paved with rectangular stones and are more formal in nature. The pool terrace is made of irregularly cut stones. River stone was chosen for the retaining walls, which echoes the home’s river-stone fireplaces and chimneys. Having moved from California, the family missed outdoor living. What began with ideas on grilling kept right on growing, and the former steep, overgrown hillside now blooms like a summer resort.
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
March 2008
Al and Mary Kate lived in California before moving to Wilton and that sensibilThe project is not how they initially envisioned it, but that has more to do with ity is echoed in this project. The idea of the gazebo arose, Mary Kate said, “because working with their property and the town’s highway, building and conservation we missed barbecuing.”. The two-story gazebo was designed by architect John departments. “Considering what we’ve done with this house, between John Klein Verelley of Weston. It houses a full outdoor kitchen including a Viking grill, sink and John Palazzo, aside from writing the checks it was pleasant all around,” Al and refrigerator. The appliances and cabinets are stainless-steel, and there are three said. Referring to the months of hearings they had to endure to get town approvbars of bluestone overlooking the pool. The gazebo’s design corresponds to the als, Mary Kate said, “Especially, (considering) how long it took to get things done, house’s design, and it offers storage beneath a peaked roof. when I look back on it now, it’s minuscule. When I look at what we created it was The California influence doesn’t stop there. “The patio, the waterfall are all worth it.” California,” Mary Kate said. See California Dreamin’ page 58 “When you go up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the snow runoff makes these incredible streams,” Al said. The 45foot-long man-made stream that flows into their pool starts at the top of their property near the house and makes its way downhill. Along the way are a series of five waterfalls that culminate in a sixfoot waterfall that plunges into the pool. Powering it all is a pump that pushes 300 gallons a minute and recirculates the water in the pool every four hours. “When you go out there, you wouldn’t know if you were sitting near the glacial runoff of the Sierra Nevadas or in Connecticut,” Al said. The waterfalls drop over a series of huge boulders, many of which weigh five to six tons each. Some came from the property and some came from a property in Redding where John recently completed a 6,000-square-foot shinglestyle farmhouse. Moving the boulders presented a challenge not only because of their size but because John and the Dellatres wanted to protect their pristine condition. “When you move them with heavy equipment, the blades scratch them and ruin the patina,” John said. “We had to move them with slings.” The dirt that was dug up for the pool was also put to good use, creating an 80foot berm between the Dellatres’ house and their neighbors. They planted the berm with Norway spruce for added privacy on both sides. isit our beautiful idea-filled showroom The plantings were designed by and meet our experienced design staff Gail Bishop of Thunder Hill Designs in Redding. The lighting was the work ◆ ◆ of Janet Dube Associates. “When we started,” Al said, he thought of lighting “more as seeing where I was going.” The result was considerably more dramatic. “It’s illuminated,” he said. “At night, it’s very dramatic,” Mary Kate said. All the construction work, including the waterfalls, was done by Performance Landex of Georgetown. The company is run by John Palazzo, and Mary Kate 7 Washington Street • SoNo • South Norwalk, Ct 06854 described their work as “amazing.” She 203-523-5822 added, “They created exactly what we Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9-5 • Thurs 12-8 (parking in the rear Webster lot) put down on paper.”
Discover Remarkable Value in Fine Kitchens... V
DESIGN
March 2008
SELECTION
VALUE
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
17
Fine art and framing in Wilton by Priscilla Whitley Add art to the list of numerous reasons to live in southwestern Connecticut. Fairfield County has made its mark as a showcase for art and a nourishing environment for artists and patrons of the fine arts. In addition to the nationally known Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield, Silvermine Guild of Artists in New Canaan, Bruce Museum in Greenwich, and the Brookfield Craft Center in Brookfield, there are private galleries popping up in many towns, and this area has now become a destination for those who are inspired to view the world through an artist’s eye. Driving south on Route 7 in Wilton, despite the distracting construction, keep a watch on the right for a picturesque little house, Number 263, just a short way past the intersection of routes 7 and 33. There you’ll find a charming gallery and Judee Beardsley, whose framing business has been at this site for 13 years. Now called Beardsley Fine Framing and Art Gallery, it is well worth a visit. Currently she is showcasing the work of artists throughout the country. Originally Judee’s focus was on framing, and since framing is the accent needed to complete most artwork, her dream had been to expand by exhibiting artists and selling their work. When she decided to renovate her shop, the opportunity arose to make the dream come true. “I’ve been framing for 20 years, 13 years at this site,” Judee said, as she perched on a stool, clearly excited by this new prospect. “I’ve always done framing because I started in photography, so I did my own framing and matting. I had only a small
18
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
On May 10, the Beardsley Gallery will hold an art show at which the artists will be present to discuss their work.
March 2008
area for some artwork within the framing shop, but I decided to renovate and put my interest in art into the gallery business. And now I have art from all around the United States ... quality art from top notch artists.” Working with a colleague in California, who helped get her started, Judee is now seeking not only national but local artists who are ready to showcase their work. She will be sponsoring an art show at the Old Town Hall in Wilton on May 10 from 2 to 8; hors d’oeuvres will be served. “Our plans are to make this one of the most exciting exhibits in this part of the country. We intend to showcase contemporary and cutting-edge art from local, regional and national artists, and international as well. For instance, we’ve recently discovered who we feel is one of the top sculpture artists in the country, and will be promoting her work as well as taking bids on portrait commissions. Her name is Lauren Mills, and her name is one you’ll be hearing about in the coming months. Her work is amazing.” Framing, though, has not taken a back seat since the gallery opened. With her years of experience, Judee continues to have loyal customers. Whether it’s working with photographs, antique prints or a child’s artwork, the framing business continues to thrive and be a joy to Judee. Along with framing, she handles oil-painting restoration, installation, and pick-up and delivery, so what seems a small business is actually much larger.
“I have a faithful clientele,” Judee said, “and I’m always on the lookout for their needs. If they’re seeking a landscape with certain tones or just the right accent for a small space, I’ll take care of them. I work a lot with decorators who know what See Beardsley page 54
New Showroom!
Yes … We Do Install!
New Showroom!
Come meet our on-site Design Staff
Creative Tile
Porcelain ♦ Glass ♦ Stone ♦ Vanities ♦ Granite Countertops Featuring uring Beauti Beautiful Tile from
C A N C O S tile corporation
March Madness!
219 Ethan Allen Hwy, RT 7 • Ridgefield 203-431-9900 180 Main Street S., Union Square Plaza, Southbury (1/2 mile north of Rte 102) • 203-264-5553 Mon - Fri 9-5; Sat 9-3; closed Sunday Only Granite 1/2 mile north Countertops of Rt 102
We’ll keep the lights on for you.u. Granite Countertops
When the power goes out, depend on GUARDIAN Home Standby generators for automatic back-up power 24 hours a day. • • • •
Only 1/2 mile north of Rt 102
epend y ack-up
Fully automatic 24/7 blackout protection Permanently installed More practical than a portable generator
Call for a free estimate (203) 438-2661
Fairfield County’s most diversified area rug and broadloom selection 594 Main Ave • Norwalk • 203-847-0335 www.DORELLOCARPETS.COM • Corner of West Rocks Road & Rt 7 • Open 7 Days Late Night Thursday March 2008
385 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
19
AWAY I FROM I HOME ■
■
The Quiet Corner by Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell “I’m a newbie in these parts,” Dan proudly exclaimed, as he roamed through the Apple Barn in Woodstock, which carries, yes, apples, but also local maple syrup and other pantry goodies. “I’ve been here for 20 years, and the locals are finally accepting me,” he wryly added. “They don’t like change around here,” his wife, born and raised in town, further explained. Illustrating the point, she said that replacing an old wooden door at the Apple Barn with a white, vinyl garage door became an overblown point of contention. As she stood admiring the door, she noted that the diehards finally agreed to the alteration.
Gourmet Getaway Package
Stacy Lytwyn Maxwell
A Vermont Getaway the Taste Buds won’t Forget!
The Inn at Woodstock Hill in Connecticut’s Last Green Valley.
Sunday - Thursday - $225 per couple Friday and Saturday - $285 per couple Country Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner, Tax and Gratuities
“Country Living Magazine’s Inn of the Month” Create your perfect getaway. Ask about our package add-ons. Horse Sleigh Rides, Spa Treatments, and More.
877-367-7389
www.dorsetinn.com
Additions • Renovations Cabinetry • Architectural Woodworking
Marcus F. Carpenter Redding, CT
•
203-938-0043
www.marcusfcarpenter.com
20
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
March 2008
The Quiet Corner
Despite the surge of over-development in growing areas of the Nutmeg state, our colonial ancestors would still recognize much of the northeastern region. So accurately dubbed the Quiet Corner, the region has been a testament to green living way before green meant anything more than a color. In fact, in 1994, Congress designated 35 towns in northeastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts as the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor. It’s also known as The Last Green Valley and anyone who travels in an aircraft between Boston and Washington, D.C., at night can see why. Actually, they will not see a thing. Amid the urban and suburban glow of artificial lights below, this 1,085-square-mile corridor remains dark. In the daytime, it is a naturalist’s utopia of rugged hills, fields, valleys, and forests. In the Quiet Corner, sans big-box stores and malls, distinctive private schools, such as Pomfret Academy, a college-preparatory school founded in 1894, have existed alongside generations of farmers. One reason locals may interpret change not only as intrusive but threatening is that Connecticut has lost its farmland at a higher rate
DETAILS
than any other state in the country. Collectively, our state is losing 9,000 acres of farmland every year. Fortunately, agri-tourism has enticed travelers back to America’s early roots and the season is not limited to warm weather when tourists pick fruits and vegetables or lose themselves in corn mazes. Now, until late March, many farmers and hobbyists have tapped into another resource. The telltale sign: Sugarhouses are smokin’! Steam clouds the interior of the barn, shed or shack where enthu-
See Away from Home page 32
It takes more than plants to build a brilliant landscape.
For more information on the Last Green Valley and Maple Sugar Days, www.lastgreenvalley. org. The Inn at Woodstock Hill 94 Plaine Hill Road, Woodstock, 860-928-0528; email, innwood@gmail.com; www. woodstockhill.com. Norman’s Sugar House 387 Country Road, Woodstock, 860-974-1235, Open in-season during weekends; call first. Mik-Ran’s Sugarhouse & Specialty Shop 86 Stetson Road, Brooklyn, 860-774-7926, Open in-season during weekends; call first. The Vanilla Bean Café Routes 97 and 169, Pomfret 860-928-1562; www.thevanillabeancafe.com. Celebrations Gallery & Shoppes 330 Pomfret Street (Route 169), Pomfret Center, 860-9285492; www.celebrationsshoppes. com. March 2008
High-quality plants, trees and materials will take you only part way to the landscape you want. You’re going to need high-quality thinking, too. That’s why Poundridge Nurseries provides professional landscape design consultation to our clients at no charge. We’ll help you find what’s right for your location, terrain and environment. Not to mention your family and your budget. Whether you’re seeking the perfect perennial or a garden to rival Versailles, visit our nursery. Ask questions. And root your landscape in our expertise.
Open Open 7 days a aweek, 8 a.m. 5 p.m. We're at the intersection ofPound Rts.Ridge, 172,NY.124 and 137 www.prnurseries.com in Pound Ridge, NY. 7 days week, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.- We’re at the intersection of Rts. 172, 124 and 137 in (914) 764-5781 (914) 764-5781 www.prnurseries.com The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
21
Shopping continued from page 6 As it should be with a new artsupply shop with the bonus of a gallery, Building Blocks, owned by Paul Gervais of Ridgefield, is a complete shop for artists and “wannabes,” providing plenty of color with all the “paintables.” During my visit, Paul said he previously led a corporate life but was always interested in art. Before opening Building Blocks, he had talked with artists who said they had to “drive to several stores to get the supplies they needed.” Art supplies and craft sets for children and greeting cards designed by Wilton artist Robin Heit are available here. “If you carry the right items, you’re fine,” said Paul, whose intention is also to support local artists in the gallery. A first solo exhibit by Marc McChesney ended on March 1 and will be followed by the work of author/illustrator Ronnie Shapiro. There will be a photography exhibit by WestConn students in April. Building Blocks 49 Ethan Allen Highway, Route 7 Ridgefield, 203-894-1752 9:30 to 6 Monday to Friday 9:30 to 5 Saturday, 12 to 5 Sunday
Looking for Lighting? Chandeliers Crystals Tiffanys Mirrors
Shades Repairs Table Lamps Floor Lamps
Building Blocks, art for all ages.
a r g s bags ’ a d o h r
Winter Sale
Custom made handbags
Medallions Accent Furniture Outdoor Lighting Lightbulbs
828-265-2732 rhodasragbags@yahoo.com
A Perfect Gift Anytime!!
Bedford Lighting & Home 748 N. Bedford Road • Bedford Hills, NY 914-666-0680 • M-F 10-5:30; Sat 10-5; Sun 12-5 www.BedfordLightingandHome.com
Featured in This Old House Magazine! Quality Stained Wood & Melamine Systems
Factory Direct!
Free In-Home Consultation 203-847-4179 Visit our showroom at 6-B Muller Park Norwalk, CT 06850
PANTRIES • GARAGE SYSTEMS • ACCESSORIES
22
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
Custom Cabinetmaking ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS • BOOKCASES
HOME OFFICE & MUDROOM AREAS
CUSTOM DESIGN SIMPLE TO ELEGANT CLOSETS
■
Design
■
Millwork
■
Fine Furniture
T. DUGGAN WOODWORKING 203 ■ 487 ■ 6325 54 Research Drive ■ Stamford ■ CT 06906 ■ tdwoodwork@yahoo.com March 2008
As a non-painter, even I was encouraged to pick up some supplies and see what I could do. Classes are conducted by artist Bobbi Mullen and there’s a a workshop on making comic books, summer camp for young artists, and birthday party packages. Paul said, “I did a lot of research before open Building Blocks. I wanted to be on Main Street in downtown Ridgefield, but I found this space with plenty of parking. I’m a one-stop destination for artists.” Art gifts for children are prominent at Building Blocks. Patricia Murphy and her daughter, Tina Hassenstein, began a clothing consignment business in 1985, establishing two successful stores, one for children, the other for women, both in the same shopping center. They now work together in
one store, which features accessories and jewelry and women’s designer apparel in sizes 0 to extra-large and labels including Prada, Chanel, Lilly Pulitzer, Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, Gucci, Eileen Fisher, Theory, Armani, Juicy Couture, Tory Burch, St. John, Burberry, and Uggs are stand-outs. The best jeans collection anywhere is also here. While I was at the shop, a customer, who had been watching the price of a coyote coat (original price $800) come down, was thrilled when she purchased it for $200. Also on that day, items marked A to N were half-price. Spring consignments are being accepted Tuesday through Friday between 8 and 12, and by appointment. Only 20 pieces are accepted per day per customer and the store takes a 50% commission fee. Articles that are not sold will be given to charity if not picked up in 60 days.
Bring ’n’ Buy and Bring ’n’ Buy, Too 590 Danbury Road (Route 35) Ridgefield, 203-438-7714 8 to 4 Tuesday to Friday 9:30 to 4 Saturday
See Shopping page 55
Bring ’n’ Buy, designer fashions for less.
C A R P E T I N G • N AT U R A L S T O N E Beauty for your home…
200 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 203.762.0169
CERAMIC TILE • LAMINATES • VINYL
Kitchens
•
Professional Planning, Design and Installation Quality Custom & Semi-Custom Cabinetry Baths • Built-Ins • Entertainment Centers • Plumbing Fixtures
TEL: 203-762-7013 Licensed in CT and NY CT LIC. NO. 125464 NY LIC. NO. 1245
March 2008
P.O. Box 622, Wilton, CT 06897 www.luccielectric.com
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
23
■
HOMEBODIES ■
Shutterbug by G. Lisa Sullivan If you’re anything like me (and you probably are, if you’re reading a newspaper supplement about decorating and home improvement), then you probably can’t resist critiquing other peoples’ houses. Typically, when I’m driving my car or walking our dog, I’ll see contractors’ trucks parked in residential driveways, the vehicles’ exteriors advertising everything from interior and exterior painting and gutter replacement to masonry and air-duct cleaning. People always seem to be having something done to their houses, so I’m never at a loss for projects to observe. Yes, I’m a little bit nosy. I always wonder what the homeowners are having done and if I were a bolder, more outgoing type, I would walk right up, ring the doorbell and ask what’s going on. “I notice you have a cabinet installer here today,” I’d say. “Are you getting new cabinets? Will they be custom-order or in stock? And did you go with a distressed or painted finish, or just a stain, or what?” And if I were really lucky, they’d invite me inside to see for myself. I’m sure that most doors would be slammed right in my nosy nose, however, and rightly so, but I just can’t help but be curious. I love knowing everything about a home, and my daily morning walks provide me with lots to contemplate.
Eye Candy
One Halloween, when my husband and I were trick or treating with our daughter, we stopped at a neighbor’s house for candy. When the mom opened the door, we started making small talk, and, somehow, the subject of her recent Tuscaninspired kitchen remodel came up (yes, I had in fact seen the trucks in her driveway). “Would you like to come in and see it?” she asked, after we had been talking for a few minutes (I swear I didn’t invite myself in). “That would be great,” I replied, and in we walked (my husband being dragged reluctantly behind me), only to see her family in the midst of their dinner. I’m sure they were as thrilled to see us standing in their kitchen while they ate their spaghetti and meatballs as my husband was to be standing there watching them. The wife, however, proudly showed off her new cabinets, tile backsplash, wood flooring, and stainless appliances, while I appropriately oohed and aahed over the renovation. During my dog walks, I always pass a genuine historic home, its exterior plaque extolling its circa-1785 birth. This dwelling has undergone a few changes of its own over the years. Nothing major, mind you. Most homes on the historic registry, as this one appears to be, have stringent regulations and rules to follow regarding exterior renovations. Any changes need to be approved by the town planning and zoning committee and the committee for historic preservation. Remember that before you consider buying a historic house.
Control. Convenience . Luxur y.
* Design to Completion * We do the whole project so you don’t have to do anything! Visit one of our showrooms and talk to the people that know what they are talking about.
We are kitchen and bath professionals.
On your job every day till it’s complete...guaranteed
Hallmarks of a HomeTronics Lifestyle. HOMETRONICS
Lifestyles
Home Theater
24
Distributed Audio/Video
www.hometronicslifestyles.com 800.468.9418
Lighting Control
Home Automation
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
Structured Wiring
Design Center Hours: M-F 9am-4:30pm • Sat. 9:30am-3:30pm 19 Old Doansburg Rd • Brewster, NY 10509 Phone: 845.278.0070 Fax: 845.278.6913 594 Route 6 • Mahopac, NY 10541 Phone: 845.628.2288 Fax: 845.628.6988 www.southeastkitchens.net March 2008
Anyway, following a house fire, the owners repainted the exterior and replaced mutter to myself each time I’d walk by. No such luck, however, as the newly painted their sagging, broken shutters with beautiful plank-style wooden shutters. They’re shutters were summarily reinstalled once the house was done. exactly the kind of shutters I’d like for our house, should we ever be in the market. Should I have approached the homeowners with my suggestion? Would they have When we moved in, some 12 years ago, we did, in fact, replace the rotting shutappreciated my unsolicited advice and neighborly concern? I doubt it ... rather they ters the previously owners had so thoughtfully left behind. Painted rust brown to would likely have been insulted, and who could blame them? It would annoy me no match the garage door and front door, they were one of the first items on my “to do” end to have some neighborhood looky-loo tromp up my front steps, ring my doorlist. bell and tell me what she thought of my house. It’s probably a good thing I kept my At the time, I didn’t know there were so many shutter options and had I been opinion to myself, as most likely I would have ended up with poor neighborly relafamiliar with the plank-style the nearby historic home now features, I would have tions, or, at the very least, a black eye. ■ purchased those, rather than the traditional louver-style we chose. The others would have added so much character to our otherwise plain yet functional splitJoe Rizzo, Proprietor - Country Road Associates LTD. “We’re the only makers of 19th level home, although painted a deep Century style furniture to use forest green, the traditional shutters that 19th C. barnwood.” grace our home do look rather snappy, if I must say so myself. Shown here: FARM TABLE. Farm tables
“19th CENTURY BARNWOOD IS MY BUSINESS”
Windows On The World
Just a block over from our house, in a relatively new development, a lovely farmhouse-style colonial with a big front porch sports the narrowest shutters I’ve ever seen. There’s barely any room on either side of any of the windows, and it’s obvious that the architect and/or builder neglected to take exterior shutters into consideration when planning this home. When the house was being repainted several years ago, the shutters were removed, and I could see how wonderful it looked without them. It made me realize, in fact, just how distracting the narrow shutters really were and how much they detracted from the overall beauty of the house. “Boy, I hope they leave those shutters off when they’re done painting,” I’d
bring to mind families enjoying a bounty of good eating. That’s why we have adapted it for contemporary living or traditional settings. This simple, yet uniquely beautiful dining table is 72” L x 36” W x 30” H, and comfortably seats 8.
Also custom cabinetry, chairs, mirrors, benches, Oriental rugs and more • Traditional hand craftsmanship • Hand-rubbed wax finish for a mellow satin patina
• Each piece individually signed, dated & numbered by joiner • Send $5 for our color brochure
Open Tues.–Sat. 10am-4pm, Sunday & Monday by appointment COUNTRY ROAD ASSOCIATES, LTD., 63 Front Street, P.O. Box 885, Millbrook, NY 12545 845-677-6041 FAX 845-677-6532 www.countryroadassociates.com
“I sell barnwood very reasonably. Call me for a price quote.” • FLOORING in rare chestnut, wide-board white pine, oak, heart pine, hemlock, cherry, walnut & more • Random widths from 3" to 20" • Barnsiding in different natural colors, faded red, silver gray, and brown • Large Quantities available • Deliveries throughout the USA • HAND-HEWN BEAMS up to 13" wide, random -lengths
DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES Advertise Your Listings in the
Distinctive Properties Section of Hersam Acorn’s The
HOME Monthly
Call your Account Executive for rates & information Advertising Offices: 16 Bailey Avenue Ridgefield, CT 06877 (203) 438-6544 • FAX (203) 438-3395 42 Vitti Street New Canaan, CT 06840 (203) 966-9541 • FAX (203) 966-8006 1000 Bridgeport Avenue Shelton, CT 06484 (800) 843-6791 • (203) 926-2080 FAX (203) 926-2092
March 2008
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
25
CONSTRUCTION I QUEEN ■
■
Drying out and cutting corners by Diane Slovak Q: With all this wet weather, I’ve noticed that small puddles are forming in my basement. How can I prevent this from happening? A: Good drainage is important so that the house stays dry and free of that smelly dank aroma that just reeks of soggy basement. When groundwater collects in the basement, it’s not only an inconvenient mess but can lead to wood rot and mold, so one of the most reliable ways to eliminate this free-standing water is to install something with the very sexy name of a French drain. To do this you will need to dig a trench along the outside foundation of your house, lay perforated drainage pipe that will slope away from the home to ensure that the water is directed away from the walls of the home.
Bring in Spring at Your Windows Let us help to bring Spring & the new “silhouette look” to your windows. Stop in to see all our spring fabric collection & the latest in window fashions. Or, call for a free in-home decorating consultation.
100 Off
Broken Cabinet Install Shelves Attic Stairs Grout Tile Caulk Tub Repair Wall Fix Moulding
(fabric and labor) Minimum $1000.00
On Sale Now Free Installation*
ALL OFFERS VALID AT TIME OF ORDER ONLY THRU 3/31/08
CALL NOW FOR YOUR 26
“To Do” List Out Of Control?
INSIDE
Custom Draperies & Valances
*Minimum $1000.00 Purchase
Q: I’m having my whole house re-sided and my contractor is asking me how I want the corners done – why? And is this important? A: Not counting things like geodesic domes and igloos, all houses have at least four outside corners. These are important design elements and the treatment they receive can have a big effect on a structure’s appearance. The most common corner details used with wood siding are corner boards, woven corners and mitered corners.
One call does it all with Mr. Handyman.
TO DO
$
Duettes, Silhouette, Luminettes, Wood Blinds, Verticals
When you have this messy job done, of course, you have also dug up all your shrubs so your property will look like a bomb had exploded in your yard. Another approach would be to skip the exterior excavation and have interior perimeter drainage installed. This can work just as well, but it is also a big job and requires the removal of the slab edge of the concrete, placing a drain pipe beneath this slab and replacing the concrete. Another solution is a sump pump to take the water out. Or you could rename your house Soggy Acres and learn to live with it.
CALL MR. HANDYMAN FOR ALL YOUR HOME MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR NEEDS!
* * $25 OFF $100 OFF 00 OFF for$25. half day for full day of service
When you hire Mr. Handyman for 2 hours (or more) of work in your provided by home, we will take $25.00 Mr.Handyman thepertotal * Offer valid off one time household. amount. Available invoice at participating locations only.
OUTSIDE
345 Main Avenue • Norwalk
847-2838 NORWALK
637-1616
GREENWICH
FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
Clean Gutters Fix Screen Door Repair Shutter Fix Door Lock Install Mailbox Repair Deck Broken Window Cle Re
Not valid with any other offer.
000-000-0000 866-426-3911 www.mrhandyman.com
©2004 Mr. Handyman International, LLC. Due to license and permit requirements, service provided will vary by market. Each franchise independently owned and operated.
Mr. Handyman is a member of the Service Brands International family.
March 2008
Corner boards are the simplest and most popular approach to finishing outside corners. There is a good reason for this. Corner boards provide a visual break form the horizontal lines of the siding. In the same way a corner column would. The effect can be reinforced by painting or staining the corner boards a different color than the siding. To achieve a pleasing sense of scale, corner boards should be measured keeping in mind the width and overall height of your house. Remember, increased height will call for added heft. You don’t want your corner boards to look wimpy on a larger house. Corner boards are often omitted on craftsman and prairie-style houses, which emphasize horizontal lines rather than verticals. The simplest way to turn the corner when using lap siding or cedar shingles is by installing a trim edge which can be purchased at the lumber yard. This trim edge wraps the exposed corner leaving a smooth finished look on the edge. The corner trim helps to conceal any slight irregularities in alignment of the siding . A more elegant corner treatment that eliminates exposed end grain is
the mitered corner. This can look great, but it’s more time consuming than just nailing up a corner trim edge . You will need to have hired a good finish carpenter to make this corner stand out. What works with your style house would best determine the corner finish you choose. Diane Slovak is a licensed contractor with the state of Connecticut and owner of Innovative Concepts in Design. Send your questions to Diane at dianeslovak@hotmail.com. ■
I magine the possibilities...
The
HOME Monthly
Vol.XII, Number 3 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 • 52,000 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 2008, Hersam Acorn Newspapers, LLC
Box 1019 Ridgefield, Conn 06877 203-438-6544 March 2008
Landscape Design & Consultation Pool Design and Construction Plantings of all scales Stonewalls, Walkways and Terraces Property Maintenance Custom Spas and Water Features
S T O N E B R I D G E A S S O C I AT E S 3 B K E N O S I A AV E N U E ✸ D A N B U R Y , C T 0 6 8 1 0 2 0 3 . 7 4 4 . 8 3 7 6 W W W. S T O N E B R I D G E A S S O C I AT E S . N E T CT Licence #555242
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
27
Homes can grow older and bigger gracefully by Jeannette Ross
Randy O’Rourke, Taunton Press, 2007
Connecting new to old in historic fashion creates a new house that appears untouched for 150 years.
The book New Rooms for Old Houses will no doubt be enjoyed by those who appreciate homes of a certain age, but it is a must-read for anyone contemplating a renovation or addition to an older home. Written by architect Frank Shirley of Cambridge, Mass., and published in October 2007 by The Taunton Press, the book clearly illustrates a collection of success stories and also depicts a few dismal failures – referred to as train wrecks – that resulted from ill-considered alterations. Mr. Shirley, who lives in an 1892 shingle-style home, hails from the Midwest. It wasn’t until he moved to the Boston area after graduating from architecture school in 1982 that he could examine a variety of older homes. Upon seeing their beauty and structural integrity he decided in 1991 to focus exclusively on residential work. “The book, that’s what I practice,” Mr. Shirley said of his decision to write New Rooms for Old Houses, which focuses on houses from 1740 to 1940, what he considers “the golden era of American residential architecture.” Mr. Shirley sits on the Cambridge Historical Commission, which oversees old homes in his area. While he found many people are passionate about maintaining the quality of their older homes, they often don’t know the best way to go about making alterations. There was little written or illustrated information to guide them. Until now. This book features 17 houses across the country, including one in New Canaan and two in Westchester County, specifically Bronxville and Irvington. They range from Cape Cods and Victorians to Tudors and Colonials.
28
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
The 266-page book is divided into four chapters that cover the main principles upon which all expansions and alterations to older homes should be based: balance, public and private spaces, transitions, and materials. The New Canaan home, owned by Christine and Edward Fleischli, is included in the chapter on “Making the Transition from Old to New.” Overseeing the alteration was the architect Dick Bergmann, also of New Canaan, who has been a mentor of sorts to Mr. Shirley over the years. “I worked with Dick for a short time in the 90s,” said Mr. Shirley, who lived in Wilton during that time. He liked the work Mr. Bergmann did on the Fleischli home. “It fills a really important place in the book,” he said. The 18th-Century Georgian home was a tight fit for its owners and had a detached garage that was inconvenient, especially in the winter. The lot was narrow and zoning restrictive. Mr. Bergmann designed a new garage that, while connected, stands off to the side and is set back so it does not detract from the façade of the house. Atop the garage, Mr. Bergmann designed a master bath for the master bedroom that was already on the same side of the house. The addition also includes a powder room, closets, and a staircase. The house is of tan clapboard while the addition is sided with roughsawn cedar painted red and topped with a metal roof. The doors to the car bays are not visible from the front of the house. The overall effect is that of a 19th-Century barn or carriage house attached to the 18th-Century house. To Mr. Shirley, houses speak their own language. “This is an example where the addition has its own vocabulary, separate from the old house,” he said, adding, “I don’t like competition between new and old.” Despite the differences, the addition works. “It’s easy to imagine a scenario, to visualize the carriage house could have always been there.” Balancing Act
Equally as important as making a smooth transition is the issue of balance. “A common mistake people make is to put an addition off to one side,” Mr. Shirley said. “All too often the addition will be in line with the front of the house. You lose the proportion of the original house.” Some houses simply reject side additions, like the Georgian that is bookended by massive stone chimney walls, clean-lined Federals, and Queen Anne Victorians that are internally complex. As an alternative, the book offers numerous examples of additions attached to the back of a house. Finding the right materials is also a challenge. It doesn’t take a trained eye to see how building practices have changed over the centuries. Modern codes also complicate matters. “Wood is such a fundamental part of any old house,” Mr. Shirley said, “but pine today is not what pine was 100 years ago. It’s all new growth, it has different weather resistance, and the color is different. How do we find the same characteristics March 2008
today? That’s how you get around to building additions that capture the character challenging. But tearing an older house down is a waste of materials and a waste of we so love.” craft. Really old homes, those built in the 1700s – and there are still a number in this “A 3,000-square-foot house built today vs. a house built 125 years ago ... unless area – present major challenges when it comes to balance and materials. “They were you’re paying an excessive amount of money, it’s not being built with the same built with timber frames, and today when we want central air conditioning and craftsmanship. It’s a loss of resources that are not often available anymore.” heat, that timber frame is a big hurdle. A lot of times we end up with an imperfect So, your house doesn’t have to be Monticello or Mount Vernon to be important solution,” Mr. Shirley said. or deserve some tender loving care. Unless a house is in a legally protected historic Low ceilings are another challenge as they conflict with modern building codes district, it will fall to the homeowner to preserve its character. When renovations that require a minimum ceiling height. To avoid creating steps up or down from are done right, homeowners will find, as Mr. Shirley writes, “They built for future one part of a house to another, Mr. Shirley has done some complicated structural generations as well as themselves, and they have added greatly to the joy that may work with floors to make them thin but strong to meet height and structural codes. be had in this house.” ■ Alterations affect not only the outside of a house, of course, but the inside as well. Mr. Shirley pays ample attention to interiors, from how rooms flow to the nitty gritty of appropriate hardware and what to do when different types of trim From Gardens To meet. Water Gardens; “What people don’t realize is if From Paths To you walk through a house the details change,” Mr. Shirley said. “Moldings Patios; change. Doors change. The finest and We Can Create A the best are where the public is received. “Paradise Getaway” When you get into the bedrooms or the In Your Own Yard, servants’ rooms, it’s different.” Just For You! It doesn’t mean your master bedroom has to be dowdy, but maybe it’s a little toned down from your formal living and Jeffrey Duncan, President Serving Fairfield County for OVER 21 Years! dining rooms. It’s all in keeping with the Find us at www.dwatergardens.com 203-849-1114 • 203-268-2368 spirit of your particular house. Perhaps after perusing New Rooms for Look For Our Pond Pod Vehicle Around Town!! Old Houses, people will not be so quick to consider any house showing its age as a scrapper. “I am very bothered by teardowns,” Mr. Shirley said. Tearing a house down and starting over is generally viewed as the easier route, and, on one level, he said, it is. “A new building is much easier to do. Integration is
DUNCAN’S GARDENING & LANDSCAPING, INC.
One Yard of Carpet
FREE for every five yards purchased.*
ANNUAL ANNIVERSARY SALE *12 yard minimum
Randy O’Rourke, Taunton Press, 2007
✔ 20% OFF* ❑ ✔ 20% OFF* ❑
All Pattern Area Rugs
All Remnants Room Size
✔ 20% OFF* ❑ ✔ 15% OFF* ❑
All Braided Rugs All Laminated Wood Flooring
* Pad & Labor Extra. Not to be combined with any other offer. Sale ends 3-31-08.
Darien Carpet SERVING DARIEN FOR 36 YEARS
A narrow, flat-roof connector gently unites old with new.
March 2008
39 TOKENEKE ROAD • DARIEN, CT • 655-8727 The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
29
Award Winner LOCATION: On a quiet cul-de-sac in New Canaan, this house has an attractive rural setting but is close to village, train and parkway. PROPERTY: The attractively landscaped level acre affords privacy and simplicity of maintenance. HOUSE: A Home Builders of Connecticut award-winner, this brick center-hall colonial is notable for its fine craftsmanship throughout. Amenities include a living room with fireplace, a dining room with butler’s pantry, a gourmet kitchen with island and breakfast room with skylights and an adjoining family room with stone fireplace, a library with fireplace, and an elevator to all floors. On the second level is a master bedroom with fireplace, walk-in closet, bath, and balcony, and there are five more baths and three half baths. The finished lower level has a room for an au pair and a bath. GARAGE: Three-car attached. PRICE: $3,750,000. REALTY: Project Real Estate. Agent: Jaime Sneddon, 203-972-8811. Photography: David Ames. Staged by Gabrielle Shannon, 914-533-0184, stagetoshow.com.
Home
e of the Month March08
Away from Home continued from page 21 siasts boil up the syrup. Outside, the processing plants’ chimneys pump out smoke. Maple Sugar Days
Look for “open sugarhouses,” particularly on weekends. Watch boiling sap from maple trees turn into a sweet confection. Perhaps, best of all, taste the backyard concoction. To entice visitors further, Maple Sugar Days, scheduled for the first and second weekends of March, capitalize on “the rite of spring” in the Last Green Valley. Many overnight accommodations, including a charming spread of B & Bs, have unveiled some clever, as well as budget-minded, Maple Sugar Days packages. The Inn at Woodstock Hill, for instance, offers special overnight rates under one condition: Upon check in, guests bring a quart of maple syrup purchased from a local sugarhouse. Guests can sample the syrup in menu selections at breakfast or at the inn’s award-winning restaurant serving dinner and Sunday brunch. The inn, with 21 rooms, most in the main house and three in the cottage, constitutes the area’s largest overnight establishment. Sweet, too, is the inn’s inte-
gral role in the community. The clapboard house was originally constructed in 1816 for William Bowen, a descendent of Henry Bowen, one of the 13 original settlers of Woodstock in 1686. Nearby, on Route 169, designated by Congress as one of only 13 National Scenic By-ways in the United States, the famed “pink house,” Roseland Cottage, aptly called the Bowen House, has family ties. Henry C. Bowen, William’s grandson, built the Gothic Revival house (closed for the season), which is a showstopper. Situated on 16 acres of rolling countryside, the inn has seen its share of renovations, reconstructions and additions over the years. Guests will find stylish guest rooms brimming with modern amenities. Antiques and floral-chintz
During Maple Sugar Days, maple syrup is featured in many of the inn’s dishes.
CT’s EXCLUSIVE TICK CONTROL COMPANY
Connecticut Tick Control ® “WE SPECIALIZE IN THE CONTROL OF TICKS FOR THE PREVENTION OF LYME DISEASE AND OTHER TICK BORNE DISEASES”
MAXFORCE L CAL
N
US
! OW
TICK SYSTEM
®
• PROVEN • EFFECTIVE
MANAGEMENT
™
• SAFE
NOW AVAILABLE FOR
2007! C
TOLL FREE T
1 888 NIX TICKS
C ® BUSINESS LIC. # B-1501
32
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
(1-888-649-8425) NORWALK, CT (203) 855-7849
Visit our website @ www.nixticks.com
March 2008
fabrics abound. A host of fireplaces and books can melt the chill from any winter-weary soul. Innkeeper Richard E. Naumann has overseen the premises for some 30 years and is one of the pivotal reasons for the award-winning qualities and reputation the inn has achieved. Richard and Avis Norman operate Norman’s Sugar House, the closest sugarhouse to the inn. Apart from maple syrup, visitors can also see how the couple makes maple cream, candy and granulated maple sugar. While on the maple-sugar trail, sweeter than sweet is the Vanilla Bean Café on Routes 97 and 169 in Pomfret. Experience the specialties like a mapleflavored turkey sandwich for lunch. Try maple-glazed scallops for dinner. Mik-Ran’s syrup, produced in the Quiet Corner town of Brooklyn at Mik-Ran’s Sugarhouse and Specialty Shop, is a highlight of French toast at breakfast. Folk music performers enliven the atmosphere on Saturday evenings. Before leaving the Quiet Corner, stop at Celebrations Gallery and Shoppes, Route 169. A museum in itself, 10 galleries feature original artwork by regional artists. During Maple Sugar Days, for purchases of $25 or more, patrons receive a complimentary maple-leaf-embossed Belgian dark chocolate with a maple- crunch center. Connecticut’s sugar trail seems to reinforce the idea that, whether in flux or not, some things get sweeter with time. ■
green
EHNIGXMZI IRZMVSRQIRXEPP] WSYRH SV FIRIÁ GMEP
Distinctive Flooring Since 1982 n{Ê iÀViÊ,`°]Ê-Ì> v À`ÊUÊ >ÃÃ V >À«iÌ `,Õ}°V ÊUÊ(203) 359-3622 Ý ÌÊÈÊ vvÊ xÊUÊ Ê iÀViÊ*>À ]Ê>` >Vi ÌÊÌ ÊÌ iÊ iÜÊ- « , Ìi `>Þ 7i` iÃ`>ÞÊ È]Ê/ ÕÀÃ`>ÞÊ n]Ê À `>ÞÊ Î]Ê-Õ `>ÞÊ££ x]ÊV Ãi`Ê->ÌÕÀ`>Þ
Where there’s steam, there’s syrup.
March 2008
FINE CARPETS & RUGS
HARDWOOD FLOORS
LAMINATE FLOORS
BEST SELECTION
BEST SERVICE
GUARANTEED
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
33
Spectacular site ... spectacular challenge Photos Courtesy of Olson Photographic, LLC, Killingworth, CT
Award-winning finish by Janis Gibson A 6,700-square-foot home at 6 Whippoorwill Lane in Weston, constructed by Timberdale Homes of Bethel, received the 2007 HOBI award from the Homebuilders Association of Connecticut for the best spec home in the $2 million to $3 million range. The home was additionally recognized with a HOBI for its media room. In 2006, Timberdale, owned and operated by Stewart Lade of Redding, won a HOBI for its whole-house remodel of 11 Diamond Hill Road in Redding. HOBI awards recognize superior home construction, quality, detailing, and execution. The Weston house was designed by Samuel R. Callaway Jr. AIA and Leonard “Trip” Wyeth AIA of Redding-based Callaway Wyeth Architects. How the architects and the builder met is one of those amazing “small world” stories. Although Stewart and Sam both live in Redding, their paths did not cross until their daughters roomed together at the University of Vermont. Discussing their fathers’ work, they found the men had many common professional philosophies and thought they ought to meet. At the time, Stewart was looking for someone to design a home for the Weston site. “I was looking for someone with good timber-frame and stone-design experience, and I knew Sam and Trip had done the New Pond Farm Although the difficult terrain of a nonconforming site required three months of work before construction could begin, the property’s privacy and beautiful views made it all worthwhile.
34
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
March 2008
From the front, its U-shape is reminiscent of a European courtyard, like arms outstretched to embrace those who enter. The courtyard’s pavers are set in stone dust and sand, and the stone façade and entry porch pillar nicely complement the Alaskan yellow-cedar shingle siding. The living or great room is to the left of the foyer. The large two-story room, 22 by 26 feet, is dominated by hammered red-oak timber trusses, which are graceful and elegant. The full-height fireplace is of native Connecticut fieldstone and has a dry-laid look. There are two sets of French doors. One opens to an elevated triangular-shaped deck that has direct views of Devil’s Den. It is directly above a screened-in porch that adjoins the master bedroom. The second set opens onto a 1,500square-foot flagstone patio, which wraps around the rear, side and part of the front of the house, and overlooks the sloping back yard. A patio highlight is the massive stone fireplace, which is on the reverse side of the one in the great room. The house has beautiful millwork with Arts and Crafts-style details throughout, including oak paneling in the adjacent dining room and study. “In Arts and Crafts houses, staircases are an important element,” notes Stewart, who is
Olson Photographic, LLC, Killingworth, CT
Education Center (see The Home Monthly, September 2006), so I checked it out. It was exactly the style I was looking for.” Stewart describes the 1.25-acre Weston site as “very complicated. It is nonconforming, has a wetlands setback of 50 feet and drops about 20 feet. There was much site work to be done, which took three months.” All the boulders and large rocks in the retaining walls that are attached to the house were excavated from the site. The goal was to take advantage of the property’s privacy and beautiful views. On a cul-de-sac, it is bordered on one side by the west branch of the Saugatuck River, beyond which is the 1,700acre Devil’s Den Preserve. “The architects worked to make it fit beautifully on the site,” says Stewart, while incorporating Timberdale’s five key green-building initiatives: site selection and impact, energy efficiency, healthy-living environment, sustainable materials, and durable construction. Stewart did not want the house to “look like a three-story box.” The Callaway Wyeth team took note, and, from one angle only, the back/side yard, are all three levels visible. Even then, the house looks “notched” together, following the natural contours of the land. Viewed from the house of the neighbor next door, only one level is visible. “It is almost cottagelike,” said Stewart.
Hammered timber trusses dominate the great room, along with the native fieldstone fireplace.
See Spectacular page 47
River Ridge Waterview Townhomes Your Lifestyle Begins Here! Luxurious Newly Constructed Townhomes in Shelton with Spectacular Sweeping Water Views of the Housatonic River from the Master Suite and Living Room. This quaint complex of 18 Townhomes offers the distinct difference in condominium living. Designed with you in mind, the architecture and style along with the interior features, WILL SURPASS ONE’S EXPECTATIONS!
• Four units available to customize with your choices. • Optional Personal Elevator upgrade available in select units. • See tour www.665riverroad.com or please come by: Models are Open Wed-Sat 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Contact Nancy Collins: 203-521-6503 direct Collins Group RE Team Email ncollins@higginsgroup.com
www.665RiverRoad.com Features 2500-2750 sqft, 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, additional finished loft for office/ bedroom or media room. 3-car garage & more. Common charges $140/mo. Price starting at $519,900. March 2008
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
35
■
RACKING I ONE’S I BRAIN ■
Proper time management leaves little time for anything else by Tim Murphy My best friend Randy has known me for more than 30 years now. We went to high school and college together and were the best man at each other’s weddings. He knows enough secrets to be bribed should I ever run for public office. A few months ago, though, I found a way to surprise him. I showed up early for something. For years now, I’ve had a stormy relationship with time management, treating the concept as though it were a nosy neighbor best handled by pulling down the blinds. Apparently, I’m not alone in my uneasiness. Bookstores and Web sites are full of time management self-help guides, and companies often arrange seminars on the subject in an effort to boost employee production. Nearly everyone, it seems, wants to employ better use of his or her time, making the goal something of a national consensus and putting it at the top of many New Year’s resolution lists, where it often remains, unchecked, until the following year. In truth, this time-management thing is proving to be one stubborn little problem, a long-standing virus mutating and getting more resistant by the day. Even with several decades of readily available advice, it’s rare to find someone who’s gotten better at it. I, for one, haven’t been early for anything since. Despite all our failures, time management remains a highly sought-after goal. The thought of conquering each day, meeting work and family demands with a
Decorating Makeover to Save $$$ “Let's select a New color scheme and choose new fabrics for windows, bedding and throw pillows. Then slipcover the dining room chairs and old sofa. Rearrange furnishings and purchase a few charming accessories.” Voila, Spring is here! See you soon at
Antiques & Interiors 67 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge 914-764-4400 • Open Thursday-Saturday 11-5, Sunday 1-4
hyper-productive flourish, is salacious enough to keep us motivated. The stuff that now takes us 10 minutes to do? We want to do it in nine. It’s tricky though. For starters, time management is an oxymoronic concept. Time marches on in the same intervals – 24 hours a day, 60 minutes an hour – no matter what we do. We can only manage our actions during time, not time itself. But that is theoretical nitpicking. To succeed at time management, to go from being stressed and rushed to calm and efficient, takes discipline and effort. For those not born with organizational hardwiring, it’s a serious undertaking. Impossible perhaps. The single biggest obstacle to time management is procrastination. Putting off the important stuff to do the unimportant stuff. The cycle starts early. Given 10 days to turn in a high-school paper, many of us opt for nine days of socializing and one furious all-nighter of writing. Procrastination has lots of causes – self-doubt, perfectionism, rebellion, fear of failure, feeling overwhelmed by a task, focusing on the wrong task. But the biggest one is this: The things we do when we’re procrastinating are more fun than the things we should be doing. And now, thanks to the Internet, procrastinators have more options available. For example, I could have written those last three paragraphs 15 minutes ago. Instead, I checked my e-mail. Then I went to ESPN.com to see if there were any trades so far in the National Hockey League (today is the trading deadline). Then
Carpet
Cork
Ceramic Tile
Linoleum
Marble
Laminate
Granite
Pre-Finished
Vinyl Tile
Hardwood
We Carry Green Products
61 MAIN STREET NORWALK
www.genuarios.com Open Mon.-Fri. 9-5 Sat. 10-3, Closed Sunday
847-4571 36
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
March 2008
I took an online quiz and found that my peak time is sunset, leading me to ask our publisher if I could work just from 5 to 8 each day. He said no. To overcome procrastination, time management experts recommend several strategies, including the basic (recognizing when you are procrastinating), the advanced (understanding why you are procrastinating) and the virtually unattainable (getting over it). However far-fetched and illusory their hopes for confirmed procrastinators like myself, two recurring tips are intriguing: Delegating responsibility and setting up a reward system. Heaping unsavory tasks on others won’t make you a more popular co-worker or family member, but it will free up time for further procrastinating. And granting yourself rewards after completing difficult objectives – or better yet, delegating them – is nearly motivational enough to get the slowest starter going. But be careful. I once did research to see how fellow writers (also notoriously fond of procrastination) coped with deadline pressure and stumbled upon Anthony Burgess’s Martini Method. Burgess, the author of A Clockwork Orange, set a goal of writing 1,000 words a day before quitting and drinking a martini. I resolved to follow Burgess’s plan, but due to a faulty ribbon my printed copy listed his daily word count at 100. Needless to say, I was often at the bar by midafternoon. The paradox of effective time management is that it requires lots of organization from those who struggle with organization. For instance, nearly all timemanagement advice revolves around writing daily to-do lists. The goal is to keep everything you need to accomplish each day in one place, and then prioritize the items. This is all well and good as long as one takes the time to write the list and then update it periodically throughout the day. Some of us, however, need a separate to-do list just to remember to write the actual to-do list.
And that’s just the start. Other recommendations include compiling action logs to keep track of how you spend your time and long-term planners to keep track of life goals. Oh, and don’t forget to make good use of down time, set personal deadlines, concentrate on one thing, work in teams, get proper sleep and exercise, break large time-consuming projects into smaller ones, say no to nonessential tasks and avoid burnout. Whew. That’s a lot to incorporate. And it brings us to the major problem with time management. There’s just not enough time for it. ■
New!
Kloter Farms Elite Sheds The exclusive Elite is a stunning expansion of our standard Garden Series. These oversize buildings create a presence of their own. The base of the building is delivered fully assembled, while the roof is built on site by Kloter Farms skilled craftsmen. Whether you dream of creating a garden masterpiece or home office, this eye catching building is sure to make that dream your reality.
Featuring • 12/12 Roof pitch • Finished soffits • 7’ 10” Wall height • 6’ 8” Doors • 12” Overhangs • Heavy duty floors
Wide Selection of Affordable Models Guardian® Stand-By generators provide dependable power with sizes to meet your needs. Northeast can help you choose the model at a cost that’s affordable.
Northeast Can Do It All We can handle the entire project. That includes site selection and preparation, all electrical and mechanical work and unit installation.
One FREE Service When you buy a New Guardian® Generator from Northeast, we will perform a FREE preventative service on your generator during the first year.
SHOP ONLINE
www.kloterfarms.com 800 BUY-FINE (800-289-3463) FURNITURE • SHEDS • GAZEBOS sales AMOON AMOON
March 2008
FREE DELIVERY in CT, MA & RI
Corner of Rte 83 & 286, Ellington, CT Mon-Sat 8am-5pm, Tu & Th until 7pm Min. requirements, extra charge for Cape Cod, MA
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
37
■
COOKBOOK I REVIEW ■
The last time I saw Paris ... by Susan Miller Every truly good cookbook is personal, reflecting the author’s culinary world view. Cooking (600 recipes, 1,500 photos, $40, Ten Speed Press) has a definite French accent and reflects James Peterson’s French training. Some parts almost channel early Julia Child, but with better pictures. Blanquette de Veau (creamy veal stew) seems terribly dated, and does anyone still toil over Escoffier-perfect Boeuf Bourgignon or Coq au Vin? To be fair, it does have Thai, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, and Italian classics; there’s pizza, lasagna, and chiles rellenos. Velvet Chicken is usually a Cantonese preparation; his is inexplicably East Indian. If quick cooking is a priority, if boxed mixes fill your shelves, this book may be overwhelming. Peterson’s text is a heavyweight (figuratively and literally, weighing in at almost five pounds), exhaustive and exhausting. It is not for the harried or uninterest-
ed cook. It is compelling for the passionate perfectionist who enjoys the art of cuisine. Best are the basics, how to poach eggs, carve the turkey, ice a cake, roast a chicken, or bake a cherry pie. Peterson has written a slew of cookbooks. Cooking is meant to be the distillation of decades of accumulated knowledge. Apparently, the goal was to present a comprehensive cooking course based on classical French cuisine, and in that respect he succeeds. There’s country pâté, duck confit, poached foie gras, and mallard duck thighs. But unless you’re an aspiring chef or a brasserie cook in France, do you really need an eight-photo spread on how to lard, tie and braise a veal shoulder clod? The directions couldn’t be clearer, but how many want to learn to extract and salt marrow, or to clean and prepare veal kidneys (these raw offal are not pretty, and, yes, there are photos of this, too). Is it necessary to be able to extract chlorophyll from spinach to color mayonnaise? That’s a skill I might omit. Buried in this voluminous text, it’s Save 10% or up to $300 a pleasure to find nuggets of culinary Complete Home Installation wisdom that will make anyone a better, more confident cook. His pages on homemade mayonnaise with a method for safely using raw yolks is one of 1-800-428-6438 these. Warm Sea Urchin Mayonnaise www.digiorgiinc.com is, however, hardly useful. A sidebar With this coupon only. Limited time only. notes that extra-virgin olive oil turns Cannot be combined with other offers. bitter when beaten with a whisk or in Not valid on prior sales. a food processor. Who knew? Peterson is strong on sauces; he wrote an extensive book on the topic. In Cooking, we find many sauces that most cooks today are not going to prepare; they are too Franco-centric for a basic cookbook. When was the last time you needed a Sauce Chasseur, or a Sauce Meurette? There are seven photos on the latter. Conversely, it’s the non-French topics that are most useful, such as a AFTER picture essay on pizza and an excellent pumpernickel rye bread. Of Thai curry pastes, he helpfully notes that Western cooks can leave out the fermented Roofing & Siding, Inc. shrimp paste to “avoid pungent odors Our Family Serving Your Family Since 1933 pervading the house.”
The only one-piece debris-shedding Gutter system on the market today Be sure to talk To us before you Make a costly, Permanent decision
BEFORE
www.digiorgiinc.com Built to stay clog-free, guaranteed!
38
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
March 2008
There are many appealing recipes throughout, for every level of experience. We like the master recipe for “build your ownâ€? fish soups with global variations, and an easy Focaccia with Moroccan Olives. Chocolate chip cookies are among the classic but highly detailed and time-consuming French pastries. Even if you rarely cook from Cooking, though, it looks smashing on a marble kitchen counter. â–
Largest Selection of Windows, Siding & Doors in New England!
Featured Recipe ORANGE SAUCE FOR DUCK BREASTS
Buy Now and SAVE 35% OFF YOUR HEATING COSTS <J6G6CI::9 >C LG>I>C<
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t substitute generic brandy,â&#x20AC;? writes Peterson. 3 navel oranges 1 cup water 1 teaspoon sugar 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar 1 cup brown chicken broth or 2 tablespoons commercial meat glaze, softened in 3 tablespoons hot water 2 tablespoons Cognac or Grand Marnier 2 tablespoons butter salt, pepper Squeeze juice from 1 orange; reserve. Slice off the zest of remaining oranges and cut into fine julienne. Section the oranges and set aside. In a saucepan, combine the julienned zest and water; bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes and pour off the water. Add sugar and vinegar to the orange zest and simmer over high heat until dry. Pour in the orange juice and boil down until reduced by about half. Add the broth and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce is lightly syrupy. Add the Cognac and simmer for 30 seconds. Whisk in the butter and season with salt and pepper. Arrange duck breasts on warmed plates with the orange segments and spoon the sauce over the meat and oranges. Enough for 4 seven-ounce duck breasts.
1/2 Price
SALE
;gdb AZVY^c\ J#H VcY 8VcVY^Vc bVcj[VXijgZgh d[ k^cna lddY l^cYdlh VcY Yddgh Y^gZXian id ndj#
NO PAYMENTS* NO MONEY DOWN* NO INTEREST* until August 2008*
*Buy 1 window get 2nd window of equal or lesser value 1/2 price sale! Select models only
Now you can make your house look the way youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always wanted for as low as
$
8900
a month*
*for qualiďŹ ed buyers
excerpted from James Petersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cooking, Ten Speed Press
March 2008
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
39
STATUS SURGE
Cheese goes from Whiz to wiz by Tim Murphy Finding America’s prehistoric cheese period doesn’t take much backtracking. Rewind to the 1970s and you’ll encounter a bland age of predictable varieties: Swiss, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone and cheddar. It wasn’t difficult to stand out – back then a port-wine spread seemed daring and exotic. Cheese Whiz was on everyone’s shopping list; processed Kraft slices on everyone’s sandwich. Three decades later, times have changed. Americans have access to more types of cheese than ever. Specialty stores offer extensive selections and restaurants have added cheese courses. Even chain grocery stores have gotten in on the act, expanding their cheese inventory and adding trendier products. National cheese consumption has nearly tripled, with the average American now eating more than 30 pounds per year, compared to 11 pounds back in 1970. And the Internet is ripe with cheese blogs and tales of career-changers who went from preparing financial statements to buying farms and making hand-crafted cheeses.
Better import distribution chains and the increase in American artisanal cheese makers have helped fuel the surge. So, too, has television. The effect can be measured in square feet. For 64 years, Murray’s Cheese Shop operated out of a cramped space in Greenwich Village. But thanks to the cheese boom – and periodic visits from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse – Murray’s moved across the street in 2004 to a new space four times larger, equipped with a classroom and a cheese cave. Once a local institution, Murray’s is now tourist destination, as well. “I think that has a lot to do with it,” said Alex Perez, the manager of the Olive Market in Redding, about television’s role. “People see cheese being talked about on the food shows and then they come in and want to try it themselves.” The Olive Market is one of several stores specializing in cheese in lower Fairfield County and Westchester. Now in its sixth year, the Olive Market normally carries about 100 types of cheese, according to Mr. Perez. “We try to always have something new, depending on the distributor,” he said. “That makes it more interesting.” Mr. Perez said the average customer is now better informed, although not everyone is adventurous. “Some people come
Carpentry • Roofing Decks • Siding Windows • Basements Bathrooms • Tiling
THE IRISH CRAFTSMAN LLC Fully Lic. & Ins
Painting • Kitchens
298-9073 / 305-6255 Lic. #569260 • Insured
Second Generation Builder
House & Home, LLC Builders ~ Renovators • Additions & Renovations • Kitchens & Bathrooms • Basement Finishing • Quality Painting • Complete Masonry Service • Fine Woodworking • Architectural Design Services ...and so much more
Louis Guarnieri
(203) 846-1373
Complete Home Care Services
40
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
March 2008
in and want to taste new cheeses,” he said. “But others know what they like and they stick to it. They buy the same thing every time.” “Fifty percent of the customers look for what they already know when they are shopping for cheese,” said Wendy Marilee, the manager at Plum Plums, a cheese shop in Pound Ridge, N.Y. “The other 50 percent will branch out and try something new.” One plus for those looking for something new is the level of customer service at most cheese stores, where sampling is not frowned upon but instead enthusiastically encouraged. “We want the customer to enjoy the experience,” Ms. Marilee said. “I always insist that people try what they want to buy because we want people to be happy with their purchases. “There is not a minimum you must buy here,” added Ms. Marilee. “We will sell you a very thin wedge if that is what you want. There is no pressure.” The increase in smaller artisanal, or specialty, cheese-makers has given stores another product source. Several family farms in upstate Connecticut now supply cheese to local stores, restaurants and farmers’ markets. For example, the Cato Corner Farm in Colchester, owned by a mother-son team, sends its Black Ledge Blue to Darien Cheese & Fine Foods, one of the larger area cheese stores with a daily average of 200 varieties. “We’re working on finding more local sources,” said Ms. Marilee, of Plum Plums. “There are a lot more options out there now.” Much like the newfound interest in wine, the cheese renaissance has created a demand for knowledge among consumers. Some cheese stores offer tastings and classes, and there has been a spike in books aimed at both the aspiring connoisseur and the rank amateur. The latter group will get a boost next month with the scheduled publication of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Cheeses of the World. For the uninitiated, the process can be daunting. Wander into a specialty store and you’ll be struck by the number of cheeses you’ve never heard of. Just when you’ve come to terms with Brie, Gouda and Gruyère, there’s an Edam, Gjetöst or Tilsit waiting to confound.
OIL TANKS
“I would say that people do know more about cheese now than even when we first opened six years ago,” said Mr. Perez, the manager at the Olive Market. “But there is still a ways to go. On a scale of one to 10, the average would be a six.” The boom has even given a new twist to a cheese-driven relic: fondue. Once the food rage of the late 1960s and early 1970s, fondue lost its buzz and was stored in history’s closet, its stylish cooking pots reduced to storage containers. But now fondue is back and undergoing a transformation, with certain cheeses benefiting along the way. “Gruyère and Raclette are increasingly popular owing to the trend of fondue parties, which are making a comeback,” Ms. Marilee said. Those planning a fondue party will find high-quality varieties of these cheeses at most specialty stores. Just don’t ask where they keep the Velveeta. ■
Your Choice For Tile Tile
Natural Stone
Mosaic
Metal
Glass
• Removed • Installed • Abandoned • Soil Sampling • Remediation • Site Restoration
WINTER OIL TANK SPECIAL
$
2495
Includes: Standard 275 gallon storage tank installation and 550 gallon UST removal.
FREE ESTIMATES
with this coupon cannot be combined with any other offers • expires 4/15/08 HA1
Visit Your Local Showrooms:
The average life expectancy of an underground oil tank is 20 years! Don’t let an older tank turn into a potentially hazardous and costly repair.
Stamford, CT 63 Harbor View Avenue 203.323.5922
Remove your old underground tank before it’s too late!
Brookfield, CT
“Keeping Your World Green!” www.drcharlesenviro.com
203-445-0412
Lic: S1-385780, HIC 582895, CT-HW-804
1-800-360-tile Fairfield 203.367.6449
www.tileamerica.com
Manchester 860.649.8222
New Haven 203.777.3637
West Hartford 860.236.1931
487-D Federal Road 203.740.8858 We’re Always Close to Home
Ask Us About Our Fine-Screened Top Soil & Mulch Deliveries March 2008
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
41
Into the Garden continued from page 15 scent than the new ones. When they are in bloom, I just stand and admire them – yes, I do pick them, also. Did you know that plants have personality? Plants do create an energy or mood that makes the owner or visitor feel comfortable and connected to the surroundings. You can have a perennial growing in your garden that loves it there and looks just the way it is supposed to, but when you look at it, you don’t get that warm and fuzzy feeling. I have planted some perennials or annuals in the past that the client or even my husband has suggested were nothing other than a giant weed. Mostly, they just don’t go with the rest of the garden, which I also then recognize, and then they are history. On a visit to Minnesota last summer, I spotted a book on my sister’s bookshelf. (She is a real tag-sale nut and it was one of her finds.) Flower Growing in the North by George E. Luxton, University of Minnesota Press, 1956. I’m having a good time reading what gardening was like back then. Delphiniums, he said, should be planted in well-drained soil with cow manure mixed in. They should be planted in
a partially sunny spot, about two feet apart and far enough from other vegetation so the sun can shine for part of the day on the crowns. A small handful of fine tobacco dust sifted over each clump will repel most insects. I wonder what that tobacco dust was, and I just can’t imagine two feet between plants. I did find it interesting that the sun should shine on the crown. We usually plant the taller ones in the back of the border, where the sun would not shine on those crowns. Another suggestion from the book was a solution for dog trespassers. Keep handy a pail of sand or very small gravel. Throw a handful at the dog and call a loud, “Get out!” I wonder if this would work to keep a new dog out of your flower garden. I’ll keep finding these tidbits and pass them on to you. I think we have lost some good gardening wisdom over the years. The donkeys have been getting lots of carrots this winter. My daughter started a letterbox in the stone wall along the paddock, and there have been many visitors. She calls herself Trailhead Tessie, and you can find the site at atlasquest.com/lboxes/. Letterboxing has been around since colonial times, and I was surprised to see how many visitors we are getting. Most of the visitors come with small children and a bag of carrots. I have very spoiled donkeys now. Questions or comments: donnaclark@ix.netcom.com. ■
Unique Gifts, Home Decor and So Much More Sa
New Spring & Easter Merchandise 20%le-Is5O0n%going Off Has Just Arrived! Sale ends 3/ 17/08
572 Main Street • Monroe • 203.459.8787 • www.chelseatreasures.com • Mon-Sat 10-5 • Sun 12-5
The perfect enhancement for the extraordinary home
Rosa Carpentry Inc.
Discover one of Fairfield County’s premium suppliers of quality garage doors and electronic door openers. Featuring a full line of wood, steel and vinyl garage doors, we can offer the perfect complement to any architectural design and lifestyle — from traditional manor homes to sophisticated contemporaries.
Visit Our New Showroom at: 136 Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06851
Bring in this ad and receive 5% OFF your next project. General Contractors • Additions • Renovations Kitchens • Bathrooms • Granite and Solid Surfaces
Visit our showroom: 427 West Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT 06830 Sales
42
䡲
Installation
䡲
Service
䡲
Since 1972
䡲
203 847 1284
䡲
www.edsgarage doors.com
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
203-869-7266
Since 1969 • www.rosacarpentry.com • CT Lic. 533910
March 2008
Together, we make your home beautiful!
WE’RE MORE THAN JUST SWIMMING POOLS
These photos depict a complete backyard project including a swimming pool, spa, & fully amenitied cabana. The added landscaping, pergola, and terraces serve to seamlessly join the new environment with the existing home.
Silhouette Quartette™ by Hunter Douglas Harvest™ Woodland Harvest Shutters by Lafayette
At-Home service to turn great ideas into spectacular windows.
Top Treatment Masterpieces by Lafayette
Ask about our exclusive guarantee!
It is our integrated approach to design & planning that make our projects so special. Call Evan Wayne Assoc. today for a complimentary consultation to discuss how you can enchance your lifestyle with a distinctive swimming pool environment. We look forward to speaking with you...
“Swimming Swimming pools for more than just swimming. swimming.” we bring window fashions home Exciting Windows! by FRAME Creations Blinds, Draperies, Shades and Shutters Call for Free In-Home Consultation Today!
(203) 929-1145 or (203) 231-2466 www.excitingwindows.com/framecreations
March 2008
92B Whisconier Road, Brookfield, CT 06804 Phone: 203-775-1622 • Fax: 203-775-3570 Visit us at www.EvanWayne.com The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
43
Bulldog Bar and Grill BRING YOUR APPETITE by Isabelle Ghaneh
Along with Bulldog’s famous chili, beer and burgers, music picks up the beat from Wednesday to Saturday.
Ron Rosa has brought the ambiance of his favorite hangouts in New York City to South Norwalk and Cos Cob.
44
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
Walk into Ron Rosa’s Bulldog Bar and Grill and you’ll think you are in a saloon in New York City. If you are in luck, the aroma of his Three Alarm Chili, which has “the flavor of New York that no one can duplicate,” will be wafting through the bar. Customer polling proclaimed Ron’s Three Alarm Chili the best ever, and his Bulldog burgers were voted Number One by his satisfied and well-fed patrons. Ron has been the owner of the Bulldog Bar and Grill in South Norwalk for the past eight months. Six months ago, he opened another Bulldog in Cos Cob, making it his second restaurant in Greenwich, the other being Polpo, which has been in town for seven years. Ron, who has been in the business for a long time, 45 years in fact, was formerly with Ecco and Campagnola, popular Manhattan eateries. He started working parttime as a busboy in New York when he was 14 years old, and put himself through college with his restaurant work. “No family member was in the restaurant business; I just happened to work my way up through the restaurants of New York. I worked as a cook when I was very young in a greasy spoon, but most of my training was in fine restaurants. I was a manager and a maître d’ at a very young age,” he said. Ron continued in the restaurant business while he sampled other pursuits. “I tried college and studied for an engineering degree, and then I left to become an actor. If I had a shot at a starring role I’d be on Broadway or in Hollywood, and not running restaurants, but I ended up on the cutting room floor,” he said. Since Ron didn’t get his big break via Steven Spielberg, he continued working in the field and made it his career. Ron lives in Connecticut, but he wanted to bring the New York dining experience to Fairfield County. “I wanted the ambiance of New York saloons and restaurants. My eateries are replicas in theme, décor and feeling of all the places I grew up with and hung out in,” Ron said. Ron’s favorite hangouts were P.J. Clarke’s, the Stork Club and the White Horse Tavern, which was also Welsh poet Dylan Thomas’s drinking venue of choice. For his Connecticut customers, he wanted to recapture the fun he had drinking and dining there. “The Bulldog buildings are over 100 years old and have good bones. You can close your eyes and think you are back in 1940. The bars have the flavor of the saloons they had back in New York City in the 30s, 40s and 50s,” Ron said. His goal is to be the Sherman Billingsley (owner of the Stork Club) or Toots Shor of Connecticut. March 2008
“There was a great party every night at the taverns of old, and I throw a great party every night in my taverns of today. I love this place, and I love my restaurants. In Bulldog in Norwalk, I have music from Wednesday to Saturday. We do rhythm and blues with guitar and keyboards. I have Otis Williams playing a lot; he worked with Isaac Hayes and B.B. King. At Polpo we have the old-time piano bar. There is no music as of yet in Cos Cob, but if the patrons want that, let me know and I will see what I can do,” he said. The décor of the Bulldog Bar and Grill replicates the old saloon style of New York. There is a bright red flag with a picture of a pugnacious bulldog at the main entrance in Cos Cob, and a bulldog with obvious attitude sits at the bar. The red-checked tablecloths and the poster of a 1930s Shirley Temple movie add to the sense of déjà vu, along with a pair of tattered boxing gloves hanging in the corner. “The Bulldog has boxing pictures, all originals, from the era of Jake La Motta,” Ron said. Ron serves 20 different types of beer at the Bulldog; eight are on tap and the rest are in bottles. “I work in tandem with the liquor companies, and I offer a special wine by the glass for $5 each week. The food we offer is typical bar and grill. Along with our award-winning chili, we have pure Angus burgers, fabulous salad, and New York steak and filet mignon. We have a casual atmosphere – the dress is casual and you can eat good food and be relaxed and enjoy a fun night out,” Ron said. Looking at the menu, the Pit Bull Fighter burger promises to pack a wallop, but the Chihuahua with jalapeno jack and pico de gallo doesn’t appear to be a lightweight either. When you want to switch gears, and are in the mood for authentic Italian food, Polpo is the place to dine. “Polpo has five Italian chefs. They were all born in Italy, and they all work together to bring regional cuisine to diners. That’s unusual, to find Italian chefs that can work together, but they can, and they do. There are different flavors in all the regions of Italy, and I have chefs from Milan, Rome and Sicily,” Ron said.
The Bulldog Bar and Grill and Polpo are open seven days a week, 365 days a year. They open at 11:30 a.m. and serve until midnight. Bulldog Bar and Grill is at 138 Washington St., South Norwalk, 203-838-3430, and at 136 River Road Extension, Cos Cob, 203-422-2177. Polpo is at Old Post Road #3, Greenwich, 203-629-1999. ■
THREE ALARM CHILI RECIPE 20 lbs. ground beef 4 ancho chili peppers 1 can chipotles in adobo sauce 4 red peppers 6 green chili peppers 4 Spanish onions 8 oz. chili powder 1 #10 can tomato purée 1 #10 can red kidney beans Frank’s RedHot (commercial hot sauce) Salt & pepper Brown ground beef in large pan. While beef is cooking, simmer anchos in water till soft; take chipotles and grind them in food processor. Remove anchos from water, take stems off, grind in food processor with chipotles, and add the water. Dice peppers and onions. When meat has browned, add chili powder, diced items, chipotle mixture, tomato purée and kidney beans. Mix together, then add Frank’s RedHot. Simmer about 30 minutes and serve. courtesy of the Bulldog Bar and Grill
NEW CONSTRUCTION REMODELING ADDITIONS KITCHENS BATHROOMS CABINET INSTALLATION WINDOW REPLACEMENT SIDING STONEWORK PERIOD MILLWORK
QUALITY
INTEGRITY
ARTISTRY
New England Artisan’s Remodeling & Design Group, LLC 35 September Lane, Weston CT 06883
Phone 203.227.3663 March 2008
www.newenglandartisansdesign.com
Fax: 203.298.9051
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
45
BUSINESS
&SERVICE
Directory
#OMPETITIVE %LECTRIC ,,# $ANBURY #4
*OE 'RAVESEN
/3'//$ #/.3425#4)/. COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL SERVICE
s #ARPENTER s 0AINTER s 3HEETROCK s 0LASTERING s
!$$)4)/.3 s +)4#(%.3 s "!4(2//-3 $%#+3 s 3)$).' s 7).$/73 $//23
s 4ILING s +ITCHEN "ATHROOM s &LOOR 3ANDING s s -ASONRY 7ORK s 3TONE 7ALLS s 0AVERS s
/RTEGA /WNER
2ESIDENTIAL #OMMERCIAL
,ICENSED )NSURED % ,IC
(ANDYMAN 0AINTER #ONTRACTOR 6ERY -ETICULOUS
2ELIABLE #OURTEOUS 3ERVICE
(203) 240-9607
$2%7 /3'//$ n /7.%2
#4 ,)#
#!"2%2!
,ANDSCAPING 3TONE -ASONRY #/--%2#)!,
!,, 0!).4).' #!20%.429 3%26)#%3 0OWER 7ASHING s 0AINT 3TRIPPING s )NTERIOR %XTERIOR 0AINTING ABLEPAINTINGONLINE COM 4)- 2/'%23 s )NTERIOR
"RUSH s 3PRAY s 2OLL s 0OWER 7ASHING s 7ATER "LASTING 3TAINING s 7ALLPAPERING s 7OOD 0RESERVATIVES s #ARPENTRY 2EPAIRS &REE %STIMATES &ULLY )NSURED
$UKE S #HIMNEY S ,,# #HIMNEY S ,,# 0ROFESSIONALLY #LEANED 2ESTORED 34/.% "2)#+ &,!3().'
46
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
5NILOCK 0AVERS #ONCRETE &LAGSTONE 2AILROAD 4IES #ONSTRUCTION
,!52/ #!"2%2!
30%#)!,)343
s #OMMERCIAL
,)#
&REE %STIMATES s &ULLY )NS 2EFS
0ATIOS 7ALKWAYS 3IDEWALKS 3TONE 7ALLS 3NOWPLOWING
s 2ESIDENTIAL
.EW ,AWNS )NSTALLED ,AWN -AINTENANCE 0LANTING 4REE 7ORK ,IGHT %XCAVATING
2%3)$%.4)!,
6)""%24 3
s %XTERIOR
#4 2EG
3PRING &ALL #LEANUP
)NSURED
,ICENSED !RBORIST 3ERVING &AIRlELD #OUNTY OVER YEARS
4REE 2EMOVALS s 0RUNING s #ABLING 3PRAYING s &ERTILIZING s 0EST -ANAGEMENT %XCAVATION $RAINAGE 7ORK s ,AND 'RADING ,ICENSED )NSURED
PLACE YOUR AD HERE!
Call a sales representative for information & to reserve your space. In Connecticut (203): Ridgefield - 438-6000 Shelton - 926-2080 1-800-372-2790 or 1-800-843-6791 March 2008
Spectacular continued from page 35
yet,” notes Stewart. “It will be outfitted to the future owners’ specifications.” The room, which has frame-and-panel walls with corbels and elegant tortoiseshell cone sconces, includes a closet for a full-house sound system. For more information, call Barbara Morris at William Raveis Real Estate, 203-4312583; Timberdale Homes, 203-791-1062; Callaway Wyeth Architects, 203-938-9224. ■
Olson Photographic, LLC, Killingworth, CT
a master carpenter. All the millwork was designed by Timberdale and created in its 2,000-square-foot Bethel shop. The house is also light-filled; the nineand 10-foot ceilings on the main level feature eight-foot windows. On the second floor, which has eight-foot ceilings, most windows are seven feet. From the dining room, which flows from the great room, there are two fourfoot-wide archways into the kitchen, a natural drop spot for mail and keys, says Stewart. The 20- by 16-foot kitchen features quartersawn, stained white oak Missionstyle cabinets and honed granite countertops, which look like soapstone but without the maintenance issues. A 10- by 16-foot window-walled breakfast nook is on the other side of the counter. The mudroom, with easy-care slate floors and wainscoting, opens into the kitchen and has five sports-style open “lockers” to accommodate coats, hats, backpacks, and sports equipment. “People get more excited about this room than almost any other area of the house,” Stewart laughs. “It forces kids to be organized.” Upon entering, guests may also walk The focus of the light-filled, spacious kitchen is the beautifully crafted Mission-style cabinetry. straight into the reception room study, which is fully paneled and has a gas fireR place. Opposite the fireplace are doors OU N Y that replicate the paneling and open to R O FO TATI E the master bedroom. With doors closed W L to both hall and bedroom, it makes a NO NSU CHUR L L O delightful master suite. The bedroom feaCA EE C BRO We are Garage Specialists. tures a barreled ceiling with a number of FR AND interesting angles, and a wall of windows SERVICE overlooks the river and Devil’s Den – a spectacular view upon awakening. • Consultation The adjoining dressing room has three • Solution Development walls of concealed hanging and drawer • Professional and Insured Installers space and leads into the master bath. In addition to the BainUltra spa tub with exterior basket-weave tile, those preferring PRODUCTS a shower have an extensive choice – four • Griot’s Car Care • Cabinets body sprays, two showerheads of different • Garage Doors • Storage heights, a rain showerhead and a handshower fixture. • Accessories • Flooring There are four bedrooms upstairs, plus a loft that overlooks the great room. CLEAN UP WITH The walk-out lower level features a GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE SPRING SAVINGS! timber-framed family or recreation room with wood ceiling, radiant heat beneath 203-778-0222 ./7 the engineered oak floor, a large stone FEATURING &%!452).' CALL SHOWROOM NOW FOR FREE ESTIMATE & CONSULTATION! fireplace, the award-winning home theWWW.COMPLETEGARAGE.COM ater with a 110-inch flat screen, and a 59 Federal Road • Danbury Open 7 Days screened-in porch. “It is not tricked out
The Largest Room in Your House Should be Extraordinary!
March 2008
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
47
Farmers Market continued from page 13 Theatre Co. was a natural partner for our expansion,” Katherine explains. “I think what makes these two markets different from most others is that we’re all ‘foodies’ here, all people coming together to talk about, learn about, sell and eat locally produced food!” Recipe For Success
Courtesy of Michel Nischan
As director, Katherine oversees the general running of the markets, meeting with vendors and potential vendors, and making sure things run smoothly, while Michel Nischan, co-founder and executive chef of Westport’s The Dressing Room, a Homegrown Restaurant, serves as the driving force behind the project. “When Paul [Newman] and I opened The Dressing Room, we quickly realized that we had inadvertently created an impetus for a farmers market, where chefs, such as me, could procure locally grown goods for our restaurants,” explains Michel, renowned chef and award-winning cookbook author. “We felt the time had come to launch such a venture because
Chef Michel Nischan of The Dressing Room.
of the growing awareness of organic foods and farmers markets in surrounding states.” Michel, who is an avid proponent of sustainable farming, local and regional food systems and heritage recipes, attributes many changes in the food industry to restaurants and, in particular, to chefs who have brought these issues to the attention of the public. “Unlike Massachusetts and New York, where locally grown goods have contributed to the success of farmers markets there, Connecticut has very little acreage for farming, due to overdevelopment,” he says. “In fact, we’ve become a giant subdivision, losing 6,000 to 9,000 acres a year, largely to development, and we rely too heavily on other states, like Texas, California and Florida, for our produce and meat, which loses much of its nutritional value in the time it takes for transportation to Connecticut. Ideally, we should be able to produce much of what we eat ourselves.” Most of the markets’ vendors are small, often family-owned businesses, and there are generally 10 or so such participating vendors at any given time. “We have a few vendors that we rotate in, allowing the farmers to refresh or regrow their supplies,” Katherine says. “During the winter, for example, our salad greens producers are growing in greenhouses, but it’s not always warm enough or sunny enough for them
INVENTORY CLEARANCE FLOOR MODELS MUST GO! Incredible Furniture at Incredible Prices!
Give Your Home A New Look ~ MURALS ~ ~ TROMPE L’OEIL ~ ~ WALL TECHNIQUES ~ ~ FAUX FINISHES ~
This center kitchen island was a DRAB WHITE before being DECORATIVELY PAINTED by:
LIOTTA STUDIOS
203-938-3302 Fine Decorative Painting
48
LLC
Visit us at our website at www.LiottaStudios.com and get a glimpse of what Liotta Studios is all about Liotta Studios is a Green company... Doing what we can to help the environment.
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
Entertainment Centers • Plasma Consoles • Wall Systems Bookcases - Unlimited Finishes • Accent Pieces • Custom Built-Ins Custom Furniture • Furniture Repair & Refinishing • Antique Restoration ALWAYS 30% OFF RETAIL...NOW SAVE $100s, EVEN $1,000s MORE! VISIT STORE FOR DETAILS.
203-431-4660 • 951 Danbury Road (Rte. 7) Georgetown, CT March 2008
to produce all we need. Consequently, we maintain three or four vendors to rotate in and out every couple of weeks.” One Stop To Shop
8 small to medium Corolla potatoes, peeled 1/4 cup fresh organic sour cream 1/4 cup freshly grated horseradish root 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tablespoons freshly shaved chives 2 cups fried salsify shavings Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to season Generously season the ribs on all sides with salt and pepper. Let stand to weep for 15 minutes. In the meantime, heat a dry roasting pan just large enough to hold the ribs with some room left over. Add the ribs to the hot pan and sear well on all sides until the ribs are deeply browned. Remove the ribs and sear all of the
The Winter Market provides the highest quality, freshest locally produced foods available, and people can stop in once a week to pick up what they need for a couple of days. “People can come in, shop and leave with what they need to make a complete meal, from appetizer and salad to main course and dessert ... even a gift for the host,” Michel says. The Fairfield Winter Market vendors, who seem happy to provide samples, include the following: Sankow’s Beaver Brook Farm, pasture-raised lamb, sweaters; Beltane Farm, goat cheese; Ox Hollow Farm, pasture-raised, antibioticSee Farmers Market page 52 free beef, pork, chicken, and eggs; Walkingwood Farm, heritage breed chicken and emu eggs; Riverbank Farm, Averill Orchard apples and certified organic fingerling and true blue potatoes; Wave Hill Breads, artisan breads; Sono Baking Co., artisan breads, cakes, pastries, and granola; Andrew’s Local Honey, honey, pollen, and beeswax candles; Two Guys From FROM DESIGN TO INSTALLATION Woodbridge, certified organic salad greens and herbs; Star Light Gardens, KITCHENS, LIBRARIES, FAMILY ROOMS certified organic salad greens and 25 YEARS OF LOCAL EXPERIENCE micro greens; Westport Aquaculture, clams, Blue Point oysters, and lobsters; Goatboy Soaps, all natural goat’s milk soap, salves and lotions, Arogya Tea, fine tea importers; and Whistlestop Bakery, baked goods. “Each vendor seems to have a story, whether they’re refugees from the corporate world or the fifth generation in their family to supply shellfish,” Katherine explains. “And they love sharing their stories with their customers.” “When you buy from local growers, it helps improve the health of the local economy,” Michel says. “As residents of Connecticut, we should be a self-sustaining state, spending our money on lettuce from Connecticut, not California. Let’s support our local farmers, and ultimately, a healthier lifestyle, eating locally grown goods.”
WILLIAM F. VERRILL
CABINETMAKER
FINE INTERIOR WOODWORKING
BY APPT 203-761-9109
MICHEL NISCHAN’S BEEF SHORT RIB POT ROAST 2 boneless beef short ribs 1-1/2 quarts fortified veal stock 6 ounces peeled salsify, cut into 3inch pieces 4 ounces peeled medium bunch carrots, cut into 3-inch pieces 4 ounces partially peeled celery ribs, cut into 3-inch pieces 10 ounces peeled tiny onions
March 2008
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
49
Fairfield Garden Expo Now in its 10th year, the Garden Expo has become a harbinger of spring for Fairfield County. This colorful and diverse show features more than 75 unique home and garden exhibitors. Well-known authors and gardening experts will speak on topics that appeal to everyone wanting to beautify their surroundings. Lifestyle expert Mar Jennings will deliver a presentation and sign his new book, Life on Mar’s, A Four Season Garden. Beekeeper Win Baum will share the thrills of hosting these delightful creatures. The Garden Expo will be held at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, 785 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, on Saturday, March 15, from 10 to 5 and Sunday, March 16, from 10 to 4. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and $4 for children. Check the Web site, TheGardenExpo.com, for a $1-off coupon on admission, com-
THE KITCHEN CENTER
The Garden Expo will be held at Fairfield Ludlowe High School on Saturday, March 15, and Sunday, March 16.
BOARD & BEAM ANTIQUE BARNS AND HOUSES 18th & 19th C. structures dismantled and rebuilt Consultation, Restoration and Repairs for Antique Buildings
SHAKER STYLE FARM HARVEST TABLES Antique Chestnut & Pine 5' to 8' lengths (Seven Tables Available) Kent, CT. Warehouse Location Tel: 860-868-6789 E mail: bbeams@rcn.com
IT’S NOT JUST A KITCHEN... ...IT’S A LIFESTYLE FINE CABINETRY, COUNTER SURFACES AND HARDWARE FOR THE DISTINCTIVE COUNTRY KITCHEN OR BATH. THE KITCHEN CENTER of New Canaan Weed & Duryea Lumber 21 Grove Street New Canaan, CT (203) 966-7766
50
THE KITCHEN CENTER of Cornwall Bridge Northwest Lumber 26 Kent Road JCT RT 4&7 Cornwall Bridge, CT (860)672-4034
THE KITCHEN CENTER of Bridgeport Bridgeport Lumber 1470 Barnum Ave. Bridgeport CT (203)576-8696
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
March 2008
Courtesy of Mar Jennings
plete listing of exhibitors, schedule of lectures, directions, and more. For additional information call 203-259-9999. The Garden Expo is the one place in Fairfield County where visitors can see such unique companies as Concrete Dreams, sculptor of lighting, benches and art designed for year-round outdoor use; Plum Stuff, designer of fanciful side tables; or LaCigale, offering French table linens for use indoors or out. Each day, the Expo will offer an exciting door prize, including gift certificates to Oliverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nursery and Sam Bridge Nursery. Gay Gasser, the Garden Expoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s co-chairperson, says that â&#x20AC;&#x153;exhibitors are selected for their uniqueness, quality and appeal. Each year, visitors to the Expo remark on how lucky they are to see all these exceptional products right in Fairfield. From homemade, gourmet food items to herbal skin products to garden antiques, the Expo offers products and dĂŠcor that appeal to every taste. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Items that add structure to gardens, such as fountains, copper art and containers, continue to be strong themes in outdoor dĂŠcor, and we are excited to showcase many of these beautiful products.â&#x20AC;? The Garden Expo is presented annually by the Garden Expo Committee for the benefit of River-Lab, a program of the Mill River Wetland Committee, a not-forprofit environmental education organization in Fairfield. Money raised funds the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operating budget and its curriculum development projects. â&#x2013;
Lifestyle expert Mar Jennings will speak and be available to sign copies of his new book.
Connecticut Wood Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
VIVONA
CONSTRUCTION. LLC HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS
HARDWO D OUTLET New Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Selection
American Hardwoods Custom Millwork &XVWRP )ORRULQJ /RQJ /HQJWK
(No job too big or too small)
Kitchen & Bathroom Specialists!
For Prices & Specials: www. cwghardwoodoutlet.com
Carpentry (all phases)
0XOOHQ 5RDG (QÂżHOG &7 Â&#x2021;
Connecticut Wood Group
Windows/Doors/Moldings/Oak Flooring Masonry
FINE CUSTOM CABINETRY
Tile Installation
Adds Character and Value to Your Home
Painting (Interior/Exterior) Basement Remodeling/Flood Repair Electrical Plumbing
Over 20 years experience, 3rd generation Craftsman Owner Operated with full staff
NICK VIVONA (203) 975-9048 Your one stop company for ALL your home improvement needs! Free Estimates References Fully Licensed & Insured HIC# 0578655 March 2008
NEW
ENGLAND INTERIORS, INC. Libraries â&#x20AC;˘ Built-Ins Entertainment Armoires Home Offices, Mantels, etc.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Call for a free preview of the possibilitiesâ&#x20AC;? (203) 894-1377 (845) 227-7472 Eamon Ireland, Master Cabinetmaker
View the Possibilities at NEinteriors.com The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
51
Farmers Market continued from page 49 vegetables in individual groups (all the salsify together, all the carrots together and so on) until sweated and lightly browned. Set the vegetables aside and return the ribs to the pan and cover with the fortified veal stock. Bring to a simmer. Skim well then cover and transfer to a pre-heated 200-degree oven. Cook 4 hours at 200 degrees or until the meat just begins to become tender. Gently remove the meat from the braising liquid and keep warm. Blanch each set of vegetables in the braising liquid until they are just softened. Some will take longer than others so I recommend blanching them individually. As each of the vegetables finish cooking, set them aside on a holding tray. Return the ribs to the braising liquid, which has now been fortified with the flavor of the vegetables. Increase the oven heat to 300° and cook, covered, one to one-and-a-half hours, or until the ribs are tender. Remove the pan from the
Your Home is the Gem Landscape is the Setting
oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Gently remove the ribs from the braising liquid, cover and refrigerate about an hour or until the collagen in the ribs sets firm. Trim and cut the ribs into nicely shaped portions. In the meantime, strain the braising liquid through a fine chinois into a medium saucepot. Reduce the sauce by about half. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Arrange the individual rib portions in large oven-proof serving casserole, or into individual serving crocks. Surround with equal amounts of the blanched vegetables. Pour the reduced braising liquid over and return to the oven to heat through. While heating, blend the sour cream, horseradish and lemon juice together. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove the roasts from the oven and top each roast with some of the sour cream. Sprinkle over with shaved chives and garnish with the salsify shavings. For further information: wholesomewavefarmersmarkets.com, or e-mail Katherine Dyer at kt@westportfarmersmarket.com. Visit Michel Nischan’s Web site at michelnischan.com. ■
Green Building For New and Existing Homes • 10 year commitment to building green exclusively • All homes exceed EPA Energy Star criteria and are HERS rated for 5 stars • 2000 - First American Lung Association Health House in CT • 2004 & 2006 HOBI* awards: Best energy efficient / green home in CT • 2007 LEED for Homes pilot program project certified at silver level
Landscape Design and Installation Offering: • Landscape Master Plan/Design • Landscape Consulting • Supervised Planting/Installations
Stamats Landscape Design • 203-431-0676
Health Comfort Energy
Contact B.B. Stamats, APLD • Ridgefield, CT Resident For 20 Years www.stamatslandscapedesign.com
SAVE E $ 50
PER UNIT (4 unit max)
Duette
®
honeycomb shades with PowerRise Platinum Technology ®
™
Vignette
®
Modern Roman Shades with PowerRise Platinum Technology
DON’T DELAY. OFFER ENDS SOON!
BPC Green Builders www.bpcgreenbuilders.com (203) 544-9708
*HBA of CT NHC #2277 & HIC #572283
The Perfectt Touch Save now on Hunter Douglas Duette® honeycomb shades or Vignette® Modern Roman Shades with the PowerRise® remote-control lifting system. Ideal for tall or hard-to-reach windows, the PowerRise® system lets you easily raise and lower your shades at the touch of a button.
Offer valid March 1 – May 31, 2008. Manufacturer’s rebate. Limits and restrictions apply. Ask for details.
Spring Fabric Sale ! 20% off fabrics from Robert Allen, Duralee, Kravet & many more for custom Reuphostery and Window Treatments created by our own talented & experienced artisans.
497 Connecticut Avenue • Norwalk, CT • 203-838-1827 Mon-Fri 9-5 • Saturdays 10-3
52
www.dominicsdecorating.hdwfg.com
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
© 2008 Hunter Douglas, Inc. ® and ™ are trademarks of Hunter Douglas, Inc.
March 2008
Window continued from page 5 Depending on the state and the town, there are levels of regulations and procedures for dealing with the removal of buried oil tanks and of any soil that may have been contaminated by oil leakage. “Fortunately, this has become a common procedure, and there are lots of specialty firms out there with standard operating procedures for removal of the tank and the surrounding soil,” Rob says. “Everything, including the oil in the tank, is trucked away to a special authorized site and disposed of in accordance with regulations.” Interior Problems
Moving inside, asbestos can once again rear its unwanted head. “Asbestos was widely used for pipe insulation from about World War II into the 1970s,” Rob says. “You can go into many basements and see a white gauze wrapping that is easily dispersed into the air once it starts to crumble. That’s asbestos, and it was used for fireproofing. You can also find asbestos plaster covering some old boilers installed before l975 or so. If you want to replace the boiler or strip the pipes you need an asbestos remediation firm.” Another popular use of asbestos in the post-World War II period was floor and ceiling tiles. “These may look like plain linoleum but they may be vinyl asbestos,” he says. “And asbestos adhesives may have been used to fix them in place. You can also find asbestos in the same type of tiles glued to a ceiling.”
Like asbestos, lead paint may also be found in the interiors of older homes. “You need to take care with scraping and sanding,” Rob says. “If you demolish the entire wall, it is not considered part of remediation, but you have to dispose of all the debris, and proper cleanup is essential. And everyone working on any site with hazardous materials must wear masks as required by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In the attic, a major toxic player can sometimes be found in urea-formaldehyde foam insulation, UFFI for short. “This was very popular in the 1970s,” Rob says . “It’s a spray-on foam that we now know releases toxic fumes into the atmosphere. It can cause serious health problems for residents of the home. The good news is that it has not been used in decades and most of the fumes have now been released and dissipated over time.” Risk Assessment
Rob says his main advice for homeowners is to determine exactly what they are dealing with before they begin demolition or renovation. They should then turn the work over to an expert. “You need to work with your general contractor or architect and get guidance from them before you do anything. They will help you understand the levels of risk. Some are large and some are small, and you should spend your money where it is really needed after the situation has been properly assessed.” For information visit robsandersarchitects.com, or call 203-761-0144. ■
DANNICK CARPENTRY
ASPHALT PAVING SPECIALISTS
REMODELING - RESTORATION KITCHENS - BATHS - BASEMENTS - FINISH CARPENTRY - BUILT-INS HOME REPAIRS INTERIOR/EXTERIOR - WINDOW/DOOR REPLACEMENTS Call for a free estimate at
Parking Lots • Roads • Driveways • Tennis Courts 203-324-0311 CT. Lic. #536273 www.rocciesasphalt.com
LICENSED & INSURED
(203) 512-1211
REG.# HIC 0606998
AUTOMATED GATE SYSTEMS
ECO-SYSTEMS INC. Lawn Sprinkler & Outdoor Lighting Systems
NORWALK OFFICE (203)
MAIN OFFICE (203)
838-5971
407-8913
FORMAL AND GARDEN STYLES INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED ADVANCED & RELIABLE SYSTEMS OF AUTOMATION, COMMUNICATION, VIDEO AND CONTROL ON-CALL SERVICE. Andy Coleman Over 30 Years Experience Located in Ridgefield, CT Serving Fairfield & Westchester Counties Ct Lic #208694 March 2008
203-438-9152 ECO-SYSTEMSONLINE.COM
DESIGN ASSOCIATES, INC. 60 CONNOLLY PARKWAY HAMDEN, CONNECTICUT 06514
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
53
Beardsley continued from page 19 they’re looking for but not always where to find it. And I keep my clients up to date with the new artists I have.” The gallery is alive with variety of work in a variety of forms. Jeff Cornell, a Floridian artist, is exhibiting fine pencil and pastel work, all extremely detailed. Kelli Birkenruth’s still lifes have an “old masters” feel. On a small easel is a vibrant portrait of a Labrador retriever with lively eyes, by Katie Swatland, a young artist from Massachusetts. As it turns out, the dog is Tucker, who belongs to Judee Beardsley. “Katie is so talented,” Judee said. “We will have more of her work when we have the show in March.” Customers – many who seem to have morphed into friends – drop in and out of the gallery throughout the day. Cynthia Ripperger, one of those combination patrons, caught the essence of this growing business. “One of the most amazing things about Judee is the total trust her customers have in her. In this tiny, wonderful building, which is very inviting and very warm, everyone who comes in seems to have a nice time. It’s not just a client thing. Once a customer, it’s for life. It’s so exciting with this new gallery. The personality and art filling this room is inspiring.”
T.O.N. Custom Carpentry The finest workmanship on Building/remodeling/custom trim & millwork Remodeling Kitchens Baths Mantels Call JOHN 203-948-6679
Loyal customers rely on Beardsley not only for fine framing but also for oil-painting restoration and installation.
Ansonia Silver Hill Pet Resort “The Vacation Inn For All Pets”
Additions Cabinets/Built Ins Windows/Doors Stairs/Rails Licensed & Insured
There is a sign by the road pointing the way in though the construction, so don’t hesitate to drop by for a visit. You’re sure to see something in a way you haven’t before since it’s through the eyes of the artist, which is what art is all about. Beardsley Fine Framing and Art Gallery, 263 Danbury Rd., Wilton, 203-762-3312. ■
860-210-0662
Boarding All Animals & Grooming All Dog Breeds Indoor/Outdoor Runs for Your Pet’s Comfort Bring in this Coupon For Family Owned & Operated Owners Live on Premises Serving the Area for Over 25 Yrs Cats Welcome Too Any Service
5 OFF
$
Current Vaccinations Required
Not to be combined with other offers. Valid through 3/31/08.
All Major Credit Cards Except AMEX
PICKUP & DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
10 Beech St., Ansonia (5 Mins. From Rte 8, off Silver Hill Rd) Hours: Mon-Sat: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. • Sun: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Call For Details
(203) 735-5454
W W W. P E T R E S O R T. B I Z
INTEREST FREE FINANCING AVAILABLE Exquisite selection of Porcelain & Ceramic Tile Marble, Granite, Limestone Travertine - Tumbled Stone Glass & Metal Mosaics In-House Design Service & Installation Available
“From Budget To Designer” 481 Boston Post Road • Orange • Across from IHop)
203-298-0312 M-F 9-8 • Sat. 10-5 • Sun. 12-4
54
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
15% OFF
All Tile Purchases Excluding Labor, Setting Materials & Sale Items
Orange • 203-298-0312 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases Offer expires 3/31/08
March 2008
Shopping continued from page 23 When Nancy O’Connell, owner of Nancy O, a knitting supply, jewelry and casual country-clothing shop, says she’s “going green,” she means it. The new yarns are organically processed and hand-dyed; wools are available. Nancy has also designed a large, colorful and fashionable tote bag shoppers will enjoy carrying while running errands. Plastic shopping bags will soon be museum pieces, according to Nancy. Spring sessions for knitting instruction for all ages are starting, and if the upstairs loft is not in use for classes, you may stop by to knit and have a cup of tea. Have a shopping tip? E-mail it to frananjoes@aol.com. ■ Nancy O 1 Big Shop Lane Ridgefield, 203-431-2236 10 to 5 Monday to Saturday Except Thursday, 10 to 6
Nancy O goes ‘green.’
CA S T E L L I
CCL CONSTRUCTION & LANDSCAPE, INC.
(203) 834-9859 Free Estimates & Consultations
– Complete Excavation Services – Drainage Systems – Driveways – Lawn Installation – Masonry/Stonewalls – Walkways/Patios – Material Delivery – Trees/Shrubs – Complete Landscape Services
KITCHENS • BATHROOMS NEWLY REMODELED Starting from$8,490 J.V. LOMBARDI BUILDERS
203.331.0287 LIC# 544869
Models On Display
%34!",)3(%$
NEW HOURS Mon.-Fri. 9-6 Sat. 10-5 Sun. Noon-4 Over 1,200 lighting fixtures on display and Stamford’s most experienced lighting sales staff! 203-327-5444 633 Hope Street, Stamford CT 06907 www.Stamfordlighting.com
March 2008
Helping people build beautiful country places since 1974!
326 Gilead Street, Hebron, CT 06248 860-228-2276 catalog $4 www.countrycarpenters.com The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
55
Interior Insights continued from page 11 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of these energy-saving appliances may be slightly more expensive than their non-energy-saving counterparts, but homeowners will see a noticeable savings in their electric and water bills over the years.â&#x20AC;? Next, I spoke to Fred Albano, co-owner of Albano Appliance and Service, Pound Ridge, N.Y. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Energy-efficient appliances are a growing trend,â&#x20AC;? he says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just breaking the ice with ovens.â&#x20AC;? In fact, more and more homeowners are becoming aware of induction cooktops, which use a magnet as a heating element, according to Fred. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also seeing a lot of interest in fast-cooking ovens, from manufacturers like Miele, GE and Viking,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They all offer a smaller oven that cooks with regular thermal convection heat combined with microwave heat to speed up the cooking time ... itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great way to roast a chicken in a lot less time.â&#x20AC;? An Inconvenient Truth
I probably should have mentioned earlier that my family is dreadfully guilty of living a not-so-â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? lifestyle. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t compost, we use way too much paper and plastic, and we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dispose of our old batteries properly. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to say that we
What's New In 2008?
go out of our way to waste energy and water, or that we refuse to reuse or recycle. We simply find that more often than not, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inconvenient. I had the good fortune to watch Al Goreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye-opening movie, An Inconvenient Truth, recently and I have to admit that it really did make me think. The images of the massive glaciers from 30 years ago compared to the shrunken glaciers of today were chilling and they convinced me that I had to do something to contribute to the well-being of our environment. I worry for the ecosystem, I worry for the polar bears, I worry for humanity, but most of all, I worry for my daughter. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the future going to be like for her, and her children, and their children? We belong to an organization that strongly advocates green living. I often sit in on adult education discussions while my daughter attends Sunday school there, and it was at just such a meeting that we talked about what we could do to protect and preserve the environment. I quickly learned that the other members had replaced their traditional light bulbs with those funny-looking, energy-saving bulbs. They habitually turn off the â&#x20AC;&#x153;heated dryingâ&#x20AC;? element on their dishwashers, and they use cloth napkins and dishtowels instead of paper. These simple acts, if performed by every household, could help prevent further deterioration of the environment and I vowed to follow their lead. That afternoon, the minute we got home, I put those special light bulbs on my shopping list and turned the heated-drying option off on my dishwasher. Now I constantly run around the house, making sure the lights and TV are off when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not in the room. I turn the water off while Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m brushing my teeth, and I try to run the washer, dryer and dishwasher only at night. It might be a little inconvenient, but it is, after all, the least I could do. â&#x2013;
Deer Problems?
Stunning home on cul-de-sac. Open floor plan, adjacent to Weir Preserve. MLS #98366134 $1,249,000
Completely renovated Colonial on park-like grounds bordering nature center. MLS#98361045 $1,199,000
Classic 4 bedroom Colonial with fabulous new kitchen and master suite addition. MLS #98366649 $1,289,000
DEER FENCING!
Call Dan at Youngâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Ridgefield where we specialize in ALL types of deer fencing
â&#x20AC;˘ SAVE PLANTS & SHRUBS Exceptional opportunity for expansion. 4 bedroom Colonial near Weston/Westport town lines. MLS #98366432 $750,000
Absolutely beautiful 1995 updated Colonial. Cul-de-sac with scenic natural setting. MLS #98367678 $1,585,000
Totally updated Colonial on quiet cul-de-sac next to Town Forest. MLS#98352934 $799,900
For more information on these properties and more, see wilton.prudentialct.com Barbara Doyle ¡ Marion Filley ¡ Patrick Filley ¡ Cathy Harding ¡ Patricia Hoffmann ¡ Cliff Juleson ¡ Jane Lee Lade ¡ Ginny Livingston Kathy Marino ¡ Robert McCullough ¡ Mary Susan Muirhead ¡ Nancy Pantoliano ¡ David Pierce ¡ Juliet Quinn ¡ Ann Rousseau Lynn Schneider ¡ Dee Shoals ¡ Ileana Slavin ¡ MaryBeth Stow ¡ Annalisa Stravato ¡ Suzanne Konover, Office Leader
Ă&#x161; !N INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED MEMBER OF 4HE 0RUDENTIAL 2EAL %STATE !FFILIATES )NC 0RUDENTIAL IS A SERVICE MARK OF THE 0RUDENTIAL )NSURANCE #OMPANY OF !MERICA %QUAL (OUSING /PPORTUNITY
203-762-8331 101 Old Ridgefield Road, Suite 115 â&#x20AC;˘ Wilton
56
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
â&#x20AC;˘ EXPERIENCE FEWER TICKS
YOUNGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OF RIDGEFIELD
91 DANBURY RD., RIDGEFIELD, CT
(203) 438-6760 March 2008
DISTINCTIVE PROPERTIES . ! 0 , % 3 ! 2 % ! & ,/ 2 ) $!
W E ST E R LY, R I
N EW C A N A A N
%8#,53)6% !15!,!.% 3(/2%3 3& 5! 4OTAL RENOVATION IN MARBLE AND WOOD FLOORING /N CANAL LEADING TO THE 'ULF OF -EXICO $OCK "OATHOUSE 'UEST HOUSE 0OOL 3PA 4HIS HOUSE IS MADE FOR ENTERTAINING AT A VERY ENTERTAINING PRICE 4EMP IN THE LOW S COME ON DOWN TO TAKE A LOOK ,ET 4HE $USEK 4EAM BE YOUR 2EAL %STATE CONNECTION TO THE .APLES AREA
MARKED BY CASUAL ELEGANCE, this truly exceptional custom home boasts views of the Winnapaug golf course and the Atlantic beyond. The one level floor plan is spacious, open and filled with natural light. The cherry kitchen opens to a great room distinguished by a natural stone fireplace and built-in media cabinetry. With details of cathedral ceilings, skylights, hardwood flooring and a generous master suite, this home is a must-see treasure. $1,250,000
Connecticut country living on almost 6 acs, beginning w/the long driveway welcoming you home. Designed & custom blt by Louise Brooks in understated elegance, detail & charm offering gracious living spaces flooded w/sunlight. Each rm has its own distinctive blt-ins, paneling or moldings. The piece de resistance is the elliptical staircase to 3rd flr. There are 7 BRs, each w/its own bth, plus several gathering rms. Lush, beautifully landscaped grounds w/stunning pool & pergola. $6,400,000
$USEK 4EAM s *OHN 2 7OOD )NC 2%!,4/23
18 Granite Street, Westerly, RI 02891
TH !VE 3 .APLES &,
161 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 966-3507
(401) 596-8081
Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.
gustavewhite.com â&#x20AC;˘ sothebysrealty.com
81 Years of Excellence - 1926-2007
W I LTO N
W E ST P O RT
W E STO N
THE BARN, CIRCA 1800, with 3+ acres of sweeping lawns & lovely gardens at waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge on Kent Pond. Extraordinary craftsmanship, quality materials & sophisticated design has transformed this beautiful old barn into a magnificent country estate. The fine old world patinas have been carefully & thoughtfully restored & renovated for today. This cherished home is exceptional - expect weekend guests! 4 BR & 2/1 BA. $1,395,000
IMPECCABLE COLONIAL. Lovely 4 bedroom colonial updated inside and out from 2002. Bright eat-in kitchen, living room w/window seat & fireplace, formal dining room, large new deck overlooking landscaped 1 acre. Spacious play/FR above the 2 car garage, generous MBR and two fresh bathrooms. New semi-finished walk-out lower level not included in sqft. Minutes from Westport train station & shops. $1,200,000 Greta Hentsch-Cowles 278 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880
INCREDIBLE RIVERFRONT PROPERTY. This bright home boasts 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, with over 3,000 sqft. and room to expand. Set on 2.6 park-like acres with 200 ft. along the Saugatuck river. Solid construction, wonderful entertaining flow and study off the dining room, with possible au-pair suite. Two fireplaces and walk-out lower level. Rare opportunity to own this idyllic retreat in Lower Weston. $1,189,500 Greta Hentsch-Cowles
250 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT
(203) 762-5548
YOUR HOMETOWN TEAM
realtyseven.com
(203) 226-5978 â&#x20AC;˘ (203) 216-1461
278 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880
(203) 226-5978 â&#x20AC;˘ (203) 216-1461
Greta@Hentsch-Cowles.com â&#x20AC;˘ wwwHigginsGroup.com
Greta@Hentsch-Cowles.com â&#x20AC;˘ wwwHigginsGroup.com
W E STO N
W E STO N
REDDING
THE DAVID ADAMS HOMESTEAD. Beautifully renovated and carefully restored, this one-of-a-kind circa 1780 antique Colonial exudes all the charm and character of yesteryear, yet is ready for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern lifestyle. Original chestnut beams, fireplaces, built-ins, and wide-plank floors. The home is flooded with light, including a cathedral ceiling family room. Over 2,500 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths. Separate studio over two car garage. Set back on 2.19 acres of beautifully landscaped, private property with manicured gardens. $889,000 Barbara Bross
FLAWLESS EXCELLENCE. In a supreme location on a coveted lower Weston culde-sac amid 2.54 acres with an approved pool site, 4 levels of luxurious surprises await within this exceptionally designed, impeccably maintained 8,475 sq. ft. residence. A glorious master suite with a sitting room & front-to-back raised hearth, superb entertaining spaces, a library, extensive millwork, 4 fireplaces, commodious storage & many singular features accompany this classic beauty. $2,875,000 Gail Lilley Zawacki â&#x20AC;˘ 349-8992
HISTORIC COUNTRY ESTATE. Once owned by Mark Twain, this historic estate comprises an exquisite 18.7 acres, melding ponds, brook, glorious views, and a warmly spacious five-bedroom New England farmhouse. An 1860 studio/barn offers an office and apartment, together totaling 3,450 sq. ft., a fireplace and cathedral ceiling; a second studio, outbuildings, a pool and tennis court complement the estateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinguished character. $2,650,000 Lisa & Pam Reese 227-1269 x 151
(203) 829-6592
March 2008
305 Post Road East, Westport, CT
(203) 227-1269
305 Post Road East, Westport, CT
(203) 227-1269
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
57
California Dreamin’ continued from page 17 For his part, John Klein gives most of the credit to the homeowners. “The Dellatres were involved with this every step of the way,” he said. “They made very insightful decisions, reflecting a very clear vision of the end product. “These people fell in love with the house. They’ve been willing to put a lot of resources into it. They know what they want and they are willing to make the sacrifice.” Both Al and Mary Kate credit the crew from Performance Landex with leaving the property in better condition than they found it. “In spite of the conservation people and the wetlands people, the condition of the property is so much better,” Al said. “The pond at the bottom of the property that is fed by a spring now runs clear. We have a heron and an egret that hang out there. The ground runoff is controlled, and the construction enhanced the natural environment. “If I had to do it all over again,” Al said, “I’d do the same thing.” ■
AmericanFrameless.com
Olson Photographic LLC
The two-story gazebo is a chef’s delight with a Viking grill and a stainless-steel sink and refrigerator.
CrossCounty Pool & Spa Call for SPECIAL OFFERS NEW CONSTRUCTION RENOVATION SPECIALIST Available in 3/8, 1/2 & 3/4 inch glass thickness. Hardware finishes available in Chrome, Brass, Nickel & other precious metals.
203-227-1785 • 800-606-1776 58
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
Philip W. Brown
lipowner/president W. Brown
er/president 203.838.3555
Visit us at: www.justgetwet.com 203•838•3555 Registration #575001
www.justgetwet.com
March 2008
March 2008
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
59
Home Furnishings BEDROOM AND DINING ROOM INFANT AND YOUTH UPHOLSTERY ACCENT FURNITURE LAMPS AND LIGHTING WINDOW TREATMENTS TABLE TOP
Home Improvement CABINETRY PLUMBING AND FIXTURES LARGE APPLIANCES SMALL APPLIANCES WINDOWS AND DOORS
Entertainment & Outdoor GAME TABLES SPORTING GOODS FITNESS EQUIPMENT HOME THEATRE AUDIO AND SPEAKERS GRILLS AND ACCESSORIES OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Flooring AREA RUGS CARPET TILE HARDWOOD LAMINATE
Accessories APPAREL LUGGAGE GIFTWARE JEWELRY
Build the dream. Just don’t pay the markup.
WATCHES STATIONERY
Discover how easy it is to decorate or remodel every room in your home just the way you like it. Choose among thousands of brand-name products from more than 700 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers — without paying retail markup.*
Fairfield County
Call 1-800-823-2491 today or visit directbuy.com for your FREE Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct and Visitor’s Pass to the DirectBuy showroom near you. No dealers please • Daily Open Houses by appointment only
*Shipping and handling fees may apply. V150
60
The HOME Monthly, a Hersam Acorn special section, Ridgefield, Conn.
March 2008