Heads up, open housers

I was out showing houses most of yesterday, hence no blogging, (and limited today, until this afternoon), but at one showing Ellen Mosher told me about a renovation one of her builder/clients has done at 185 N.Maple, now asking $1.995 million. I didn't have time to accept her invitation to see it - we had to continue over to Riverside after viewing Ellen's listing on Park Avenue (Greenwich) - and there are no current pictures up yet because the GMLS was closed yesterday, but I trust Ellen, and if she tells me the builder's done a great job, I believe it. Unlike one or two of the agents I had to deal with yesterday, if Ellen says something, you can trust her word. There: didn't want you think that I can't still be snarky even while saying nice things about someone else.

We had a certain amount of fun with this house last year when the original owners were asking $1.625, which I'm sure is why Ellen suggested I look at it now; she doesn't want me trashing it based on what it was, but the house finally sold to this builder in March of this year for $1.150, and that should have left plenty of room to do a nice job.

As noted, the pictures that are currently posted are of the pre-renovation stage - they were posted because Ellen wanted to get the house listed in time for this weekend's open houses and pictures won't be ready until Monday. That reminds me of the moyle and the clocks in his shopwindow joke, but if  you haven't heard it, I'll just tell you the punchline: 'whadday want I should put in the window?". Here's her description below: I'm thinking that those readers looking at houses in the high $1s or low $2s might want to see this one, even if they aren't looking in this particular area, to see what you can do with a $1.150 house and stay in your budget. Sometimes it's hard to visualize these things.

Complete renovation/transformation of in-town house. All new 5 bedroom home with expansive open floor plan reconfigured and rebuilt by noted designer. Sun-filled modern styled interiors include transitional architectural elements/fixtures, extensive millwork and dark hardwood floors. Amazing gourmet kitchen with Caesarstone island and custom white cabinetry, Thermador appliances, wine cooler. Dining area opens to spacious family room with marble/stainless steel fireplace. Formal living room, Study with built ins. Private first floor guest bedroom. Beautiful master with walk-in closet and luxurious marble bath.Large lower level with family room, mudroom, bath, laundry room and wall of windows. All new energy efficient mechanicals and windows. Private yard with terraces. 2 car garage.