Design Inspiration Friday: Historic Homes, The Elms

This summer our family took a day trip to Newport, RI and toured a mansion home, The Elms. It was a misty day and I got some pictures of the exterior and the grounds. This place is amazing! Unfortunately, you aren't allowed to take pictures inside (I would have had a hay day). We had a great time touring the home and my girls all enjoyed listening to their own tour. However, what they loved the most was running on the grounds. This summer residence was owned by the Berwind family (1901), who made their money in the coal industry. Mr. Berwind used the same designer and architect as the Vanderbilt's did for their summer home, the Breakers. What I enjoy about old homes are hearing more details about the lives of people long past. All the surviving mansions in Newport were rescued by the Preservation Society (they saved most of them from being torn down) and they were able to restore most of the art and furniture in the homes. So glad they did because there is a tremendous amount of American history, beauty and culture in these homes.

Inside the house are Venetian murals, tapestries, oriental jades- amazing collections everywhere. The rooms I really enjoyed the most were the butler's pantry, the servant's staircase and many of the bedroom color schemes. The interior is lavishly decorated in a Victorian/Baroque design. I guess you'll just have to go for yourself to see the whole thing. However, the grounds do not disappoint.

Behind my girls are four giant English Beech wood trees that have grown together to create one giant tree from the outside. One can only imagine how they must have had large gatherings and parties on the grounds of the estate. 

         However, inside the trees it was like a fort and full of trunks to climb on. Complete magic for our kids!

                                                                        The front entrance

                                    Have you ever toured one of the Newport mansions?

Martha's Vineyard

 Today I want to show you Martha's Vineyard, the island my family and I love. We look forward to visiting family here, enjoying the beaches, fishing, boating and good food.
My husband grew up on the Island. For anyone who may think living here year-round puts you in the annals of the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, that is not typically the case. Tourism is the main industry and helps support the Island economy. Each town on the Island has a different feel to it. Let's have a tour, shall we?

Edgartown: 
This town is oozing with quaintness. During the whaling era, Boston sea captains would take their fortunes and create estates in this town. There are many examples of sprawling cottages and charming colonial homes.

Edgartown lighthouse

There are beautiful gardens on some of the estate homes here. I know there is a tour specifically to view the gardens in this town (something I want to do next year). Hydrangeas seem to do well on the Island and there are so many window boxes spilling with flowers and greenery.

I don't normally think much about my driveway, but I guess if I had my 'dream' driveway it would look something like this one.

Walking around all the gorgeous shops in this town is so fun. It's a kid's dream store in the Scoop Shack with all the bright candy so wonderfully displayed.

West Tisbury:
Twice a week there is a big farmer's market in this town. Local bakeries sell their bread and pastries too

My kids's favorite part of the farmer's market  is the Bodacious raspberry ice (which is really my favorite too).

 As a kid, Alley's General store was my favorite place to get candy. For my girls, it's now their favorite too. The owner restored this original General store awhile ago and its brimming with all sorts of things you might need from hardware- groceries-gifts. On the Island, there are no malls, or major chain stores just super charming shops (except for some gas stations and Stop & Shop).

 If you like kayaking or sailing, the Great Tisbury Pond is our favorite and it leads to the South Beach (which is the main beach all along the south end of the island.

Oak Bluffs:
Is known for their 'gingerbread homes' or 'cottage city'. It's also a port for the ferry boats that come in. To get to the Island you can either fly or take the ferry ( a 45 minute boat ride from Woods Hole).

Each one of these cottages has such character. In late August they have Illumination night where all the gingerbread homes put up Chinese lanterns on their porches and light them all at the same time. Then, everyone walks around and admires all their decorations. 

Ocean Park

Menemsha:
So you want a quaint little fishing village? This is it. Stephen Spielburg's movie Jaws was filmed here and every year you can watch it in the town.

 We love to come eat dinner here and watch the sunset. 

 Aquinnah:
Is known for their clay cliffs and the Wampanoag Indians who settled the area. There are some spectacular beaches and views on this side of the island. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis did have a large estate here until her death and sadly her son John F Kennedy JR and his wife and sister-in-law died in a plan crash off the coast. I don't have really any house pictures to show you of this town probably because most of the homes are tucked further away and private.

I hope you enjoyed a tour of some of the island. Have you ever been to Martha's Vineyard? What was your favorite area to visit? I plan to show you some room make-overs in our family house this week so come back soon.