The owner of a custom-built colonial house at 4 Jennings Court
in the Hunt Club section of Westport designed a unique
configuration. It blends a buttercream yellow colonial façade
visible from street level with a rear that gives a nod to a
Caribbean lifestyle with as much glass as architecturally
possible.

Continuing the ocean theme, there is a Caribbean-inspired,
limestone, heated pool with a hot tub in the backyard of the
level, 1.1-acre property. Garden lovers and those who jealously
protect their privacy will also appreciate the private patio
and garden and outdoor shower, which can be accessed from one
of the two master baths; there are his and hers.

His bath also features a foot wash/dog shower, a redwood sauna,
extra deep soaking tub, marble shower with several heads,
including a rain shower head, and a coffee bar. Her shower has
a crystal chandelier, intricate marble and glass
custom-designed shower with water jet cut stone inlay, a bidet
and instant hot and purified water system.

There are two offices, front and rear staircases, and two
laundry rooms including one with a built-in ironing board.

Those are far from the only unique features of this
extraordinary house, which was built in 2007 with much
attention to detail, from the dramatic entrance foyer that
includes a Jerusalem pink and polished white limestone floor
with glass mosaic inlay to the special order door levers with
intricate designs that the owner refers to as "house jewelry."

There are rounded rooms, arched entryways and scalloped
windows, all of which contribute to the graceful flow of this
7,072-square-foot house. Even the granite counter top on the
center island in the gourmet kitchen has beveled edges.

"It's functionally beautiful. It's fancy, but it's livable. It
was designed so every space is useful. Everything is
practical," said owner
Laurie Weiser, who helped design the house and served as
the co-general contractor. "This is the biggest art project
I'll ever have in my life," she said.

She also designed the house to be relatively maintenance free.
"It's a dream house," Weiser said.

Several rooms, including the kitchen, year-round sunroom,
master bedroom and her master bath and her office, have radiant
heated floors (water, not electric). In fact, the owner joked
that there are two zones in the house: Arctic and Caribbean.

The kitchen has double sided cabinets on one wall between the
kitchen and dining room, cabinets that start at counter level
for easy reach, and a gas Wolf range top with a built-in down
draft fan system.

On the second floor, there are four bedrooms, including two
that share a bath and a long Trex deck/balcony.

In addition to the main living space there is potential for
more, if needed, in the spacious unfinished walk-up attic and
full, unfinished basement. The basement alone has 3,500 square
feet of space.

The house has oil heat, but it is also connected to the gas
line on the street, and gas fuels the home's range top in the
kitchen, the pool, grill and two fireplaces.

There are more amenities and details in this house that are
worth seeing and there is an opportunity to see then during an
Open House on Sunday, Jan. 29, 1-4 p.m.

For more information or to set up an appointment to see the
house, call
Jeanette Dryburgh of
Jeanette Dryburgh & Associates, an affiliate of William
Raveis Real Estate at 203-246-1168 or email her at
jeanette@ct-realestate.com.

ABOUT THIS HOUSE

TYPE: Custom-built colonial

ADDRESS: 4 Jennings Court, Westport

PRICE: $2,595,000

ROOMS: 13

AMENITIES: Water community, beach rights, walking distance to

Staples High School, at the end of a cul-de-sac,
Caribbean-inspired in-ground pool, two first floor offices, his
and hers master baths, redwood sauna, front and rear
staircases, bonus room above the garage, media room, large arts
and crafts room, exercise room, custom moldings, 1.1-acre level
property, skylights, central vacuuming system, security system,
gourmet kitchen, Trex deck/balcony, wired for
Smart House technology, Leafguard gutter system, low-E
glass windows with tilt-in cleaning feature, alarmed screens,
six-inch baseboards, nine-inch crown moldings, bluestone patio,
zoned central air conditioning, outdoor shower, walking
distance to the
Westport Hunt Club and
Long Lots Elementary School, the grounds of which house the
community garden

OTHER INFORMATION: five bedrooms, five full and two half baths,
two-car attached under house garage, hardwood floors throughout
the house, two laundry rooms, mudroom, zoned hot air radiant
oil heating system, walk-up unfinished attic, full unfinished
basement, septic system, city water

SCHOOLS: Long Lots Elementary, Bedford Middle, Staples High

ASSESSMENT: $1,905,400

TAX RATE: 17.43 mills

TAXES: $28,295

Read the original here:
Jennings Court colonial features Caribbean accents

With the season of rain boots here, entryway floors are taking a
beating.

The spot where we enter our homes -- and welcome guests -- can
be a tricky one to decorate. It's meant to be a showcase,
expressing our style and setting the tone for a visitor's stay.
But the floor must withstand dripping umbrellas, muddy shoes
and more.

Los Angeles-based interior designer Betsy Burnham is often
approached by clients who want help with entryways. Choosing a
floor covering is a priority, she says.

Here Burnham and two other experts offer tips on durable,
easy-to-clean flooring that doesn't skimp on style, from cork
to porcelain tile to washable rugs.

Think replaceable

Burnham and designer Brian Patrick Flynn, founder of DecorDemon.com, are fans of cork
flooring in high-traffic areas.

Cork squares are durable, made from natural wood fibers and can
handle moisture. They also absorb sound well and come in a
variety of colors and patterns. "Don't just picture a bulletin
board" when you think of cork, Burnham says.

Cork offers a look similar to hardwood, but is less expensive.
And you can replace just one tile if a section gets damaged.

Another flexible option is Flor carpet tiles, Flynn says. "You
can add color, texture or pattern by laying them out in the
desired pattern," he says, "then cutting the end tiles to
size." Flor tiles can be laid out to give the look of an area
rug or wall-to-wall carpeting.

Flynn also recommends vinyl plank tiles. The inexpensive tiles
are thin but durable, and easy to install. They can be mopped
clean. And do-it-yourself installation is simple, Flynn says.
"It simply requires a utility knife for installation. The
planks attach to one another with an upward-facing sticky
strip. Each time a plank reaches a wall, it's cut to size," he
says.

Think removable

Rugs can be a great way to delineate the space at an entryway,
and many styles are washable. "I've done everything from rag
rugs to Turkish carpets" in entryways, Burnham says.

Rather than investing in one expensive rug, she says, buy
several that can be swapped out when one is being cleaned.

Meg Caswell, host of HGTV's "Meg's Great Rooms," suggests
shopping for carpet remnants. Carpet stores often keep their
remnants out of sight, she says, but if you ask they should
direct you to them. If you find a remnant piece you want, have
it cut to size. You can ask to have it banded with a canvas
edge in a contrasting color, Caswell says, or in a patterned
fabric you've chosen (check the remnants at fabric stores for
affordable finds, and bring the fabric with you to the carpet
store).

By using a remnant, you've created a custom piece with little
expense. If it's damaged by foot traffic over the course of a
few winters, the loss will be minimal.

Stylish but inexpensive and washable rugs are widely available
online, from Ikea.com to
eBay.com or Etsy.com. If you find a style you like
at a great price, these designers recommend buying two so
you'll have a backup.

Another approach that Flynn and Burnham recommend: Buy a
vintage rug that's already worn. Faded colors and frayed spots
are part of the charm, so you won't mind further wear and tear.

If you'd prefer the finished look of wall-to-wall carpeting at
your entrance, Flynn suggests buying several smaller rugs and
attaching them underneath with carpet tape. The edges can be
cut to fit your space, giving a permanent, wall-to-wall look.
But pieces can be removed for cleaning.

Think durable

Caswell often recommends porcelain tiles for high-traffic
entryways. "The minute I say porcelain tile, people think it's
going to shatter, that it's fragile," she says. "But really,
porcelain tiles are truly the most durable tiles out there."

They're nearly "impossible to chip," Caswell says. "But the
best part is that if it does chip, the color is all the way
through the entire piece."

Burnham agrees: Porcelain tile, she says, "looks like stone,
but it's much less expensive than actual stone. We've done
charcoal-gray, big rectangles of porcelain tile, and it's so
much easier to sweep out or mop up because you can get it wet."

Think bold

Whatever material you use for your entryway floors, these
designers suggest avoiding pale neutrals and solids in favor of
slightly bolder colors, patterns and textures that hide dirt
and signs of wear.

For wood floors, "Have a pattern painted directly onto it using
porch and deck paint," Flynn suggests. "The porch and deck
paint is insanely durable and will last a long time. To make it
even more foolproof, consider adding another coat of sealer to
it just before the winter."

Bold florals or sunbursts might not be your taste, says
Caswell, but entryways are a great place to "be riskier and
push yourself, so you can incorporate a little more of your
personality. You're making that statement when someone enters
your home."

-- For The Associated Press

Continue reading here:
Four tips for picking the best flooring for your home's entry

Posted: Thursday, January 26, 2012 10:55
am | Updated: 11:42 am, Thu Jan 26,
2012.

USDA Rural Development’s Rural Housing Service in Montana has
named Libby resident Deborah Frey as the Multi-Family Housing
Site Manager of the Year for Elderly Housing in 2011.

Frey manages Treasure Manor Apartments, a senior living
complex.

Recognized at a ceremony earlier this year, Frey received a
commemorative plaque thanking her for her commitment and
dedication in the care of her tenants. Frey also represented
Montana’s entry into a national U.S. Department of Agriculture
competition.

Among the improvements, Frey oversaw the replacement of four
roofs, the installation of 77 energy efficient windows, new
siding and trim, electrical upgrades to all 32 rooms and the
installation of two privacy fences.

Asked about the dollar amount she secured and Frey declined.

“I’m happy for the improvements. To quote the amount seems like
bragging,” Frey said. “We got a lot done. Even the windows were
rotted.”

USDA Rural Development is the prime financer of Treasure Manor,
which provides stabilized rent for limited-income senior
citizens of Lincoln County.

The project was in declining shape in 2006 when owners brought
Frey in to manage the property and spearhead a marked
turnaround in the overall quality of life.

“Deborah is a prime example of how our properties should be
run. She is professional, well-organized, and detailed while
providing a level of caring and understanding for her tenants
that is unequaled in our USDA properties in Montana. We are
proud to give her this recognition,” said Matthew Jones,
Montana State Director.

Montana has 143 properties across the state funded by USDA
Rural Development’s Multi-Family Housing program.

Continue reading here:
Frey named Site Manager of the Year

Hot guys in rough and tumble action.. with
heart….yum!  Check out these new offerings for your
hunkorama home viewing pleasure.

From Touchstone Home Entertainment and DreamWorks
Pictures

Real Steel: Blu-Ray/DVD
Combo

In the near future, Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman)
is a decent boxer who was forced to retire early when huge
9-foot-tall steel robots operated by remote control became the
stars of the ring. Now, Charlie is a small-time promoter who
pieces together scrap bots to travel the underground boxing
circuit.

When his estranged 11-year-old son Max (Dakota Goyo) is left in
his care, over time, the embittered Charlie feels like a dad
and, together, father and son uncover an older ‘bot who just
might be able to think and almost fight like a human. The three
start winning… bigtime….together.

Special Features: The “Audio Commentary” by
colorful director Shawn Levy is only on the DVD disc and is
worth a listen. “Real Steel Second Screen: Ringside with
Director Shawn Levy” goes like this.. the app is free to
download from the Apple App store or for a laptop from
http://www.realsteelsecondscreen.com. Second Screen provides bonus
video content in a picture-in-picture window. You can also view
without a second device.

“Countdown to the Fight -- The Charlie Kenton Story” – pretends
the character is real and is a “mockumentary with cast members
talking about Charlie’s story, son Max and robot Atom who is
about to fight the famous Zeus robot. Kinda fun. “Making of
Metal Valley” is a really good breakdown of filming Charlie and
Max action in an old scrap yard full of broken, discarded
robots. This is where they find Atom. Really interesting. 

“Building the Bots” is a really cool, if short, look at
designing the cool robots and building them both in computer
and the life-sized, on set models which the actors loved.

“Sugar Ray Leonard: Cornerman's Champ” looks at the
contributions of the boxing legend to the film. He had a big
hand in training actor Hugh Jackman to be a believable fighter.
Hot. 

“Deleted & Extended Scenes”- especially entertaining
because they contain a sequence left out of the movie; the
“Deleted Butterfly Storyline”. This expands on son Max’s
background and his new relationship with Charlie. Very cool.
You also get some fun “Bloopers”

Wrapping Up:This heartwarming movie is about
people first, fathers and sons, regaining faith in each other
and in life in general; even the feelings between man and
machine are explored. Evangeline Lilly from TV’s “Lost” is the
love interest and she also packs a punch! Real Steel
is also a major underdog story. You really root for the dad,
son and robot all the way. The effects are amazing, robots are
beyond cool and the fights are really action-packed.  I
loved this movie. You and your buds will too. I’d go buy it for
sure!

From Lionsgate Home Entertainment

Abduction – Blu-Ray/Digital
Copy

Teen bad-ass Nathan (Twilight’s Taylor
Lautner) happens on a childhood photo of himself on a missing
children website.  His whole life is a lie. His parents
aren’t his and Nathan is actually the son of a bigtime CIA
operative.

He has been living a new life as protection from an
international terrorist. He and his crush/neighbor Karen (Lily
Collins) have to run for their lives when they see his “fake”
parents (also CIA) murdered.

Special Features: Several.  “Abduction
Application” lets you pick one of three tracks to watch
picture-in-picture as you view the movie or watch alone.
“Abduction Chronicle” is the best for Taylor fans since it is
his personal video account, behind-the-scenes of shooting the
film. “Initiation of an Action Hero” talks about Taylor’s
training and stunt work to become a real action star.  In
“The Fight for the Truth” you get a break-down of the movie’s
many fight sequences and making the movie in general . “Pulled
Punches” is an amusing blooper reel.

Wrapping Up: This film has a confusing
story.  Why is it called “Abduction” anyway? Taylor's
character was never actually abducted.  Whatever, Lautner
is action boy supreme in the film, looks really buff and hot
and you won’t be bored.  A must for Taylor fans.. a rental
for action/spy movie buffs.

From 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

In Time – DVD

In a futuristic world where you die at 25 if you
can’t literally buy more time, the rich have it easy but the
working class has to slave away to buy each new day! Sucks,
right? Working dude Will Salas (Justin Timberlake) thinks so
too. BTW, his best bud is played by “The Big Bang Theory’s”
Johnny Galecki.

When a millionaire, tired of living for centuries, gifts Will
his remaining time, Will is falsely accused of his murder and
goes on the run with a bored and beautiful rich gal played by
Amanda Seyfried. They fall in love and are both determined to
bring down this unfair system.

Special Features:  Only one on the DVD.
We didn’t get the Blu-Ray.

“Deleted and Extended Scenes”-  There are eight: Some are
cool story additions..when a baby is born.. does it have a
timeclock? Do people just fall over at 25 when they run out of
time? Justin and Amanda steal an armored car, bust into a
millionaire’s house, play strip poker and hide in plain sight
by “dirty” dancing at an outdoor festival.

Wrapping Up: This film not only stars hot
Justin and Amanda but really makes you think about what you
would do in their shoes. Would you gift an about to die person
a few minutes of your own precious time on earth?  Lots of
action and effects round out the morality tale.  A really
fun watch. Recommend a buy for Justin/Amanda fans.. a rental
for a great one time watch.

View original post here:
Blu-Ray/DVD Review Round Up

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