Darien CT Real Estate Guide | Al Filippone Associates » Neighborhoods

Looking to Live in a Waterfront Community in Fairfield County?

Linda Blackwell — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:29:52 +0000

While Norwalk, CT is often associated with affluent waterfront communities such as Bell Island, Wilson Point, and Rowayton, it also boasts Gregory Point, one of Connecticut’s best-kept secrets for more casual waterfront living. Nestled on the Connecticut shoreline amid the scenic Norwalk Islands, and established in 1659 by Captain John Gregory, one of the original founders of Norwalk, Gregory Point is a beautiful coastal neighborhood with picturesque scenery, deep-water docks, and city moorings. Gregory Point is a welcoming neighborhood of varying-size homes, some direct waterfront with private docks and others with water views. The community is comprised of a lovely combination of young families, young professionals, and empty-nesters.

Located minutes from the South Norwalk train station, this easy-access seaside neighborhood is a quick commute to New York City by car or train. While it feels like a private enclave, it is just steps away from the best that Norwalk has to offer. At the end of the point, walking-distance from most homes, is the Shore and Country Club, which offers spectacular views and some of the finest swimming, tennis, and yachting facilities in the area. Local public beaches include Calf Pasture, Harbor View, and more. The Shorehaven Golf Course offers fabulous golfing and other country club activities. Nearby destinations like Sprite Island Yacht Club are perfect for sailing and swimming, and a short car ride takes you right into Historic South Norwalk, where you can visit the Maritime Center, shop at fabulous boutiques, or dine at the many trendy restaurants and night spots.

Some current home offerings on Gregory Point:

For a beautiful direct waterfront home with five bedrooms, a large yard, and private deepwater dock, please visit 9 Sylvester Court, Norwalk, CT.

For a quintessential 1930’s coastal colonial full of charming details, a wraparound porch, and completely renovated with today’s modern amenities, please visit 3 Decker Street, East Norwalk, CT.

If you’ve always dreamt of living in amazing coastal town, consider Gregory Point.

Tokeneke: Darien CT

admin — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:50:54 +0000

Comprised of Tudor, Norman style and Frazier Peter designed homes, Tokeneke is a secluded enclave located along the shoreline of Darien, Connecticut. With close to 300 residential homes, a substantial number of them were built before 1946 Tokeneke as a large numbers of New Yorkers gravitated there, building summer homes that were eventually expanded and refurbished to into year round residences. Tokeneke also has its own private beach club, which is not restricted to Tokeneke residents, a community field and a public elementary school, making it an ideal hamlet for family living.

Rowayton, CT Comes Alive!

admin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:50:37 +0000

With spring here and summer on the horizon, the idyllic seaside village of Rowayton, CT comes alive! Located between Darien and Norwalk, it’s small-town charm is not only a throwback to times gone by, but the town also has a cosmopolitan feel offering something for everyone.

The houses and architecture are comprised of historic homes as well as a bevy of contemporary and eclectic styles. The real estate market is solid and the home prices remain strong. One house currently on the market has been referred to as the “Toll House” since the mid 1800’s. The house at 56 Wilson Avenue is a beautiful country colonial and sits in the heart of Rowayton – a block’s walk to the village and waterfront. Legend has it that farmers used to walk their cattle to the house, pay their “toll” and head down to the grazing fields on Belle Island, which today showcases the most spectacular waterfront homes in the area.

Take a stroll down Rowayton Avenue and you’ll notice art galleries, gourmet markets, waterfront dining and family restaurants. Rent a kayak and explore the river and the Sound, but after you’re finished be prepared to eat & relax.

Brendan’s 101, a popular family spot, offers breakfast, dinner and everything in between. Enjoy any of Aunt Joan’s delicious homemade muffins and deserts, however, no stop at 101 would be complete without trying some of their gourmet ice cream. Another unique spot is Rowayton Pizza, which on Friday nights throughout the summer you can dine al fresco and listen to live music. Although both of these restaurants are family friendly you’ll always see an eclectic mix of the young and old – exactly what Rowayton is all about. For those looking for fancier fare & cocktails, Rowayton Seafood offers some of the most spectacular views of the Five Mile River and Long Island Sound. A block down the street The River Cat Grill offers upscale dining as well as a casual barroom with a nautical feeling. Every weekend throughout the year rub elbows with the locals and listen to some of the best live music around!

Residents of Rowayton Connecticut are truly blessed. Every resident of Rowayon has exclusive rights to Bayley Beach as well as the town tennis and paddle courts. Additionally, Rowayton has a public library housed in an old stable, a large dog park and numerous parks, playgrounds, nature preserves and boat facilities. Additionally there are also a number of private beach and yacht clubs that once can elect to join as well.

Whether you live in Rowayton or just plan to visit there is something for everybody. This summer come to Rowayton and experience the annual outdoor Shakespeare on the Sound & the Rowayton Summer Music Festival. Another great event is the Rowayton River Ramble – a casual family carnival with games and attractions for the whole family located along the water’s edge of the Five Mile River. The kick-off to the season, however, begins this May with the annual Comedy Night.

This summer come visit Rowayton, but be prepared you may not want to leave!

Related Article: Coastal Living So You Want to Live in Rowayton Connecticut

“It’s a great, unpretentious hometown,” says Andy Rooney about water-ringed Rowayton, Connecticut, where he’s lived with his wife since 1951.

Downtown: Darien Connecticut

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:45:50 +0000

Whatever most of the residents who live close to town in Darien may compromise in property size, they certainly gain in convenience. Once a sleepy town center whose main activity revolved around New York City commuters travelling to and from the Darien train station, since 2004 Darien Center has experienced dramatic growth. Entirely new structures of brick or recently refurbished buildings line the Boston Post Road and house local businesses, apartments, restaurants and retail shops. Stone patios and park benches surrounded by perennial gardens and specimen trees add to the charm and distinctiveness of Downtown Darien. Despite the influx of activity, however, the town in committed to maintaining a local flavor, keeping the presence of national businesses to a bare minimum.

Back Country: Darien Connecticut

admin — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:34:33 +0000

Home to some of the town’s greatest estates, the back country section of Darien is characterized by bucolic settings, finely landscaped lawns, historic homes and barns and the areas venerable stone walls. Located in the midst of it all is the Ox Ridge Hunt Club, a private riding club whose membership includes some of Fairfield County’s most devout equestrians. While privacy is abundant for those who desire it, with the entire town encompassing just 13 square miles, one is never too far from the many in-town or shoreline amenities that Darien has to offer.

Noroton & Noroton Heights: Darien CT

admin — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 00:40:10 +0000

The Noroton section of Darien is comprised of more than just properties along the water as its Indian name might suggest. Although the peninsulas of Noroton Bay, Pratt Island and Long Neck Point, once a major shipping point for early settlers that was transformed to a weekend retreat for the wealthy in the mid 1800’s, occupy some of the town’s most expensive estates, the Noroton Heights section of Darien is much more modest. This area was once home to European immigrants who serviced the estates and now boasts many of the same conveniences as Downtown Darien. There is the Noroton Heights train station, which is within walking distance to many of the homes there and an array of local merchants that serve many of the needs of its residents.