ARTS + CULTURE FROM BRANCHVILLE TO BROADWAY, LIA CHRISTINA MAKES HER DEBUT IN “STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW”
LOCAL SERVICES
THE ROOF SPECIALISTS: FAMILY-OWNED EXCELLENCE IN ROOFING, SIDING, GUTTERS, AND MORE
MARCH 2026
With Spring around the corner, Ridgefield’s real estate market is ready to shine. High buyer engagement, both from within Fairfield County and discerning out-of-state clients, continues to reflect the enduring allure of Ridgefield’s lifestyle, culture, and sense of community. Home values remain steady, with select properties experiencing thoughtful appreciation as limited inventory enhances demand.
At Karla Murtaugh Homes, we are privileged to represent this extraordinary market and remain steadfast in delivering tailored guidance and exceptional results. Whether you are considering a purchase or preparing to sell, trust our award-winning team to provide a refined, seamless experience in 2026.
Consistently Ranked #1 in Ridgefield
The Home & Design Issue
Home. Just four letters, yet it holds so much meaning. It’s our sanctuary, our foundation, and the place where life unfolds. Home is where we begin and end each day—where routines are formed, memories are made, and our lives quietly take shape. While the specifics of what “home” looks like may differ for each of us, its importance is universal.
Author Wendy Wunder captured it perfectly: “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.”
With that in mind, this month’s issue focuses on what makes home special— from the warmth of shared meals and thoughtfully designed spaces to the people who bring those spaces to life.
For me, home has always been less about perfection and more about feeling grounded. It’s the comfort of familiar surroundings, the laughter that fills a room, and the sense of belonging that comes from being exactly where you’re meant to be. Whether it’s a house filled with family, a quiet retreat after a long day, or a place still taking shape, home is where we recharge, reconnect, and create our own sense of peace.
This month, we had the privilege of connecting with local businesses and individuals who help shape our community. Their stories reflect the creativity, care, and craftsmanship that turn houses into homes and neighborhoods into places we’re proud to call our own. We hope that as you turn these pages, you’ll feel inspired to invest in the spaces and relationships that matter most.
Many of our readers tell us they hold onto this magazine long after the month on its cover—keeping it as coffee-table inspiration or revisiting it as ideas take shape in their own homes. That’s a tradition we’re proud to be part of, and one we remain committed to honoring each month.
Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. Here’s to making this month a celebration of comfort, connection, and the places that truly matter.
Happy March!
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Katie Parry | katie.parry@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kate Wark Photography, Jennifer Zarine Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
LET’S GET AHEAD OF THE MARKET.
The best outcomes don’t happen on listing day – they happen in the weeks before
From pricing strategy and home preparation to professional marketing and buyer outreach, every detail matters. And in a market this competitive, the homes that stand out are the ones that were planned with intention
I specialize in guiding sellers through every step of the process so you feel confident, informed, and ready to maximize your results.
Let’s start the conversation. Contact Jay Contessa for a private seller consultation.
inside the issue
From Branchville to Broadway
Lia Christina Makes Her Debut In “Stranger
The Roof Specialists
How a
Amanda DiGiacomo, Jason Pastuzyn, and their daughter Hallie in the kitchen of their home, the Book Barn. The couple lovingly restored this historic property, once a beloved bookstore owned by Emmy Sloan Gregor.
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
Jesse Lee Church hosted SOAR Together for an intergenerational MLK Day of Service, embracing themes of dignity, harmony, and love in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Participants crafted flower arrangements, uplifting notes, and decorated goodie bags, which were then shared with neighbors throughout Ridgefield and Redding as expressions of community, care, and connection. 1: MLK Day of Service volunteers, led by SOAR Together Founder and Executive Director Ginger Smith (bottom row, center) 2: CC, Nora, Elaine, and Rachel Mann along with Noah and Kim Chu deliver flowers to Prospect Ridge 3: Noah Chu and Paityn Sommerer 4: Skyler Britton and Lily Materas 5: Melissa Stern and Jess Tyson (SOAR Together Board Member) 6: From left: Yenny Reed, Emily Mills, Marie Madden, Lauren Theder, and Norah Theder 7: In the back row: CC, Nora, Rachel, and Elaine Mann. In the front row: Emily, Charlotte, and Rob Mayette
Photography by Chris Svendsen
Liberty Closet & Garage Company
Liberty Closet & Garage Company specializes in custom-designed closets, built-ins, and the best exclusive garage cabinets, along with commercial-grade floors. LCG combines smartly designed organization with high-quality craftsmanship. From walk-in closets to fully optimized garages, they create functional, stylish spaces tailored to fit your lifestyle. Designed and built with durable materials and installed by experts, our systems complement your home and make everyday life more organized. Visit libertyclosetandgarage.com or call 203-778-0222 to get started. And be sure to follow @libertyclosetandgarage to see our projects.
Just Health
Just Health Family Medicine is a Direct Primary Care practice in Ridgefield focused on personalized, relationship-based care. Led by board-certified family physician Minelva R.N. Donato, M.D., Ph.D., Just Health offers comprehensive primary care with particular expertise in evidence-based menopause care and medication-assisted weight management. By eliminating insurance middlemen, Just Health provides unrushed visits, timely access for acute needs, and thoughtful care designed for real life. Visit justhealthfamilymedicine. com to learn more.
Photography by Joshua R. Donato
Scan to read more
Consign Envy
Consign Envy is owned by Dina and Nicole, a mother and daughter-in-law duo who acquired the boutique last fall, continuing a 21-year legacy in the heart of Ridgefield. United by a passion for fashion and thoughtful resale, they have reimagined the space into a bright, cozy boutique filled with curated, pre-loved finds. With a loyal clientele and an elevated style, Consign Envy blends sustainability, sophistication, and community. Find them at 23 Catoonah Street and follow to see what’s new @ConsignEnvy
FROM BRANCHVILLE
to Broadway
LIA CHRISTINA MAKES HER DEBUT IN “STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW”
ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY
At three years old, Lia Konstantakopoulos would climb onto her family’s coffee table, strike a pose, and proclaim, “I want to be on Broadway!”
Most children who make such declarations spend a lifetime chasing them. Lia—who goes by Lia Christina professionally (“because my last name has 17 letters!”)—made hers come true in just seven years. Last fall, at age 10, she made her Broadway debut as Alice Creel in Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
We meet Lia and her mom, Tara, in a windowless room at the Ridgefield Library on a chilly, gray morning. Yet Lia’s warmth, joie de vivre, and boundless positivity (“this is bigger than our tutoring rooms!”) quickly brighten the space.
“My first show was Moana when I was four,” she begins, her smile beaming wide enough to reach the back of the house.
What followed was a dizzying succession of shows that would exhaust even a seasoned professional: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, The Little Mermaid , Annie, 101 Dalmatians, Beauty and the Beast, Matilda , Legally Blonde Jr., and Mary Poppins. In many, Lia played the lead, singing and dancing as well as acting.
Lia, her twin sister Andrea, and their parents Tara and Nick spent the girls’ early years in Scarsdale, where their love of dance and theater first blossomed.
“Lia and Andrea were competitive dancers,” Tara explains. “Their dance studio had a separate theater division, and that’s where the girls started taking acting classes.”
Tara teaches visually impaired children and Nick owns two family-run seafood wholesalers in Elmsford and Mahopac. When they began to recognize just how talented their daughters were, they made a conscious decision to move to a more arts-friendly community.
“What originally drew us to Ridgefield was the arts,” Tara says. “A.C.T. of Connecticut, the Ridgefield Playhouse. We moved here thinking that one day, the girls might be in a show at A.C.T. of Connecticut. We never imagined Broadway!”
When Lia was nine, she started training with acting coach Denise Simon. Soon after, she secured a manager, Peggy Becker at Parkside Talent, as well as an agent, Bonnie Shumofsky Bloom at Stewart Talent. All that was left was to land a role.
“I’ve been coaching actors for over 30 years, and I know within minutes when someone truly has what it takes,” Denise tells us. “The moment Lia walked into my studio, I knew she was destined to work professionally. In less than a year, that dream became a reality. There are many elements that make an actor stand out, but one is the indefinable ‘it’ factor. You can’t explain it, but you know it when you see it. Lia has it.”
With Denise’s guidance and a new team in place, Lia soon faced the next big step: auditions. One opportunity came quickly—Stranger Things: The First Shadow The production opened in London’s West End in December 2023 to widespread acclaim, then made its Broadway debut on April 22, 2025, earning six Tony nominations and taking home three awards.
A prequel to the hit Netflix series, the show is set in 1959 and features Hopper, Joyce, Bob Newby, and Henry Creel as teenagers at Hawkins High School.
“The role was for Alice Creel and there were only about three lines for the first audition,” Lia says. “Then I was called back for two more auditions, and each
“It’s chaotic and I love it. I would continue acting for billions of years—if I was still alive then!”
time only a few more lines were added. So I knew it was going to be a lot of nonverbal acting.”
Alice Creel is the younger sister of Henry Creel—whom fans of the series know better as Vecna.
“The character of Alice is very similar to Lia’s personality,” Tara says. “Pretty much the only thing they offered by way of describing her was: ‘Loves cute animals.’”
“I love cute animals!” Lia chimes in. “So I thought, I can relate to Alice I can act like I love cute animals . But I also had to pay attention to the script and understand what was happening in the scene.”
Tara and her husband learned their daughter had booked the role the day before Lia found out.
“Denise and Peggy were on Zoom with me because I had a callback and they wanted me to read lines with them,”
Nick and Tara with their daughter, Broadway star Lia
Lia signs autographs for fans outside the Marquis Theatre
A young Lia playing the titular role in “Annie”
Lia recalls. “One of the lines had the word ‘fairytale’ in it and Denise said, ‘Because it’s kind of like a fairytale,’ and Peggy said, ‘Because you booked it!’ And I just started crying. I was thinking about three-year-old me and saying, ‘We did it! We’re actually on Broadway!’ It was one of the best days of my life.”
Rehearsals began the day before Lia’s 10th birthday. After a few days, the cast’s understudies came in to run through the scenes with Lia and her counterpart, Frankie. Then, it was showtime.
“That was it,” Tara says, still in disbelief over how fast it all happened. “They said: ‘They’re ready.’ And both Frankie’s mom and I nearly fell to the floor saying, ‘What? They’re going on already?’”
Lia began homeschooling in October because of her schedule, which puts her at the Marquis Theatre on West 46th Street every day except Mondays. Because of Broadway’s rules for child actors, Lia and Frankie split the eight weekly performances—but both girls are required to be present for every show because the role of Alice does not have an understudy.
Four times each week, Lia takes the stage, credited both as Alice Creel and as part of the Ensemble (in a key scene—you’ll have to see the show to find out).
In a season of unforgettable events, December 19 added another to Lia’s rapidly expanding list. Jamie Campbell Bower, known for his roles in Twilight and Harry Potter, and who plays Vecna in the Netflix series, made a surprise cameo as his Broadway counterpart on a night that Lia happened to be performing.
“We were on our way back to Ridgefield and my phone kept going off,” Tara says. “Text after text was rolling in saying that Lia’s photo was in People magazine!”
“The photo was everywhere—and they used my name!” Lia says, her excitement still palpable. (Child actors are not frequently credited.) “Jamie is honestly one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. But I said to him, ‘Jamie, in season five, you absolutely terrified me!’”
Lia has navigated her new world with remarkable composure. She gets home after midnight most nights but is full of energy. Her friendships have shifted (“It was hard to explain that I have an agent and a manager without sounding like I was bragging—I wasn’t.”), but she maintains a positive outlook (“I’m happy to be homeschooled because it gives me a lot more flexibility.”) She’s dealt with the sometimes-intrusive fan requests for autographs and videos masterfully.
“It's been an incredible ride,” Tara says. “The entire experience has been surreal. Watching her perform on a Broadway stage, then seeing her sign autographs for fans. And afterward she comes over and she’s just our 10-year-old Lia again.”
Lia’s contract runs through April, and she hopes it will be renewed.
“It’s chaotic,” she says. “And I love it. I would continue acting for billions of years—if I was still alive then!”
For now, at least, she’s exactly where she wants to be: on stage. And the lights—and pyrotechnics—are even more powerful than three-year-old Lia could have possibly imagined.
Photo by Douglas Gorenstein
Offering courses in:
Parent and Child Classes Age 1-3
Pre-Ballet Classes Age 3 and up
Ballet
Pointe
Contemporary
Hip Hop Tap
Jazz
Modern Adult Ballet
Musical Theater
To register, or for more informationon current classes and our Spring Program, call 203.438.5597 or visit ridgefielddance.org.
Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located at 440 Main Street, Ridgefield, Connecticut
Personal branding and headshot photography that sparks confidence and fuels business growth. Serving Ridgefield, CT and Fairfield & Westchester Counties.
How a Father-Son Team Turned Decades of Expertise into One of the Most Trusted Roofing Companies in the Area
The Roof Specialists
ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER ZARINE PHOTOGRAPHY
“I understand that in this industry, the outcome is what matters most. I stand behind every project we complete. That’s why I encourage people to see our work and talk to our clients—the results speak for themselves.”—Gabriel Loja
When Gabriel Loja first arrived in Connecticut, he did what many newcomers do: he worked wherever he could, learning a trade from the ground up.
For Gabriel, that trade was roofing. Years spent installing shingles in summer heat, repairing storm damage, and mastering the details of flashing and drainage eventually gave him both the skill and confidence to strike out on his own.
In 2021, he founded AGL General Contractor—now known as The Roof Specialists. What began as a small operation has since grown into a family-run business serving Fairfield County and beyond, specializing in roofing, siding, gutters, and exterior home improvements.
“My dad is incredible at what he does,” says his son, Angel Loja. “He has over 20 years of experience in this industry. He knows roofing inside and out.”
While Gabriel remains the backbone of the company—running job sites and overseeing a crew of six—Angel joined the business at 18, stepping into a consumer-facing role that has become increasingly essential as the company has grown.
“When I turned 19, I started handling client communication, estimates, and follow-ups,” Angel, now 21, tells us. “While I may be young, I’ve learned a lot over the last couple of years. My work ethic pushes me to stay up to speed with the industry’s newest trends and techniques. I’m fully dedicated to delivering the highest quality results to our clients.”
That division of labor has become one of The Roof Specialists’ quiet strengths. Gabriel focuses on what he does best: the hands-on work, ensuring every installation meets his exacting standards. Angel manages marketing, sales, and client relations, building the company’s reputation one satisfied customer at a time.
It’s a model that sets The Roof Specialists apart in an industry increasingly dominated by large contractors who subcontract much of their labor.
“We aren’t a big contractor that hires out crews and focuses on low-quality, high-volume work,” Gabriel says. “We’re a local, family-run business with our own dedicated team.”
Roofing remains the core of the business, with projects ranging from traditional asphalt shingles to cedar shake, metal, slate, and flat roofing systems. But knowing when a roof needs repair versus full replacement requires expertise.
Angel explains that homeowners can often assess their roof’s condition based on age and visible signs of wear. Roofs older than 15 years typically warrant closer scrutiny, though with proper maintenance and quality materials, some can last 25 to 30 years.
“It’s important for homeowners to look for missing or loose flashing,” Angel says. “Also check for curling, cracked, or missing shingles. On rainy days, it’s a good idea to inspect your attic for leaks—especially if your roof is more than 15 years old.”
If a roof is relatively young and leaking, the issue may stem from improper flashing, low nailing, perforated shingles, or underlayment problems—meaning targeted repairs rather than full replacement may be sufficient.
In other cases, the culprit isn’t age or installation quality at all, but weather-related damage.
“Helping with insurance claims is a big part of what we do,” Angel says. “We walk homeowners through the entire process— from documenting damage to working with adjusters—so our clients get what they’re entitled to.”
It’s these technical details—and the experience required to execute them properly—that separate good roofing companies from great ones.
Flat roofs, for example, require specialized materials such as peel-and-stick membranes or EPDM rubber roofing, along with subtle pitches or internal drainage systems to manage water flow.
“You can’t just put shingles on a flat surface,” Angel explains. “Water will always find its way in. It all comes down to proper drainage and installation.”
Skylights and chimneys present similar challenges, each requiring precise flashing to prevent leaks and ice damage. The Roof Specialists address these details using both copper and aluminum solutions, depending on the project.
“Skylights provide extra light to your home, but they can be a challenge to weatherproof,” Gabriel says. “That’s where experience really matters.”
Today’s homeowners are increasingly interested in ecofriendly, long-lasting, and low-maintenance exterior systems. The Roof Specialists have responded by offering premium materials that deliver on all three fronts.
Metal roofing, for instance, has gained popularity thanks to its longevity, energy efficiency, and durability—often outlasting traditional asphalt by decades.
Siding is another area where the company prioritizes performance over shortcuts. While many contractors default to vinyl, Gabriel and Angel frequently recommend higher-end options such as James Hardie fiber cement and Everlast composite siding.
James Hardie siding, made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, is engineered to withstand moisture, extreme temperatures, and fire. Unlike wood, it won’t rot or warp, and unlike vinyl, it won’t melt under high heat.
“It’s more expensive than vinyl,” Angel says, “but it lasts longer and performs better. And when it’s installed correctly, it really elevates the look of a home.”
Everlast composite siding offers similar durability with the appearance of real cedar. It’s virtually impervious to water and won’t swell, bow, split, or rot—even through harsh freeze-thaw cycles.
“It expands and contracts differently than vinyl, so installation really matters,” Angel explains. “If it’s not secured properly, it can shift over time. We install it the right way—with locking clips and reinforced joints—so it holds up.”
To complete the exterior, the team typically replaces wood trim with PVC for corners, window casings, and architectural details. PVC trim has grown in popularity due to its durability and low maintenance, often lasting up to 50 years—significantly longer than traditional wood trim.
“It looks like wood, but it won’t rot,” Angel says. “You don’t have to paint it, and visually, it makes a huge difference.”
Gutters may not be glamorous, but they’re essential to protecting a home’s foundation and preventing water damage. The Roof Specialists handle everything from seasonal cleanouts to full replacements, properly sizing gutters based on roof pitch and square footage.
They also install galvanized steel gutter guards—durable screens that slip under shingles and are fastened securely in place to keep leaves and debris out.
“I’m pro gutter guards—when they’re the right kind,” Angel says with a laugh. “The old foam ones? Not great. But quality systems make a big difference.”
For homeowners looking to elevate both performance and aesthetics, the company also offers copper gutters and halfround styles.
Today, The Roof Specialists continues to expand across Fairfield County and into parts of Westchester, Putnam, Litchfield, and Dutchess counties. Yet the company’s focus remains unchanged.
“I understand that in this industry, the outcome is what matters most,” Gabriel says. “I stand behind every project we complete. That’s why I encourage people to see our work and talk to our clients—the results speak for themselves.”
For Angel, the work is as much about learning as it is about growth.
“I learn more every year,” he says. “From sales to installations to managing clients—it’s all part of the process.”
At its core, The Roof Specialists is a family-built business in the truest sense. Gabriel, Angel, and their crew approach each project with care, building lasting relationships and a reputation earned one satisfied customer at a time.
For more information or a free estimate, call 203-300-6848 or visit theroofspecialistsct.com .
Book THE BARN
A Historic Barn, a Storied Bookshop, and the Couple Behind Its Restoration
ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WARK PHOTOGRAPHY
When Amanda DiGiacomo and Jason Pastuzyn first saw the Book Barn, sunlight was streaming in through holes in the siding and lead paint coated the walls and windows. But the space felt like kismet—as if it had been lying in wait for its next tenants to steward it through another chapter.
Amanda, who grew up in North Salem, met Jason while the two were attending Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken.
“All of the houses on Fraternity Row at Stevens are Victorian and they have so much architectural beauty,” Amanda tells us. “The rooms have wood paneling and beautiful murals. I’ve always had an affinity for antique homes, and the longer Jason has been with me, the more he’s said that he wouldn’t want to live in a new build.”
The couple graduated in 2018 and moved to Jersey City. But after years of city living, the pull for fresh air and wide-open spaces became relentless.
On weekends, Amanda and Jason traveled north to visit her parents, exploring Ridgefield and the surrounding towns. They would also peruse local real estate listings, just for fun.
In early 2020, Amanda came across a listing for a home referred to as the “Book Barn” on Zillow. The real estate agent tried to dissuade her from seeing it in person.
“They said, ‘Are you sure? It’s kind of… a dump.’ And it was!” Amanda recalls. “But as soon as I walked in I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to have it.”
She recalls driving out of the driveway, tears in her eyes, saying to Jason, “We have to buy this house!” To which he responded, “What do you mean, we weren’t going to buy anything! We were just looking!”
“Amanda usually gets what she wants,” Jason says, laughing. “But in this case, it didn’t take much convincing—it was a no-brainer for both of us.”
Standing in the great room—the original barn structure—it’s impossible not to feel the pull of history. Amanda felt it, too, and has spent the last several years researching the home’s most famous tenant: Emma “Emmy” Sloan Gregor, founder of the Book Barn.
Emmy was born in Pennsylvania in 1887. During World War I, she traveled to Bordeaux, France where she volunteered at YMCA Hut 7 as a “Canteen Girl.” These volunteers were charged with providing morale boosts to soldiers fighting on the front lines—sometimes making a cup of hot chocolate, other times writing letters for servicemen who needed help.
When she returned stateside, Emmy moved to Hartford and worked at the Red Cross Hospital. But her dream was to buy a barn.
“For some time I had been obsessed with a desire to rescue old barns,” Emmy told a Hartford Courant reporter for their “Interesting Stories About Interesting People” column in December 1927. “Besides I wanted a week-end haunt as I was doing Red Cross work in Washington.”
Emmy was staying with friends in Wilton who owned a hardware store and, as luck would have it, the first customer one morning was Thomas Winfield Scott. He needed his broken whiffletree repaired. He also happened to have a barn for sale.
“The Scott Barn,” as it was known colloquially, was situated on the line between Wilton and Ridgefield at what is currently Wilton Road West. The building is believed to have been constructed in the 1700s.
April Pereyra, a professional home historian who runs her own business, Stoop Sleuths (stoopsleuths.com), also does pro bono research for the Ridgefield Historical Society. When Amanda and Jason contacted the Society in late 2024 about adding a historical plaque to their home, April was assigned to research the property— building on the substantial groundwork Amanda had already compiled.
“Physical characteristics point to the barn being built sometime in the late 18th century,” April says. “Though a remaining step would be to trace the property back into the Scott Family farm and beyond to see if there’s anything that might indicate when the barn was actually constructed.”
April discovered Ridgefield and Wilton land records confirming Emmy closed the deal with Mr. Scott on November 7, 1925 in Ridgefield and was using “The Book Barn” as a trade name for her mail-order book business by the end of 1926.
With her signature grit and determination, Emmy set about reviving her barn. She purchased another dilapidated barn down the road for $8 and wielded a hammer to demolish the structure and salvage its timber. Using this, she constructed shutters, furniture, and shelves for the Book Barn. She then directed stonemasons to create a pièce de résistance : a massive stone fireplace.
Each day, a little more progress was made, and eventually Emmy succeeded in transforming the once cold and desolate barn into a thriving business and cozy home.
The November 28, 1931 issue of Publisher’s Weekly explains it perfectly, noting that when Emmy took it over, “it was just a dilapidated weather-beaten building with none of the charm which today makes it one of the most romantic of country bookshops.”
In all of the contemporary articles that Amanda and April have gathered about Emmy and the Book Barn, it’s clear she was a woman before her time. Endowed with a certain je ne sais quoi , Emmy had a clear vision of what she wanted—and she made it happen.
“Emmy was full of pluck and charm, fearless, and seemingly unconcerned about any social expectations society had for women of her time,” April says. “She created a woman-owned business decades before that was an official term. Amanda and I have often chatted about whether Emmy was ahead of her time or simply emblematic of her generation of women as a whole. It’s a delicious conversation, with no definitive conclusion.”
Emmy filled her shop: with her family’s antiques, with furniture she crafted, with books she sourced and sold, and with cakes she baked from scratch daily.
She married Fred Gregor in 1929 and the couple had a daughter, Ruth. The Book Barn thrived until a decline in the mid-1940s, likely brought about by World War II. After closing the Book Barn in 1945, the Gregors moved to Ohio.
For the better part of 75 years, the Book Barn—though well-loved—was not well-kept.
When Amanda and Jason purchased the property in 2020, they mirrored Emmy’s affection for the space—and her hands-on approach. Much of that summer was spent demoing the home themselves, saving on renovation costs while preserving as much of the original structure as possible, especially the historic beams.
Jim Blansfield of Blansfield Builders and Connor Rowe handled much of the day-to-day contract work, CONTINUED >
helping bring the barn back to life (and up to code). Working with Wilton architect Rob Sanders and Jodi Hook of JC Ellis, LLC, the couple relocated the kitchen, which had been small and tucked off the great room. By leveling the floors between the original barn and the later additions, they transformed it into a true heart of the home.
Then, Amanda and Jason filled their home: with furniture (including dining tables acquired and restored by Amanda’s sister), with antique decor, with Book Barn memorabilia, and with new memories. They became engaged in 2022, married in 2023, and welcomed daughter Hallie in 2024.
“We’ve slowly added different furniture pieces that we’ve found at estate sales,” Amanda tells us. “We want to honor the house in that way too.”
Photos from the Book Barn era reveal Emmy’s distinctly eclectic style: handmade modern tables perched atop oriental rugs, and antiques—which the Hartford Courant confirms were family heirlooms—displayed alongside Americana decor.
“Everything was mismatched, which made it look so timeless,” Amanda says. “And that’s how I feel about design today. When everything’s a little bit eclectic and you have pieces from different time periods, your house feels timeless.”
Amanda and Jason approached Hallie’s nursery with the same mindset, filling it with antique treasures alongside more modern, functional pieces—and, of course, books. Classics like Make Way for Duckling s and The Secret Garden are prominently displayed, while more toddler-friendly board books sit on a bookshelf. A sweet, mauve-colored wardrobe complements the timeless, muted wallpaper.
As magazines and newspapers continue digitizing their archives, new articles about Emmy crop up every so often.
Amanda tells us that’s how she has been able to source and purchase hundred-year-old copies of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar that are works of art in themselves.
But one treasure Amanda would prize above all else remains elusive: a book stamped with the Book Barn insignia.
“Emmy had a Book Barn stamp she used in her books, and I’ve been looking for one ever since we bought the house,” Amanda says. “Every estate sale I go to in Ridgefield, I flip through old
books just to check. April does the same now. We’re both hoping that one day, we’ll find a book that carries her mark.”
Though separated by a century, parallels between Emmy and Fred and Amanda and Jason are striking. Not only did each couple work to give their beloved home a new chance at life, but like Emmy and Fred, Amanda and Jason also have a daughter. And like Emmy, Amanda is good friends with the owners of a house next door that was an antiques shop in the Book Barn era.
“They would constantly send business back and forth to each other,” Amanda says. “So we talk about that a lot, how Emmy was probably walking with her lantern over there for a chat. I’m walking over for a chat, too, just with my iPhone flashlight instead!”
Standing in the great room, Amanda touches a miniature copy of Wuthering Heights that she’s placed into a niche carved out exactly for that purpose by Emmy herself.
“I think about Emmy a lot, how she saw potential in this falling-apart barn and refused to let it disappear,” Amanda says. “We feel the same responsibility. This house has survived wars, decades of neglect, multiple owners. Our job is to make sure it survives us too, and that whoever comes next falls in love with it the way we did—the way Emmy did.”
BOOKS TO TAKE YOU AWAY
I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
The Corfu Trilogy
BY GERALD DURRELL
Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise - My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy.
Blue Latitudes
BY TONY HORWITZ
Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before
The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.
The Island of Missing Trees
BY ELIF SHAFAK
It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.
Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.
Cutting for Stone
BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE
Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, IndianAmerican medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.
The Museum of Innocence
BY ORHAN PAMUK
The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.
MARCH 6TH & 7TH
The Princess Ball
5PM & 6:30PM
The Princess Ball, a Ridgefield staple for 22 years, brings daughters and their fathers, guardians, or special person together for an evening of dinner, dancing, and giving back. This nonprofit event supports local charities including the Ella Jewell Foundation, Caroline Previdi Foundation, and Family and Children’s Aid. This year, a Ridgefield High School student will select an additional charity to support. Senior Ball (grades 5-8) March 6, 6:30-10:30 p.m.; Junior Ball (grades 1-4) March 7, 5-9 p.m. Register at princessballct.org.
MARCH 7TH
Animal Tracks Treasure Hunt
Woodcock Nature Center | 10:00 AM
Get outside for a morning of treasure hunting! In this drop off program we will track down a treasure hidden among our trails. While doing so we will solve tricky riddles and learn about the tracks that different animals leave behind as they walk through Connecticut forests. This program is for children in grades K - 2. $45, registration required, please visit woodcocknaturecenter.org
MARCH 8TH
Ridgefield Playhouse Family Series Presents: “Journey to Oz”
Ridgefield Playhouse | 11:00 AM
Step into the magical world of Oz in this immersive new adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved classic! Audience members are invited to join Dorothy on her journey and become part of an experiential production—singing, creating sound effects, participating in calland-response, and acting alongside professional performers. Recommended for ages 4–12. Tickets available at ridgefieldplayhouse.org
MARCH 22ND
Afternoon of Casks Festival
Nod Hill Brewery | 1:00 PM
The 5th Annual Afternoon of Casks Festival is an intimate event that celebrates traditionally-served cask ales and lagers and the Connecticut breweries who make them. Enjoy a convivial atmosphere perfectly suited for the enjoyment of cask beer, meet the brewers behind them, hang with like-minded folks, and enjoy pints, music, food, and more. Tickets available for purchase by visiting nodhillbrewery.com
MARCH 27TH
RABC Gala Honoring Megan Searfoss: An Evening That Moves Us Forward Together
Le Chateau | 6:00 PM
Join Ridgefield A Better Chance (RABC) for a glittering, inspiring evening at Le Chateau honoring Megan Searfoss, founder of Ridgefield Running. Megan is an entrepreneur, author, and community advocate dedicated to expanding access to movement, wellness, and connection—especially within underserved communities. Attendees will hear powerful testimonials from two alumnae and enjoy dinner, dancing and music from the Sugarhouse Band. Tickets available at ridgefieldabc.org/annual-gala.
MARCH 30TH
Across the Ages: Building
Ballard Green | 3:00 PM
Connections Across Generations
Join us for an afternoon of connection, fun activities, snacks, and flowers! This welcoming event brings together Ridgefield seniors, teens, children, and adults to spark meaningful connections across generations. A wonderful opportunity to celebrate the power of community—together. We hope to see you there! This event is hosted by SOAR Young Leaders, Aidan and Adelle Reed.
