I guess you could say “it took a Pandemic” but whatever the reason is, people are re-evaluating their lives and making life-changing decisions about how and where they want to live and where they want to work!

Our luxury market was impacted after the 2008 banking crisis and started to come back in 2018-2019.

Then the pandemic happened and we were on lockdown for about four months. When the lockdown was lifted last summer, it was amazing how many inquiries we received, especially from urban areas within an hour away from our primary market territory in Bergen County.

6.5 Acre Country Estate in Saddle River, NJ

The common requests were: 

* More Land and Larger Homes
—Clients were cooped up for too long in apartment living

* The Need for One or Two Home Offices
—People were enjoying the flexibility and ease of working from home

Timeless French Chateau in Saddle River, New Jersey 

6.5 Acre Country Estate, Saddle River, NJ

Prime Location – 2.76 Acre Setting, Saddle River

Timeless French Chateau, Saddle River

* Recreational Space: Especially Pools and Gym Space
—Clients were hesitant to join clubs and wanted more private space

Whereas years ago we couldn’t compete with accessibility to delivery options the way, Manhattan, for example, could, now pretty much anything needed in the burbs can be delivered right away, just like in the city. And the best part is that when you have to get to the city, whether for work or play, the burbs are built around cities so they are a stone’s throw away!

We just recently hopped in the car for a late lunch at The Odeon with family and were home in time to feed our two little Yorkies their scheduled dinner.

So, I think the burbs are the best of all worlds!

What do you think? 

The post The Burbs Are Back! By Vicki Gaily appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Connecticut

534 & 536 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT 06831, listed by Robin Kencel

Photo Credit: Chris Meech

"With no signs of the usual market slowdown at year-end, it looks like the buying wave that has characterized Greenwich in 2020 will continue in 2021.  Even with a vaccine on the horizon, buyers seem to be rethinking lifestyle and options, and Greenwich ticks a lot of boxes for Manhattanites." - Robin Kencel, Greenwich, CT.

New Jersey

Saddle River, NJ 07458, listed by Vicki Gaily

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

"We are experiencing a surge in real estate sales for the past 3 months with a lower than normal inventory in active listings in most price ranges. November and December can slow down in normal times, but have shown no signs of doing that now.  I anticipate this will continue well into 2021." - Vicki Gaily, Bergen County, NJ.

184 Harrow Road, Westfield, NJ 07090, listed by Frank D. Isoldi

Photo Credit: Vitaly Boicenco

"The inventory in Westfield remains historically low, my prediction for 2021 is a very strong 1st quarter for sure.  We are still seeing a big movement of buyers coming from Manhattan, Jersey City, Hoboken and Brooklyn looking for the lifestyle that Westfield has to offer." - Frank D. Isoldi, Westfield, NJ.

New York

One57, 157 West 57 Street, #32F, New York, NY 10019, listed by Elliot Bogod

Photo Credit: Extell

"We will see a lot of foreclosures in 2021, but they will not going to be processed until mid of 2021 and we don’t expect real estate market to crash as a lot of money chasing deals. Real estate is an alternative to the stock market and a good investment in expected inflation environment. Manhattan real estate was a proven niche of most liquid real estate in the country and we have a good feeling it will remain strong for years to come.

The Upper West Side is a desirable place to reside and invest and has attracted a lot of attention from developers, investors, and residents. It has never had such a large inventory of apartments and townhouses on sale.

In 2021 we will see more deals happening and inventory absorption rate will increase. People will take advantage of the choices the market is offering and very low mortgage rates and a variety of bank mortgage programs offered. 2021 will be another year of the truly buyer’s market and we are at Broadway Realty are happy to represent the most qualified buyers in pursue of great deals that Manhattan has to offer.

We will see hot deals, move-in ready and our price forecast is very positive as we are no longer in the price bubble and see more and more affordable deals." - Elliot Bogod, Upper West Side, NY.

12 & 15 West Dune Road, East Hampton, NY 11937, listed by James Petrie

Photo Credit: Lena Yamerenko

"The real estate market in the Hamptons will continue to be strong through 2021. Working from a home office has become acceptable across industries allowing for permanent or semi-permanent relocation to areas once looked at as summer vacation destinations. Covid has changed the way people live and the Hamptons will continue to benefit." - James Petrie, East Hampton, NY.

35 Brookville Lane, Old Brookville, NY 11545, listed by the Stanco-Misiti Team

Photo Credit: Stanco-Misiti Team

"Values on Long Island are stable and trending higher.  In 2021, expecting inventory to loosen up on the North Shore and more properties to hit the market. Low-interest rates continue to stimulate buyer demand. Home is your sanctuary. But so much more now when mixing lifestyle and work there." - Michael Stanco, North Shore, Long Island, NY.

Read more expectations for 2021 from members of Haute Residence, including the areas of the Caribbean, South Florida, the west coast of Florida, and Southern California.

The post New York Tri-State Real Estate Expectations For 2021 appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

We are finding a large volume of buyers coming from more urban areas, particularly Manhattan but large cities from around the Manhattan area also. Buyers want land around them, larger square footage, office space, more bedrooms for extended family and pools.

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

We had a strong start to 2020, and then we closed down due to COVID-19. Now we are extremely busy. We never had our typical Spring market but are making up for it now. 2019 was a terrific year and it looks like we may do even better in 2020.

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

The takeaway from the past six months is that, be prepared in life for the unexpected and understand that there has to be an adaptation to new ways of doing business and a sensitivity to what is going on around you, both on a local level as well as globally. Preparation is everything!

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

My question is: How do we prepare for the Holiday Season in 2020? Connection!

We have to connect with as many people as possible around the holidays. Whether it is through zoom, a drive-by, a phone call, a letter or email. Whatever the method, people need a sense of being a part of life interaction. We have been so removed from our “Normal” routine, we need to make as much effort to keep our social connection going.

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

The post New Jersey Real Estate Market Update, With Vicki Gaily appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Only 17 miles from Manhattan, Arrowwood Estate features a 17,000 square foot main house, a labor of love for the current owners desiring a country retreat close to Manhattan. This estate offers a new state-of-the-art Kuche Cucina kitchen and first-floor master bedroom suite with luxury bath, 4 closets, and a private stone patio. There is also direct access to the beautiful office/library with a fireplace. There is both an indoor and outdoor pool and a regulation lighted tennis court to add to the fitness amenities, also a full-service cabana, generator, and 6-car garage.

This area of Saddle River is becoming known as the equestrian section of town as there are renowned equestrian estates that are currently being built along with long-established facilities. The countryside is known for its beauty and its proximity to New York City.

Address: 6.5 Acre Family Compound, Saddle River, NJ 07458

Price: $5,995,000

For more information, please contact Vicki Gaily at 201-390-5880 or vgaily@specialproperties.com

Vicki Gaily is the exclusive agent representing the Bergen County, NJ real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

The post An Impressive Country Retreat Estate In Saddle River By Vicki Gaily appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Stunning center hall colonial beautifully updated on 2 acres located on sought after cul de sac street on the "East Hill" of town. Pool, spa and cabana with electronic screens, fabulous open porch with fireplace and electronic screens opens to the sleek & stunning state-of-the-art kitchen with top of the line appliances and finishings. Elegant 2 story entrance hall, 2 story great room with fireplace, woodworked library, and formal living room and dining room. Beautifully appointed master bedroom suite with large fitted walk-in closet and luxury bath with floating shower. Finished lower level offers a professional recording studio area for the avid music enthusiast, home theater area, recreation room with bar and a bedroom with bath. Professionally landscaped property with numerous amenities on this multi-million-dollar street. 3-car garage. 

Address: Elegant Stately Colonial, Saddle River, New Jersey 07458

Price: $2,550,000

For more information, please contact Vicki Gaily at 201-390-5880 or vgaily@specialproperties.com

Vicki Gaily is the exclusive agent representing the Bergen County, NJ real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

Photo Credit: Skinner Photography

The post A Grand Colonial Mansion In New Jersey By Vicki Gaily appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Mill Pond is one of the most notable and iconic estates in the tri-state area. This 14.15-acre estate offers a grand French chateau with the most incredible views from all of the public rooms as well as the multi-room master bedroom suite. A five-bedroom guesthouse, 2-acre aerated pond, regulation lighted tennis court, inground heated pool, large outbuilding originally designed to house 8 additional cars with floored area above, 9 stall barn for the equestrian lover with ample turnout area, elevator which services 4 floors, and 5-car attached garage are some of the features and amenities. This panoramic setting offers a once in a lifetime opportunity within this close proximity to New York City for the most discerning buyer wanting a very special lifestyle. This Estate has been owned by 3 families since 1979, all of which have been the CEO's of prominent businesses.

Address: Mill Pond, Saddle River, New Jersey 07458

Price: $11,500,000

For more information, please contact Vicki Gaily at 201-390-5880 or vgaily@specialproperties.com

Vicki Gaily is the exclusive agent representing the Bergen County, NJ real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: Special Properties, Division of Brook Hollow Group, Inc

Photo Credit: Special Properties, Division of Brook Hollow Group, Inc

Photo Credit: Special Properties, Division of Brook Hollow Group, Inc

Photo Credit: Special Properties, Division of Brook Hollow Group, Inc

Photo Credit: Special Properties, Division of Brook Hollow Group, Inc

The post An Iconic Estate In Saddle River By Vicki Gaily appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

2000s built French Chateau is situated on 2.33 gated and fenced manicured acreage with tennis/sport court and lagoon pool with waterfalls. This all brick manor offers slate roof and copper leaders and gutters and is in pristine, move-in condition. Elegant woodworking and high ceilings throughout, 3 wood-burning and gas fireplaces, curved entry stairs plus back staircase. Expansive 1st-floor master bedroom with fitted walk-in closets and a luxurious marble bath and dressing area.

On the 2nd floor there is a media room/2nd master bedroom with bath and walk-in closet and pub area, plus additional bedrooms and ensuite baths.  The lower level has an outside entry, 9 seat movie theater, stone enhanced wine cellar and monitored security system with cameras. There is also a large recreation area as well as a gym, full bath, and changing area.  Four car garage on grade, a circular paver driveway with large parking area and extensive landscaping. Both city water and private well water for irrigation. The sought after subdivision is the newest in Saddle River and offers great supporting value in this multi-million dollar area.

Address: Timeless French Chateau, Saddle River, New Jersey 07458

Price: $4,995,000

For more information, please contact Vicki Gaily at 201-390-5880 or vgaily@specialproperties.com

Vicki Gaily is the exclusive agent representing the Bergen County, NJ real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: Special Properties, Division of Brook Hollow Group, Inc

Photo Credit: Special Properties, Division of Brook Hollow Group, Inc

Photo Credit: Special Properties, Division of Brook Hollow Group, Inc

Photo Credit: Special Properties, Division of Brook Hollow Group, Inc

The post A Timeless French Chateau In Saddle River By Vicki Gaily appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Northwest Bergen County offers a wide array of phenomenal restaurants. Here are some notable places to wine and dine in the area:

One of our favorites for many years is the Saddle River Inn in Saddle River. A charming historic barn houses the restaurant and the setting along the Saddle River is perfect. The food is outstanding, so prepare to book your ressie in advance. It’s not unusual to have a 30 day wait for a reservation! Chef Jamie Knott is in a class by himself.

Chef Knott recently opened a casual storefront restaurant, also in Saddle River, called the Saddle River Cafe. It’s open 7 days a week! The menu is small but diverse and the quality of the food is everything one expects from Jaime. Both The Saddle River Inn and The Saddle River Market are BYOB. We pick up our wine from Chuck Russo at Ho-Ho-Kus Wine & Spirits in Ho-Ho-Kus and off we go!

Photo Credit: Sara Dubler

Another restaurant that is very special to us is Esty Street, located in Park Ridge, New Jersey. They have been around since the early ’90s and have always offered inventive and award-winning cuisine and wine. Esty Street was renovated and decorated by Philip La Bossiere, one of the tri-state area’s finest designers. We’ve enjoyed many a cocktail at their fabulous bar!

For Italian cuisine, we love Andrea’s in Waldwick, which has also been around for several decades. They will prepare anything you want, the way you want it. The portions are large (always plenty to take home for the next day) and sauces are great! They have a liquor license and will also allow you to bring your own bottle. When it comes to dessert time, we crave their Napolean and their chocolate covered bananas!

Our favorites for fish are Varka in Ramsey, which is wonderful. Pick your favorite fresh fish and they cook it to order. Their "Varka chips" are SO yummy. This area favorite gets packed, so plan ahead and make a ressie! They have a liquor license.

Photo Credit: Eaters Collective

A more casual choice and just as delicious is Greek City in Ramsey, which is a storefront and BYOB. Their fish is fresh, their entrees are satisfying and we love one of their big booths.

For burgers and salads, Fire and Oak in Montvale is great. They also have a liquor license. It’s a larger space, so if you call a bit in advance, you should be able to get in.

Cafe Panache in Ramsey is another longtime favorite for upscale French American cuisine. Very creative and very fresh food. The service is always impeccable, parking is easy and its BYOB. Make that reservation in advance!

There are over 80 eateries in Ridgewood. mostly BYOB, many are excellent. The parking can be a challenge, so try to get there early. There are so many I don't even know where to start!

We are also approximately 30 minutes from Manhattan and have enjoyed many dinners all over NYC.  If you are looking for a night out in New York, here are a few of our favorites from casual to upscale:

Photo Credit: Nadia Valko

Harlem
Clay
Red Rooster

Upper East Side
Fig & Olive
Sant Ambroeus
Compagnola
Flora Bar
Systena

Upper West Side
Boulud Sud
The Leopard at des Artistes

Midtown West/Hell’s Kitchen
Kilo
Legacy Records
Estiatorio Milos

Chelsea/Meatpacking
Pastis
RH
Cookshop

Gramercy Area
Mailano
Gramercy Tavern

Flatiron/Union Square
ABC Kitchen
ABC Cocina

East Village
Ruffian
The Kindred
Jewel Bako
Hearth

Greenwich Village
King
Charlie Bird

West Village
Buvette
The Riddler
En Japanese Brasserie
Casa Apicii

Nolita/NoHo
Pasquale Jones
Quartino
Gemma
Bond Street
Chef’s Club

Lower East Side
Russ & Daughters Cafe
Una Pizza Napoletana
Wild Air
Contra

Tribeca
Racine
Thalassa
Frenchette
Tamarind
Nobu

The post Vicki Gaily On Special Places To Dine In NW Bergen County appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Notable actress, comedian and philanthropist offers this stunning English Country Estate situated on 5.7 manicured acres, completely renovated and expanded in 2000's with no expense spared. A majestic estate setting with panoramic vistas of the exceptional acreage. Inground pool with grotto waterfall, plunge pool, Jacuzzi spa, separate full service year round guesthouse with covered dining, living room/bedroom, 2 baths, laundry and kitchen, natural gas generator that incorporates the entire estate, basketball/huge additional parking area, gated and fenced property, elevator, 3 car garage with artist studio which can be converted for an additional 2 cars. A rare opportunity. Photography is staged by Mark Polo.

Address: Celebrity Stunner, Saddle River, New Jersey 07458

Price: $5,995,000

For more information, please contact Vicki Gaily at 201-390-5880 or vgaily@specialproperties.com

Vicki Gaily is the exclusive agent representing the Bergen County, NJ real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photos courtesy of Vicki Gaily 

The post Majestic English Country Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Equestrian estates are particularly special to me because when my family moved to Northwest Bergen County around 40 years ago, there was an equestrian estate across the street from us. For many years, we woke up to a rooster crow in the early morning and every so often we’d hear a whinny! My daughter was lucky enough to learn to horseback ride on the acres of property that our neighbors had, and still have!

It is hard to believe we have NYC skyline views along with our bucolic riverfront properties with extraordinary views of nature and acres of pastureland.

The first time I entered the gates of River Oak Farm, I could not believe this type of setting existed in Northern New Jersey. The riding facility is state of the art and can accommodate 20 horses with expansive turnouts and indoor riding.

The sports areas offer unlimited opportunity for fitness, both outdoor and indoors. The hand cut stone main residence is architectural perfection. This is all surrounded by 9000 preserved acres. It doesn’t get any better!

Twynn River Farms is another incredible estate encompassing 25 riverfront acres with a 9 stall barn with living space above. The architecture of both the main house and the barn building was designed by renowned architects Shope, Reno, Wharton from Greenwich, Connecticut. The structures were sited on the estate grounds by the architects to take advantage of the extraordinary views. There are two additional historic homes in this compound as well.

Arrowwood Estate was designed as a bucolic retreat of 10 acres in total and can house farm animals or up to five horses. The 17,000 sf. Main house was a labor of love for the current owners desiring a country retreat close to Manhattan. There is both an indoor and outdoor pool and regulation lighted tennis court to add to the fitness amenities.

These are great examples of the recreational/equestrian lifestyles that are exceptional and offer even more reason to enjoy living in this area of New Jersey, especially if you require the close proximity to New York City.

Written by Vicki Gaily 
Marketing Director • Founder
Special Properties, Div. Brook Hollow Group, Inc. Realtors 

The post Equestrian Estates Within 30 Minutes Of Manhattan | Written by Vicki Gaily, Realtor-Associate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

A world class estate situated majestically on a secluded 5.4 acre gated setting on one of the most sought after streets in town. Bob Zampolin architecture encompassing approx. 14,000 sf on the first two floors plus the finished lower level featuring a 3,500 bottle wine cellar and tasting room for the connoisseur. A Salerno kitchen suite includes a breakfast room and a comfortable family room with fireplace. The twelve person theater is conveniently located on the first floor along with the beautifully appointed billiard room with fireplace, and the woodworked library with fireplace and the multi-room master bedroom suite with a circular sitting room, bedroom with fireplace, gym, two baths and two closets, and opens to a private patio and koi pond. The house is sprinklered and offers a large natural gas generator. A heated lagoon pool, full service cabana, waterfalls, slide, a 5-7 car garage and lush grounds make this an offering for the most discerning buyer. 30 minutes from Manhattan.

Address: Franklin Lakes, New Jersey

Price: $8,900,000

For more information, please contact Vicki Gaily at 201-390-5880 or vgaily@specialproperties.com

Vicki Gaily is the exclusive agent representing the Bergen County, NJ real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photos courtesy of Vicki Gaily

The post English Country Grandeur appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

One of the most extraordinary estates in the New York Metropolitan area, this one of a kind palatial estate was custom built for the original owner with no expense spared and updated by the current owner also with no expense spared. Just to name a few features: Smart electronics, new slate roof, an award winning Theo Kalomirakis theater, a spectacular wine cellar/tasting room, an indoor pool, gym/sauna, huge grand salon, multi room kitchen and breakfast room, multi-room master bedroom suite, and a Madison Avenue style boutique closet room. Outdoor pool, full service cabana, waterfalls, koi pond, verandas, patios, and generator. 7 car garage includes 3 lifts. The 1st and 2nd floor have approx. 20,000 sf plus the enormous lower level. Highly sought after location! 30 minutes from Manhattan.

Address: Palatial Masterpiece, Saddle River, New Jersey 07458

Price: $14,975,000

For more information, please contact Vicki Gaily at 201-390-5880 or vgaily@specialproperties.com

Vicki Gaily is the exclusive agent representing the Bergen County, NJ real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photos courtesy of Vicki Gaily 

The post Extraordinary New Jersey Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

River Oak Farm was designed to be a sanctuary, promoting inner peace and renewal. Its 46 acres of complete privacy and seclusion is the perfect retreat for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. While walking the grounds of this secluded, gated retreat, one cannot believe they are only 30 minutes from New York City. The sounds of wildlife are constant as you stroll this magnificent 46 acre estate surrounded by 9000 more acres of nature preserve filled with hiking trails, ponds and mountain views of the Manhattan skyline. The seven bedroom estate house is appointed to be a home, not a designer’s showroom. Each room promotes comfort and relaxation while living in understated elegance. The technology throughout the house provides ease one would expect from an estate this modern, including cable and satellite television, radio and a state-of-the-art sound system inside and out. Peace and relaxation were dominant themes when designing this one-of-a-kind home. From the massage suite complete with a steam room and sauna, to its three indoor and outdoor spas, guests and residents can restore themselves in luxurious comfort. It is the perfect home for entertaining. It’s spacious two-story living room with its 300 year old Murano glass chandelier is centered between a formal dining room and a cozy Library. The main living floors open up to three outdoor terraces overlooking five horse paddocks and with scenic views of the Ramapo River and rolling hillsides. The fully-equipped, custom crafted Old English-styled Pub and technologically advanced theatre are special features for hosting family and friends. For the video gamers, there are three separate video gaming lounges complete with X-Box, PlayStation and multiple High Definition televisions. If enjoying fine wines is your pleasure, the Tuscany-styled wine cellar holds up to 1400 bottles. The staff apartment and Carriage House add three more bedrooms, two kitchens and 2 ½ bathrooms. For the car collector, there is room for six cars in the main house garages. The horse barn is complete with 20 stalls and is attached to a 14,000 square foot indoor riding arena. If your family is into sport, the athletic field and basketball court are perfect areas to get a good workout, that is, if the fully-equipped indoor gym is not enough. If privacy and seclusion is what you seek while only minutes from Manhattan, then River Oak Farm in Mahwah, NJ is the perfect place for you.

Price: $29,500,000

For more information, please contact Vicki Gaily at 201-390-5880

Vicki Gaily is the exclusive agent representing the Bergen County, NJ real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network.

Photos courtesy of Vicki Gaily 

The post New Jersey English Country Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.