Archives: Videos

Smart Sustainable Sophisticated House in New Canaan
As the custom timber gates swing open, they reveal the main house and Mid-Century Modern guest house that anchor the sweeping grounds of this 6-acre estate. Newly constructed in 2020, the main house was meticulously designed with not only the finest of finishes but is also technologically smart, sustainable, and solar-powered with every modern convenience included.

Built in the 1930’s and sitting on just over 6 acres of elegantly landscaped grounds, this remarkable estate embodies the exquisite craftmanship of a bygone era.

built in 1825 as “the finest example of Greek Revival architecture in Connecticut”

We made a video of this beautiful estate on a Florida island during the beginning stages of the pandemic and the response was overwhelming. Everybody suddenly wanted a chance to get away.

This is the first video the Engels ever did. The subject is a stunning Elliot Noyes’ midcentury modern in Wilton Connecticut. We thought this kind of house with its massive glass windows would appeal to New Yorkers so we enlisted the help of New York City super-agent Brian Lewis and put him in a sexy car. Susan originally dressed casually with a massive floppy hat and I told her, “Oh, no, you have to change your clothes. I need you to look mid-century modern, very Jackie-O, maybe in a pillbox hat.” We made this video without a script and since it was Brian’s first time in the house you’ll hear Brian reacting with genuine surprise as Susan takes him around the house pointing out each feature. This is still one of my favorite videos. Its a great house and the video tells a complete story with a beginning, middle and end and a bit of humor, but not in a way that overpowers the house.

62 Moriarity Drive, Wilton, CT

John and Susan are totally serious in this one, talking about midcentury modern aesthetics and the history of the midcentury modern movement in New Canaan. The house has no furniture, so they bring along a variety of chairs and present a variety of scenes that show off the textures, colors and forms that describe this movement best. Many people think this video is their best.

1380 Ponus Ridge

In this video John tries to sell us on the possibilities for this beautiful flat 2 acre lot with stone walls. Since the house does not exist John introduces us to the entire development team, making the most of the construction equipment and walks us around the proposed floor plans in order to tell the story

85 Carter Street

This video features John and Susan in a really beautiful $3 million house with dramatic front entrance and great shingle-style architectural integrity. There were so many different fun features we wanted to bring forward so most of the video is spent grilling outside, playing by the pool, competing over foosball in the basement, exercising in the gym and exploring the wine cellar. The challenge with this house was a non-traditional layout and we thought we could overcome the challenges with a lifestyle video.

242 Wahackme Road – New Canaan, Connecticut

“They don’t allow bears in videos?”

A totally unique Silvermine mini-estate offers this unique character filled architecturely redesigned colonial along with a separate detached 1 bedroom apartment. Located on a private lane with over one acre of secluded, landscaped property with man-made koi pond. Designed around a huge family room (the Lodge) with lofty ceilings, stone fireplace & wood stove. Large eat in kitchen with center aisle and custom cabinetry with sliding glass pocket door leading to large solarium with double sliding doors leading to patio. A split staircase separates four bedrooms to enhance privacy. Finished lower level with 5th bedroom, den or home office. The 1 bedroom apartment is ideal for guests or private quarters. Must be seen to be fully appreciated.
4 Indian Hill Road – Norwalk, Connecticut

Just 5 minutes from charming New Canaan this hilltop estate nestled on 4 secluded acres offers an oasis of serenity from the pressures of business or travel. Designed by a Greek architect to fit its natural setting, the home offers 4 levels of private, terraced private gardens and a beautifully intimate swimming pool. Watch deer as you enjoy morning coffee from the Italian tiled exterior balconies. 7500 square feet in 4 stories of open and expansive living area finished with hardwoods, marble, granite and stone will make your stay a delight to the eyes. Exterior doors from almost every room at every level access terraced, private gardens. Enjoy 4 bedrooms with a separate studio apartment and a cork paneled movie room with a 20 foot screen.
269 Dans Highway – New Canaan, Connecticut

That is a reference to John’s tree-climbing in this video, one of the more memorable moments. This is John and his wife Melissa in their first video together, swinging the swings and peeking out of the bushes. They tell the story of the house and of the Silvermine neighborhood, complete with a waterfront peek at the Gray Barns Inn and restaurant nearby

64 Comstock Hill Avenue – Norwalk, Connecticut

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John by himself. Actually, John is doubled and talks to himself out in the yard. Well Built Center Hall Colonial on an oversized lot, 4-5 bedrooms with huge, finished, walkout lower level and huge, unfinished walk-up attic. 3 full baths. Granite and stainless steel kitchen, large family room off kitchen, crown molding, hardwood floors, central air and hydro heat. Finished LL with bath. 40 Yr roof 1 1/2 acre with private level bkyd and 4 car garage/barn.

93 Weed Street

The Benedict Tells Thatcher House-

This video is mostly Susan at the oldest house in town, with the owner, and a bit of John in the snow eating apples.

453 Carter Street

At the end of a West side cul de sac surrounded by nature,you’ll find a pristine 4 BR/3.5B colonial with a most spectacular custom kitchen designed by True North Cabinets boasting 2 stone-topped islands, chef’s appliances, 2 dishwashers, refrigerator drawers & large dining area surrounded by windows. Together with a new roof installed in 2016, new Andersen windows, updated designer bathrooms and newer maintenance free shutters make this house move in ready.

98 Winfield Lane

Join us in “stress free” Redding Connecticut where you can ENTERTAIN IN STYLE! This Private 3 acres w/gunite pool, hot tub, built-in grill, gazebo, mutli-level decks & patios. Open flowing 12 rooms, soaring ceilings, walls of glass.

What I love about this video is the interplay between John and Susan. Susan has been selling over 500 homes in New Canaan for over 30 years and in this video its obvious. This is probably the tenth condo she’s sold at Pride’s Crossing and she knows what she likes about these great brick townhouses downtown. Is it any wonder that when Susan gets revved up describing this brick townhouse that John can only watch in admiration?

312 Elm Street

John teams up with his high school classmate, Michelle to play football, shoot a basketball and eat a banana. Michelle and John have known each other since 8th grade, a fact that Michelle reveals in the opening scene. Again, there is no script. Michelle plays it straight and gives the tour of the house and John simply reacts to Michelle, making it memorable and fun.

165 Old King’s Highway

Many people say this is their favorite video because of the fly-fishing. Most people don’t know that the Canaan Close condos are located on a 7 acre property with a rushing river behind it. This particular unit has 4 balconies overlooking that river. So, naturally the best way to tell the story is to pull on some waders over the suit and bow-tie and physically stand in the river with a fishing rod.

289 New Norwalk Road

This house is priced at the bottom of the New Canaan market and will probably make a great starter home for a young family. It probably has too many steps to appeal to downsizing seniors. With this in mind what were the features we could bring forward to bring this house alive. First, its spotless so of course John demonstrates that you could eat off the floor. Next, it has a great garden so John waters the tomatoes. The best part is when Susan calls it a party house and we fill the driveway with one Porsches multiplied 6 times with movie magic.

131 River Street