Contractor Frustrations

We would like to have some work done at our home this summer, so I’ve been busy contacting various contractors during the past few weeks. My experiences with getting people to call me back, come to my house and provide a quote have ranged from surprisingly pleasant to sorely disappointing. The areas where we need some help are removing a large rotting tree, getting some new windows installed and improving insulation in our basement and

Carriage Houses in the West End

The West End of Hartford has been debating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) over the past few years. A proposal is currently on the table to change the zoning laws to allow property owners to add an apartment over the garage space in their historic carriage houses. There is no consensus among residents as to whether the change would be good for the neighborhood. Votes taken at various meetings have ranged from enthusiastic support, to vigorous

135 Holcomb Street, Hartford

Victorian architecture is at its finest in this 1890s home on more than an acre of land, located in Hartford’s Blue Hills neighborhood. It offers 6 bedrooms and 2.5 baths over 4,078 square feet. Featuring a period fireplace, turned staircase with built-in bench, natural woodwork, and molding, the foyer invites you into this beautiful home, providing a glimpse of what’s to come. The first floor includes a formal living room, family room with fireplace, dining

Celebrate West Hartford 2011

Gather ’round everyone, it’s once again time to “Celebrate! West Hartford.” This year’s festival marks the 25th anniversary of the event and will be held on June 11th and 12th, 2011 on the Town Hall property in the Center. It will have all the usual attractions, including craft booths, rides, food carts, petting zoo, booths for local businesses/organizations, and a trolley. Saturday’s musical entertainment looks to be high school jazz bands, while Sunday has a

Real Estate Dreams

What kind of home would you live in if you could go out right now and buy a place? I’m not talking about the pie-in-the-sky fantasy here (I’m going to buy my own island!), rather asking what kind of home would ideally fit your current lifestyle, interests, and approximate budget? The American Dream Amy and I lived in apartments for a long time. After college we were working in the Boston area and weren’t mentally