Ridgefield’s Hamlet Hub spotlighted Karla Murtaugh Homes this week after we were featured in this week’s Mansion Section of the Wall Street Journal!

As per the Hamlet Hub – The Walker Library of the History of the Human Imagination, an awe-inspiring library located inside the Ridgefield home of Jay and Eileen Walker was featured in Thursday’s Wall Street Journal in a piece titled, “Private Libraries That Inspire”. What’s more, the writer, Katy McLaughlin, shares the real estate expertise of Karla Murtaugh agent with Neumann Real Estate and Christie’s International in Ridgefield who said that libraries can provide a hook for a buyer with an intellectual or scholarly aptitude.

According to the Walker Digital website, the library, constructed in 2002, boasts 3,600 sq. ft. multi-level tiers, “floating” platforms, connecting stairways, glass-paneled bridges, dynamic lighting and music, and specially commissioned artworks that celebrate major achievements in the history of human invention.

“The Walker Library of the History of Human Imagination celebrates humanity’s intellectual and emotional adventure of discovery, learning, and creativity by showcasing thousands of rare books, artworks, maps and manuscripts as well as museum-quality artifacts both modern and ancient,” Walker Digital says.

“It is designed to be intentionally disorienting,” Walker told WSJ writer, Katy McLaughlin.

McLaughlin digs into the passion that fuels some of the world’s most fascinating literary collectors, and examines the arduous task of designing, building and maintaining a library capable of housing some 25,000 collectible books.

Walker’s personal collection is not just for him to enjoy, the WSJ reveals Walker’s philanthropic use of the library for school tours and to help raise funds for local nonprofits.

McLaughlin writes, “The Walker Library of the History of the Human Imagination is a dramatic example of the rarest of residential amenities: A vast, personal, custom-built repository of intellectual stimuli. In the age of the e-reader, it is a status symbol on par with wearing a Patek Philippe watch when the cellphone already tells the time.”

Read the article in its entirety and view images of The Walker Library of the History of the Human Imagination, on The Wall Street Journal online here.

*Image courtesy Walker Digital

Spring market is up and running and everyone is starting to look forward to the long, lazy days of summer. As such, we thought it would be a good idea to profile some of the properties we have for sale, which reside in a community association with a pool — just in case you’re thinking about diving into something new!

MIMOSA ESTATES
132 Mimosa Circle – listed for $740,000, this beautifully updated, turn-key home features five bedrooms, all updated bathrooms, a beautiful kitchen, sunroom and a finished lower level, and sits at the top of the circle, quietly tucked away with incredible views from the porch and patio. High-end touches such as multiple French doors, a beamed ceiling, crown moldings and lovely trim work, join hardwood floors, an on-trend color palette and lots of large windows to create a comfortable and inviting space. Mimosa Estates features a wonderful pool along with tennis, basketball, a playground, fields and a pond, all in a welcoming community setting. To view more photos and information about the property click here.

WESTMORELAND
58 Holmes Road – close to town in desirable Westmoreland Estates, this completely updated gem is listed for $885,000 and includes five bedrooms, three full and one half baths, front-to-back living and family rooms, crown moldings, French doors, a finished lower level, and a beautifully updated kitchen with open shelving, professional appliances, and a wall of casement windows overlooking the huge deck, which also offers access to a lower level patio with a hot tub. Always a hit with singles and families alike, the Westmoreland Estates community recreation center includes two pools, a tennis court, basketball court, a pavilion and picnic area, and a playground. Click here to learn more about this home.

WEST MOUNTAIN ESTATES
24 Old Wagon Road – a storied history surrounds this completely renovated and updated, immaculate, one-of-a-kind stone manor in West Mountain Estates. Listed for $1,595,000, the home was designed by a famed Yale architect who specialized in weekend homes for the wealthy and built homes for clients as illustrious as the Rockefellers. And the gardens were even catalogued by the Smithsonian! The French-inspired kitchen includes custom Viking appliances, a stone fireplace and beautiful pantry cabinetry, and flows seamlessly into the rest of the house. A conservatory, study, sunken living room, family room, dining room and four spacious, en suite bedrooms join original details such as leaded glass windows, ornate trim work, stone window sills and gorgeous hardwood floors reminiscent of an elegant bygone era. Sweeping views of the grounds provide for beautiful sunsets, while the West Mountain Estates community offers a large pool, a kiddie pool, a spa, two pavilions, two tennis courts, a playground and a soccer field. To learn more about Stone Manor click here.

PLEASANT VIEW
30 Powdermaker Drive – located a quick walk to the Pleasant View Recreation Area (PVRA), this traditional Colonial home is listed for $799,000 and is move-in-ready. A beautifully updated kitchen includes high-end, stainless steel appliances and a large pantry, and connects to a breakfast room, vaulted family room, and spacious living and dining rooms. Four large bedrooms join a walk-out, finished lower level opening to the park-like backyard and lovely patio. The 6-acre PVRA property includes a heated pool, kids pool, new pool house, tennis courts, swings & play-sets, ball fields, a basketball court, beach volleyball court and a pond. To view more about this home, click here.

If you have an interest in visiting one of these properties in person or just want to learn more, email Karla@KarlaMurtaugh.com, or call 203-856-5534 to schedule a showing.