It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Boston Post Road Historic District gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Darien, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia,”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield”
“Excellent!”
“I’ve booked back-up care for my two young children multiple times with ABC, and will continue to reach out to them first any time I have care needs. Not only was my caregiver great, but the service and care I got from Alan was above and beyond. He is so responsive, invested and attentive - feel like I’m working with a friend/family. They really care about their care recipients and make you feel like a VIP. The caregiver we were assigned was not only sweet and warm, but she wouldn’t sit still and made sure she was always doing something helpful. Couldn’t be happier with the company or caregiver, and will work with them anytime the need arises.”
“I booked Always Best Care through my Company's "Back Up Care" benefit. My Company's "Back Up Care" can be a little tricky to use and sometimes difficult to get the care properly confirmed. I reached out to Alan the day before my booking and he did a tremendous job at making sure that I had appropriate care for my 5 month old and that I wouldn't have to stress. Our actual caregiver, Chyna was great. She arrived on time, was knowledgable, respectful, and friendly. We had no worries leaving our 5 month old in her care. I'd book with Always Best Care again.”
“Alan is always there for us at all times with amazing care givers. He manages changes and last minute needs as though our family member is his family. He is also there in person to make sure everything is going smoothly.”
“Alan’s responsiveness in arranging home care far exceeded expectations. The home health aide is amazing as well. Thank you ABC for providing exceptional service!!”
“We had a lovely experience with Celenis! The company quickly swooped in to support us with childcare and she went above and beyond caring for our son permitting us to focus at work!”
“In what was a tremendously difficult last few years caring for my mom with dementia, we burned through multiple agencies and aides. Only at the end did we find unmatched compassion and competence with Alan and his team of aides at Always Best Care. A lot of times the whole experience felt overwhelming, disjointed and end of life care system just plain broken. They were the one shining bright spot. Our family would recommend them in the highest order.”
“This is a 5 star company. Their name is perfect. Always Best Care. The care givers for my mom in her final months were gracious, considerate, compassionate and professional. I spoke with Alan many times telling him how thankful i was to have him and the outstanding service his company provided to my mother. My highest recommendation to Alan and his staff at Always Best Care.”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care. We needed someone to help mom get back on her feet again after hip surgery and to be her companion for three weeks during Covid quarantine as she moved from rehab center back to her senior living apartment. All services were provided with the highest level of kindness, compassion and dignity and we are truly grateful for the help.”
“Amy Crowley at ABC Senior Services did a terrific job helping me find a suitable assisted living place for my Mom. She presented an array of good choices, gave me some very good advice about things to look for when I checked them out, responded quickly and completely to every question I had, and did all of this in the hurry done urgent circumstances required. No hard sell, just good knowledgeable work.”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers”
“Professional and reliable in-home caregivers.”
“Please welcome the newest Connecticut office of Always Best Care to Norwalk and Lower Fairfield County. If you know a loved one in need of care, please visit our website or call us anytime for a free no-obligation expert consultation.”
“Excellent!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Baker Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Restaurant L'Ostal or visit Bates-Scofield House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Darien, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Darien, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Darien, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Darien Library, along with Barrett Bookstore, welcomes our Summer Reading Author Amy Poeppel who will discuss her new book, Far and Away. She will be in conversation with author, Nicola Kraus, ...
Darien Library, along with Barrett Bookstore, welcomes our Summer Reading Author Amy Poeppel who will discuss her new book, Far and Away. She will be in conversation with author, Nicola Kraus, The Best We Could Hope For, and they will discuss their books, writing lives, and favorite reads. Join us for this fun-filled magical evening!
From the “absolutely hilarious” (Real Simple) Amy Poeppel, author of The Sweet Spot and Small Admissions, comes Far and Away, a charming new novel about a house swap gone wonderfully awry. Perfect strangers Lucy and Greta have agreed to a house swap—and boy, are they going to regret it. Lucy’s hometown of Dallas has gone from home sweet home to a vicious snake pit in the blink of an eye after her son makes a mistake he can’t undo. And Greta’s beloved flat in Berlin is suddenly up for grabs when her husband Otto takes a dream job in Texas without even telling her.
Amy Poeppel is the award-winning author of the novels Far and Away, The Sweet Spot, Musical Chairs, Limelight, and Small Admissions. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Rumpus, Literary Hub, and Working Mother. She and her husband have three sons and split their time between New York City, Germany, and Connecticut. She would love to hear from you on Instagram: @AmyPoeppel or at her website.
Photo credit to George Baier.
Nicola Kraus co-authored The Nanny Diaries, an international #1 bestseller and movie starring Scarlett Johansson and Alicia Keys. Nicola has contributed to The London Times, The New York Times, Redbook, Glamour, and Town & Country. In 2015, she co-founded the creative consulting firm The Finished Thought, which helps the next generation of aspiring authors find their voice and audience. The Best We Could Hope For is her first solo novel.
Parking is available in Darien Library's parking lot. If the lot is full, there may be parking available behind Nielsen's on Thorndal Circle (view parking map).
DARIEN, CT — Dr. Jennifer Falcone has been appointed director of elementary education for Darien Public Schools, the district announced this week. She succeeds Julie Droller, who retired in June.Falcone, currently serving as principal of Cider Mill Elementary School in Wilton, is set to begin her new role in August. Her appointment follows an extensive career in public education, with prior roles in Norwalk, Brookfield, Greenwich, and Wilton."Dr. Falcone brings a wide range of experiences that will serve her well in ...
DARIEN, CT — Dr. Jennifer Falcone has been appointed director of elementary education for Darien Public Schools, the district announced this week. She succeeds Julie Droller, who retired in June.
Falcone, currently serving as principal of Cider Mill Elementary School in Wilton, is set to begin her new role in August. Her appointment follows an extensive career in public education, with prior roles in Norwalk, Brookfield, Greenwich, and Wilton.
"Dr. Falcone brings a wide range of experiences that will serve her well in her new role at Director of Elementary in Darien," said Interim Superintendent Dr. Eric Byrne in a news release.
Falcone began her career as a fourth grade teacher in Norwalk Public Schools before joining Brookfield Public Schools, where she worked in multiple capacities, including classroom teacher, remedial reading teacher, English language learner coordinator, and district literacy specialist.
From 2008 to 2013, she served as K-12 program coordinator for reading and language arts for Greenwich Public Schools, where she led several district initiatives, including the modification of student supports and interventions, the development of vertically and horizontally aligned, standards-based curriculum, and strategic planning in the areas of data teams, technology, and standards-based report cards.
While principal in Wilton, Falcone introduced instructional strategies such as learning walks and peer observations and focused on academic performance through an accelerated learning framework and data-driven professional learning. She also prioritized community engagement and integrated the Common Core Standards and backward design theory into transdisciplinary and core curricula, the district noted.
"I am honored to join the Darien Public Schools as the director of elementary education," Falcone said in a news release. "As a passionate and collaborative instructional leader, I am excited to learn alongside the talented educators, students, and families of Darien. I look forward to building on the district’s strong foundation and continuing the important work of fostering joyful, rigorous, and engaging learning for all."
Falcone holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from the University of Connecticut, a master’s in elementary education from Sacred Heart University, and a sixth year certificate in reading and language arts from Central Connecticut State University. She earned her administrative certification and doctorate from Western Connecticut State University, where she also served as a doctoral advisor. She has taught as an adjunct professor at both Western and Central Connecticut State Universities.
DARIEN, CT — Matthew Bergwall, the former University of Miami student from Darien who was convicted of operating a multi-million dollar shipping fraud scheme, has been sentenced to a year and a day in prison, according to a report from the Darien Times.On July 10, a federal judge in Tampa, Fla., ordered that Bergwall must also serve three years of supervised release and pay ...
DARIEN, CT — Matthew Bergwall, the former University of Miami student from Darien who was convicted of operating a multi-million dollar shipping fraud scheme, has been sentenced to a year and a day in prison, according to a report from the Darien Times.
On July 10, a federal judge in Tampa, Fla., ordered that Bergwall must also serve three years of supervised release and pay over $1 million in restitution to Amazon, the Darien Times reported, noting Bergwall was recommended to serve his sentence at a minimum-security prison camp in Otisville, N.Y., to be close to family.
Bergwall pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to commit mail fraud, according to court filings.
Beginning around December 2021, Bergwall gained unauthorized access to compromised employee accounts of a "multinational shipping, receiving, and supply chain management company," prosecutors previously said.
Prosecutors said Bergwall and his co-conspirators then used these accounts to submit fraudulent tracking information for certain merchandise shipped by the company on behalf of victim-retailers around the country, prosecutors said.
"This allowed the co-conspirators to pursue full refunds from victim-retailers while maintaining physical possession of the merchandise, such as high-end electronics, jewelry, designer clothing, and accessories," prosecutors said.
Last summer, two Wisconsin residents were arrested in connection with the case and charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, prosecutors said.
During a five-month period, the return-fraud scheme "caused nearly 10,000 fraudulent returns and resulted in victim-retailers losing more than $8 million in merchandise," an indictment said.
Bergwall also purchased merchandise for himself over the course of the scam, prosecutors said, noting that he bought a $41,000 Rolex President Day-Date watch, a $600 TeamGee H2O Electric Skateboard, a $350 Samsung 43-inch Smart TV, and an $80 pair of Reebok shoes.
In 1865, when New York insurance broker-turned-property developer Melville Mead purchased farmland that would eventually become Prospect Avenue in Darien, he envisioned lining the 8-acre field with some of the town’s most prestigious houses.Blessed with rolling hi...
In 1865, when New York insurance broker-turned-property developer Melville Mead purchased farmland that would eventually become Prospect Avenue in Darien, he envisioned lining the 8-acre field with some of the town’s most prestigious houses.
Blessed with rolling hills and unobstructed views of Long Island Sound, Mead carved the land into 24 building lots and set out to erect properties in a variety of architectural styles. The new houses would serve as a stark contrast to the Colonial and Saltbox dwellings that dotted the mostly agricultural town at the time.
Italianate houses with cupolas and mansard roofs were built alongside large Queen Anne-style properties designed with towers, turrets and porches. Late Victorian houses were assembled with large gables facing the street and long, narrow windows. And Neo-classical Revival houses — some with prominent columns or porticos — were created with high-pitched, hipped roofs with dormer windows.
Mead's goal was to create a neighborhood that would attract Darien’s “most respected citizens,” and he stipulated the houses had to be “substantial private residences” worth $1,000, according to Marian Castell, a former Darien town historian. (Meade paid $3,500 for the entire eight acre parcel, according to Castell.) Despite their detailed and in some cases extravagant construction, Mead insisted the structures be built within one year of purchase.
The cluster of elegant houses came to be known as Darien’s very first “subdivision,” and Mead named it Prospect Avenue for its vistas. “Though barely 32 years old when he started Prospect Avenue, it remains, undeniably, one of the most striking streets in Darien,” adds Castell.
Remarkably, a stroll through Prospect Avenue today reveals a rich architectural community of houses that have largely stayed intact.
Their resilience is due in part to the quality of the building materials of the time, but they have also benefited from generations of owners who preserved their architectural integrity, says Allison Casazza, an historic preservationist with tour group HisTOURy. The nonprofit specializes in creating architectural tours in Connecticut and organized a walking tour of the Prospect Avenue community in early May in partnership with the Museum of Darien. The community features homes on Prospect Avenue and Brookside Road that were part of the Mead's original set of building lots.
“These homes tend to attract owners who are drawn to their architectural significance,” says Casazza, a Danbury native. “So even with renovations they never lose sight of the importance of preservation.”
The architectural history of the Prospect Avenue community led Jacqueline deMontravel and her husband, Bill, to buy a home there in 2023. The property sits on Brookside Road, a tree-lined street at one end of Prospect Avenue that includes several homes that are part of the original Prospect Avenue development.
Built in the Italianate style in 1866, their property, which was featured on the tour, includes many of its original architectural details including the fireplace, screened-in porch and wide-plank pine flooring throughout the main floor.
“We really feel like every room in the home is special in its own unique way,” says deMontravel, a publishing executive, who allowed visitors inside of her home during the tour. “We never planned to go overboard on renovations because the house itself is simply wonderful and protecting its historical integrity is important to us.”
The tour of Prospect Avenue included houses that primarily spanned the Victorian era of architecture which saw its peak in the U.S. from about 1827 to 1901. The period roughly coincided with the reign of Queen Victoria in Great Britain, but no single style dominated the era, says Charlie McMahon, assistant director of the Center for Arts & Minds at Fairfield University who led the tour.
The houses on view encompassed several overlapping yet distinctive architectural styles, with many evolving with American tastes and featuring new, multi-faceted and imaginative styles, McMahon adds.
Highlights of the tour included 5 Prospect Ave., an 1867 house built by Charles G. Morehouse. According to McMahon, it was the first house constructed on Prospect Avenue and though it was originally built in the Italianate design, it was remodeled in 1888 into a Second Empire house with a cupola and four-story tower.
The Italianate structure at 13 Prospect Avenue was built in 1868 by Charles Stuart Whitney, McMahon says. Influenced by Italian country villa architecture, its boxy shape includes asymmetrical massing of wings, towers and bay windows.
He adds Horace Whitney built the home at 11 Prospect Avenue in 1867. It’s noted for fusing the functional, simple design aesthetic of vernacular architecture with the more decorative and complex style of Late Victorian Eclectic design.
History was only part of the draw for Preston Bealle and his wife, Kim, when they purchased their 1870s home in the Prospect Avenue community 30 years ago, which was part of the tour. With three young children at the time, the couple needed more space and began looking at larger houses in Darien.
“We were slightly aware of the area’s history, but we really adored the neighborhood and thought it was a wonderful place to raise our family,” Preston says, whose home on Brookside Road was also part of the tour.
The couple — both former advertising executives — embarked on several renovations over the years, including updating the kitchen and baths, but say they never altered the home’s original layout. They also commissioned Darien artist Lisa Thoren to add elaborate murals to the walls of a dining room that include a candle chandelier and church pew bench seating. The concept was to create a look of a tapestry found in New York's Cloisters or a European castle or church, the artist says.
“We basically liked everything we saw in the house right from the start,” Preston adds. “Aside from a few personal touches we didn't really want to change too much of it.”
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