The Gold Coast Standard and Darien Real Estate

Darien Homes for Sale,Open Houses,March 14,2010

Karen Brewer — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:56:08 +0000

Here are all the William Pitt Sothebys International Realty’s Open Houses for Sunday March 14,2010 If you need more information or directions,contact me at 203-554-0951 or kmbrewer2@aol.com.

Darien,CT Open House, Antique Victorian,40 Brookside Rd. Sunday March 14

Karen Brewer — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:58:07 +0000

I’ve written a few posts about the stunning Italianate,Victorian that is for sale in Darien on Brookside Rd.I’ll be doing an Open house there this Sunday,March 14 from 1-3PM.

Please stop by to see this one of a kind property on nearly an acre close to town. So as not to seem entirely self serving, this will be one of the biggest weekends of the year for open houses in town.

There will be over 30 open houses available for you to see. Don’t let the weather keep you away. Darien is always beautiful, even in the rain.

Email me for directions,or more information.read my original post.It’s kmbrewer2@aol.com or call 203-554-0951.

Remember if you can’t make it to town this weekend,contact me and Ill produce a video of any street or property you wish to see.

Darien, Ct. Playgrounds,”Gee Mom, All We Had Was a Bunch of Dumb Swings”

Karen Brewer — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:47:55 +0000

My friend Nicole Lyons at http://www.allaboutdarien.com has undertaken an ambitious project and documented, via video, all the playgrounds in the town of Darien.Dont miss the new state of the art facility at Weed Beach Park.

If you have children and are thinking of buying a home in Darien,CT, you’d be well advised to take a look. You won’t be disappointed.Neither will the kids!

http://allaboutdarien.com/2010/03/darien-ct-playgrounds-a-video-tour/

Seems Like Old Times, Darien,CT Homes for Sale

Karen Brewer — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:43:35 +0000

I just have to report the palpable sense of activity and excitement there is in this spring real estate market in Darien,CT. January started off with a bang, as I reported and February appears to be even stronger. While touring open houses today, it looked like old times. There were agents on their cell phones with clients in the driveways of new listings.

Homes for sale in Darien are bindering across all price ranges. In spite of reports that sales in the state of Connecticut are way down in the first two months of the year, prices have stablized and customers are making realistic bids. The numbers look poorly because homes that have closed in January and February were actually sold back in November and December.

Therefore statistics lag. Bank appraisals are still an issue thoug ,as lenders remain ultra conservative.

Nevertheless,we all know this is a local game and I’m here to report that this local agent is kicking up her heels.

Looks like if your home is for sale in Darien, this spring might be right to get the deal done.

Lets hope it holds.

Darien Homes for Sale,Stunning Italianate Victorian

Karen Brewer — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:52:30 +0000

Well, I promised to post more photos of a spectacular, new listing on Brookside Road in Darien.Even if you’re not in the market,feast your eyes on a signature Darien, antique ,home that has both the grace of yesterday and todays’ sought after amenities.

New Kitchen,new baths,central air,new windows,new roof, new driveway, and beautiful perennial gardens are sited on nearly one acre. Walk to town,schools and train as well.

This property also has a 600 square foot guest house with a full bath and loft. There is nothing in town like it! Price, $1.495,000.

For more information,photos or a video of this property,contact me directly,

Karen Brewer,203-554-0951,kmbrewer2@AOL.COM

Darien,CT’s Little League Program,One of the Best..

Karen Brewer — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:24:51 +0000

Here is a great article about Darien,Ct and its Little League baseball program. As one who has a son go through the program,I can attest its veracity.

Taking Ownership: Darien, Conn., Has Woven Little League into the Fabric of its Community

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
February 23, 2010

For more than five decades, generations of parents and players in Darien, Conn., have embraced the ideals of Little League, and today Darien Little League (DLL), the largest chartered Little League program in the United States, serves as a well-respected model for what’s possible when a community comes together in support of Little League’s mission.

More than 70 years ago in Williamsport, Pa., Carl Stotz enlisted children and parents from his neighborhood, and they assembled three teams and played baseball.

Today, those teams are recognized as the forebears of thousands of Little Leagues around the world.

The Darien Little League’s American and National divisions operate under a 22-person board and combine to field nearly 140 teams in the Tee Ball through Major Baseball divisions. It offers a Challenger Division for physically and mentally disabled children, and the Darien Little League Softball program has more than 350 players in Tee Ball through the Junior Division.

“Our league goal is not about winning district games and going to the Little League World Series,” Tony Farren, Darien Little League President, said. “Last year, we had a team reach the district final in all divisions (we charter), but everyone who volunteers in our league is in it for all of the players, not just the top 10 percent.”

Darien, a community of nearly 20,000, is located in Connecticut’s Fairfield County, about four miles from Stamford and 15 miles from Bridgeport.

Darien Little League was first chartered in 1952 and each year the children, families, volunteers and sponsors have turned to DLL for its spring and summer activities despite the influx of other organized youth sports opportunities. In 1958, DLL reached the Little League Baseball World Series, going 1-2 representing the East Region.

“We have so many people who want to get involved and we still have a lot to do,” Mr. Farren, who has been a volunteer in the league for 11 years, said. “Each volunteer in our league has the understanding that the success of our league comes from knowing it’s not always what’s good for your kid, but what is good for the league.”

In part, Little League’s mission states: “Through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the Little League program assists youth in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being. By espousing the virtues of character, courage and loyalty, the Little League Baseball and Softball program is designed to develop superior citizens rather than superior athletes.”

Darien Little League has listened to the opinions of its parents, volunteers and players and meshed them into a program that has training, education, competition and fun at its foundation.

“Five years ago, we started an improvement committee,” Mr. Farren, who had four children play in the league, said. “Now each year, we ask parents what we can do to improve the Little League experience. The committee provides the suggestions and the board votes on the proposed changes and improvements.

“We listen to the families and kids alike and adapt and adjust the league to what is best to suit the kids,” Mr. Farren said. “Our number one goal is to have them enjoy the game.”

Turnover in leadership and the volunteer base is an annual issue for many leagues, but for DLL fresh faces and ideas are welcomed and encouraged. Blending experienced volunteers with newcomers is a key to keeping families excited and interested.

“We want to get younger parents involved right away,” Mr. Farren said. “We love to keep volunteers from year to year, but we also like the new blood because those people bring new ideas and enthusiasm.”

One of the many ways that Darien Little League has created a welcoming environment is by focusing on education.

Younger children are introduced to Little League through a clinic format that includes games. By their third season in the league, DLL players are enjoying the games, but also participate in more skill-specific clinics such as proper throwing techniques.

“If kids get interested in baseball and having fun when they’re five and six years old, some might develop into quality players down the road, but many more will grow into good people.” Mr. Farren said. “We do have to coordinate with other sports leagues in our area, so our kids don’t have to choose between different activities. We don’t want to be the reason why kids don’t play a sport.”

To give the children a well-rounded experience and keep them motivated to learn the game, Darien Little League requires that all its players in their Minor Division play a minimum of two innings defensively on the infield each game. Major Division players are required to play a minimum of three defensive innings each game and one of those innings must be on the infield.

The league’s policies and philosophies have proven successful, with 216 players (league-age 10-12) in the Major Baseball Division.

“A successful league is not determined by how many wins it has each year, it’s about the next year’s registration and how many of the players come back,” Mr. Farren said.

During the summer, DLL enters teams into the annual Little League International tournament at various divisions, while also operating “Friendship Games” for players who want to continue to play, but were not selected to a tournament team. The league also holds a season-ending fun day with a skills competition for its minor and softball players, and in the fall, it runs a training and development program.

Darien (Conn.) Little League is the largest local Little League in the United States, with nearly 1,500 children participating. Founded in 1952, Darien Little League operates spring, summer and fall baseball and softball programs, a Challenger Division, along with several winter clinics for players and coaches.

Darien Homes for Sale,Market Report, March 3,2010

Karen Brewer — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:56:48 +0000

Here is this weeks market report for Homes for sale in Darien Ct. As always there are new lsitings,deposits taken,price reductions and closed sales.

In the entry level there is only one new addition,Ridgeview Road. This is a cute dead end street in the Camp Ave vicinity. Modest homes but a good family neighborhood characterizes this street.Not as convenient as some other locations (it is closer to the Talmadge Hill train station that Noroton Heights) but it is priced well and has a brand new kitchen .

In the mid prrice category,I like the Pheasant Lane listing. The place shows really well and again is priced thoughtfully and realisitically.Location is not as family oriented as some but still a good value.

In the lots and land category, much sought after Juniper Road has become available.Great parcels with water views that aren’t available very often. Priced just OK.

You can search for any of these addresses through Home Search on the home page.

Happy hunting.

p.s.Remember I will produce a custom video of any home or neighborhood for interested parties.

New Listing, Italianate Victorian,Darien Home for Sale

Karen Brewer — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:54:05 +0000

This is a brand new listing coming on the market early this week.Featuring beautiful Italianate architecture it was built in 1865 with four bedrooms and two full baths in the main house. This home contains many original details including 10′ ceilings,stained glass, three fireplaces, and wide plank pine floors. There is a living room, oversized dining room,library, back parlor and brand new eat in kitchen.The bathrooms have been completely renovated.Additionally, there is a new roof, all new windows and the home has been painted inside and out.

Brookside Road,Darien

The property also has full sized studio, out- building with a loft and full bath. That building is presently being used as a music studio and is over 600 square feet in size. The studio would be perfect as an office,au pair quarters, guest house or art studio.There is a one car garage attached. The present owner is an avid gardener and there are two perennial gardens.

This special home sits on nearly one acre in a walk to town/train/school location and the end of Prospect Ave, one of Darien’s original streets.

Brookside Road is in the Royle Elementary school district and Prospect Ave (which is perpendicular to the house), is home to children of all ages. Although the school is walkable, many kids just hop on the bus for the quarter mile ride. The street has annual block parties and neighborhood events.

Offered at$1.495,000. Contact me directly for more details or showings. Remember too that, if you wish, I will produce a CUSTOM VIDEO of the neighborhood and send it to you.In the meantime,Ill be posting interior pictures and a video early this week.

203-554-0951, or kmbrewer2@aol.com.

A Latte for your Thoughts? Darien CT Homes for Sale

Karen Brewer — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:37:02 +0000

One of the nifty (yes, that’s a word that still I use) about having a blog is that there is a tool on the “back end “as they say in blogville,that allows the writer to see what the most popular articles are. As good as that is, the tool can’t tell me what my readers would like or are HOPING to find on this site.

So here’s the thing. I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what you would like to find here on http://www.thegoldcoaststandard.com.

Need a tip?The number one thing people do when they land on the site is a home search. Thats great!

BUT, is there anything more you would like to know after you’ve done a home search. Should I be writing more about Darien streets and neighborhoods? Would you like my personal review of Darien properties?What else do you want to know about living in Darien? Should I write about other towns? It’s up to you. If I receive your suggestion and incorporate it into this blog, Ill send you a $25 gift certificate to your coffee house of choice.

Have a frappamochalocachino or five….on me! Who’s in?

Circus Yoga Anyone? Darien Childrens’ Activities

Karen Brewer — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:46:03 +0000

I can’t say enough about the amount and quality of kids activities in town.If you buy a home in Darien your children will never be bored.

In addition to a full program for kids at the fabulous Darien Library,organizations such as the YMCA, YWCA and Darien Parks and Recreation and Darien Arts Center offer a full plate of activities for kids.

This years Spring catalog from Darien Parks and Rec just came out and there is something for every kid in town.Little League,Soccer,Lacrosse Hockey,Sailing Golf,Softball,Tennis,Swimming,Music lessons,Karate and even Fly Fishing for kids.

Some of the more unusual activities include….. a course called Jump Around.Then there’s Rocketeering,Green Engineering,Little Scientists and yes, folks CIRCUS YOGA.

Circus Yoga it seems, combines the flexing, and stretching poses of yoga combined with circus skills like pretend tight rope walking,peacock feather balancing,and juggling scarves.

But Circus Yoga shouldnt be just for kids! Maybe we can do sometihng like, Darien Realtor Arabian Stallion riding, or Trying to Stuff as many Realtors as possible into a Volkswagen. How about No Practice Trapeze for Loan Officers?

Seriously however, when you buy a home in Darien, you get an unparalled choice of kids activities..(peacock feathers not included).