Hatfield Mews has a History

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Behind these high stone walls is a beautifully landscaped 2 acre property that was once part of the Hatfield estate. The original holdings consisted of 24+ acres, including the main stone house, now known as ” Stepping Stones”, a carriage house, outbuildings with greenhouse, meadow and orchards (but more on that later).

Main entrance to Hatfield Mews

Having divided, sold and bequeathed some of the acreage through the years, this parcel was spun off  in the mid 1960’s to developer George R. Platt. “Hatfield Mews” was then created into a 16 unit co-op complex and still includes the original 1920’s stone carriage house as one of it’s residences. With brick and masonry exteriors, these two story Georgian style townhouses have  2 to 3 bedrooms, terraces, gardens and fireplaces. Many of the co-ops have been renovated and updated including finishing out the lower level for additional living space and storage.  The individual garages are detached with additional parking available.  A short walk puts you right in the middle of everything the village of New Canaan has to offer including easy access to the train station.

Hatfield Mews townhouses

 

Private Terrace at Hatfield Mews

Canaan Close Condos…

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Canaan Close has 35 condominiums situated on 7 acres along the Five Mile River. These condos are nice and generous in their finished living space, ranging from approx. 1,800 sq. ft  to 3,000+ sq. ft.  They have fireplaces, 2 -3 bedrooms, over sized rooms, abundant windows, sliding glass doors to terraces and decks overlooking the gardens, ponds and river.  Many have gone through renovations with a few still needing some updating of kitchens and baths.

The grounds of Canaan Close

The brick exteriors appear a bit dark and the look more contemporary than other complexes, but the units blend into the landscaping. The developers tried to capitalize on the topography and create some privacy for owners, especially with the units in the back, with mature plantings, private gardens, walking trails and reflecting ponds.  The grounds also have a heated pool sited along the river and a gazebo for outdoor entertaining, .

Canaan Close Condominiums

Information contained herein is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

Prides Crossing

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This Georgian brick complex consists of four different floor plans ranging from one floor living (approximately 1,480 sq feet) to the larger two story house style with approx. 3,000+ square feet of living space.  Built in the early 1970’s by New Canaan builder and developer Johnson Lee and architect Matt Mathews, Prides Crossing lies just west of the center of the village and is an easy stroll to restaurants, shops and the train station.

The Georgian style condominiums of Prides Crossing

Sited on a gentle knoll, each condominium enjoys a private fenced courtyard/garden, parking and the use of the complex’s private clubhouse and pool. Many of the units have been updated with architectural detail, renovated eat-in kitchens, baths and finished lower levels.

Prides Crossing pool and clubhouse

The Entrance

Information contained herein is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.

Follow the Bouncing Mortgage Ball

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We all the learned to follow the bouncing ball which normally flowed in a gentle arc as we sang through the song. Following the mortgage tune might have a sharper rise in pitch than we have grown accustomed to.

Mortgage rates were up sharply this week, bouncing back from record lows following the release of a better-than-expected jobs report, Freddie Mac said in releasing the results of its latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

While forecasters expect rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages will stay well below 5 percent through 2012, strong economic growth could trigger a faster rise in long-term interest rates, including mortgages. Freddie Mac said rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.12 percent with an average 0.8 point for the week ending Oct. 13, up from 3.94 percent last week, an all-time low in records dating to 1971. At this time last year, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.19 percent before climbing to a 2011 high of 5.05 percent in February.

If 2012 is another year of slow economic growth, the MBA predicts purchase loan volume will again remain below 2010 levels, rising only slightly to $412 billion. Not until 2013, when the economy is expected to pick up steam and home sales and prices are expected to increase, will purchase loan demand show solid growth, increasing to $770 billion for the year, the MBA said.

If an economic recovery remains subdued, the MBA expects rates on 30-year fixed-rate loans will average just 4.4 percent during 2012 before climbing to 4.9 percent by 2013.

While mortgage rates continue to remain affordable, a crystal ball would be more helpful.

Source: Inman News

The Housing Update for New Canaan CT.

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The New Canaan real estate market has been an interesting ride this year with fits and starts. Record low interest rates and realistic listing prices have resulted in increased sales within the higher price ranges. Of the 179 single family homes sold so far, 6 have sold over 5 million, 7 houses have sold in the 4 million bracket and 17 have closed over 3 million. In 2010 there were a total of 17 homes that sold over $3 million dollars. Land sales have also increased with 25 lots sold to date and ranging from $275,000. for a .12 acre parcel on Sunrise to $1,550,000 for 2 acres on West Road. The majority of sales in this category are end users with only a few builders dipping their toes back into the waters of spec. building. Condominiums sales are on par with last years numbers with 40 units closed to date. However, no sales have occurred over $1 million dollars compared to last year where a total of 43 units sold with 3 condominiums selling over that number. In addition, there are 24 properties currently pending which should close in the next month or two.

The  fall real estate sales are also ones to watch. They start right after Labor Day and goes through to Thanksgiving. Buyers are out looking and kicking tires, but the volatility in the stock market and general uncertainty is slowing down a traditionally healthy market place.