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Friday, February 15, 2008

Bain Skating Party

On a very cold, blustery and snowy Sunday we hosted out annual Bain skating party. The kids, parents and friends skidded, slipped and sped around the ice with 70’s music blasting above the shrieks and shrills. The wind and snow was whipping outside seen through the large bank of windows at west end of the rink. By 5:00 the storm had subsided and a brilliant red sunset could be seen down the valley. Thanks again to Back Country Outfitters for their rental services. Hope to see you next year.



































Friday, February 1, 2008

Anniversary Note and Blog Kick-Off


20 Years ago my wife Karren and I took a leap of faith leaving Manhattan to live and work in the hills of Litchfield County. Seeking a small town to raise kids close to New York but out of the fray of suburbia, we settled in Kent CT. Litchfield County had the perfect blend of natural beauty, dynamic people and a place we could make a difference. The real estate market here was rich with history, colorful people and an opportunity to grow. And funny as things works out, our life here has been fabulous, even better than we ever dreamed.

Fast forward to 2008 and three kids later we have plenty to be thankful for. We have numerous friends, plenty to keep us busy and we even get to “play” in New York City more than we did when we lived there. My career has flourished too and, for this, I thank you- my friends, clients and customers. The people whom I have met and the good friends I’m made, among those who decided to live here in the country, all agree that this area is a very special place in the world.

Karren and I have loved being involved in town and carrying on the tradition of lending a hand in your own community. Over the years I have been actively involved with The Park and Recreation Department, The Board of Finance, and The Lions Club while also coaching sports and being a strong, vocal advocate for the arts and community programs.

Karren, a Family Therapist in Kent, is a long-standing chair of the Board of Education, is an EMT volunteer, and has been an enthusiastic, successful event promoter for the Volunteer Fire Department and Board of Education.

Together, we feel blessed being able to contribute to our community and to help enhance Kent and the surrounding areas. In large part we would not have been able to create such a wonderful home for our three daughters Roxanne, Rachel and Hazel without your business and ongoing support. Thank you.

Looking ahead, 2008, while still new, is turning into an exciting anniversary year for me. I was very fortunate to be involved in the recent sale of the Treetops Estate on North Spectacle Lake http://www.bainrealestate.com/listing-detail.php?id=3414. What feels best about this transaction is that I had predicted, when I first sold it to a gentleman 13 years ago, that this property could become one of the landmark estates in the area.

Back then it was a run-down trailer camp on a hundred acres. But despite its deteriorated condition, it did have tremendous potential. The trees, landscaping, setting and beachfront were all in place so all that was required was the requisite effort to create a very special estate. I was fortunate to be able to share this vision with a client who, also, appreciated its potential. In the end, what was especially gratifying to me was that he and his family then carried that vision forward to create one of the most spectacular properties in Litchfield County.

Thirteen years later, to sell this completed vision to but another family, who now has their own beautiful piece of country life for their clan’s gathering spot, was icing on the cake.

On this high note, as I begin the next twenty years of my career I look forward to the future with excitement and enthusiasm. I will continue my efforts to help people who live and work in the city find a special place where they can escape and relax, if only for the weekend.

Please know that I appreciate the referral of friends and associates as I truly enjoy assisting them in finding their own ‘spot of country’. I’ve discovered that, at the end of the day, that’s what makes real estate still fun and challenging for me. Call it affirmation of my decision to move up here 20 years ago, I guess.

Now, with my move to the country validated, I look forward to continuing in real estate and enjoying all the towns I work in with great friends, good clients and loyal customers. I have started this blog to track my next twenty years, I hope you enjoy it and return to it often. Thanks again!