Elyse's
Country Journal

American Garden Design Inspired by the Japanese Way of Tea by Bettina Mueller “For anyone who has considered taking on the challenge of transplanting Japanese culture to a new setting, here is a great example, with hints on gardens, tea

The first glimpses of foliage have arrived; uniting us all in celebration of the region’s majestic mountains, crisp autumn air and the bounty of the season’s harvest.  Fall festivals decorate the tri-state region this weekend as we embrace the beauty of the

“Buying a Second Home First” by Michelle Higgins (New York Times, Real Estate, September 11, 2015) Dismayed at what their money will get them in the city, some are looking to the country to purchase weekends homes of respite.

“The perfect home at a great price and a new friend for life.”

September by Helen Hunt Jackson The golden-rod is yellow; The corn is turning brown; The trees in apple orchards With fruit are bending down. The gentian’s bluest fringes Are curling in the sun; In dusty pods the milkweed Its hidden

AMERICA’S BEST NEW RESTAURANTS 2015 The Dining Room at the White Hart Inn (Salisbury, CT) by Andrew Knowlton and Julia Kramer · August 4, 2015 Bon Appetite named the White Hart Inn’s Dining Room one of the Best New Restaurants of

A local couple who shares their time between New York City and Litchfield, CT has spent decades restoring their home in Litchfield. “It’s got such a big soul. And we’re just carrying that with us,” said Ms. Champalimaud on a

Quirky – in the most charming way.  Norfolk, contrary to being dubbed the “Ice Box” (due to its reputation of having the coolest temperatures in Connecticut), is a closely-knit and warm community that proudly embraces its brisk reputation.  Home to Infinity

The celebratory firing of muskets began in the Colonial Days as a means to spread the word of victory.  Fireworks, invented by the Chinese over 2,000 years ago, have since replaced early American customs as we continue the tradition of celebrating the

Flags symbolize unity – From childhood clubs to large corporations and countries throughout the world, a flag is an expression of pride.  Each flag tells a story through deliberate design. On June 14, 2015 we celebrate Flag Day to commemorate

The varying terrain throughout the Berkshire Mountains, Litchfield Hills, and Oblong Valley is decorated by a plethora of waterfalls.  Dramatic forces of nature that demand attention yet simultaneously calm our senses with their sound, cool misty air, and turbulently churning pools

  Each year America joins together on the last Monday in May to pause, reflect and honor the abbreviated lives of those who have sacrificed everything for our freedom.  Pride pulses throughout towns nationwide as we parade colors of red

A host, of golden daffodils… Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay:

“When you thought I wasn’t looking” When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a

New York Times: “Small Renovations, Big Payoffs”  By TIM McKEOUGH April 24, 2015  

The Litchfield Hills are often dubbed “The Secret Corner.”  Nestled within the Southern Berkshires and Hudson Valley, our private corner of solitude boasts quintessential villages, artistic communities and unlimited outdoor recreation.  With the spring real estate market alive with activity, let

Berkshire Style did a fabulous job compiling all of the local summer camps that are available throughout the Southern Berkshires, Litchfield Hills & Hudson Valley regions. Berkshire Style: Summer Camp Sampler

Love thy raindrops!  The Tri-State area is one of pride and camaraderie – a place where residents find beauty and purpose in the simplest of things.  Instead of weathering the storm, the Berkshires dance amongst it and find reasons to celebrate.

April Showers Bring May Flowers… and officially kick off the Tri-State Region’s infamous Mud Season.  Despite its gooey name, the surge of water throughout the Berkshires that has resulted from melting snow and warm spring rain is also accompanied by

Main Street Magazine (April 2015):  Chestnut Ridge Farm by John Torsiello “Entertaining has always been an integral component of life at Chestnut Ridge,” said Elyse Harney Morris of Elyse Harney Real Estate.  “The equestrian lifestyle lends itself to fabulous social

400 enjoy sweet hint of spring: MapleFest in Sharon By N.F. Ambery, Special to The Register Citizen SHARON, Connecticut It was a sweet time: There were taps on the trees, sap in the buckets and tours on the trails. The

Architect Homes: Streamlined Yet Sophisticated by Nancy Keates Many luxury buyers seek homes with complicated floor plans, high-end finishes and the latest technology. But architects’ homes are often simple, sophisticated structures that merely look expensive.

New York Times Review of the Falls Village Inn (Falls Village, CT) “A Review of the Falls Village Inn in Connecticut” by Christopher Brooks MARCH 28, 2015 “If the grandeur of the Falls Village Inn, underscored by its whitewashed siding,

There is nothing quite like the taste of the pizza that you grow up eating as a child; it sets the bar for every slice thereafter.  Perhaps this is why the Grand Opening of Haystack Pizza in Norfolk, CT was

Spring has (almost) sprung!   As sunshine slowly melts the remains of a long winter, we joyfully welcome its sporadic warmth and the arrival of the Spring Equinox.   The Equinox, with its Latin origins meaning “equal-night”, is a turning point in

Saint Patrick’s Day originally began in honor of the patron saint of Ireland and is now shared by all nationalities with jubilant, carefree celebration. Like that of the Irish spirit, Elyse Harney Real Estate is a compilation of jubilant souls

When Rural Meets Resort: Hamptons Style Development Comes to the Hudson Valley By Julie Satow New York Times – Real Estate: March 6, 2015 “This is a brand-new approach for this area, no question about it,” said Elyse Harney Morris, a

Our beloved White Hart Inn in Salisbury, CT continues to make headlines!  It is truly an exceptional community gem. Click here to read New York Times’ Travel article that was published on March 4, 2015

Norfolk, CT Sunset (March 2015) “Pink sky at night – sailor’s delight.” Pinkish hues have recently saturated many sunsets throughout the Litchfield Hills – leaving me to ponder the truthfulness of the sky’s color as an indicator of fair weather as I

    Maple sap is winter’s reward for patience throughout Mother Nature’s coldest months of the year.  Native Americans, as well as many Asian cultures, have ancient customs that include the consumption of maple sap as a natural spring tonic. 

        Clean your homes, decorate with red, prepare your lanterns and celebrate! February 19, 2015 welcomes the Chinese New Year.  The first day of each lunar month is marked by the darkest day of the moon’s cycle and moves

New York Times: The Private-School Sales Bump on the Upper East Side by Julie Satow For the next several weeks, many New York City families will be in a state of apprehension as private schools begin sending out their acceptance letters.

Mortgage Shopping and Credit Scores by Lisa Prevost (New York Times: 02/01/2015) Borrowers need not avoid shopping around for the best mortgage deal out of fear that allowing multiple lenders to “pull,” or check, their credit will chip away at