Thanksgiving Favorites As the holiday season kicks off this week with Thanksgiving, we thought we’d share some holiday indulgences. Traditionally turkey is the star of the Thanksgiving table, but we here at KMS are all about the extras. One of us, associate Lisa Holler, forgoes the turkey in honor of her Gram Betty who always served standing prime rib roast with horseradish cream and Yorkshire pudding popovers. For those serving turkey, the stuffing is a must. The Morris family insists on Laurie’s dressing, which myst be baked inside the turkey (Hmm, doesn’t that make it stuffing? We’ll save ..read more

This fall, you may find yourself in your first home, a new home or a home that you’ve been in for a number of years. If you’ve just moved in, chances are good that the previous owners did some tidying up before selling their home. If not, take a look at your home from the curb — does your driveway need sealing, windows need washing or the front door need painting?  Fall is the perfect time for these tasks and more. Here are some ideas to get you started. Care for your lawn — to help your lawn recover from summer stress and prepare for the upcoming winter, keep watering your lawn until the ..read more

November 2023 Concierge Calendar Here come the Holidays! Halloween is past and Thanksgiving is coming at warped speed. Curated for you, we hope the following events & ideas will help you make the most of your time with friends and family this month. Click on any image below for details — enjoy each & every day. 11/1 Turkey Time It's time ..read more

From the hilltop of the Old Hill neighborhood, the views of Westport are stunning. It is from this vantage point that we take note of the character and charm of historic homes whose preservation helps keep the fabric of our area unique. Westport has seven historic districts, the oldest and largest of which is the Kings Highway North Local Historic District, now 50 years old. First known as Taylor Town, the area was a village of farmers at first, then associated with maritime development of the Saugatuck river port and finally involved in the formation of the town itself. The 1730 house built b ..read more

October 2023 Concierge Calendar Autumn Sweaters are out and there's hope that the umbrellas can be tucked away for a while! Beyond the gourds, there are lots of ways to enjoy the great outdoors this month. Curated for you, we hope the following events & ideas will enlighten, entertain, inspire and help you & yours love where you live just a little bit more. Click on any image below for details — enjoy each & every delicious bite ..read more

The colors, beauty and flavors of autumn extend well beyond the early-appearing, pumpkin-spiced lattes! Here in Fairfield County we celebrate the arrival of fall with outdoor recreation, apple-picking excursions, festivals and dining on seasonal fare. Did someone mention German Apple Pancakes or Eggplant Torre? Luckily for us, there are several new places to try this fall within the restaurant meccas of Fairfield County. Featuring nearly every cuisine on the planet, in every kind of spot and for all sorts of budgets, Westport and Fairfield have your palates covered. Here is a tasting menu of ..read more

Final September 2023 Concierge Calendar CT's Sweet September A wonderful transition between the heat of summer and the crisp days of fall. Isn't it everyone's favorite month? Curated for you, we hope the following events & ideas will enlighten, entertain, inspire and help you & yours love where you live just a little bit more. Click on any image below for details — enjoy each & every tasty bite ..read more

Last month we discussed the "useful life" of homes, including their finishes and systems. Even at significant expense, upgrading things beyond cosmetics can have enormous value in a market where buyers want “new”, without any work. Energy saving, environmentally friendly solutions - many with tax rebates and credits thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, are available and should be considered when making any home improvements. Here are just a few ideas. HVAC Systems - According to the US EIA, approximately 43% of CT homes are heated with oil or other petroleum based products, the fourth highes ..read more

Mary Ellen August 2023 Concierge Calendar August Staycations The "dog-days" of summer may be upon us, but Connecticut has plenty to offer those staying in town. Get out and have some fun! Back-to-school shopping can wait until tax-free week, August 20 - 26th. Click on any image below for details — enjoy each & every fleeting summer day! 8/1 It's a Ful ..read more

It’s July — time for Fairfield County residents to think about swimming, sailing, golf and tennis. And mill rates. Most municipalities mail tax bills this month. They’re a reminder of the costs & obligations of home ownership, and of the many amenities we get for our dollars. One mill equals a dollar of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. “Mill rate” is another way to say “property tax rate.” By state law, property is reevaluated every five years. Towns that underwent a reevaluation over the past couple of years saw a dramatic rise in assessments, resulting in a decreased in m ..read more