Martha Stewart is a name synonymous with elegance, style, and refined living. From crafting the perfect tablescape to creating exquisite gardens, she has become the ultimate lifestyle expert. One of her most breathtaking personal sanctuaries is Skylands, her Maine estate nestled in the picturesque town of Seal Harbor. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and lush gardens, Skylands embodies Stewart’s love for beauty and detail.
This article takes a closer look at Martha Stewart’s Maine House, exploring its origins, architectural splendor, and the life she has created within its walls.
Who is Martha Stewart?
Martha Stewart is a well-known businesswoman, author, and TV host. She was born on August 3, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Growing up, Martha learned cooking and sewing from her mother and developed a love for gardening from her father. These early experiences shaped her future career.
After high school, Martha attended Barnard College in New York City. She started studying chemistry but later switched to art and history. To help pay for college, she worked as a model. In 1961, during her college years, she married Andrew Stewart.
Martha began her career on Wall Street as a stockbroker. Later, she started a catering business, which led to writing cookbooks and hosting TV shows. Her company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, became very successful, making her the first self-made female billionaire in the U.S.
The Origins of Skylands: From the Fords to Martha Stewart
Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s Vision
Skylands was originally commissioned in the 1920s by Edsel Ford, the president of Ford Motor Company, and his wife, Eleanor Ford. Wanting a summer retreat that exuded luxury yet blended harmoniously with nature, they hired renowned architect Duncan Candler to design the sprawling estate. The mansion, completed in 1926, was crafted from locally sourced pink granite, giving it a distinctive and timeless appeal.
Unlike many grand estates of the era, Skylands was designed to feel warm and intimate, despite its 35,000-square-foot size. The Fords wanted a home that would serve as a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of industrial America. The result was a masterpiece of architecture that would stand the test of time. Over the years, the estate expanded to 74 acres, overlooking the serene landscape of Mount Desert Island.
Martha Stewart’s Acquisition and Restoration
Fast forward to 1997, and Skylands found a new owner in Martha Stewart. Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, she was determined to preserve the essence of the estate while adding her touches. Stewart, known for her attention to detail, carefully restored the home’s interiors and maintained the original Ford family furnishings, preserving its rich heritage.
Though much of the home was intact when Martha acquired it, the gardens had become overgrown, obscuring the original landscape design. With the help of landscape architect Patrick Chassé, she carefully restored the views, reopening areas of the surrounding spruce forests and reestablishing the estate’s natural harmony. Stewart’s restoration also extended to maintaining the original Ford family silverware, linens, and handcrafted decor, ensuring that Skylands retained its historical essence.
Architectural House of Skylands
Design and Structure
Skylands is a stunning blend of geometric symmetry and natural materials. The use of local pink granite not only adds to its aesthetic beauty but also allows the mansion to seamlessly blend into its surrounding landscape. Expansive terraces offer breathtaking views of Seal Harbor, making it a true retreat for relaxation and inspiration.
Inside, the home is filled with architectural treasures. The grand living room, with its impressive wood-beamed ceiling and massive granite fireplace, creates a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. Large floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, offering unparalleled views of the lush greenery outside.
Interior Highlights
One of the most striking elements of Skylands’ interior is its dedication to original craftsmanship. The guest house features a blush pink dining room, a nod to classic elegance with a modern twist. Stewart has also added hand-selected antiques and vintage decor, seamlessly blending the home’s historical charm with her personal touch.
The kitchen, like much of the home, is designed for both function and beauty. It boasts professional-grade appliances, ample storage, and aesthetic details that make it a cook’s dream. As expected, Martha has made this space a true centerpiece of the house, hosting countless culinary creations and gatherings.
Jens Jensen’s Garden Design
One of the most captivating aspects of Skylands is its gardens and outdoor spaces. The original landscape design was crafted by Jens Jensen, a renowned Danish landscape architect known for his naturalistic approach. His designs focus on blending human-made structures with nature, creating a seamless transition between home and landscape.
Jensen, known for his Prairie School approach to landscaping, created spaces that felt organic and uncontrived. He softened the estate’s rectilinear terraces with winding paths and natural stone seating areas, embracing the land’s existing rock outcroppings and forests. His vision included a Council Ring, a circular stone seating area meant for gatherings, but it was never built during the Ford era. Stewart later completed this addition, staying true to Jensen’s original plan.
Martha’s Personal Touch
Martha Stewart has taken great care in enhancing and maintaining the gardens at Skylands. She has introduced climbing hydrangea and kiwi vines to soften the stone exterior, adding a touch of natural beauty. She has also cultivated a cutting garden filled with dahlias and lilies, ensuring a constant supply of fresh flowers for the home.
One of the estate’s most striking features is Aristide Maillol’s La Rivière statue, which Stewart carefully positioned in the garden to add an artistic touch. The paths are lined with pine needles, creating a soft and fragrant walking experience. Stewart also incorporated self-adherent Hydrangea petiolaris along the estate’s stone walls, seamlessly integrating them into the surrounding landscape.
Life at Skylands
1. Summer Activities
For Martha, Skylands is more than just a home; it’s a seasonal escape where she can unwind and entertain. Summers are filled with morning hikes in Acadia National Park, leisurely walks through the gardens, and afternoon tea on the terrace. She often greets her guests with freshly baked scones and a morning latte, setting the perfect tone for a relaxed day in nature.
2. Entertaining Guests
Skylands is also a social hub, with Martha frequently hosting friends, family, and guests. Less formal dinner parties are often staged on the small porch overlooking the former laundry yard, an area that now offers a view of the Council Ring. Guests are often treated to fresh seafood dinners, served on the original Ford family china—a testament to her commitment to preserving the estate’s history.
3. Historical Integrity
While Martha has added modern touches, she has been careful to preserve the historical elements of Skylands. The original wood-paneled walls, stone fireplaces, and hand-carved details remain untouched, keeping the home’s vintage charm intact. The estate remains one of the finest examples of coastal New England architecture and is often cited as one of Maine’s premier historic properties.
Conclusion
Martha Stewart’s Maine house, Skylands, is a testament to timeless beauty, preservation, and personal passion. Whether it’s the meticulously maintained gardens, the grand architectural details, or the serene coastal surroundings, Skylands is a place that embodies true elegance and comfort.
FAQs
What are some unique features of Martha Stewart’s Maine House?
Skylands, Martha Stewart’s summer home in Maine, boasts several unique features that reflect its rich history and Martha’s personal touch. The estate, originally designed by architect Duncan Candler for Edsel Ford, showcases a historic granite façade softened by climbing plants like kiwi vines. The surrounding landscape, crafted by renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen, includes naturalistic elements such as winding paths lined with pine needles and strategically placed stone seating areas.
Inside, the home retains original Ford family furnishings, including silverware and linens, preserving its historical charm. Additionally, the main terrace is adorned with fragrant Oriental lilies that bloom in August, enhancing the estate’s enchanting atmosphere.
How did Martha Stewart restore Skylands to its original beauty?
Upon acquiring Skylands, Martha Stewart embarked on a meticulous restoration to honor the estate’s historical significance. She preserved original elements, such as the pink granite construction and the original Ford-era linens and china. Collaborating with landscape architect Patrick Chassé, Martha revitalized the overgrown gardens, reopening vistas and restoring the natural harmony envisioned by Jens Jensen.
This included completing the Council Ring, a stone seating area that was part of Jensen’s original design but had not been realized during the Ford era.
What makes Skylands different from other summer homes in Maine?
Skylands stands out among Maine’s summer homes due to its seamless integration of architecture and natural surroundings. Constructed from local pink granite, the estate appears to emerge organically from the surrounding granite outcrops, creating a harmonious blend with the landscape. The design by Duncan Candler and landscaping by Jens Jensen emphasize naturalistic elements, such as the absence of traditional lawns, instead featuring native plants and stone pathways that complement the rugged Maine coastline.
Martha Stewart’s dedication to preserving original features, like the granite façade with kiwi vines, and maintaining the estate’s historical integrity further distinguish Skylands as a unique and timeless retreat.
How has Martha Stewart incorporated her love of gardening into the design of Skylands?
Martha Stewart’s passion for gardening is evident throughout Skylands. She has enhanced the original landscape by introducing a variety of plants, including fragrant Oriental lilies that bloom in August, coinciding with her family’s summer residence. Martha also maintains numerous potted tropical and exotic plants, which are carefully arranged on the terraces and throughout the property during the summer months.
These additions complement the existing naturalistic design by Jens Jensen, creating a lush and inviting environment that reflects Martha’s horticultural expertise.
What historical elements of Skylands are still preserved today?
Skylands retains numerous historical elements that reflect its rich heritage. The estate’s pink granite construction, designed by Duncan Candler for Edsel Ford, remains intact, showcasing the original architectural vision. Inside, many of the original Ford family furnishings, including silverware, linens, and handcrafted decor, have been preserved, offering a glimpse into the estate’s storied past. The landscape, initially crafted by Jens Jensen, continues to feature naturalistic designs, such as winding paths and native plantings, maintaining the property’s historical integrity.
Martha Stewart’s careful stewardship ensures that these elements are not only preserved but also celebrated, allowing Skylands to remain a living testament to its illustrious history.
