Cupid Knows Wine Is For Sharing

If you are thinking of doing something really special this weekend for Valentine's Day, you should consider taking a nice leisurely ride to Little Compton and visit Sakonnet Vineyards.

It is such an incredibly beautiful place, even in the winter months. The fireplace is always going, the people are friendly and helpful and there is always something to look at or learn about. It is just fascinating that we have such a place here in Rhode Island. What a great opportunity to visit a working vineyard!

Sakonnet Vineyards are having a special Valentine's Day weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am - 5 pm. Featuring red wine for Valentine's Day, you can sample chocolates and special cheeses, warm up by the fire with a glass of mulled wine, or talk to the winemaker and learn about dessert wines.

In fact, it is such a romantic place that several couples every year get married right at Sakonnet Vineyards.

Hip to be poor

I feel like I’ve been waiting for this day all my life…it’s finally hip to be poor. Celebrities, industrialists, investment bankers all feel the sting. Waitresses, lawyers, fishermen, brain surgeons, we all share the same leaking boat now. Almost exactly a year ago, the entire country sat mesmerized before the sight of the stock market in freefall, frozen like deer in the headlights at the sight of our retirement funds, college accounts, life savings, hopes, dreams & reasons for living dissolving into thin air. Hello…Can you say "new reality"? Today you can’t open a magazine or newspaper without being bombarded by inane suggestions on how to save what little money you have left – switch from Starbucks to Dunkin! Shop at Wal-Mart! Buy generic! Olay instead of La Mer! – stratagems with about as much effectiveness as trying to stop an incoming tide with a sieve, and which offer the added stupidity of relying upon the same consumerist paradigm that got us here in the first place - buy this instead of that. Save more by spending…less. Discussion of dwindling finances is the subject du jour in the public forums, and if you want to participate in the conversation, you’d better be prepared to talk poor. It’s the chic thing to be. Poor is the new green. In the red is the new black.

This new hipness takes many forms. Some people are of course really poor. Homeless poor, hungry poor, street person poor. People sleeping on subway grates, wearing plastic garbage bags instead of clothes. Others are newly desperate, the foreclosure & short sale & unemployed poor. Many are recent arrivals to poordom, members of the struggling and debt-ridden middle class. And then of course there are the relatively affluent but still less-rich-than-they-were upper strata. Regardless of where you stand on the scale, you’ve probably had some sort of unpleasant reality to adjust to over the past 12 months. If you’re lucky, you’ve done some thinking as well.

Because that’s the one thing that no one has really been addressing – the thinking that landed us in this mess. Buy-spend-buy-spend-buy-spend…what passes for contemporary American “culture” - and its value system - depends entirely upon consumer spending. It’s the engine that makes our society run. We measure our worth by our net-worth, our success by our financial assets, who we are by what we have. If this recent crisis forces us to do nothing more than examine the structureless underbelly of what we believe, it will have served a useful purpose. Raise your hand if you’ve spent your adult life in the service of a financial lie, presenting a prosperous face to the world, while all the time running as fast as you could to keep up. I know I have. Expensive shoes, jewelry, travel experiences, beauty products. Name brands. Never a dime to my name, little in savings, everything leveraged and borrowed against and perpetually in motion, Peter paying Paul paying Peter. I refinanced my house 3 times in the past 8 years. My current mortgage is now three times what my house’s original asking price was. I am not a stupid person. My IQ is 130. The New York Times is delivered to my door daily. I re-read War & Peace, just for fun, ha ha. But wait a second…if I’m so smart, then how come I’m so poor? And didn’t I KNOW better than to get sucked into the machine? Didn’t I read Thoreau and Emerson in college? Didn’t I swear I’d never adopt the shallow materialist values of my parents? Didn’t I have IDEALS? Didn’t me and my friends who grew up in the sixties utterly reject the whole shallow consumerist paradigm?

The truth is that none of us have escaped it. I doubt anyone in this culture CAN escape it. It’s too pervasive. We can no longer even string together our thoughts in non-economic terms. We are “consumers”. We are “products”, products of our culture and products of our times, flipping through magazines, surfing 150 channels, defining ourselves by the aptly-named “goods” that we buy and the purchases that we make, our $1500 handbags, our $900 shoes, our adjustable rate mortgages. We live it, we breathe it, we dream it. We are it.

Well, now the alarm clock has gone off. And unpleasant shock that it’s been, it feels good to finally be awake again. There’s something bracing about finally facing reality. It’s like I always knew this was going to happen, that my past “success” was a triumph of smoke and mirrors and empty values, that it would all come to an end one day, but now that it has, oddly I don’t feel all that bad about it. I’m still here. So are you. No fear, no regrets. Now move on.

A Captivating Lifestyle

One of the liveliest and most recent art groups to form is the Sakonnet Arts Network.

They have a great website and on it you can find all sorts of interesting events and classes for the artist and for the arts patron.





You can participate in Plein Aire painting – I have seen small groups of local artists set up along the Sakonnet and I always want to join them. You can enroll in evening figure workshops, learn how to make paper incorporating flower petals (love that!), meet for Dancing with Sculpture in Little Compton (sounds intriguing)
or maybe drop in for a pilates or belly dancing class with Barbara, the Dancing Spirit (that’s her studio on Main Road near Coastal Roasters – you have to check it out).

South Tiverton is a short ride from Newport and has so much to offer. Whenever I stop in at the town hall, I linger over the current art exhibit. There is always some new and delightful art to look at on the walls of the meeting room.

Congratulations to Tiverton for being such a lively and artistic locale – when you combine that with all the conservation land and open space, it really is a great choice if you are looking for a new place to live.


Call us – we can show you many beautiful homes in Tiverton.

Actress Anne Archer lists Rhode Island Residence

Anne Archer and Terry Jastrow, Celebrity Couple List Rhode Island Sporting Club Residence with Lila Delman Real Estate for $1.1M

Lila Delman Real Estate announces the offering of the Rhode Island golf and yachting residence currently owned by world renowned actress Anne Archer and her husband Terry Jastrow for US$1.1M. The luxurious golf residence is located within the Carnegie Abbey Club, a private waterfront sporting estate just outside Newport, Rhode Island.

Anne Archer and her husband, executive producer Terry Jastrow, bought the 1,600 square foot townhouse new in 2003. It is uniquely designed to emulate the interior of a super-luxury yacht, incorporating design features and furnishings of the highest quality. It is the only residence designed to capture both west facing views over Narragansett Bay and east facing views of the golf course. The residence may also serve as two separate one bedroom homes, great for guests and family visitors. It also features a fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms, two baths, a powder room, a wet bar and water views.

Anne Archer, nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Michael Douglas’ tortured wife in “Fatal Attraction” 1987 is perhaps better known to all of us for playing opposite Harrison Ford in “Patriot Games” and “Clear and Present Danger.” Archer is currently co-staring in the new series “Privileged” and will be seen in a new romantic comedy “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.”

Terry Jastrow is a winner of seven Emmy Awards, having produced and directed some of television’s most prestigious and important sports programs over the past 25 years. These included the Super Bowl XIX (1985), the Indy 500 and the Kentucky Derby. He also produced 6 Olympic Games and was producer of ABC’s Sport Golf Series.

The 5 Star of New England - Rhode Island

What do Turk & Caicos; Baden Baden, Germany; New York City; and Rhode Island have in common? The answer might surprise some but not those in the know….

All have been awarded the prestigious Five Star Diamond seal of approval from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS). Rhode Island has the additional honour of being the first US State to ever receive this achievement. The AAHS exclusively awards this Five Star award to places deemed to be the pinnacle of quality in the global travel and luxury services sector.

Rhode Island has won an Oscar! This is how Rhode Island Tourism Director Mark Brodeur described this award by saying “This is a huge accomplishment – this is our industry’s Academy Awards”.

Rhode Island Governor Carcieri agreed by saying that he has “always maintained that Rhode Island is the star of New England” and expressed his pleasure that “our state’s wonders and its hospitality have earned worldwide recognition as well”.

If you don’t already own property in a Five Star location, correct that by buying a luxury property in Rhode Island!

We offer tremendous value for our luxury and waterfront properties as compared to other luxury real estate destinations such as the Hamptons, Greenwich, Martha’s Vineyard, or Nantucket.

One example of the impeccable properties currently offered in Newport include Oakwood - the 19th-century summer residence of Mary Alida Astor Carey – which is revered as one of the finest historic properties of coastal New England. This 24-room Italianate-style home set in six acres of walled private grounds has hosted many of the area’s most distinguished families over the years. The price will pleasantly surprise you!

Pockets of Recovery

Every time we pick up the paper or turn on the news we are bombarded constantly with updates on increased foreclsores, declining sales, layoffs and tight credit. However, on page 3 of the Business Section of the local paper I saw a sign of recovery. It went unnoticed by the author of the article and probably by many who read it. It was like that wayward Robin I noticed in the yard on a wintery day in February. One of those days when Spring seems so far away and yet, if you look hard, you can find the clues that maybe, just maybe, something good is not that far around the corner.

The average price of a home in Narragansett for the month of November 2008 was 20% higher than the average price of a home in November 2007 while total units were only down by 3. I asked myself how could this happen in the middle of a meltdown when everyone was screaming that the sky was falling and the world was ending? I thought that no one had any money or a job and that banks weren't lending and everyone was going bankrupt! Where did this come from?

There is no doubt that there are areas that have been and will continue to suffer in this real estate fueled slump. However, many of the issues that drove these problems are not present in many of our coastal resort markets. We have not been overrun with foreclsoures, inventory is relatively stable, there was a relatively small amount of speculation and development in this area over this past decade. This region also has a tremendous amount of desirability, beautiful coastal beaches, interesting historic Towns, architecture and access. Those people out there who still have money, and there must be a few still out there, are focusing their interests in areas they know will continue to outshine the rest of the pack. So, before you throw in the towel on this wintry day, remember, I spotted a Robin!

Fine Feathered Friends

When I started to think about landscaping my yard, the first thing on my list was that it would incorporate elements to attract birds.



So, over the past 5 years I have added bird feeders, trees and shrubs, bird baths, and a small stone pool with a millwheel fountain. It is very small, but the birds are attracted to the running water. And watching them is definitely a calming influence.


In the summer, I like to grow sunflowers because of the goldfinches. They come in flocks to sit on the flowers and hang upside down to eat the seeds. Since they are the exact same colors as the sunflowers, you don’t notice them until they move. These birds that are so brightly –colored in the summer fade to a dull yellowish gray in the winter. They don’t even look like the same birds until you look really closely and see the faint yellow feathers.



I do not attract any exotic birds but that is OK with me. Just the usual regulars. The little wrens and sparrows are by far the most plentiful and they are so sweet. They actually take turns at the feeder. And it amazes me how they actually kick seeds out of the feeder to the ground so that the ground-feeding birds, like the doves, have something to eat, too. Pretty amazing the way nature works so that the qualities and characteristics that are selected to be passed on genetically are those that promote the species.

I love to feed the birds and have always done so. Some of my first memories are of my mother ripping bread into little pieces to throw out onto our snow-covered back yard to feed the birds. As soon as the bread hit the ground, a whole flock of little birds would descend and create a wonderland.

Historic Preservation?

A couple of years ago, I took a class on Historic Preservation. One of the interesting ideas brought up by the teacher was preserving mid-century modern buildings as they age. As time goes by, those buildings from the 50s and 60s become eligible for historic labels.



It really got me thinking about preservation. While most people understand preserving a Victorian beauty, and appreciate the significance of its architecture chances are the average person scoffs at preserving something more modest and more recent.


There has even been a movement afoot to preserve Quonset Huts! throughout the US, intended to be quick and they are scattered easy shelter for GIs but now they house families, storefronts, churches and even a theater in lovely Carmel, California. There is a debate about tearing it down or preserving it. Quonset Huts do not meet the National Historic Register qualification of ‘integrity of place’ because they were built one place (here in RI!) and moved to other locations. But people throughout the US are trying to get them named to the local historic districts in their areas.

What about preserving the beautiful shimmering glass and steel buildings of the 50s? This photo shows one scheduled to be demolished! Built in the 50s as a Gunner Mate’s School in Great Lakes by renowned architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

Mid century buildings do not always have the readily apparent appeal and striking qualities most agree are worth saving.

These buildings require a whole new set of skills other than what we are familiar with – artisans who work with wood and plaster, the rare person who can fix a slate roof, those who can recreate intricate details in floors and banisters. Who will work on the steel and glass beauties? Will anyone even care?

How about a strip mall? The little ranch house? All have their place in architectural history.

An Extraordinary Gift Amid the Day to Day

There is an annual phenomenon that occurs every year from mid to late summer along Route Scenic -1 A just outside of Wickford Village. The most beautiful water lily pond puts on a show for all the passersby to appreciate.

The natural beauty in an unexpected area literally stops people in their tracks. I can't tell you how many times I have seen cars whip around in a U-turn because the drivers cannot believe what they just saw.

Photographers, painters and people af all ages and types stand there and ooh and ahh over the little pond. Very small, and squeezed in along the side of the road, this sweet pond and its drop-dead gorgeous flowers have been gracing our world at least since the 1970s. How long before that and exactly what is its origin, I do not know but I intend to find out.

No one picks them, trods on them, or disturbs them in any way. It is if we know we are in the presence of something extraordinary and on some very deep level understand that it is a precious gift from nature. For once, we are able to look and not touch or disturb nature.

Don't they look like lotus blossoms? The gifts of the gods to mankind?

City Girl Moves To The Coast

As a child I often thought how great it would be to grow up near the beach. Instead I spent my childhood in the country or the city. When I married, my husband and I decided to move to a home he had been using as a rental in South Kingstown. My first visit there brought mixed emotions. Yes, the beaches were beautiful. It was clean, peaceful, and you could actually SEE the stars at night! The other things I noticed were, where would I shop? Is there a Starbucks? What in the world do you do all winter long? Well I said "let's try it". Seven years later I have fallen in love with life here. Many people say it is God's country. It is so nice to walk into a store, coffee shop or market and people actually know who you are and seem glad to see you.

Morning commutes are made up of waterviews, trees and no traffic. Sometimes I like to listen to the traffic reports of jams on the Washington bridge in Providence. I used to be stuck in that mess day after day. South County has so much to offer. Since moving I had a son Brady. He is 2 1/2 and loves his home. Now he will grow up near the beach, enjoy all the beautiful parks and the wonderful people. Living here is truly like being on vacation all year. We don't miss the rushed life of living in the city and of course I have found some great shopping.

To Save A Mocking Bird

On a balmy spring day, I was gazing out of the window at my place of work on Ocean Road in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The sparkling ocean was luxuriating in the bright intense afternoon sunlight.

There is a large evergreen tree outside of our office that spreads its limbs like latticework partially obstructing my water view, however providing vital shade. A movement like an unfurling fan caught my eye. Looking more intently, I realized that there was a diminutive bird helplessly dangling from one of the branches. Hearing me gasp, several of my associates rushed over to see what event could be unfolding outside. Within minutes, two of these compassionate souls were on the scene under the tree attempting to reach the hapless victim with a pole, however, they could not free it. Suddenly, out of nowhere, two more heroes materialized with a ladder! The ladder was instantly set up and tenuously climbed by one of them. Again, this attempt to liberate the bird was futile. As I sat there mesmerized, witnessing this kind act of humanity, the rescuer carefully snapped off the branch with the trapped bird still bound to it and tender footedly descended back down the ladder to terra firma.



With a surgeon’s fine tuned touch, the Good Samaritan swiftly extricated the little creature from the thread that had been wrapped around its talon and which had snagged on the branch. He cradled it in his hands with tender loving care, gently stroking the head to reassure the trembling bird. Then, with arms extended above his head, the bird was given the opportunity to take flight and soar away. However, it dropped to the ground unable to fly. A box was quickly emptied of its contents, temporarily providing sanctuary to the small bird, and a call was made to a local veterinarian. Within the hour, the bird was being lovingly chauffeured to the vet who treats untamed birds and animals, by yet another caring person.

A tiny life saved by some altruistic beings whose only collective intent was to rescue a young mocking bird.

Charming Tiverton

One of the nicest places I've discovered is the southern part of Tiverton which borders Little Compton.

I was so taken with the efforts to preserve the natural beauty that for the past several years I have become a supporter of the Tiverton Land Trust.

If you decide to take a drive to the phenomonal and great shopping area called Tiverton Four Corners, you will pass right by The Pardon Gray Farm, 230 acres of preserved land saved as open space.

This farm is adjacent to the 550 acre Weetamoo Woods. The farm contains many colonial artifacts, the Gray family historic cemetery, and original stone walls.

Pardon Gray provided food and supplies to the 1,500 Revolutionary Army troops that were camped at Fort Barton, just a few miles north, also in Tiverton. Quite an historic place.

And if you are into serene settings and waterfront homes with meadows and stone walls sweeping down to the sea, we have just the house for you.

What You Get for...$7 Million

What You Get for... $7 Million

This week the popular NY Times online feature "Property Values" includes a Lila Delman Real Estate listing in Middletown, RI.

Sometimes it's $400,000, sometimes it's $15,000,000...but it's always interesting to compare your area of the country with others and the properties featured in this column are always unique in some way.

The Lila Delman Real Estate listing that's featured in this article is the Kennel Cottage at Gray Craig. Once a home for the original estate owner's prized Pekineses, now a beautifully renovated home on over 8 acres. The home is a dream, but the grounds are one of the great surprises left here on Aquidneck Island. With commanding views of Little Compton and beyond from a cistern at the highest point, to a 30,000 sq ft walled fruit orchard with a magnificent Italianate tea house, one must think that when Gray Craig was divided, the Kennel Cottage got some of the choicest and most private areas of the estate's landscape. Check out the tour and come back as more photos will be added as the flowers bloom.