Weather-wise, this has been an incredible year for spending time outdoors. Local landscape designers have been busier than ever as 2016's near-perfect summer had us all rediscovering our outdoor spaces and brainstorming on the ways we could spruce up our little pieces of New England paradise as we soaked up the glorious sun-rays. Then it's phone calls, and drawings, and material/labor quotes, and scheduling...and before you know it, summer has come and gone. 'But at least it will be there for next year.'

That's why, when you're in the market for a new home - it's even better when you can purchase a place that has curb appeal, the perfect floor-plan, a wonderful location AND an absolutely fabulous oasis and parcel of manicured land just waiting for you to invite over the family and friends to help you create life-long summer (and fall, and spring) memories aplenty.

Our Featured Recently Sold Property of the week is a distinctive and meticulously-maintained modern Hawkwood Lane home designed by Roy Johnson. Secluded at the far end of a cul-de-sac in a private mid-country association, and set on over an acre of manicured lawns stretching towards a picturesque lake with dock -- this 6,750 square foot residence with 4 bedrooms and 4-and-2-half baths really makes an unforgettable statement.

A sky-lit rotunda marks the center of the interior, and a recurring theme of hexagonal walled rooms makes ample use of floor to ceiling windows and glass sliders leading to wraparound mahogany decks and gorgeous terraces.

There's something special about the sturdiness of a stately colonial home in New England. Case in point: this week's Living Greenwich Featured Open House Property in Riverside. Sun positively fills this completely renovated 5 bedroom, 5 1/2 bath colonial with hardwood floors throughout. A well-outfitted, open cook's kitchen shares space with a family room (complete with a music alcove), an eating area, and a cozy fireplace. You'll adore the variety of versatile spaces, including multiple formal rooms, a den, a fantastic mudroom, and a master bedroom with a tray ceiling and luxurious bath. There's the bonus of a walk-out lower level with a family room, bedroom and full bath (not included in the square footage). The private fenced backyard is ready for playtime with a swing set and your very own zip line! Everything you'd ever need for quality of life is right within sidewalk distance: school, park, train and village.

Open the windows and let in the ocean air from this week's Featured Open House Property. Discerning home buyers will appreciate this elegant colonial, just a short stroll to the shoreline, with stunning architectural details, seasonal water views and geographic proximity to everything you'd ever need.

Or, perhaps you're curious what approximately $1.7M will buy you in the current Greenwich market? If so, you'll need to have a look at our Featured Recently Sold Property (just a little further down the page) of the week -- a classic three bedroom colonial in the heart of Greenwich. The near 3/4 acre property features plenty of peacefulgreen space to unwind in PLUS a fantastic patio setup that any weekend gastronome would love, complete with a state of the art grilling station and outdoor fireplace. Kids you say? The property has plenty of room for the short-leggers with the benefits of a traditional cedar swing set already in place. Bigger kids? The house is just steps away from Cos Cob Middle School and mere minutes from Greenwich High School.

For this week's Featured Open House Property, we're shining the light on a sun-filled Colonial Revival custom-designed home with antique oak floors and custom mill work throughout. Located at the end of Sherwood Farm Lane, a quiet Greenwich cul-de-sac with Western views and magnificent evening skies in wonderful neighborhood close to everything.

This week’s review of recent property transfers revealed a number of closings of higher priced ($3MM+) homes around town. These sales took place predominantly in the Central Greenwich, Riverside and Old Greenwich neighborhoods.

For this week's Featured Open House Property, we're shining the light on an exceptionally styled and constructed Cos Cob home with a sweeping back lawn. 5 bedrooms all en suite, three fireplaces plus a marble cook's kitchen with adjoining family room, large workout room, wine cellar and home theater complete this gem of a home.

As for recent sales, this week we continued to see a steady flow of property transfers around town. While central Greenwich again had the highest number of closings both Old Greenwich and Riverside were well represented.

With the 4th of July holiday weekend in the rear-view, the summer real estate market in Greenwich is full steam ahead - as evidenced by the full slate of local Open Houses planned for this weekend. See some of the select opportunities listed below for discerning buyers to discover the home of their dreams.

We think you'll also find interest in our Featured Open House of the week - a classic Riverside home located on coveted Gilliam Lane. This stone front colonial, built in the 1940's has been beautifully renovated throughout and is just steps from the train or shoreline. Kitchen aficionados will adore the timeless Christopher Peacock kitchen boasting a La Cornue range, Urban Archaeology lighting and granite countertops. Be sure to click through below to see even more images!

The 4th of July holiday weekend is upon us and the Greenwich real estate market is taking the weekend off to celebrate our nation’s birthday. There are only a couple of open houses on the calendar right now - so we featured both of them for any of you who may be in the market.

As for recent sales, this past week the Greenwich real-estate market again saw a number of house closings with the majority of sales occurring on properties in the $1-2MM price range. In addition, the majority of the sales appear to be related to more recent property listings from the spring market.

For our 'Featured Open House Property' this week, we've chosen to shine the light on a spectacular new construction on the water in Lucas Point. The home, built by award-winning Karp Associates, has spectacular views of Greenwich Cove. After all, who doesn't dream of a home with a water view?

As for recent sales activity, this week we saw a much larger number of home sales recorded in town than in weeks past. Moreover, a number of the sales involved higher-end mid and back-country properties.  It is likely that it's way too early to consider this to be a trend; however, it is nice to see the flurry of activity in the local marketplace.

Is real estate on your mind this Father's Day weekend?

For anyone looking to sell a home, it can be helpful to see what similar homes are priced at. For those of you interested in purchasing a home, this is a great chance to see where your budget will get you.

Lets face it - most everyone in Greenwich is interested in the local real estate market - even if it's just out of idle curiosity. That's why once a week, for your convenience, we provide our readers with a list of select Greenwich-area open houses PLUS information on select recent sales.