When a reader of my blog sent me a link to view some photographs from an edition of a Sotheby's international-realty catalog that featured Skylands when it was on the market shortly before Martha bought it, I couldn't resist sharing some of the images with you. They were first shown on a very informative blog about Maine architecture called The Downeast Dilittante, which features many interesting posts about local residential and commercial architecture, complete with meaningful anecdotes. (Please visit to see more photos and for more unique facts about the history of Maine!)
The photographs of Skylands in the catalog depict a home that was caught in something of a timewarp. Much of the furniture in the house is original, dating back decades. The Leedes also periodically used the same decorator the Fords used, a Palm Beach firm called Jessup Inc., to design the interiors. When Martha bought the home, the furniture was still there in all its old upholstery. Martha kept much of it, revamping, refreshing, reupholstering and redesigning it to suit the times and her own tastes. How wonderful it would be to have this catalog!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTqawudz6OBaS0QnmRW9wvVDB7YYKNGhBDeAUZ5L_dzy9OCFGqCf7iG_iK4OghUp-aVe2AmidaZaKM5cYV47WN5ighRtk_R0nNrV5zqNkrN8NqCkxMRYLPmsB7hvQxHns1I-m/s640/skylands80sterrace.jpg)
6 comments:
How nice your blog readers are, Andrew, to alert you to this gem! While obviously somewhat dated, some of it doesn't look too bad, and as you said, it is the good bones of this home that give it its timeless beauty. thanks for sharing!
Fantastic! Absolutely fantastic. You are right, the photos show what a timeless house it is.
How interesting to see these past photos. I enjoy your blog on Martha Stewart and am going to poke around more. So many people are anti-Martha but as a stay at home mom, she made me more accepting of my role. And...I love being a mom and homemaker!
Is that playhouse the same one that she painted all pink on the inside? I think there is a guest cottage at Skylands that is all pink inside...
I love your blog! First time posting!
Hi Anonymous! Welcome! No, the playhouse is a separate structure from the guest house. The playhouse has a large gathering room with a huge stone fireplace and some indoor squash courts.
What a dream house!! <3
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