New Canaan-Darien Magazine, March/April 2020

MARCH/APRIL 2020 | $5.95

MODERN PERFECTION

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REAL ESTATE WHAT IS AFFECTING YOUR INVESTMENT? GARDEN STYLE LANDSCAPING TIPS FROM THE PROS

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Who doesn’t love the taste of summer? Crisp lettuce and deep green spinach,

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weekly visits from April through November, ensuring that your garden is as

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tender new potatoes. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or knowledge to IN

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contents MAR/APR 2020 vol. 20 | issue 2

features

47

60

departments

Gardening tips you can really use

10 EDITOR’S LETTER 13 STATUS REPORT

ON THE HOME FRONT

BUZZ GrayBarns new Mercantile; CAS Studio; the National Platform Tennis Tournament in Darien SHOP Dudley Stephens takes fleece and makes it fashion GO Let’s go to Maui; We review BMW’s 745E DO The pros and cons of concierge medicine; Upscale bistro, bowling and bocce at Pinstripes FINANCE FIX It’s time to get your funds in order

An in-depth look into the state of real estate by e l i z abet h hole

52

MAXIMUM IMPACT An iconic New Canaan home, beautifully modernized b y m a l ia mc k i n non fr ame

60

33 PEOPLE & PLACES

Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum Kids in Crisis Domestic Violence Crisis Center STAR, Inc. The First Tee Impact Fairfield County

GARDEN ENVY Real tips and tricks from the pros to turn your outdoor space into an oasis. by t om c on nor

68

83 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 84 LAST WORD

BEST OF TRENDS The latest spring fashion, straight from the runways. by m e g a n g ag non

c ove r phot o: peter aaron /ot t o

|

garden phot o : n eil l an dino

NEW CANAAN • DARIEN & ROWAYTON MARCH/APRIL 2020, VOL. 20, NO. 2. NEW CANAAN • DARIEN & ROWAYTON (ISSN 1942-1028) is published bimonthly by Moffly Media, Inc., 205 Main St, Westport, CT 06880. Periodical postage paid at Westport, CT, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to NEW CANAAN PO BOX 9309, Big Sandy, TX 75755-9607. U.S. Subscription rates: $19.95/1 year (6 issues), $32.95/2 years; Canada and Foreign $40/1 year, $66/2 years.

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JOIN US ONLINE! MAR/APR 2020

CELEBRATING THE SCENE STEALERS OF OUR TOWNS

PARTY PHOTOS

COMING UP! SOCIAL MEDIA

Visit our galleries for more fun

THE CELEBRITY VISITS, FABULOUS FASHIONS AND MOVING MOMENTS FROM THE HOTTEST EVENTS

PRINT

In the May/June issue, we get social with our first-ever feature on SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS. What’s the secret to Instagram success? These local digital pros tell us what they do and why it works.

EVENT

Here’s your chance to ask the influencers your own questions. Our event—WOMEN IN BUSINESS: A SOCIAL MEDIA EXCHANGE—features a discussion with them. Network, make friends and learn the tricks to being social-media savvy.

Save the Date: May 14. womeninbusinessfc.com

PLUS! BUY LOCAL Scoop up great finds from local makers and crafters on our site: connecticutcollective.com.

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NEWCANAANDARIENMAG.com

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VOLUME 20

ISSUE 2

MARCH/APRIL 2020

sales

creative director Amy Vischio

publisher, new canaan - darien Lisa Hingst

editorial executive editor Cristin Marandino editor Julee Kaplan market editor Megan Gagnon advisory editor Donna Moffly assistant editor Joey Macari

categories: automotive/builders/landscape/ sports & fitness publisher, greenwich Trish Kirsch publisher, stamford Karen Kelly category: travel

art art director Kim Gilby senior art director Venera Alexandrova senior art director/status report Garvin Burke contributing art director/Farifield Living Tim Carr production director Kerri Rak design assistant Taylor Stroili

publisher, westport Gabriella Mays categories: architects/interior design/home furnishing/ art & collectibles/fashion sales directors

Jennifer Petersen category: jewelry

contributors editors

Stephanie Delaney regional account executive, southeast category: regional travel

Elizabeth Hole - editor, custom publishing Diane Sembrot - editor, fairfield living; westport; stamford

Jennifer Frank

writers

categories: doctors/dentists/finance/insurance/ business consulting

Liz Ariola, Christy Colasurdo, Tom Connor, Carol Leonetti Dannhauser, Kim-Marie Evans, Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick, Malia McKinnon Frame, Chris Hodenfield, Elizabeth Hole, Kathy Satterfield

Rick Johnson categories: real estate/lawyers

Ellyn Weitzman

copy editors

categories: restaurants/wine & spirits/catering

Terry Christofferson, Kathy Satterfield

Hilary Hotchkiss

editorial advisory board

category: schools & universities

Robert Doran, Sue Frelinghuysen, David Genovese, Nancy Helle, Claire Hunter, Robyn Kammerer, Rita Kirby, George McEvoy, Julianna Spain, Amy Wilkinson, Torrance York

marketing partnership manager Kathleen Godbold strategic marketing director Wendy Horwitz

digital digital media manager Amber Scinto digital editor Diane Sembrot

creative services art director Molly Cottingham event managers Rachel Shorten, Amy Sinclair

business business manager Elena Moffly president Jonathan W. Moffly vice president/editorial & design Amy Vischio vice president/finance & operations/ vice president/treasurer Elena Moffly cofounders John W. Moffly IV and Donna C. Moffly

published by 205 Main Street, Westport, CT 06880 phone: 203-222-0600 fax: 203-222-0937 mail@mofflymedia.com Publishers of FAIRFIELD LIVING, GREENWICH, NEW CANAAN - DARIEN, WESTPORT, STAMFORD and athome Magazines for advertising inquiries, email advertise@mofflymedia.com.

TO SUBSCRIBE, renew, or change your address, please e-mail us at subscribe@ncdmag.com, call 1-877-467-1735, or write to New Canaan - Darien magazine, 111 Corporate Drive, Big Sandy, TX 75755. U.S. subscription rates: $19.95/1 year (6 issues); $34.95/2 years (12 issues); $44.95/3 years (18 issues). Canada and foreign, US $36/year. Prices are subject to change without notice. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. Š2020 New Canaan - Darien magazine is a registered trademark owned by Moffly Media.

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editor’s letter

MARCH/APRIL 2020 / JULEE KAPLAN

THE GOOD NEWS

T

he news in real estate hasn’t been great in the past few years. People are moving out of Connecticut in droves, the news says…businesses are closing here and moving out of state (like GE did a couple of years ago). But, despite all of it, there’s some really good news.

People still want to live here. Our towns are filled with pluses. Our people are community minded and philanthropic. There’s charm in downtown New Canaan, a bustling art scene in Silvermine, gorgeous beaches and expansion plans for an even more vibrant downtown Darien, a revived Noroton Heights, outstanding schools. Our towns still have major appeal. And it shows.

The real estate industry here is quite optimistic as low mortgage rates, consumer confidence and a healthy stock market continue to rule. Agents say they’re pretty sure your home is worth more than before.

For more on the news in real estate, check out “On the Home Front” where writer Elizabeth Hole delves deep into what’s selling and how to get your home ready for a quick buyer response.

Speaking of homes, our feature, “Maximum Impact,” by Malia McKinnon Frame

newcanaandarienmag.com

10

takes us through a stunning mid-century modern John Black Lee designed home in New Canaan. It’s been completely renovated, expanded and restored into a true masterpiece. The lucky couple living there made sure to honor Lee’s original design but brought the house up to speed with modern technology and interiors. We are pretty sure the photos will inspire you.

And, while you’re at it, make sure to check out our garden feature, “Garden Envy,” where Tom Connor asked local landscapers and designers for tips on how you can do everything from achieve better curb appeal to how to convert your veggie garden to organic.

We’re wrapping this issue up with a look at all the must-have trends for spring. You’ll want to refresh your wardrobe and hit the stores for these new looks. Just make sure you shop local. After all, it’s always good to put your money where your house is.

julee.kaplan@moffly.com

PHOTO BY KYLE NORTON

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @NCDMAG

Norwalk Hospital is now part of Nuvance Health.

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At Nuvance Health, we’re rethinking your healthcare experience with you and your family in mind. We let our curiosity guide us, asking the right questions, and discovering what matters to you. We’re finding new ways to fit into your life, with options for care you can trust.

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buzz STATUS REPORT

here: Stop in for a coffee or some homemade breakfast or lunch. inset: The original Mercantile building was built in 1862.

MODERN COUNTRY GRAYBARNS MERCANTILE AND CAS STUDIO BRING A CHIC TWIST TO SILVERMINE

by julee kapl an

PHOTOS BY MORGAN YAGER

C

hances are, if you lived in the Silvermine area in the 1860s, the general store across from the Silvermine Inn was your local commissary.

You would often gather there for coffee and a chat, grab some bread and perhaps a pack of cigarettes. It was the place where you could arrange for milk delivery, pick up fresh produce and a local paper. Eventually, the shop sold antiques before it closed down and became abandoned for many years. Today, the space is back as a beautifully designed modern country store. Now owned and operated by The Glazer Group, the GRAYBARNS MERCANTILE was designed and brought to life by Nikki Glazer, co-owner and director of the family-owned

brand. The idea, she says, was to restore the building and create a space where people can come back to again and again. Opened since September, Mercantile offers a range of coffee drinks using Intellegentcia beans, treats from SoNo Baking Company and some grab-and-go breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Stop in for coffee and avocado toast or leave with an organic rotisserie chicken (with sides). Pick up a floral arrangement or some in-season produce. As an ode to the past, Glazer says she made sure to add simple touches to remind us of the market’s classic American past—they might not sell cigarettes any longer, but you can pick up a box of candy cigarettes for 75 cents.

You’ll also see an old record player in the front MARCH/APRIL 2020 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

13

of the shop with a wide selection of readyto-play vinyl.

“When restoring the space, I wanted to bring in things that were classically American, things that remind us of a better time,” Glazer says.

In addition, Mercantile is set up to be a workshop—there was a wreath-making class before the holidays and Glazer even heads up a class on how to make super soft chunkyknit blankets.

“I love creating things as a way to check out and de-stress,” Glazer explains. “Using my hands to create—it’s such a satisfying way to keep me grounded.”

Glazer sells her hand-knit blankets at the shop for $250 each; you can also buy a Frette

buzz

A piece from CAS Studio’s Faded collection.

A vintage record player and GrayGoods pillows complement the entrance to Mercantile.

robe (the same robes are in the rooms at the Inn across the street). Shop for aprons, totes, ceramics, pillows, candles and soaps for sale as well. The GrayBarns brand, GrayGoods, is always evolving, Glazer said, in order to add more curated products that are ethically produced and complementary to the brand’s aesthetic. In spring, Glazer said she’s planning more workshops and will begin a catering business. Mercantile, she says, is also available for private events.

Also new to Mercantile is Casey Friese, a former business executive turned local artist, who rents a gallery space at Mercantile under her CAS Studio brand name. The California native’s stunning large-scale photography is influenced by her own global experiences and keen eye for creating truly livable, soothing limited-edition pieces. Friese and Glazer met just after Mercantile’s opening and hit it off right away.

“The Guild of Artists was founded in Silvermine and art is such an important piece

of history here,” Glazer says. “So, it’s nice to have an artist right here on-site.”

“Creativity always happens over coffee,” Friese added. “And it’s so inspiring to have my studio here.”

Her work, which ranges from $275 for a smaller unframed print to $5,200 for a 72x54 meticulously framed photo, is crafted on museum-grade paper that has been tested and guaranteed to last over 200 years. Many of her photos capture serene dessert and beach landscapes, edited in a way to create pure serenity when hung in a home or gallery.

Her mission, she says, is to photograph the entire United States coastline, eventually.

“Photographing it all is an absolute dream of mine,” Friese said. “It’s definitely my bucket list.”

Her current collections, Faded and Day As Night, are currently available for purchase at the studio. CAS Studio is open Tuesday through Sunday 11 a.m. — ­­ 3 p.m. or by appointment. newcanaandarienmag.com

14

INTERIOR PHOTO BY MORGAN YAGER, BEACH AND TABLE PHOTOS BY CAS FRIESE, PORTRAIT AND OUTSIDE STUDIO PHOTOS BY NIKKI GLAZER

above: Casey Friese in her studio right: A work table in the studio was designed with the GrayBarn’s aesthetic in mind. below: CAS Studio at the GrayBarns Mercantile

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buzz

RAISE YOUR PADDLE

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SEVERAL YEARS, DARIEN HOSTS THE NATIONAL PLATFORM TENNIS TOURNAMENT

L

iving in Fairfield County, chances are you either play—or know someone who plays—platform tennis, more commonly known as paddle. The sport was created in 1928 in Scarsdale by two friends who wanted to enjoy a racquet sport during the winter months. Paddle tennis has exploded over the past several years, particularly in our neck of the woods. “What started as more of a northern winter sport is now played year-round

PADDLE

BY THE NUMBERS

above: Platform tennis players on the courts below: Darien’s Tiernan Cavanna, president of the APTA

and has moved south as well,” explains Tiernan Cavanna, a Darien resident, avid paddle player and president of the American Platform Tennis Association (APTA).

For the first time since 2016, the APTA National Championships will be hosted by the Country Club of Darien, March 5 to 8. “It’s going to be exciting to bring the very best players in the sport to Darien and surrounding Connecticut towns, but there will also be room for league players so there’s opportunity for everyone,” says Cavanna. The tournament will be able to accommodate a large number of players (over 200 men’s and women’s teams) because Fairfield County is an area with one of the highest concentrations of courts in the country.

“Paddle is addictive because you can improve as you get older,” she says. “It’s strategic, you’re always learning, and the sport is social and collegial. It’s a great atmosphere and a fun group of people.” Cavanna herself has been involved in the paddle world since she started playing 12 years ago, has been a leader in the local women’s league and helped run the 2016 Nationals Tournament. She is not only the first female president of the APTA, but also one of this year’s cochairs for

the Nationals Tournament.

“In our area, we’re lucky to have some of the top male and female players and pros in the country competing for the national title,” she says, noting that last year’s men’s and women’s winners were all pros in Fairfield County. Despite the level of competition, she emphasizes the camaraderie for all players.

“The fact that I’m so involved in both the APTA and the National Championships, and yet I’m primarily a league player and not a pro shows the accessibility of the sport as well as this tournament.”

Each team that registers for the tournament is guaranteed three matches and may attend any of the weekend’s events. The tournament kicks off with a Thursday night check-in party at the Country Club of Darien, and Friday there are matches throughout the day and a buffet lunch. Matches continue all day Saturday with a barbecue lunch during the quarterfinals, and Sunday will host the men’s and women’s finals. In addition to great paddle, there will be a hospitality tent, food trucks and physical therapists onsite.

Spectators are also welcome, free of charge.

To register, or for more information, visit platformtennis.org.

1928 19,000 3,200

Paddle was invented in Scarsdale, NY

League players in our area

APTA members

newcanaandarienmag.com

16

256

Number of teams the APTA can accommodate at the tournament

PHOTOS BY KATHARINE CALDERWOOD AT CALDERWOOD DIGITAL

by malia mckinnon fr ame

FINDING A PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR IS EASIER THAN EVER. Stamford Health Medical Group believes primary care is important for keeping you and your loved ones healthy. With more than 130 primary care physicians and specialists across Fairfield County, we make it easy for you to find a doctor close to home.

We offer flexible hours that fit your schedule, and we accept most health insurance plans.

To make an appointment, visit StamfordHealth.org/PrimaryCare or call 888.898.4876.

DARIEN • GREENWICH • NEW CANAAN • NORWALK • RIVERSIDE • STAMFORD • WILTON

shop by megan g agnon

PARK SLOPE TURTLENECK

Each style is named after a Brooklyn street or neighborhood

Lauren, Bonnie and Kaki

CLOSE KNIT

rest of the country. The sisters credit the app with building a community that has remained loyal, while showing off their designs on real women.

As their popularity grew, Kaki and Lauren remained focused on strategic partnerships, starting with pop-ups in boutiques and more recently, appearing at the Goop store in Chicago and online at Tuckernuck. In February 2019, they set up shop in Greenwich in what they call the Dudley Stephens Townhouse—a showroom space to host trunk shows, events and meetings.

In only four years, the company has expanded to include more silhouettes, accessories, outerwear, pants and options for kids and men.

All the pieces are made of high-quality fleece (the majority spun from plastic bottles) sourced in the U.S. and manufactured in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

What started with one turtleneck has grown to a full collection with new designs introduced each season. Mom Bonnie is still involved (unofficially as a full-time promoter), and the sisters attribute their success not only to the timeless styles that appeal to women of all ages, but to their focus on keeping Dudley Stephens a family business. dudley-stephens.com

DUDLEY STEPHENS WANTS YOU TO

GIVE FLEECE A CHANCE

COBBLE HILL TURTLENECK The original design in neon pink, one of the twenty available colors

PACIFIC VEST

One of the brand’s newer outerwear pieces in double layer Vello fleece

newcanaandarienmag.com

18

Lauren models Dudley Stephens on Greenwich Avenue

PORTRAITS; JULIA DAGS; CLOTHING; RYAN SCHERB

F

or sisters Kaki McGrath and Lauren Stephens, Mom really does know best.

After all, they have their mother, Bonnie, to thank for sparking the idea that led them to create DUDLEY STEPHENS, a fashionable fleece line with a devoted and rapidly growing following. An avid boater, Bonnie would grab outerwear pieces that worked on the water but didn’t translate to an evening out once on shore.

Armed with a plan to come up with a stylish solution, she helped Lauren create the design and prototype for their iconic Cobble Hill turtleneck, with a stand up collar and flattering fit that have become the brand’s signature.

As young moms around town (Kaki lives in Darien, Lauren in Greenwich), the sisters were the perfect models for their label. It didn’t take long for their turtlenecks to become the uniform for stylish women-on-the-go. Beyond Fairfield County, the direct-to-consumer company utilized Instagram to introduce Dudley Stephens to the

35 elm street westport | serenaandlily.com

go go

by kim-marie evans

SEAS THE DAY FINDING THE MAGIC IN MAUI IS ABOUT FAR MORE THAN THE

H

undreds of guidebooks have been penned promising visitors access to the “real” or “hidden” Hawaii. They include advice on where to find secret waterfalls and unspoiled beaches, and which stop on the Road to Hana will lead to the “Hawaii of your dreams.”

The thing these guidebooks miss—and it’s at the heart of experiencing authentic Hawaii—is meeting the Hawaiians themselves. There is a Hawaiian word, mana, that means the life energy that flows through all things and humans. Though I have traveled to this remote island chain

many times, I had never experienced mana. Until, as unlikely as it sounds, I checked into a very special beachfront hotel on Maui.

Kaliko Storer’s title is Cultural Advisor at the Andaz Maui. However, it’s not possible to reduce what she does to a simple title. To those of us with scant knowledge of Hawaiian history, this role could seem unnecessary. As I peppered her with trite questions about where to find the elusive real Hawaii that greenwich magazine readers would be eager to visit, she gently returned me to the same answer again and again. Meet the people, sit, listen, be. I had a lot to learn.

MICHAEL MAXWELL - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

GORGEOUS BEACHES AND STUNNING LANDSCAPE

TO DO ON-PROPERTY

BELOW: PACIFIC DREAM PHOTOGRAPHY

above: The outrigger experience is a must-do activity righ: Chef Isaac at the Andaz Maui below: Wilson Evans explores the beach

We know that Hawaii became the fiftieth state in 1959, but what many of us don’t know is that natives believe their monarchy was overthrown and their land illegally annexed.

Teaching the Hawaiian language was banned until 1987. And by then, only 1 percent of the population could speak it fluently. Part of the resurgence of the local culture is the language.

Kaliko’s job isn’t just teaching tourists, but also the staff. One of her many efforts is to normalize the Hawaiian language. “We have a Hawaiian word of the day program that we launched. I think it’s important to reclaim the Hawaiian names for places and other things.”

Disney’s Moana taught us that ancient voyagers could navigate the stars using just their hands. Standing under the boundless night sky measuring the distance to the North Star with my palm, I learned that I could as well. Classes on celestial navigation are another of Kaliko’s educational efforts.

Kala Tanaka looks a bit like Moana, young and sweet. But she is a serious Wayfinder

who guided an entire crew and hulking double-hull canoe through dark waters using nothing more than her diminutive hand.

When asked how she would know if we were off course, she replied that she could feel it—in the waves and in the wind. Learn more about the legacy of ancient voyaging at hokulea.com.

Though the Andaz Maui was recently voted one of the best hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, it’s not the modern design or the cascading infinity pools that make it worth a visit. The resort spans fifteen beachfront acres just up the coast from the more well-known Four Seasons Maui.

The term “house reef ” is used by hotels to indicate that guests can swim to a coral reef from the property’s shore. The Andaz has a house reef, and a swim around the rocky corner reveals an entire playground of sea turtles. Though you can borrow snorkel gear and rent a kayak, you won’t meet an octopus without a little help from an expert. Book the MARCH/APRIL 2020 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

21

Get a Lomilomi massage at the Awili spa, ask for Jamie. The one-hour massage is $190.

Add the custom oil blending experience and create your own massage oil using local ingredients; for $55 you’ll leave with your creation and the hotel will keep your recipe on file for future use.

Book a Chef’s Table dinner at Ka’ana kitchen. Only four guests are seated per night and the six-course meal is created “a la

minute” for each guest and can be accompanied by expert wine pairings.

Ask for Charlie the sommelier, and if you’re lucky he might pour some of his 1927 port or other rare vintages.

Capture the perfect photo with a complimentary session from Pacific Dream Photography.

The forty-five-minute shoot is free and guests get a $50 credit toward prints.

Digital images start at $79.

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TO DO OFF-PROPERTY

two-hour outrigger snorkel expedition ($139 per person). Ask if you can get on Koa’s boat. Kekoa Cramer is the beach crew manager, a competitive outrigger canoe rower and erstwhile sea-life whisperer.

We had been in the water for about ten minutes when he swam up cradling an octopus. He assured me that as soon as he “calmed it down,” I could hold it. On a two-hour trip, we met Honu (sea turtles), octopi and all manner of tropical fish. Though the hotel offers guests complimentary new GoPro video cameras, leave it in the room for this outing. Be in the moment, and Koa will snap the photos. left: According to Open Table, Mama’s Fish House is the second-most popular restaurant in the United States. below: Rooms with a view at the Andaz Maui

GETTING THERE:

There are no direct flights to Maui from the East Coast. Either fly to Honolulu from JFK and then connect to Maui (airport code OGG) or connect through San Francisco or Los Angeles. The Andaz has 301 rooms, including thirty-five suites and eleven private villas. All rooms have a private lanai.

Eat at Mama’s Fish House. It sounds like a tourist trap, but it’s not.

This iconic waterfront restaurant serves up some of the best— and most expensive— food you’ll ever eat.

Reservations are hard to come by, so book early.

Taxis are expensive on the island; rent a car from the hotel’s on-site Enterprise. While there, drive a mile up the road and watch the real surfers ride the waves at Ho’okipa. If you’re not an expert, don’t try to get in on the action; a lifeguard will stop you. Some lessons are learned the hard way. mamasfishhouse.com Spend the day relaxing on nearby Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach. Follow signs for Makena, the beach is through the trees. Though it’s rated the No. 1 beach in Maui, it’s not crowded and is great for boogie boarding, though the shore break can be rough.

The beach has lifeguards, restrooms and food trucks.

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CONTRIBUTED; TOP PHOTOGRAPH BY ©FOTOGESTOEBER - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

above: Makena Beach is one of Hawaii’s largest undeveloped beaches—a perfect place to escape the crowds of some on Maui’s more crowded beaches.

Learn to surf in nearby Kihei. The combination of warm, shallow water and gentle rolling waves makes this the perfect place to learn. Maui Waveriders promises that you’ll stand up during your first lesson or it’s free. A private lesson, $150 for two hours, includes the board, rash guard and booties. Your glory will be captured by photographers from No Ka Oi—it’s only $30 for all your digital images.

(Fun fact: historians believe the phrase “pursuit of happiness” in the constitution was inspired by surfers.) mauiwaveriders.com

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ELECTRIFYING THE LUXE BMW’S 745E ADDS A TOUCH OF HYBRID POWER by chris hodenfield

magnificence. Our optioned-up tester had it all, including the “Panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof,” the M Sport package, and luxury rear seating complete with TV monitors and massage seats.

For the price, you’d expect the sound acoustics of Carnegie Hall, and Harman-Kardon Surround System does in fact present a sonic wallop. Mastering the controls was not difficult (an area in which some manufacturers have failed miserably).

BMW offers other engine packages that either lessen or increase the cost. All of them feature the 7-series’ burly front

Fairfield County. Driving to the station on a cold winter’s morn, you are sparing the engine while the electric motor (which alone will take you to 80 mph) eases you silently down the road. When the EV battery is drained, the gasoline-fueled turbo 6 alone is a mighty accomplice. Long-distance drives take you past 400 miles.

Normal jaunts around town will deliver a combined mileage in the mid-30s. The all-wheel-drive system adds to driver assurance.

On the road, the 745e again presents two faces. For all its heft, it’s devilish fun to drive even as it coddles you in a soft leather

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grill, which is something you’d expect in a monster truck. In an era when luxurious SUVs hold sway, it is still a welcome, regal romp to light out in a swift, well-made sedan like the 745e.

STATS BMW 745E XDRIVE Base price: $95,550, as tested: $119,875 Drivetrain: 280 hp 3.0-liter turbo 6 with 111 hp electric motor.

388 hp combined. AWD EPA mileage ratings: 19 city/ 26 highway EV range: 18 miles

CONTRIBUTED

B

MW’s new 745e delivers just what you want out of a posh German styler: an opulent interior, confidence in the curves, and hell-raising power.

The “e” tag in the name signifies something else—100 horses’ worth of electric boost.

The 745e is what you might call a “sorta hybrid.” Officially it’s a plug-in hybrid, although in my thoroughly wonderful week in this car, I never actually bothered to plug it in. Braking and coasting will restore juice to the EV battery, which supplies a max 18 miles of added, electric-only range.

It’s a useful configuration for

“The staff

bends over backwards to make you happy.”

First Impressions “You’ll be happy the first day you move in!”

from our first residents

“It’s wonderful... you should

come see it for yourself!”

1 Parklands Dr, Darien 475-208-3293 l residenceselleckswoods.com

“I’m more active and involved than I expected to be.

You’re going to like it!”

do Going to a concierge doctor means you have access to 24/7 on-call care.

CONCIERGE CONVERTS with higher technology and a very personal touch.”

Going concierge allows Karol to carefully limit how many patients she sees, which enables her to listen closely and do diagnostics in the office instead of sending people to many specialists or for unnecessary testing.

Dr. Puglisi cites one example how concierge care can be life changing. He mentions a 55-year-old male patient who was obese,

PRIVATE PRACTICE

Pros and cons of going concierge PROS ●

24/7 on-call physician care ●

Personalized attention and detailed wellness plans

●

Insurance coverage for some tests, procedures and medications

CONS ●

Pay an annual membership fee

●

You will likely need to have a health insurance plan in addition to the concierge doctor Most large insurance plans will not cover concierge services

●

T

here’s a good deal of buzz surrounding “concierge” medicine, as well as an equal amount of debate about whether it’s a service that only the wealthy can afford. Recently, we sat down with a couple of concierge doctors to separate fact from fiction.

Dr. Glen Puglisi, cofounder of Glenville Medical Concierge in Greenwich, says he started his practice five years ago because he was searching for a way to provide more time for his patients. He saw a concierge practice as a way to do just that.

“While the concierge model has fully delivered on that promise, the benefits have been even more profound than I originally envisioned,” he says. “My relationships with patients, nurtured with undivided attention and a deepening knowledge of what’s going on in their lives, have grown to the point where I consider each a member of my extended family—and I care for them in just that way.”

Similarly, Dr. Nina Karol at Concierge Physicians of Westport says her decision to go concierge occurred as a result of factors affecting medical care across the country.

“The increased pressure to see more than 20 patients daily and document every detail in a cumbersome electronic record culminated in some burnout,” she says. “I wanted to get more control over my medical career and derive more enjoyment from seeing my patients. My partners and I wanted to run a new practice more like an old-fashioned medical one, but

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prediabetic, and sedentary when he first visited. The concierge practice allowed time for them to work together on a wellness plan, with constant communication and ongoing monitoring.

“We completely reversed the course of his condition,” he explains. “He lost 25 pounds as a result of eating and exercising very differently than he had previously. He is no longer prediabetic, dramatically decreased his risk of cardiovascular disease, and most importantly, is enjoying all the benefits of a fuller, more vibrant life. Being able to achieve that transformation is the greatest reward of being a concierge physician.”

So, are there any downsides?

“As soon as you say the word ‘concierge,’ people assume this is a service only for the very wealthy,” Dr. Karol says. “We all pay a lot for our medical insurance, me included. What people do not understand is if something goes wrong, how important it is to have a personal guide helping to steer you. Not having a caring, involved doctor is like trying to navigate choppy seas in the dark without a boating license when you are at your most vulnerable. Our practice accepts insurance and is in-network, something patients do not associate with ‘concierge’ care.”

While all concierge practices structure their fees individually, most of them assess an annual membership fee, typically around $2,500, and also submit bills to insurance.

PHOTO BY © LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

A NEW TREND IN PERSONALIZED MEDICINE IS NOT JUST FOR THE ULTRA WEALTHY by christ y c ol asurd o

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FRAME OF MIND

PINSTRIPES' UPSCALE BISTRO, BOWLING AND BOCCE MODERNIZES GOOD OLD-FASHIONED FUN by diane sembrot

above: Upscale bowling means comfortable seating, brand-new lanes and lane-side food and drinks. left: The restaurant serves Italian and American choices, from wood-fired pizzas to Blackened Ahi Tuna

ingredients, includes tempting options such as filet mignon, maple-glazed salmon, woodfired pizzas, handmade pastas, salads, handcrafted sandwiches and gelato. Plus, each season brings chef specialties. Pinstripes serves lunch and dinner seven days a week as well as hosting Happy Hours, offering a late night menu and serving filling weekend brunches.

Just as the food is not your standard fare, these aren’t your average bowling

lanes—they’ve gone luxe. The bowling lanes and bocce courts are meticulously maintained.

Moffly Media Senior Art Director Venera Alexandrova visited on opening night and remarks: “The ball doesn’t roll down the lane, it floats.” Also, forget about plastic seating while waiting your turn. Here you relax in plush sofas and lounge chairs—and your food and beverages are served game-side.

“We are excited to bring Pinstripes’ sophisticated fun to Norwalk,” notes Dale Schwartz, founder and CEO. “Adding to The SoNo Collection’s spectacular shopping, dining, art and lifestyle destination, we will offer a welcoming entertainment experience for the Fairfield County community.”

Pinstripes, Inc., founded in 2007, is headquartered in Chicago and operates locations in Illinois, Minnesota, D.C., Maryland, Kansas, Texas, Ohio and California. It has also announced plans to roll out more newcanaandarienmag.com

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venues. Rooted in a nostalgic love of bowling, Pinstripes is about connecting with one another—having fun together, beyond just going to dinner. Schwartz paired bocce and bowling, Italian and American cuisine and wines, and gelato and ice cream. (He came up with the name “Pinstripes” by connecting bowling “pins” with “pinstripe” formal attire.)

For special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, clients work with a team to create customized menus, games and activities that suit their style. They can choose from the flexible-use ballroom, which seats up to 200 guests; one of the private reception rooms; the 3,000-square-foot outdoor patio and fire pit area; or, of course, the bowling lanes and bocce courts.

Ready to play? Reservations are not mandatory, but recommended. Each bowling lane accommodates up to eight people; each bocce court, up to ten (see pricing online).

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN VIDELER

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ucky thirteen! Nearby Norwalk welcomes the thirteenth location of Pinstripes (pinstripes.com), an “experiential dining-and-entertainment concept.” What does that mean? It means we can now grab friends and family and enjoy a game of bowling or bocce and a table filled with Italian-American cuisine. Drop by the shiny new The SoNo Collection to try-and-taste the first Pinstripes location in Connecticut.

Its 26,000 square feet features twelve bowling lanes, four indoor and outdoor bocce courts, and private event spaces that can accommodate from twenty to 1,000 people.

Work up an appetite while having fun at the courts, lanes and event space, then indulge in tasty Italian-American cuisine, fine wines, handcrafted cocktails and an ever-changing selection of craft beers. The menu, with housemade dishes that feature locally sourced

Heaven in ConneCtiCut Far from the madding crowd, in the Litchfield Hills, lies a quiet getaway. Set on 113 acres and bordering extensive woods and lakes, Winvian Farm was created to recharge and indulge. The five-star cuisine, the wines, the spa and the service are as unexpected as the experiences that one ultimately enjoys— and it’s just around the corner.

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fınance fıx

MONEY / BY CAROL LEONETTI DANNHAUSER

SPRING CLEANING TAX TIME IS A CHANCE TO GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER

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ax time means hunting for documents in creaky file cabinets, overstuffed shoe boxes and worn-out envelopes, only to shove them back again once returns are filed. This season, maybe you can get your financial documents in order just as you tackle the rest of your spring cleaning. Then when you’re done, ahhh, everything is in its place. A systematic approach works best: gather, organize, shred, take action.

Pick a day (or weekend or month) and commit to the task. “Pull the Band-Aid off,” says Daniel E. Paige, Director of Financial Planning at Wunder Financial in Westport.

“It’s an effort outweighed by many benefits.”

First, gather all of your account statements, whether paper or electronic. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, look to your tax return for help. “Lots of people have money sprinkled all over the place,” he says. “You can use your 1099s to inform you. They list

Is there an old card that you’re not using anymore? Is it worth getting a new card?” Paige says.

Online calculators, such as on bankrate.com, let you compare mortgage variables. Wallethub .com helps you compare credit card rates, fees and features. While you’re online, order a free annual credit report, just to make sure everything is in order. Look to annualcreditreport.com, the only website authorized by the Federal Trade Commission for a free report.

Track your budget. (The free tool mint.com can help.) “Even for many high-net-worth folks, there’s an emotional stress to spending. You might feel a sense of deprivation” if you don’t buy what you want, Paige says, but spend too much and your pile shrinks too fast. You’ll need to

know how much you take home, after taxes, retirement funding and everything else. In these days of direct deposits, many people aren’t paying attention to how much actually gets deposited. Then, gather a year’s worth of credit card and bank statements to see where your money goes. Try not to judge; you’re on a reconnaissance mission.

Consider a bucket approach: Create goal-specific accounts (include fun purchases) and automatically fund them each month. X goes into the recurring bills fund, Y into the new car fund, Z into the vacation fund.

The key is to automate the savings.

Note: Daniel E. Paige uses Wunder Financial as a marketing name for doing business as representative of Northwestern Mutual (NM). Wunder Financial is not a registered investment adviser, broker-dealer, insurance agency or federal savings bank. Paige is a representative of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®, a subsidiary of NM and limited purpose federal savings bank. Financial Representatives do not render tax advice; consult a qualified tax professional.

SHRED IT AND FORGET IT WHAT SHOULD YOU KEEP? » Seven years of tax returns and supporting documents » One year of bank statements » Your annual credit card statement » Shred your old insurance policies when the new ones arrive. » Hang on to your homeimprovement receipts at least until you sell your house, and then treat them as tax-supporting documents. » Keep annual 401(k) statements until you retire.

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HEADSHOT, CONTRIBUTED; SHREDDER, © LOLOSTOCK - STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Daniel E. Paige

the source of your income, gains, interest, distributions and the like.”

Bundle similar accounts— savings in one pile, checking in another, retirement in a third, and so on. First, compare fees.

Then reduce your number of savings accounts and maximize the interest on your cash stash.

Your savings accounts might be earning a small percent interest rate right now, when there’s a chance you could earn more in a CD or high-yield savings account. A financial advisor can recommend an account best suited for your individual financial needs. And consider poking around online sites such as nerdwallet.com and bestcashcow.com to get an idea of what is offered.

Consolidate 401(k)s and other retirement accounts, but consult with an advisor or accountant to avoid costly tax errors. While you’re at it, rebalance your asset allocation. If you don’t have an advisor, the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (napfa.org) can help you find a fee-only planner nearby.

Do the same with your debt— car loans, credit cards, student loans, mortgage, etc.—with an eye on reducing interest. “I don’t think a lot of people understand that they can have lower debt.

Look at your statements. With your mortgage, what’s the rate and the terms? Is it worth refinancing?

With your credit card, look at the fees, the interest and the benefits.

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people&PLACES by k athryn sat terfield

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LOCKWOOD-MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM / Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

A Roaring Good Time

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t was an evening to celebrate the 1920s, a decade of great uproar, extraordinary changes—and fabulous fashions. For its Roaring Twenties Gala, guests arrived at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum dressed to impress, the women turning out in beaded evening wear and bejeweled headbands. Play With Your Food staged a special theater performance, and two exhibits were on view—From Corsets and Suffrage: Victorian Women and Trailblazers & The Trained Eye: The Art of Railroads and Stations. lockwoodmathewsmansion.com »

1 Margaret Cardarelli, Anthony Carr 2 Doug and Kristen Adams, Kristie and Jackson Kuhl 3 Kurt and Veronica Odell 4 Gigi and Richard Koleszar 5 David Westmoreland, Laoise King, Charles Nystrom, Patsy Brescia 6 Emily Orlando, Dr. Nels Peason, Susy Gilgore, Dr. Gavin McLeod 7 Justin Vonashek. Jessica Casey 8 Lauren Rubeo, Greg Mesone MARCH/APRIL 2020 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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KIDS IN CRISIS / Woodway Country Club

Golfing for Good

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t was a fun day of golf at Woodway Country Club in Darien. Guests to the Kids in Crisis Play Fore a Cause golf tournament enjoyed eighteen holes of golf with tournament scoring, lunch, and post-round cocktails and dinner. Kids in Crisis works to ensure the well-being of children through vital twenty-four hour services. To this end, the organization provides free crisis intervention, counseling and emergency shelter, and advocacy for children and families at the national, state and local levels. Kidsincrisis.org Âť

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/BOB CAPAZZO

1 Amanda Olivia, Kaisa Newhams, Josephine Lombardi, Heidi Nolte; (standing) Pat Karvetz, Linda Hirshfeld, Marie Scott, Joanne Stelluti 2 Courtney Gardner, Amanda Gibbons Baer, Lile Gibbons, Jay Gibbons 3 A glorious day on the green 4 Lauren Kartovil, Karen Casey, Denis LaPolice 5 Cory Solomon, Karina Solomon, Alex Music, Cindy Dill 6 Ken Coppersmith, Pete Connolly 7 Dr. Harry Adamakos, Shari Shapiro, Brady Collins 8 The final putt 9 Dominic Franchella, Bill Pierz 10 TJ Trimboli, Chris Saja, Dan Suozzi

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1 Suzanne Adam, DVCC executive director; Lindsay Sheehy, Kathy Kincaid Award recipient 2 Dr. and Mrs. Greenblatt, Mr. and Mrs. Jarret Prussin. Mr. and Mrs. Jason Steigler 3 Jillian Cabana, Tad Carr 4 DVCC former board and advisory members Denise Mangano, Robin Woods, Dood Freedman, Ellen Lubell, John Watkins, Sandy Nathan 5 Lisa Hingst 6 Boardie Kurz, DVCC development director; Ruth Freedman, Outstanding Volunteerism Award recipient; Suzanne Adam; Wendy Herrick, DVCC board chair 7 Killey Young, John Hodson, Peter Karadimas, Katie and Ryan Young, Jim Gavatsos 8 Bob and Rona Siegel, Darlene Altro-Murphy, Kelby Edwards, Boardie and Tom Kurz

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS CENTER / Fairfield County Hunt Club

Fall Fun for Funds

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY TODD TRACY

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his past November, guests to HarvestFest enjoyed a taste of autumn. The event, to benefit Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC), was held at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport. Live entertainment, a silent auction and seasonally inspired bites and cocktails made the evening fun, and an awards ceremony made it special. Lindsay Sheehy received the Kathy Kincaid Award, and Ruth Freedman received the Outstanding Volunteerism Award. The DVCC’s mission is to provide effective services, support and education for the prevention and elimination of domestic violence across Fairfield County communities including Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, Westport and beyond. The evening helped raise critical funds for the organization’s important work.

Dvccct.org »

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9 1 Tom, Barbara and Todd McInerney 2 Dounya and A. J. Discala 3 Brennan Glasgow, Kristy Jadlos, Peter and Jule Moeller 4 Andy and Meredith Pettijean 5 Flo Carbone, Nella and Joe Viesta 6 Jennifer and Jack Murphy 7 Lou and Christen Garcia 8 Henry and Madeline Vasquez and Barbara Fitzpatrick 9 Dee and Andrew Stefanou 10 Friends of Peter and Julie Moeller of Darien

STAR, INC. / Woodway Country Club

Light Up the Night

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIGGS BURROUGHS

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ver 300 guests attended the eighteenth annual Fundraising Dinner and Auction at Woodway Country Club in Darien to benefit STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way. The event raised more than $350,000 for the organization. Partygoers enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a Mediterranean-themed dinner, and participated in silent and live auctions. STAR participants and family members shared stories highlighting the organization’s positive impact and support in their lives. The money raised will fund programs helping people impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Fairfield County towns including New Canaan, Norwalk and Darien. Starct.org »

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Photograph by Kyle Norton

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olf enthusiasts and foodies gathered at the Country Club of Darien for The First Tee’s annual Taste of the Tee. Everyone enjoyed food and drinks from Fairfield County vendors including RISE Brewing Co., Longford’s, Innis Arden Golf Club, Douro, Baldor’s and Two Roads Brewing Company. Guests had the opportunity to take a swing at the Golf Pro Delivered golf simulator, bid on big ticket auction items and rub elbows with celebrity guests Michael Breed and Joe LaCava. In its twentieth anniversary year in Connecticut, The First Tee’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. firstteeconnecticut.org »

1 Ilona Emmerth, Christy Miller, Mark Moriaty, Karen Hopp 2 Doug Richman, Jay and Jill Pankosky 3 The Balanced Plate’s Adelaide Mueller, Catherine Staffieri 4 Bob Castrignano, Tom Chiappetta, Christopher Heaney 5 Kerry Coppola, Shelly Biancamano, Ted and Debbie May 6 Ross and Kim Molloy 7 Michael Hunter, Drake Ferriter of Golf Pro Delivered 8 Chuck and Dawn Deluca, Charlene and Michael Bego 9 Michael Breed, Selam Olson, Milan Yorke, Andrew Tenreiro, Joe LaCava

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY MOFFLY MEDIA’S BIG PICTURE/BOB CAPAZZO

THE FIRST TEE / Country Club of Darien

7.65 x 4.5

SAT U R DAY , A P R I L 25 , 20 20 | 6 : 0 0 P . M . TO M I D N I G H T N E TJ E TS H A N G A R | W ESTC H EST E R CO U N T Y A I R P O RT Co-Chairs: Leah Butler and Olivia Walker To learn more, visit redcross.org/redandwhiteball2020

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Paul Withstandley Director, Brunswick School Summer Session 203.625.5861 summersession@brunswickschool.org

LEARN MORE at www.elephants.com MARCH/APRIL 2020 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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IMPACT FAIRFIELD COUNTY / Grace Farms

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early 100 female philanthropists gathered at Grace Farms for Impact Fairfield County’s kickoff event. In its fifth year of awarding local nonprofits with generous grants, Impact FFC set its goals: to provide $225,000 in funding to reach a $1 million total grant funding milestone. The 2019 grant winners, the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG) and The Center for Family Justice (CFJ), spoke of how the grants had expanded their ability to reach vulnerable populations. Each organization received $100,000. BGCG used the funds to launch, with Kids in Crisis, KidTalk, a mental health-wellness program for kids; CFJ founded a pro bono program to provide legal assistance to victims of domestic violence. Impactffc.org

1 Beth Weiss, Kathy Sachs, Sharon McClymonds, Polly Perkins Johnson 2 Steviann Martines, Wendy Block 3 Jeannine Phelan, Emily Hulce, Cathy Ostuw 4 Michael Ferguson, director, Kids in Crisis; Bobby Walker, Jr., CEO, Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich 5 Jane Hentemann, Bobbie Walker, Liz Van Duyne 6 Lisa Haas, Rachel Dewey 7 Angela Schlingheyde, director; Debra Greenwood, CEO/president, The Center for Family Justice of Greater Bridgeport 8 Lindsay Wyman, Stephanie Kruse, Nisha Arora, Wendy Block 9 Krystal Sachs, Katharine Lumby 10 Angela Schlingheyde, director, Legal and Court Services, The Center for Family Justice of Bridgeport

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY CASE STUDY BRANDS

Five Years of Giving

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REAL ESTATE 2020

ON THE

HOME FRONT

REAL ESTATE TRENDS TO HELP YOU HAPPILY BUY A NEW HOUSE AND SEAMLESSLY SELL YOURS b y e li z a b et h h ole

PHOTO BY JANE BEILES

A

fter some unpredictability in the housing market, there’s an air of optimism in real estate.

Citing factors like low mortgage rates, a thriving stock market and consumer confidence, the real estate community is feeling favorable about 2020. While it may be a buyer’s market, transactions have been steady and local sellers are successful when houses are priced properly. Buyers continue to seek out turnkey properties, often armed with a wish list and market data. The good news? Buyers still want to live here.

“Darien, Rowayton and New Canaan are all wonderful places to live and people want to enter these communities,” said Jeff Kelly, office manager at Houlihan Lawrence in Darien, “but they want to make sure they’re not overpaying.”

In addition to a strong focus on value and analytics, buyers continue to want proximity to trains, schools, parks and a town center.

“The appeal is consistent from year to year—safe, welcoming communities, schools with outstanding reputations, attractive housing, thriving downtowns, philanthropic citizens and a small town feel,” noted Dana Fead of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices-New England Properties in Darien. “Darien and New Canaan are magnetic for those relocating; newly minted families from New York City, millennials who grew up here and want to return, or grandparents wanting to be near grandchildren.”

above: The good news is that people still do want to live here.

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✴

MARKET METRICS On a positive note, the amount of closings went up in all three towns for 2019. The market seems to be stabilizing, and with prices adjusting to the current market, 2020 could be a good opportunity for buyers and sellers alike. The most active price point in each town remains below $2 million.

According to Melissa Rwambuya, president of the New Canaan Board of Realtors and an agent at William Raveis Real Estate in town, the 2020 market is off to a good start.

“Open houses have been really busy so far and tons of buyers are coming out,” said Rwambuya.

“People are more inclined to move forward now with a rosy economic outlook.”

REAL ESTATE 2020

Turnkey is Key

T

he desire for a turnkey home continues for the 2020 market, with some realtors joking that people don’t even want to paint before moving into a home. And yes, millennial buyers still want to be close to town amenities.

“Buyers today who are moving out of New York City with younger children want turnkey, move-in ready homes that are close to the town and train, have play space and a lawn,” said Cristie Veeder of the Legacy Partners team at Compass Real Estate in Darien.

“Accessibility to the town center is key.”

When asked about their most prevalent buyer and price point, The Hawes Team from Halstead see a lot of “young couples starting a family who have no kids yet or two with one on the way” and agree that this demographic

doesn’t want a project.

“The $1.5 million and under buyer is very active,” said Halstead’s David Hawes, “but they want updated kitchens and bathrooms with very little work to be done.”

While first-time buyers often purchase homes later in life, many are buying with the future in mind.

“Younger buyers are delaying their purchase of a home,” said Julie Peters, president of the Darien Board of Realtors and an agent at Houlihan Lawrence. “The difference is they don’t always buy a starter home. Many buyers continue to rent and save up money for a more long-term or forever home.”

For sellers with or without renovated homes, staging is important before a listing goes live.

NEW CANAAN 214

Properties sold in 2019

$1.33 (million)

Median Sales Price

Good News:

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The $1.5 million to $2 million market was up 23 percent in 2019 from the prior year.

Shine Online

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above: A properly staged kitchen could sell your home. below: Buyers typically begin a home search online.

Staged To Sell

HOUSE PHOTO BY © JALE EVSEN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM, KITCHEN PHOTO BY JEFF MCNAMARA

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o prepare a home for the market, experts agree on a starting point: Price a home correctly. Be realistic and listen to your realtor. Homes are often overlooked if priced too high. Decluttering is the next crucial step. Lynley Middleberg, brokerage sales manager for William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Darien, couldn’t agree more. “Decluttering is the biggest thing. Look at each room and take at least three things out,” she says.

Also, prospective buyers do look in your closets. Experts suggest removing extra clothing and out-of-season items, so your closet looks spacious enough for storage. Agents also recommend doing repairs, painting, cosmetic updates and styling outdoor spaces. Neutral colors are still popular and the safest choice, so be sure to paint rooms in neutral shades to look bright and clean. Rather than put money into new kitchen cabinets, consider painting dark cabinets white for a more modern look.

Small updates go a long way. Replacing light fixtures, drawer pulls, throw pillows, bedding and dated rugs are an easy upgrade. When it comes to outdoor spaces, simple landscaping and backyards with entertaining setups are a big plus.

For sellers who want to take styling to the next level, agents suggest professional stagers.

They’re pros at taking dated décor and changing out rugs, furniture, accessories and art as needed. They’ll also store a homeowner’s furniture while the house is on the market. In empty homes, staging is important so buyers can visualize themselves living there. While stagers tend to create a sparse, modern aesthetic, Middleberg advised: “Buyers want to feel like it’s a home and not a cold showpiece.” Stagers are taking the cue and mixing in staged pieces with items from the homeowner to make it feel warm and personal.

“Decluttering is the biggest thing.

Look at each room and take at least three things out.”

—lynley middleberg, william pitt sotheby’s international realty, darien

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he online vetting trend continues, as the first showing is typically online. This gives homeowners an even bigger reason to get their homes “Instagram ready” before the listing goes live.

Photography is important, with many listings featuring interior and exterior drone videos that allow prospective buyers to feel like they’re walking through the property in person.

“Today’s buyer is walking through each listing from an experiential viewpoint,” said Gillian DePalo, vice president, sales for William Raveis in New Canaan. “With this in mind, going to market in the best possible condition with all painting, repairs and staging done is vital, followed up with excellent photography, video and savvy marketing strategies. You only get one chance at a first impression, and that impression begins online.”

For many buyers, that means looking at a home online and then walking through multiple times, often with extended family members, until they decide.

“Buyers don’t fall in love with a house overnight. Those days are gone,” said Kelly.

“It may be a five or six visit kind of thing.”

If sellers don’t have the time or desire to renovate, virtual staging is an option and the big real estate companies have platforms to show a buyer what an updated kitchen or bathroom would look like with customized virtual apps and renderings.

DARIEN 259

REAL ESTATE 2020

Properties sold in 2019

$1.285 (million)

Median Sales Price

Good News: The number of transactions in the $2 million to $3 million range increased by nearly 25 percent from 2018 to 2019.

Smart homes with high-tech touches and open floor plans are easier to sell in the current market.

✴

BUYER TIPS\ For those looking to move here, experts suggest working with a local realtor who understands the market.

The agencies can provide apps and tools with relevant market data to help educate consumers. Besides providing the numbers and financial guidance, local realtors can best explain the nuances of each neighborhood and hone in on what buyers are seeking in a location and home—things that can’t be gleaned solely from an online listing. With many people looking for the same elements of a home and price point, agents encourage buyers to act decisively and take advantage of opportunities.

“If you’re going to buy a house and live in it for five or 10 years, it’s a wonderful time to buy your dream home,” said Kelly. “Particularly for someone trading up, it’s a good arbitrage.”

Now Trending: Mindful Floor Plans

A

s more people create flexible job schedules and strive for balance in their lives, home interiors are following suit. DePalo observes the lifestyle trend of connection, family time and everyday mindfulness “starting to permeate the floor plans of our homes.” She says that people are treating their primary home with a “vacation mentality” usually seen in the secondary home market.

“These lifestyle choices enhance how we experience our time together in our homes. Features include yoga dens, Peloton nooks, homework hubs, art walls, integrated smart media, kid kitchen features, spa-like bathrooms, wine tasting rooms, puzzle tables, creative home offices, outdoor fireplaces and saunas,” DePalo said. “In the high end, there are party barns, indoor basketball courts and pools, and even telescoping ceiling-to-floor glass sliders that blur the lines between the outdoors and indoors.”

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Memories of a Gen X childhood may conjure up paneled basements, pool tables and dart boards, but DePalo says the “rec room” concept is getting a makeover.

“Recreation is no longer banished to the previous generation’s basement bonus room,” DePalo added. “It has climbed its way up the stairs and been given sunlight and a healthy snack, making living rooms more about living and less about the one-sided concept of entertaining.”

Craving a dose of connectivity with connection, homeowners are also adding high-tech touches with all the bells and whistles.

“We are seeing more and more smart homes with integrated technology, ranging from doorbells with cameras to fully integrated smart homes using battery power instead of generators,” said Veeder. “Also, we continue to see interest in environmentally sound, energy efficient homes.”

New Developments

KITCHEN PHOTO BY © SLAVUN - STOCK.ADOBE.COM , POOL PHOTO BY DAVE COPPOLLA

W

ith Manhattan-style restaurants and retail, coworking spaces, fitness studios and other appealing amenities continuing to open in the area, younger and delayed home buyers are starting to feel the lure of the ’burbs.

“We’re bringing everything up to date,” said New-Canaan based developer Arnold Karp from Karp Associates.

His current project, Merritt Village—a mix of luxury condos and rental apartments in downtown New Canaan—is slated to open later this year. He said the rentals are ideal for “young buyers who want to try before they buy,” while the condos are perfect for “seniors who want a nice residence they don’t have to worry about, so they can stay in town.”

Local agents agree the project will help current and prospective residents.

Darien is undergoing major projects to transform downtown as well as the Noroton Heights area, both to include an integrated area of retail, restaurants and high-end apartments.

Realtors are applauding the updates.

“The designs in Darien’s Noroton Heights, as well as the Corbin District downtown, offer exciting mixed-use opportunities with retail and housing in close proximity to transportation,” said Dana Fead at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

David Genovese from Baywater Properties and his partner Penny Glassmeyer, of PG Properties, are behind The Corbin District, which will be centered around a new town square.

“With the creation of The Corbin District, we will be able to create a truly walkable downtown, with abundant outdoor dining spaces and areas for people to congregate,” said Genovese. “By injecting into the project a few stores and restaurants from New York City, we will amplify the attractiveness of Darien as a community.”

Peters said the projects will appeal to clients of all ages.“It will attract a younger buyer and make the town more attractive to live here,” said Peters. below: A Merritt Village rendering of what’s to come in New Canaan.

above: Weekend home buyers have their eyes on homes with pools.

Now Trending: Weekend Homes

W

hile many well-heeled buyers seek out the Hamptons, Jersey Shore and other beach-friendly spots, there’s an influx of weekend home buyers here too. Realtors point to the parks, beaches and clubs, but most important, the easy commute to and from Manhattan.

“The Hamptons are not the only option, and people in New York are starting to realize that,” said Lynley Middleberg, brokerage sales manager for William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty in Darien. “It’s an hour train ride and you’re not sitting in traffic for four hours on a two-lane road.”

Many of these buyers are looking for luxury homes with water views and pools.

“I have clients specifically looking for weekend homes in Darien,” Halstead agent Eileen Hanford said. “Water view and waterfront seem to be the properties of choice but are not the only ones.”

The same trend is cropping up

for buyers who long for the quaint, beach-town feel of Rowayton.

“There were some high-end trades in Rowayton, and a lot of those were weekend home or second home buyers,” explained Middleburg. “That’s not typical of what you think when people are coming out to see a large, waterfront property.”

The Fairfield County buyer is seeking a quick, quiet getaway with their families.

“One client told me the commute to the Hamptons every weekend was just getting too much for their family,” said Hanford.

“They can be in Darien in an hour, come out during the week and go back to work the next day.”

ROWAYTON 48

Properties sold in 2019

$1.26 (million)

Median Sales Price

Good News:

Empty nesters continue to flock to Rowayton and families are also settling here, making it a highly desirable location for buyers of all ages.

MAXIMUM

impact

A LOCAL COUPLE RENOVATES THEIR JOHN BLACK LEE HOME,

PRESERVING AN ICONIC TREASURE WHILE MAKING IT THEIR OWN

b y m a l ia mcki n non fr ame | ph ot o g r a ph s by peter aaron/ot to

A view of the home at dusk, facing north.

I

n 2013, a New Canaan couple planning to downsize purchased a special John Black Lee home. It just happened that this house was their son’s favorite when he was working for the Philip Johnson Glass House Museum and doing a survey of all the remaining New Canaan mid-century moderns. A few years prior, the family had met the owners, stayed in touch, and things came full circle when they bought this luxuriously private home on 2.8 acres. Although the previous owner had raised five children there, updated the kitchen in the Eighties and turned the original garage into a family room, major work needed to be done to update the house.

Knowing the project was to be a labor of love, the family dove in. “We wanted to turn this into a place with all the amenities of a modern home while holding on to the original aesthetic sensibility,” explains the wife. During their research phase and before Lee’s death in 2016, the couple interviewed him regarding his inspirations for the house. For them, balancing old and new was paramount, as was renovating wisely and in keeping with the initial design.

After speaking with several architects recommended by The Architectural League of New York, the couple hired Joel Sanders, a professor at Yale School of Architecture and the principal of JSA, an award-winning architecture firm based in New York City. “Joel is a visual thinker, and it was important for us to work with an architect who was an academic as the best way to honor the original intent of this home that Lee conceived of in 1957,” she says. “Our goal was to find a balance between old and new and honor the historical integrity of this house, while understanding that domestic life today is different than when the home was built,” notes Sanders. “Proportions and sizes of existing rooms weren’t adequate for a current lifestyle,” he adds, referencing the outdated kitchen and one-person master bath.

The family lived in the home for two years planning the project, then moved out for 11 months during the gut renovation. Sanders drew up plans that would uphold Lee’s intentions, yet bring the home up to today’s

right: Entering the front door, the owners wanted the indoors to seamlessly blend in with nauture and look like one open space.

“We wanted to turn this into a place with all the amenities of a modern home while holding onto the original aesthetic sensibility .� —homeowner

“My objective was to make the home warm, comfortable, livable and elegant .”

—homeowner

above: The living and dining pavilion, with a view of the formal entry garden, is a sophisticated mix of modern and mid-century design.

demands. First and foremost, he retained a continuous roofline, one of many elements that facilitated the owners’ goal of achieving a seamless holistic space. “The biggest challenge of the house were the site restrictions that required us to put the addition on the west side,” he says. “We added 1,000 square feet of living space and made the new area seamless by adding clerestory windows that let in natural light and created a nice tall, proportioned master bedroom, bathroom and gym area.”

Another important design concept Sanders employed was extending the overall geometry of the home outdoors. “We liberated the existing A-frame that was carved up into a lot of rooms and made it one open space,” he explains.

In contrast to the previous home that defined

a front driveway and a backyard, the extension allowed Sanders to subdivide the house into a “grid “of four courtyards that extends the inside out: entry court, front formal garden, rear lawn and master bedroom patio.

Inside, Sanders’ plan involved taking out many of the previous walls and using thick freestanding gray chic “slabs” to divide the living space. He also expanded the use of floorto-ceiling windows to allow the inside and outside to live harmoniously. “We achieved an indoor-outdoor continuity by taking the white floor inside and extending it with white pavers onto the rear patio,” he says.

The owners wanted their new home to be simple, sculptural and soothing. Nowhere is this more evident than in the front courtyard

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and gardens. Sanders removed the former circular driveway and used the west side and new wing as a façade and entry to the carport.

“We created a Corten steel fence that acts as a veil, so when you drive up to the courtyard you’re looking at a formal landscape garden divided into three symmetrical spaces,” he explains. A Kousa dogwood, given to the previous owners for their 25th wedding anniversary, sits in the center of this showstopping vista.

The renovation also brought new custom wood flooring, windows, doors and hardscape.

Special features include hidden shelving in the closets of his and her offices, new bathrooms, each with an accent wall of unique tile, and pocket doors on the main floor that offer

above: Entering the dining area from the kitchen, one has unobstructed sight lines all the way to the end of the home. left: The home’s open-plan family room and stunning kitchen area is versatile enough to host a formal party or casual gathering.

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privacy between the living room, study and secondary bedrooms and—when not in use— allow for improved flow and clean sight lines.

“Regarding the interiors, my objective was to make the home warm, comfortable, livable and elegant,” explains the wife. Understandably, it was important to have some relevance to mid-century while blending different periods and styles together. Amy Lopez-Cepero, principal of Ampersand Architecture based in New York City, became the architect of record who oversaw the construction and execution of the home as well as the stunning interior design. “This couple was extremely hands-on with the design, and they didn’t want the interiors to be only mid-century modern, Italian modern or Scandinavian modern, but an eclectic mix,” explains Lopez-Cepero. This subtle blending of styles is showcased in many rooms. For example, the dining area boasts a set of mid-century Knoll Saarinen chairs, an artisan wood table by Chicago artist John Ford and a custom modern light fixture of

“The house is a great size

and will work for us through the years .”

—homeowner

wood and linen by artist John Procario. They used soft monochromatic tones, comfortable furniture and various textiles to create depth and warmth and offset all the glass walls.

“My client came to a meeting and showed me a greenish-blue cashmere sweater she loved, so we went with that beautiful muted palette,” remembers Lopez-Cepero. Modern artwork throughout the home was sourced from Los Angeles, New York City, New Canaan and Sun Valley.

Through working with Lopez-Cepero, the wife learned that the execution of a modern home can often be more challenging than that of a traditional one. “A lot of mid-century

moderns focus on simplicity and being true to the materials,” says Lopez-Cepero, when referring to the lack of moldings and baseboards.

While they claim not to have a favorite room, the owners are overjoyed with their new abode.

The result is an iconic, warm and inviting home that will adapt as the family changes and the couple becomes empty nesters. “The house is a great size and will work for us through the years,” the wife says. “The best part is that you can live here with three kids or just as a couple, enjoy elegant entertaining or host a Super Bowl party. It’s a very clean, serene and happy way to live.”

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above: In the master bath, a clerestory window lets in natural light, and gray and white shower tiles are laid sideways to mirror the home’s exterior bluestone wall. opposite top: The husband’s office is tidily tucked away just off the main living and dining area. opposite bottom: The soothing master bedroom is part of the home’s addition and opens into the serene backyard.

A perennial garden is bordered by steel edging, punctuated by boxwood globes.

ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS ON HOW TO TURN THAT OUTDOOR SPACE INTO AN ENTICING, VIBRANT OASIS

garden envy W

ith the darkest days of winter behind us (we hope), it’s time to swap those mittens for gardening gloves and get back out to the garden.

Or, we could just contact one of the many talented landscape architects, designers, contractors or gardening experts in our area. Their seasoned advice, along with professional services, can turn the most static of yards into a dynamic, verdant paradise.

Here, some of the best local gardeners and landscapers around share their projects and expertise on everything from designing winding paths and walkways to creating cozy outdoor rooms and lush organic gardens.

PHOTO BY NEIL LANDINO

by t om c on nor

above: Double herbaceous beech hedges frame a distant resting place, which is aligned with the living room window. The hedges change color with the seasons.

THE LAY OF THE LAND path bordered with splashes of perennials and grasses; on the other side, a jigsaw composition of stone walls that contain a rain garden—for capturing storm water runoff while addressing the steepness of the site.

If a new vegetable garden is the object of summer desire, location on the property is a key consideration.

“Garden location is generally a compromise between which spots get the most sun and which are most accessible, close to the house and near water,” says John Carlson of Homefront Farmers in Redding. “If the property isn’t getting six to eight hours of sun a day, there’s not a lot we can do.”

What Carlson might suggest, though, is cutting down or trimming back trees to gain another hour or so of sunlight. An app on his crew’s cell phones tells them how much sun different parts of a site get at any time of the day and year.

newcanaandarienmag.com

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“garden location is generally a

compromise between which

spots get the most sun and which are most accessible, close to the house and near water. ” —john carlson, homefront farmers

PHOTO (LEFT) BY NEIL LANDINO, PHOTO (RIGHT) BY HEATHER O’NEILL

O

ne common issue for some homeowners is almost always living with yards that challenge conventional notions of landscaping. But these are grounds of opportunity for professionals.

The best thing homeowners can do before contacting a professional, however, is to have a clear idea of their goals for the property. “Draw up a list of the things you’d like to do,” says Dan Mazabras at Odd Job Landscaping in Norwalk.

“If there are things you missed, we can make suggestions and give you the options to spend more or less depending on your budget.”

For a mansion in Byram with a 30-foot grade change from the house to the shoreline, Wesley Stout Associates of New Canaan designed a vanishing-edge pool with waterfall on the outer edge. That element, which can be walked through in hot weather, presents to sailors the equivalent of curb appeal. To one side of the sloping terrain is a winding

PATHS, STEPS AND GATES

B

efore the entrance to the yard, thoughtfully designed paths and gates introduce a property, reflect the owners’ tastes and welcome guests, and lead from one outdoor room to the next. For a collector of New England antiques in Westport, Diane Devore, of Devore Associates Landscape Architects in Fairfield, designed a path from the street to the house with a gate that plays off architectural elements from Colonial Williamsburg.

Modern architecture, meanwhile, would seem to defy logical landscape design, but again, not to landscape architects.

For a walkway that bridges a modern main house and studio outbuilding in Greenwich, Wes Stout designed a straight line of plinth-like steps but also a serpentine path that winds through the green space between the structures.

“It’s really like a labyrinth,” he says of the meandering path.

“If you walk the curves, it’s very meditational. Otherwise, if you’re in a hurry, you can take the steps and walk straight across the space.”

left: Well-designed garden paths hint at the mystery and beauty of what lies around the next turn.

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OUTDOOR ROOMS

A

PHOTO (TOP LEFT) BY WARREN JAGGER , PHOTO (BOTTOM LEFT) BY JEFF MCNAMARA, GARDEN PHOTOS BY CAM GOULD

s the world intrudes, homeowners are increasingly interested in staying at home to enjoy the outdoors for as long as possible.

As a result, outdoor rooms have become both popular and wellequipped for year-round living, with fireplaces, firepits, grilling stations and kitchens.

Behind a country house in Westport, Wes Stout worked with Beinfield Architects to create interlocking indoor and outdoor spaces that are at once rustic and sophisticated. A massive stone mantle over the outdoor fireplace, rich in age and patina, anchors the patio that’s used year-round.

“We refer to these spaces as social opportunities," says Stout.

“More and more, we find people wanting spaces outside where they can gather around a fireplace or firepit.”

More formally, in the Belle Haven section of Greenwich, Southport architect Mark Finlay designed a series of courtyards and outdoor rooms, intimate as well as open, that extend the style of life lived inside an elegant French manor. A terrace outside the greenhouse is used for brunches and teas.

A twist on the “room” motif is a maze, hedged with thuja aborvidae, Diane Devore designed for the children of a Fairfield couple that attracts adults as well. Pivoting gates change the configuration of the paths. "Williamsburg had one of the first mazes in America,” says Devore. “This maze and the crabapple trees lining the driveway recreate a traditional New England landscape.”

right: Outdoor rooms (in Greenwich, above, and in Westport, below) extend living space and the entertaining season. newcanaandarienmag.com

64

above: Homestead Farmers uses cedar frames for raised beds of vegetables. below: Boxed containers of berries bring order to home gardening.

“Organic really is more about the practice

than about the products.”

—john carlson, homefront farmers

ORGANIC GARDENS

trending

I

This spring, according to designers and contractors, homeowners in Fairfield County are looking to install or upgrade the following features on their property:

nterest in the environment and sustainability is leading homeowners to Homefront Farmers in Redding, where owner John Carlson and his crew design and build handsome raised beds and fenced spaces for growing organic vegetables and berries. Ranging from six by eight feet to 40x80, the gardens cost from $7,000 to $100,000 with amenities, although the plants themselves are extra, as is Carlson’s crew doing the planting and maintenance. The company also builds and installs covered boxes for strawberries, as well as enclosed patches for blueberries.

In Wilton, Carlson constructed a 25x40-foot garden framed in cedar for durability and fine-mesh wire fencing to keep smaller critters out.

“Organic really is more about the practice than about the products,” Carlson says. “It’s about starting with the soil and making sure that the soil is healthy, that it has the right structure, the right nutrition.

It’s also about having a balance of different crop families, and the right kind of flowers to attract the right kind of insects. Balance will keep the garden fairly healthy.”

MARCH/APRIL 2020 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

65

1 2

Outdoor rooms for being with family and entertaining friends

Well-constructed organic vegetable gardens for sustainable living

3 4

Natural screens and buffers for privacy and serenity

Ornamental gardens that keep their structure throughout the year:“Homeowners today want structure as opposed to bunches of flowers,” says Heather O’Neill of Second Nature Landscape Design in Darien, “and they want contrasts—a horizontal green hedge and a vertical white birch tree, for example.”

EVERSCREENS

S

maller yards and homes set close to neighbors or the street benefit from privacy hedges that screen the property from neighbors and passersby.

“The biggest demand over the past couple of years has been for Giant arborvitae, which are fast-growing, easy to care for and can grow up to 70 feet high,” says Jay Nathans, a designer at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses on North Street in Greenwich. “When you have the space to let it go, it’s very effective.”

For smaller yards, Nathans recommends Emerald Green arborvitae—narrow, pyramid-shaped

evergreens with bright, glossy-green foliage—that are also fast-growing but top out at 15 feet in height. “If you’re planting Green Giants and have 20 feet between the hedge and the house," he says, “it’s only a good idea if you really dislike your neighbors.” Otherwise, he says, stick with birch and holly.

A more subtle screening is an allée—a walkway lined with trees—between the house and property line. It’s a European look Wesley Stout Associates used to great effect on the Byram shorefront property, where shaped linden trees line either side of a broad, gravel walkway that does double duty as a dog run.

Giant arborvitae are a great option for natural privacy screens.

GARDENS FOR ALL SEASONS

W

EVERGREENS PHOTO BY © RM211171 - STOCK.ADOBE.COM, PATH PHOTO BY HEATHER O’NEILL, COURTYARD PHOTO BY WARREN JAGGER

here professional landscape designers can be particularly valuable is designing gardens that look good all year round, no matter the season or weather.

Kathryn Herman of Kathryn Herman Design in New Canaan mixes low, horizontal plantings and vertical elements to extend the life of gardens through the fall and winter.

In New Canaan, she framed a very formal courtyard with a continuous line of high plantings and lower boxwood that, in turn, encloses a series of squared beds of globed boxwood and perennials, including freeranging allium. In one, a young magnolia tree delivers verticality and reinforces the bed with a compelling structure.

“It’s important to have something evergreen in the garden,” Herman says. “Anything that’s really structural has a presence and maintains that presence even in winter, when it can be very beautiful in snow.”

above: Grasses, installed by Heather O'Neill of Second Nature Landscape Design, look good all year-round.

PERENNIAL VALUE

I

above: Southport architect Mark Finlay's 'Marrakesh' garden, with inlaid motif, references details of the formal French country style home he designed in Greenwich.

MARCH/APRIL 2020 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

67

n the end, sophisticated landscape design is simply a good investment for when it comes time to downsize or head to a warmer clime.

“First impressions are really important to a potential buyer,” says Maggie Smith, a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Riverside Real Estate in Westport. “A well-groomed landscape signals that the home is also wellcared for. If done thoughtfully, cohesive, crisp and colorful landscaping is a home improvement investment that immediately adds value.”

But owners should keep maintenance in mind. “Homeowners need to make sure that lawns and gardens are adequately watered and mulched, and fertilized and limed in the spring and fall,” says Manny Pelez of Pelez Landscaping and Design in Fairfield.

“Even weekend warriors can easily handle these jobs,” adds Dan Mazabras at Odd Job. “If you're not able to maintain the property yourself, hire a professional horticulturalist or arborist to protect your investment.”

SP R I N G FA SH IO N 2 0 2 0

BEST OF

produced by megan gagnon

A STYLISH NEW SEASON OF COLOR, PRINTS AND CLOSET STAPLES, FRESH FROM THE RUNWAY AND READY TO SHOP NOW

2020 TREND

HAUTE CHOCOLATE Make cocoa your new fashion flavor

CULT GAIA

Eden heel; $398. cultgaia.com

2

4 OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Wood link earrings; $250.

Neiman Marcus, The Westchester; neimanmarcus.com

3

FENDI

Logo Mania brown belt or crossbody convertible bag; $1,690. Mitchells, Westport; shop .mitchellstores.com

1 HOBBS

Bess skirt; $290.

Greenwich; hobbs.com

NEW NEUTRAL “brown t ones are extremely versatile and have a warm, sophisticated richness t o them. a great alternative t o bl ack, they'll take you effortlessly from summer through winter. i l ove pairing a cho c ol ate silk slip dress with ch unky cashmere and a gold str appy sandal.”

–Michelle Farmer founder + president, Michelle Farmer Collaborate

newcanaandarienmag.com

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5 KARLA COLETTO Joana ruched underwired swimsuit; $396. Soleil Toile, Westport; soleiltoile .com

OSCA R D E

LA R E N TA

6 JOHANNA ORTIZ

Ruched cottonblend top; $495. modaoperandi.com

O R T RY T H I S

7 HENRY'S

Zip top tote; $750.

Greenwich; henrysleather .com

SEEING RED A bold and bright take for spring STUART WEITZMAN

Espadrilles; $295. Greenwich; stuartweitzman .com

8

RO KS AN DA

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

Betty knot sandals; $895. giuseppe zanotti.com

VIC TOR IA BEC KHA M

J.CREW

FARMER PHOTO BY NEIL LANDINO, FASHION IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

Blouse; $98.

Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport; jcrew.com

9

YUZEFI

Dolores leather satchel; $595. Saks Fifth Avenue, Greenwich; saks.com

VINCE

Double breasted blazer; $485.

Greenwich, Westport; vince.com

10 MANDKHAI

Yak wool ribbed jumper; $622. Michelle Farmer, Greenwich; michellefarmer.com

MICHELLE FARMER

Silk pants; $575. Michelle Farmer, Greenwich; michellefarmer.com MARCH/APRIL 2020 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

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2020 TREND

MIX MASTER

5

PIERRE-LOUIS MASCIA Blouse; $475.

West, Westport; west2westport.com

Tie together silky scarf motifs, graphic florals and bold color for maximum effect

6 VERSACE

Pleated silk skirt; $1,225. versace.com

4 LELE SADOUGHI

Small paper lily earrings; $125. lelesadoughi.com

1 HERMÈS

SPRING MIX

Clic H Panoplie Equestre bracelet; $700. Greenwich; hermes.com

“get your spring on with b old pat chworks and bright scarf prints. d on't be afr aid t o mix and mat ch pat terns, just be sure t o stick with c omplimentary c ol ors. our team of st ylists are here t o help you find the perfect print and make it your own.”

3 2 VALENTINO

Valentino Garavani VLOCK Carpet Reedition shoulder bag; $2,945. farfetch.com

ETRO

Patchwork print kimono jacket; $2,830. etro.com

ER DE M

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–Andrew Mitchell-Namdar co-owner, Mitchells, Richards

O R T RY T H I S

7 ALICE AND OLIVIA BY STACEY BENDET

Deonna pleated dress; $595. Greenwich; aliceandolivia.com

TO DYE FOR

Hippie-chic meets high fashion

GI VE NC H Y

D IO R

MITCHELL: CONTRIBUTED; FASHION IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

LA VIE REBECCA TAYLOR

Sleeveless tie dye jumpsuit; $325. Fred, Westport; thefredshop.com

THINK ROYLN

Wingman bag in denim tie dye; $218. thinkroyln.com

8 CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Spetsos sandal; $595. us.christianlouboutin .com

9 LA DOUBLEJ

Palazzo pants; $620. ladoublej.com

MARCH/APRIL 2020 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

73

JIMMY CHOO

Love Oasis tie dye pump; $625. Mitchells, Westport; Richards, Greenwich; shop .mitchellstores.com

2020 TREND

BUSINESS CASUAL Work these earth-toned separates—vests, utility pockets and all—into your wardrobe

4 MAX & MOI

Vanille camel blazer; $513.

Perfect Provenance, Greenwich; theperfect provenance.com

5 WANDLER

Anna leather bag; $660. net-a-porter.com

3

SHONA JOY

Eames utility linen playsuit; $320. intermix online.com

TOP THIS

2

CLUB MONACO

Peechie flat; $198.50.

Greenwich; clubmonaco.com

CAR OLI NA HER RER A

1 AGNONA

“i l ove trench c oats and bl azers this season. the trench has a very cl assic l o ok cl osed and belted—great for business—or kept open with the belt tied in the back. l ayer with a great t-shirt and a fl are or skinny je an for a hip, chic, sp ort y l o ok. as for bl azers, a singleor d oublebreasted st yle is one of the best go -t o items you can have in your wardrobe.”

–Tina Dragone owner, Tina Dragone

Silk pleated trench; $3,790.

Bergdorf Goodman; bergdorfgoodman.com newcanaandarienmag.com

74

O R T RY T H I S

6 JOIE

Brently pant; $228.

Greenwich, Westport; joie.com

JO N AT H AN

PUFF LOVE When it comes to these sleeves, bigger is better ZARA

Poplin top with bow; $39.90.

Greenwich, Norwalk; zara.com

SI M KH AI

7

8

VERONICA BEARD

KATE SPADE NEW YORK

WARBY PARKER

Beale sunglasses; starting at $95.

Greenwich; warbyparker.com

Anouka vest; $395. veronicabeard. com

Exotic bloom poplin dress in hot cider; $498. katespade.com

ULLA JOHNSON

DRAGONE: CONTRIBUTED; FASHION IMAGES COURTESY OF DESIGNERS/BRANDS

Puff sleeve cotton blouse; $195.

Nordstrom, The SoNo Collection; nordstrom.com

9

GUCCI

Princetown GG canvas slipper; $790. gucci.com

10 LOVESHACKFANCY

L'AGENCE

Celine jacket; $325. Tina Dragone, Darien, Westport; tinadragone.com MARCH/APRIL 2020 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

75

Rikki floral cotton top; $265. loveshackfancy .com

2020 Grammy Award Winner!

GLORIA

GAYNOR

" e v i v r u S l i "I W

live!

Opening with DJ April Larken!

COCKTAILS, DINNER & DANCING FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 6:00 pm, HYATT regency GREENWICH Tickets: https://clcfc.givesmart.com DISCO ATTIRE OPTIONAL

Questions? (203) 653.1337 A FUNDRAISING BENEFIT FOR CHILDREN'S LEARNING CENTERS OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY

newcanaandarienmag.com

76

yacht

THE DARIEN FOUNDATION

live performance by

THREE SHEETS to the WIND

PRESENTS

6in:30 the

EVENING

FESTIVE YACHT ATTIRE

captain’s cocktails

Hors D’OEUVRES

the TOKENEKE CLUB

4 25 20 Darien,Connecticut

GOURMEt dinner stations

Benefit Co-Chairs: Alison Muench and Byrne Pozzi Kathy Arrix Kesti Aysseh Margit Bluestein Sean Calvillo Marla Chandler Kelly Clifford Kerry Coppola Kate Coyle Shannon Doherty

Benefit Committee:

Kristin Peterson Edwards Sarah Evans Suzanne Flannery Brooke Gies Carol Glassmeyer Michelle Gottfried Kate Gregory Gina Gromelski Sarah Guilbride Anne Holmes

Kerrie Kelley Kristy Kennedy Lisa Koorbusch Keri McBride MacColl Maggie Machir Kathryn Mann Hillary Miller Janel Mitchley Jennifer Morici Courtney O'Connor

Ariana O'Malley Jaymie Pavolonis Sherry Ramsay Whitney Ranson Jennifer Sherman Julianna Spain Lauren Swenson Hilary Thompson Medora Westcott

TICKETS: darienfoundation.org

newcanaandarienmag.com

78

T H E A L Z H E I M E R ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N CO N N EC T I C U T C H A P T E R

Celebrating Hope 2020 T H E Eighth A N N U A L

K AT E A N D J I M C L A R K

EUGENIA ZUKERMAN

renowned flutist and former CBS news correspondent, eugenia zukerman, will share personal remarks about her journey living with alzheimer’s disease from her new memoir l i k e fa l l i n g t h r o u g h a c lo u d fo l lo w e d by a p e r fo r m a n c e o f d e b u s sy ’ s “ sy r i n x ” o n t h e f l u t e .

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CO C K TA I L AT T I R E

( The

perfect time for PURPLE)

funding local programs, services and research

Fo r i n fo r m a t i o n a n d t i c k e t s : c e l e b r a t i n g h o p e . g i v e s m a r t . c o m o r 2 0 3 . 8 0 7 . 5 8 4 5 MEDIA SPONSOR

G R E E N W I C H M A G A Z I N E , M O F F LY M E D I A

•

Special Guest

BELIEVE IN A CURE

Event Chairs

HOPE FOR A WORLD WITHOUT ALZHEIMER’S

•

AN EVENING TO REMEMBER

HELP THOSE IN NEED

I N V I T E S YO U TO AT T E N D

An Evening with Laurel House

Honoring 2020 Champion for Recovery Anthony L. Rostain, MD, MA Co-Author, The Stressed Years of Their Lives Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Cooper University Health Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Emeritus Professor, University of Pennsylvania

Also honoring Town Champions, who make their towns better places in which to live and work: Lily Genovese

Penny Johnston-Foote

Leo Karl

Genevieve Eason

Darien

Saturday, April 25, 2020 6:00 PM

New Canaan

Delamar, Greenwich Harbor

Greenwich Wilton

For more information, please visit www.bit.ly/laurelhouse2020

newcanaandarienmag.com

80

Neuroscience, Pediatrics and Women’s Health

Steps in Time

A CELEBRATION OF VOLUNTEERISM, ARTS EDUCATION AND SENIOR ENGAGEMENT.

APRIL 3, 2020 7:00 PM THE BRUCE MUSEUM 1 MUSEUM DRIVE GREENWICH, CT

www.openartsalliance.com/gala-2020 GREENWICH MAGAZINE/MOFFLY MEDIA IS THE EXCLUSIVE MEDIA SPONSOR

Over 170 juried artists, local food and drink, live music & family art activities in beautiful downtown Westport.

New Dates!

WestportDMA.com

Sat & Sun, May 30-31 10:00AM - 5:00PM

newcanaandarienmag.com

82

Visit our expanded Emerging Artists Exhibition In partnership with MOCA Westport

Church Lane, Dowtown Westport

advertisers index BUILDING & HOME IMPROVEMENT

FASHION

California Closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Mitchells/Richards . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3

Clarke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Roundabout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

BUSINESS & FINANCE

FOOD, CATERING & LODGING

Cummings & Lockwood LLC . . . . . . . . 31

Winvian Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING

Davidson, Dawson & Clark LLP . . . . . . . 31

DECORATING & HOME FURNISHINGS Serena & Lily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

EDUCATION & CHILDREN Brown Pre-College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Brunswick School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Columbia University . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Fairfield University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

HEALTH & BEAUTY Hospital for Special Surgery Orthopedics/ Stamford Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Nuvance Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 ONS Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists . . . . . Cover 3 Paul D. Harbottle, D.D.S . . . . . . . . . . . 35 The Residence at Selleck's Woods . . . . 25 Stamford Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

EVENTS 6th Annual Greenwich International Film Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 6th Annual Greenwich Restaurant Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

JEWELRY Lux Bond & Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Manfredi Jewels . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 4 Rolex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cover 4

A-list Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 The Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter/The Eighth Annual

LANDSCAPING, NURSERY & FLORISTS Homefront Farmers . . . . . . . . . . Cover 2

American Red Cross/A Salute to Service and Valor Red & White Ball . . . . . . . . 41 Best of the Gold Coast 2020 . . . . . . . . 43 Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County/Gloria Gaynor Live! . .76 The Darien Foundation Presents Yacht Rock On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 E•A•T End Allergies Together . . . . . . . 78 The Greenwich Hospital Benefit . . . . . . 81 The Novel Tea Featuring Lara Prescott . . 78

NONPROFIT The Elephant Sanctuary . . . . . . . . . . . 41

REAL ESTATE Allure Harbor Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices . . . . 12 William Pitt/Sotheby's International Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 William Raveis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Open Arts Alliance Steps in Time . . . . . 82

REAL ESTATE/DESTINATION

Optimus Healthcare/Building Connections

John's Island Real Estate Company . . . .37

for Healthy Minds: A Symposium

Premier Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

on Mental Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Spring for Abilis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

MISCELLANEOUS

Westport Fine Arts Festival . . . . . . . . . 82

Hollow Tree Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Women in Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Westy Self Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 MARCH/APRIL 2020 NEW CANAAN•DARIEN

83

ROMAN BODNARCHUK-STOCK.ADOBE.COM

An Evening with Laurel House . . . . . . . 80

2013 JAVIER SÁNCHEZ MINGORANCE-STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Celebrating Hope 2020 . . . . . . . . . 79

We welcome wedding announcements together with candid photographs.

Weddings should have a current New Canaan, Darien or Rowayton family connection and must be submitted within three months of the wedding day. Regretfully, we are unable to run every wedding submitted.

Send Information to: weddings@ncdmag.com New Canaan • Darien Magazine 205 Main Street Westport, CT 06880

last word by liz ariol a

HOME, REDEFINED I

nterior designers, wood types, stains, paint colors, wallpaper, pulls, contractors... the list of decisions goes on and on. With social media at our fingertips and societal pressures, we are compelled more than ever to have (and keep) the perfect house.

You can spend hours, days, years trying to accomplish this, not to mention how expensive it can be.

In the middle of my own home interior project, I felt overwhelmed and uninspired.

Was the amount of time and money we were putting into this idea of a perfectly decorated house worth it in the end? For some, maybe, but I’m not sure I could say the same. How had my priorities and focus shifted so much in just a few short years of moving back to Connecticut?

The more I started thinking about what the “perfect house” really was, my entire mind set shifted. I have two young children that won’t be young forever.

They won’t remember if I ended up choosing the Pavilion Gray or Parma Gray for our front door (I changed my mind last minute and went with De Nimes) or whether we went with the shiplap or paneling (yes, there is a

difference). I’ll never get back the countless hours I spent on these micro decisions. It’s not just the time though, there’s also the pressure.

Almost as soon as I opened the book Early Riser Companion

by Elizabeth Antonia, I started crying. The words on those pages were just what I needed, words that I had been waiting for.

Nothing totally groundbreaking was said, but yet so familiar, that inner child I once was came flooding back. This book is filled with rituals for you and your kids to do together, organized by the season...a book I highly recommend. It reminded me of what is actually important in this life.

Looking back, I don’t remember how nicely our house was decorated, if our curtains matched the rest of the room or if our front door was the perfect shade of gray. What I do remember is how we ate as a family every single night and told stories of our adventures that day. I remember how we laughed and bonded during those meals.

How we read three books before bedtime at night and how we always said our prayers, “Angel of

God my guardian dear…” How secure I felt as my parents tucked me into my cozy bed. I remember feeling comforted when I was sick and my mom rubbed Vicks on my chest, stuck a warm washcloth in my onesie and zipped it all the way up. She would kiss my forehead and then gently press her cheek against it because that’s how moms took temperatures back then. I remember the excitement I felt every Christmas morning waking up to the smell of my mom’s breakfast casserole and the kids would all gather on the top step before sprinting down to experience the magic.

But mostly I remember how our home felt safe and warm in large part because of the routines

and rituals my parents set at a young age. Rituals they didn’t even know they were setting.

Apparently, I’m not alone.

Stanford conducted a review of 50 years of research on family routines and rituals and found these traditions provide stability and are associated with marital satisfaction, adolescents’ sense of personal identity, children’s health, academic achievement, and stronger family relationships.

So, as you flip through this glossy publication with beautiful photos of “the perfect home” (and yes, I love looking at them too), remember it’s not the perfect house that makes a home. It’s the routines and rituals you set in that home for years to come.

LIZ ARIOLA is the creator of Mrs. Nipple, a lifestyle blog to inspire and connect women through practical motherhood advice.

She lives in New Canaan with her husband, Ray, and two sons, Charlie and Ford. mrsnipple.com, @mrsnipple_

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PHOTO BY CARTER FISH

CREATING ROUTINES AND MAKING MEMORIES FOR MY BOYS IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

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