New england fine living magazine spring 2017 online issue

FINE LIVING - SIMPLE PLEASURES - A LIFE WELL-LIVED NewEnglandFineLiving.com

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Spring 2017 / Volume 2 • Issue 3

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Editorial Listing

2 Letter from Linda 3 Contributors and Masthead 4 Town Tales

Home & Garden 8 The Car Barn 14 Refined Relaxation & Simple Luxuries 24 A Scentsational Spring Welcome

28 Entertaining, Occasions & Style 28 A Throwback to a Gilded Age: 32 Tea – A Time to Gather 34 Smoked Trout Tea Sandwiches 35 Blood Orange Screwdriver 38 What to Wear to a Tea Party

Travel & Leisure 43 An Introduction to the Art of Living & Living Well 52 The Grey Lady Becomes Sunny Yellow 56 Newport Flower Show 64 Partner and Affiliate Information

Photography by Linda Davis • Photography by Mansour Bethoney (models)

36 A Farmhouse Brunch

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Letter

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from Linda

My passion for the area is a little more complex so I won’t go into detail, but my ancestral roots run deep in New England; so much that I truly feel grounded and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Many of my great-great… great grandparents were the first or early settlers of Eastern New England including, but not limited to, Nantucket, Salem, Marblehead, Boston and Martha’s Vineyard. Add to my story (no pun intended), my fifth-great grandfather was a man named Dr. Elisha Story who held a role in the Boston Tea Party and then the Revolutionary War. Luckily for me, the same ancestral connection to New England holds true for my husband, making traveling around our six-state region not only educational, but fun.

Founding Owner & Publisher

Rooted Deep in New England’s History

I’m often asked why I have such a connection to New England. The answer is easy. I have not only lived in New England my whole life, most of my ancestors did too after leaving Europe.

I grew up in a home in Massachusetts that was most likely a one room house built in the late 17th century. In the 18th century the home was added onto creating a classic center entrance colonial. My family was the third family to move into the home, so much was left untouched including secret passages and an attic full of furniture and family heirlooms. Our family homestead also included a blacksmith shop, a small saw mill, barn and several other outbuildings, all of which became my playhouses. Watching my parents restore our home and outbuildings created my love and appreciation for historic homes. Since then, I have been on a self-guided journey learning about sea captains who brought tea, silk, china, wallpaper, furniture and spices to our local seaports and the early laborers and craftsmen who helped families make a house a home. Inspired by those before us who enjoyed the finer things in life, no matter how grand or small, I created New England Fine Living Magazine to capture the essence of New England’s past, while sharing our quintessential New England style homes and lifestyle known around the world today.

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In this issue, on page 28 you will read about the history of Reed & Barton, silver makers from Taunton, MA and on page 56 you will find information about the Newport Flower Show. Some of the article selections were inspired by my ancestors and where they lived.

On page 8, you will read about a unique car barn that was built on Martha’s Vineyard, on page 32 tea is served in Lexington (a town where my 5th great grandfather marched to fight as a volunteer after throwing tea into the Boston Harbor), and on page 52, we welcome spring by sharing photos and information about the annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival.

Linda Davis

– Your Fine Living Muse

Sharing fine living, simple pleasures and a life well-lived in New England and beyond.

For future issues: Whether you’re a reader or a writer, send us a note and tell us your story, ideas, or your wish list for future articles. We would love to hear from you!

Photography by Lea St. Germain

Linda Davis

Contributors Gay Giordano,

is a poet and architectural writer based in New York City and Martha’s Vineyard. She has co-authored New York Living: Re-Inventing Home, to be released by Rizzoli this April, 2017.

Spring 2017 / Volume 2 • Issue 3 Publisher and Editor-in-Chief / Linda Davis nefineliving@gmail.com Production Director / Phyllis Cohen Creative Director / Sarah DaRosa Intern / Enangeline Moore Chief Advisor / Ben Davis Art and Photography Consultant / Shannon Calder

Rebecca Hyman,

is the city editor of the Taunton Daily Gazette newspaper in Taunton, Massachusetts. She has a degree in political science from Brown University and lives in Providence, Rhode Island with her 9-year-old son, Jaco.

Writers / Gay Giordano / Nora Murphy / Linda Davis / Rebecca Hyman / Penny Lyons Photographers / Greg Premru / Mansour Bethoney / Linda Davis / Brian Sager

Complimentary Issues:

Sarah DaRosa is a professional makeup artist, hair stylist and

owner of Blush & Dirt - specializing in bridal, photoshoots and special events. After growing up in Massachusetts, she started her career in New York City and trained at the prestigious Academy of Freelance Makeup. Her career has taken her around the world and all over the United States, working on various projects. After several years in NYC she has come home to New England.

While supplies last, complimentary issues are distributed or available to read at some of our partner and affiliate locations, local events, and select retail and service establishments. A listing of partners who are involved with distribution can be found on NewEnglandFineLiving.com Subscriptions: Subscriptions may be obtained through our website for $24.99.

Past issues are available for purchase while supplies last. Please see our website for details.

Nora Murphy, is the voice behind noramurphycountryhouse.

com, a prolific gardener, an avid collector, a hearty cook, a warm hostess, an energetic ally of the classics, and above all, an experienced and nuanced designer. Her country house is an antique saltbox in Newtown, Connecticut, which she happily shares with her husband, Rick; son, Conor; dog, Fiona; and cat, Martha Luther King.

Penny Lyons, a native of Connecticut, and part-time resident

of Nantucket, has a decades long history of “making the ordinary extraordinary”, from intimate dinner parties to lavishness black tie balls. She has worked in grand scale capacities, such as co-chair of tent and table design for 800 guests at the home of Martha Stewart to benefit Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp and to honor the esteemed interior designer, Mario Buatta. She is the founder of Lyonslifestyle.com dedicated to entertaining, tablescapes and food styling on the island of Nantucket and Florida, where she now resides with her husband and Havanese.

To subscribe by mail, send check or money order to: New England Fine Living 116 Spectacle Pond Road Littleton, MA 01460 (978) 339-5444

Advertising and other inquiries: Please fill out our contact page at NewEnglandFineLiving.com or email NEfineliving@gmail.com. We reserve the right to refuse any ad, editorial, or photo, for any reason. All editorial and photos sent to New England Fine Living include the right to be edited and used in print or online at New England Fine Living’s discretion.

Published quarterly, New England Fine Living Magazine and website is a publication of

Bettie Bearden Pardee,

who grew up in Los Angeles and Atlanta, has been a resident of Newport for many years thanks to husband Jonathan, who is a native of the City by the Sea. She is the author of Private Newport and Living Newport and editor of PrivateNewport.com, a luxury lifestyle blog. In addition, she is a garden furniture designer, national lecturer and authority on entertaining. An honoree for the second year on The Salonniere 100: America’s Best Party Hosts, she was also the creative producer and host of The Presidential Palate: Entertaining at the White House.

New England Fine Living, LLC. The publisher or staff assumes no liability or responsibility for advertiser comments or claims or for any opinions or comments of writers or those interviewed. New England Fine Living is solely sharing information and makes no recommendations to purchase an item or service, sell an item, or to visit a location. New England Fine Living shares stories, quotes, or photos from our partners, sponsors, or affiliates, but these are not advertorials; we share because we want to. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, is prohibited without written consent from the publisher.

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PHOTO CREDIT - LINDA DAVIS

• T O W N TA L E S

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Headquarters │ Ten Post Office Square - Suite 1125 South. Boston, MA 02109 │ 617-723-1800 NewEnglandFineLiving.com

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Home

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Garden

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THE CAR BA R N Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard

Written By: Gay Giordano Photography: Greg Premru

C

elebrating his 36th year in practice,

Patrick Ahearn FAIA has realized a lifelong dream – to build a structure to house his impressive car collection. Inspired since childhood by car design and its relationship to architecture, his aesthetic found its purchase in the clean, elegant lines and symmetric aspects found in the sleekest classic cars.

The resulting “Car Barn” celebrates this unique relationship - its oversailing eaves bring to mind the headlights of a beautifully designed car; the windows are inspired by the grille teeth of his 1960 Corvette.

A quintessential element of the Vineyard’s idyllic rural landscape, the New England Vernacular Barn style was chosen as a testament to the island’s rich agricultural heritage.

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Island living at its finest – elegant, comfortable, and casual.

The 4,000 square foot barn is set on a large plot with significant landscaping on exclusive Field Club Lane in Martha’s Vineyard.

The grand allée approach with its cobblestone grass strip driveway lined with up lit trees leads to the garage portal. This ground level houses his cars and sports a “club room” seating area where Patrick can relax and appreciate the cars and his auto memorabilia. There is a wet bar that serves this area as well as the small terrace and grill area nestled into the soft sloping grade of the property.

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The two guest levels above are distinguished by a simple welcoming exterior detail: window boxes. The first of these levels features soaring double-height ceilings in the Master bedroom and living and dining areas. A compact kitchen with bar seating offers guests all the amenities of home. A stone fireplace surround and wood beam ceilings and antique barn floors are reinforcing elements of the New England style. The custom white paint throughout maximizes light. Reinterpreted cottage style windows incorporate lower pane slat shades so that light passes through the top panes uninterrupted.

The topmost level is reached by an open curved staircase in the main living area and leads to a small sitting room on the landing.

The guest bedroom is approached through double Cathedral Top church-style doors. Steep eaves in the sleeping quarters are appropriate to the intimate, private space. The rooftop cupola with custom hanging pendant light completes the vernacular style of the project, and when lit at night is an homage to this island’s nautical history and its many lighthouses.

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The interior design is by Patrick’s wife, Marsha Ahearn, done in the relaxed and bright island style which evokes summer living at its finest – elegant, comfortable, and casual.

A nod to the surrounding agriculture is thematic: red and white flour sack-style fabrics, quilts, sisal area rugs, agriculturally themed artwork, a simple antique-style wooden pendant chandelier with candle lights and the Master bedroom’s large turned-post king sized bed. patrickahearn.com

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“I’d rather have this bench than a piece of jewelry” — Bettie Bearden Pardee

#parterrebench 16

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MICHAEL J. LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

SOAK IT IN. Your home is a reflection of who you are. That’s why at Eric Haydel Design we offer a full range of design services that are always inspired by you. Together we are able to push the boundaries of style to create one-of-a-kind interiors.

We believe design is a chance to tell a story. Your story.

E R I C

H AY D E L

D E S I G N

B O S TO N - N E W O R L E A N S WWW.ERICHAYDEL.COM

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•F I N E L I V I N G F I N D S

“These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things in 2016” With over 21,000 Instagram followers on @Newenglandfineliving, these are a few of their favorite things too!

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“Draw inspiration from your favorite resort to create your own spa-like oasis at home.�

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DESIGN

R E F I N E D R E L A X AT I O N & S I M P L E LU X U R I E S

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eavy plush towels, cotton bathrobes, and waterfall showerheads are just a few of the simple luxuries found in upscale resorts and inns. But when you’re not traveling, wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy the same simple pleasure of relaxing and unwinding in your own home? Well you can. Draw inspiration from a favorite luxury destination and create your own spa-like oasis.

Previous Page - Castle Hill Inn - Rhode Island • Other than the view, a pedestal soaking tub takes center stage and becomes the main attraction of the bathroom.

• A shelf behind the sink creates just the right amount of space for soaps, toiletries, and water glasses.

• Functional pleated curtains allow for privacy when desired.

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PREVIOUS PAGE PHOTO VIA CASTLE HILL INN

• A rich-toned area rug gives warmth and personality to this space.

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The Inn at Hastings Park – Massachusetts

PHOTO VIA THE INN AT HASTINGS PARK

• Wood or faux wood blinds not only offer complete privacy; they also add a touch of design detail.

• To create the illusion of a larger space, lay flooring tiles on the diagonal.

• Instead of a valance, decorative molding above the window creates the perfect finishing touch and adds visual height to the window.

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Manoir Hovey – Quebec • To make your space feel more like a spa, use complementary colors to create a calming effect.

• Fresh flowers and greens not only look beautiful; they add texture and dimension to rooms with a lot of straight lines and flat surfaces.

• No space for a shower? Use an Englishstyle faucet complete with a handheld shower attachment - also known as telephone style or British style faucet.

Weekapaug Inn – Rhode Island • A clawfoot tub sets the tone for this vintage style bathroom.

• The tiled floor in tones of brown and white, is complemented by oiled bronze lighting fixtures. This creates a cohesive look and balances the space visually.

• White board and batten wainscoting, topped with a soft earthy paint color, creates the perfect backdrop for a vintage style bathroom.

• Note that the angled ceiling is treated as a wall when it comes to the paint color.

This helps create the illusion of more height and allows the eye to flow easily around the room.

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PHOTO VIA WEEKAPAUG INN, PHOTO VIA MANOIR HOVE

• A magnification mirror over the double sink vanity fits seamlessly within the décor.

Highly absorbent yet the Como robe is an e essential that offers the l on one side and softnes the other. matouk.com

Simple Pleasures Pick and choose what’s important to you and create your own spa-like bathroom. ❍ Fine toiletries ❍ Lit magnification mirrors ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍

(some offer up to 12 times magnification) Plush cotton towels Terrycloth slippers Personalize towels with monograms Luxurious cotton bathrobes

❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍

Jars of bath salts and scrubs Freestanding towel racks Heated floors and towel racks Large shower head or dual showerheads Decorative container of soaps Mood lighting and music

FRESH LINEN SOAPS Fresh Linen Soaps - Fresh Linen recal l s new ly laundered sheets air-dried on a clothesline under a brilliant sunshine after the rain. It’s a breezy fragrance that will at once calm and rejuvenate. matouk.com

Highly absorbent yet lightweight the Como robe is yet an elegant bath Highly absorbent lightweight essential that offers look of pique the Como robe is the an elegant bath on one side softness of of terry on essential thatand offers the look pique theone other. on sidematouk.com and softness of terry on the other. matouk.com

Influenced by the 1920s Bauhaus movement, this faucet from the Litze™ Bath Collection by Brizo® melds artistry and engineering for a strikingly bold, modern look. See the Litze Bath Collection from Brizo at frankwebb.com

Feel as if you are in your own spa with these Bel Tempo towels. Three ro w s o f e l e g a n t l y e m b ro i d e re d stripes accent luxuriously soft Cairo long-staple cotton terry towels. Select your colors at matouk.com

Smooth, bright and extraordinarily solid, the Cape Cod bathtub from Duravit was designed to be spectacular yet simple. This free-standing tub fuses innovative material and organic form in a monolithic design. The finer details include the stunningly thin tub rims, gentle curves, and integrated headrest. The satin-finished surface is pleasant to the touch and creates a fine interplay between light and shadow. frankwebb.com.

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A Scentsational Spring Welcome

By Nora Murphy

I

I like to keep it simple. Everything must be approachable. There’s no room at Connecticut Country House for fussy or complicated!

My approach to gardening follows this philosophy. Details matter to me. The aesthetic matters as well. I’ll take that extra time to make a thoughtful choice in deciding on what flowers to plant and where. When I plant, it’s personal. I want it to be familiar or beautiful or scented, or any combination of the three!

In the spring, every week something is in bloom at Connecticut Country House - from daffodils to flowering branches of Mock Orange. And it’s especially the scented flowers that get the greatest amount of consideration as to their best location.

Above the main stone path to the house, the wafting fragrance of orange blossoms from the overgrown Mock Orange shrub is what first greets you. Then as you reach the end of the path, it’s the vanilla scented Viburnum Calcephalum that takes over. I’ve planted two varieties of Viburnum there - Viburnum Carlcephalum

This stone path leads to our East patio, where depending on the season, there’s something in bloom here. Rhododendrons, Hydrangea, Azalea, Mountain Laurel, and Forsythia reign in mass. But it’s the smaller plants, like the common white Lilac that I impatiently wait for each spring. It amazes me just how much one cut flower stem can fill a room with its sweetest scent!

Near the main entrance to the house, I’ve planted two of my favorite roses. These too, I selected not just for their beauty, but also for their scent – Rosa Rugosa (commonly grown at the beach) and Madame Hardy, a delicate Damask Rose. Both white in color, Rosa Rugosa’s tennis shoe white blooms keep blooming all summer, while the Madame Hardy’s creamier (and tinged with the softest blush) flowers offer one big show.

I love that the first impression of Connecticut Country House is not only visual in the spring, it’s also scentsational.

www.noramurphycountryhouse.com

Viburnum

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Madame Hardy

Lilacs

“When I plant, it’s personal”

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PHOTO CREDIT NORA MURPHY

A variety of roses grow at Connecticut Country House; Fairies, Bonicas, and Edens are the most prolific. Cutting them for arrangements and deadheading them in early spring and again in the summer, keeps them happy and blooming.

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Entertaining,Occasions Style &

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OLD NEW ENGLAND

As you walk through the legendary silver doors of the former Reed & Barton factory in Taunton, Massachusetts, you step into a different time and place - a Great Gatsby era of elegance and glamour when men donned dinner jackets and women wrapped themselves in fur and jewels before stepping out for the evening.

Walk up the art deco staircase to the executive dining room and you can almost hear the crystal glasses clinking across the decades.

This is where the silver barons of Taunton wined and dined captains of industry from around the world. It was a time when champagne was chilled in sterling ice buckets, every course had its own utensils, cigars were stored in monogrammed mahogany humidors, and Reed & Barton silversmiths were in the thick of it all.

“When you’d walk down Fifth Avenue and look in the high-end shop windows, one of the names you’d see was Reed & Barton,” said Taunton historian and author Bill Hanna. There are more than two dozen buildings on the historic 14.5-acre site of the world-renowned silversmith, which closed its Taunton operation in May 2015 after nearly 200 years in business.

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PREVIOUS PAGE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MANSOUR BETHONEY

Written by: Rebecca Hyman Styled by: Sarah DaRosa Photography by: Mansour Bethoney

Acuity Management purchased the property in December 2015 with an eye toward re-inventing it as a mixed-use legacy destination that pays homage to the property’s illustrious past and takes advantage of its distinctive features. The possibilities are wide open, including loft-style apartments, a micro brewery and professional office space, said Taunton native Sarah DaRosa, who has been working with Acuity on the project. The Reed & Barton property is a gorgeous mix of Restoration Hardware meets Newport Mansions – only it’s all original and authentic. Just when you think the buildings are typical New England factories, with their rugged-industrial-chic brick walls, wide-board floors and utilitarian fixtures, you catch a glimpse of a glistening showroom frozen in time and find yourself in the Land of Oz. One entire wall is still lined with hundreds of sterling silver flatware samples in the many Reed & Barton patterns, from streamlined and modernist to baroque and ornate. The very height of opulent must-have tableware was the turn-of-the-century French Renaissance-style Francis I pattern, which adorned the tables of no fewer than four U.S. presidents -Woodrow Wilson, Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower and Gerald Ford –and was presented to none other than movie icon Shirley Temple as a wedding gift in 1945, according to Pete Mozzone, who worked in Reed & Barton’s in-house photography shop from 1996 to 2008 and volunteered as the plant historian. And as if to seal the deal on Francis I’s sterling reputation, the Marharajah of Barwani purchased a whopping $100,000 worth of the service in 1924, Mozzone said.

apprentice in 1828: “This is a boy who wants to learn a trade. Set him to work and see what becomes of him.” And, oh, what became of him.

His name lives on, engraved into prized tableware scattered around the world.

DaRosa has been working closely with Acuity Vice President Ross Cameron, whose father Peter started the company in 1991. Peter is also CEO of Lenox, the china manufacturing giant that purchased Reed & Barton in May 2015 and has kept the name alive.

DaRosa, who grew up in Taunton riding her bicycle past those famous silver doors, said she was captivated by the drama and rich history of the building and knew it would make the perfect set. She loved the juxtaposition of the models – decked out in modern clothes that harken back to the go-go, lavish, pre-Depression 1920s – against the backdrop of the now-vacant factory that epitomized that era and lifestyle in real time.

DaRosa’s own grandmother worked at Reed & Barton as a secretary and remembers the magical feeling of walking through those gilded doors, DaRosa said. And isn’t that what fine living is all about? Taking the ordinary and elevating it through artistry, style and a splash of panache into something extraordinary and unforgettable.

The precious cargo made its way from Taunton to New York then onto Liverpool and Bombay, followed by 800 miles inland by train, 400 miles by mule and 100 miles on the backs of carriers. And as if to seal the deal on Francis I’s sterling reputation, the Marharajah of Barwani purchased a whopping $100,000 worth of the service in 1924, Mozzone said. The precious cargo made its way from Taunton to New York then onto Liverpool and Bombay, followed by 800 miles inland by train, 400 miles by mule and 100 miles on the backs of carriers.

“The building and doors were there to tell people, this was a place to be reckoned with,”Hanna said. Taunton is known far and wide as “The Silver City” in no small measure because of Reed & Barton – and the prestige and pride it brought to this little corner of Southeastern Massachusetts. Reed & Barton was never one of the largest silver makers in the world. But it was never about being big, Hanna said.

It was about being the best.

“The original Reed and Barton were craftsmen who started from the bottom up. They knew every facet of silver making. They never wanted to be a mass producer. It was about quality,” Hanna said.

Back when the country was still young, a pair of enterprising teenagers, Henry G. Reed and Charles E. Barton, became apprentices at the Taunton jewelry shop of Babbitt & Crossman. According to Mozzone, Crossman told a foreman when he took Reed on as an Photo Shoot Credits Page 64

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F O R K S , C O R K S & C O C K TA I L S

“You never need a reason to gather with friends over a cup of tea”

“The very act of preparing and serving tea encourages conversation. The little spaces in time created by teatime rituals call out to be filled with conversation.

Even the tea itself - warm and comforting-inspires a feeling of relaxation and trust that fosters shared confidences.”

- Emilie Barnes

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Tea Hosted By: The Inn at Hastings Park Lexington, MA Styled & Photographed By: Linda Davis Executive Chef: Lucas Sousa Pastry Chef: Chef Denise Demoney

CREATE THE LOOK:

For simple table dĂŠcor, mini ferns and mint were placed into silver containers finished off by adding moss to hide the small containers within.

Mixing the eras. For this tablescape, we used a vintage sugar and creamer set, an antique sterling silver bowl, and a new silver lantern.

To create levels, vintage books were used beneath the items.

Serve finger sandwiches and desserts on single and tiered pedestals to allow for more table space and add levels to your table setting.

Honey and seeded eucalyptus has been tucked into a folded napkin.

A simple centerpiece was created by encircling a fresh white hydrangea with seeded eucalyptus to complement the napkins.

Using white China allows limitless design opportunities.

Colorful bold patterns or vintage tea cups with flowers and birds are also fun to use and help set the scene for a themed tea party.

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Smoked Trout Tea Sandwiches 4 oz Smoked Trout (Duck Trap from Maine is suggested) ½ cup Crème Fraiche ¼ cup Rendered Chopped Bacon ¼ cup Chopped Chives 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice Make sure your trout is free of pin bones.

Once you have checked for bones, shred the trout with your hands.

Mix the ingredients with the trout until combined.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve on a selection of toasted bread preferably wheat or rye.

On pre-selected days throughout the year, the Inn at Hastings Park, in Lexington, MA, offers teas, sandwiches, and desserts.

Reservations now being accepted. innathastingspark.com

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F O R K S , C O R K S & C O C K TA I L S

Blood Orange Screwdriver

By Oysterville Vodka 4 2 2 1

oz. oz. oz. oz.

Fresh squeezed blood orange juice - approx. three medium blood oranges Fresh squeezed navel orange juice - approx. 1 med navel orange Oysterville Vodka Grand Marnier

Pour into a highball glass filled with ice and stir Garnish with a thin slice of blood orange and a sprig of fresh rosemary * Splash of club soda for some effervescent if you like!

Another Garnish Idea - Place thin slices of a blood orange in a food dehydrator or in an oven, at the lowest temperature, for about 2 –2 ½ hours. This will create a beautiful and vibrant garnish to place on the rim (cut a slit in the fruit slice for ease of placement) or float in your glass.Dehydrated garnishes can be made ahead of time for ease of cocktail creation.

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A Spring Farmhouse Brunch

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By Nora Murphy

Flowers are a natural part of my home, so setting my old Irish farmhouse table for a spring brunch with bright yellow bunches is only natural!

To set this cheery table, I start with woven grass mats for each place setting. I love how the texture and hue of the mats works in seamlessly with the old mellowed pine tabletop. All white dinnerware helps to keep the look fresh while cotton kitchen towels, with a pretty tasseled fringe, add a homespun country feeling. Hand blown glasses with grass green rims from Mexico and bee glasses from France add more spring-inspired elements.

Once the table’s set, I add the pizzazz! I casually place, here and there, small pots of grocery store bought daffodils that get dressed up in small metal pails.

Keeping the casual feel going by using the same metal pails as the potted, freshly cut daffy’s make the most impact when the stems are cut down to create miniature cheerful bouquets.

When brunch is served, I love how flowers surround us, as if we’re outside seated in the garden!

Happy spring! noramurphycountryhouse.com

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•S T Y L E We asked Meghan Doyle, fashion designer and owner of Tallulah & Poppy:

“What would you wear to an afternoon tea?”

“I think a fun pastel color and a classic dress silhouette would be perfect, but it all depends on the fabric choice. A circle skirt always works because it’s timeless. I’d say no black and to go for pops of color. Pair the outfit with a stacked heel or a flat; no stilettos. A tweed blazer would also be nice in a light color. Finally, you could do a solid color dress paired with a necklace and bracelet combination.” Said Meghan

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tallulahandpoppy.com

Travel

&Leisure

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“With so many inns, resorts, and boutique hotels in New England, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy Fine Living , Simple Pleasures, and a Life Well-Lived.”

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An Introduction to THE ART OF LIVING

& Living Well

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Written by: Linda Davis

What began in 1954 as an idea to showcase eight properties that offered elegantly appointed guest rooms and dining, has evolved over the decades into a family of over 520 unique Relais & Chateaux properties.

Properties that belong to the Relais & Chateaux family are a group of independent owners and chefs who have proven themselves by offering an outstanding experience to their guests. When one stays at a Relais & Chateaux property, or dines at one of their restaurants, they can be sure the visit will be memorable since their goal is to enhance a local cultural experience for their guests. The ultimate goal of the Relais & Chateaux innkeeper or chef is to introduce their guests to the “Art of Living� and to share their passion for living well.

OCEAN HOUSE BAR & CASTLE HILL PORCH PHOTO CREDIT: LINDA DAVIS

I have had the pleasure of staying and dining at several Relais & Chateaux properties in New England, as well as Montpelier Plantation on the island of Nevis in the West Indies. Each property offered a unique experience that exuded the ambiance of their natural and historic surroundings. Chefs prepare many of their meals with locally sourced products, and inn keepers include items crafted at local businesses such as glassware, linens, chocolates, and candles.

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T W I N FA R M S Barnard, Vermont

Treehouse:

Inside the main farm house, I noted the perfect blend of traditional country décor along with touches of artistic whimsy. Cocktails of our choice were served from a quaint bar in the living room, and we were given an overview of the property before settling into “Treehouse”, our private little haven in the woods.

Placed on the crest of a hill, where trees from the valley behind create the cottage’s background, its name became evident once we looked out our back windows. It literally felt as if we were within the treetops.

The interior décor, which I describe as “rustic elegance” made me smile as soon as I passed through the small foyer. Birch logs and twigs adorned the vaulted ceiling, elegant green and white toile draperies and valances flanked each side of the oversized windows, and the king size bed, dressed in fine linens, took center stage with its tall spiral bedposts. Opposite the bed, a seating area was waiting for us to sit and enjoy a glass of wine in front of the large wood-burning fireplace. Off the side of the house is a screened-in porch, where we chose to enjoy a gourmet lunch the next day surrounded by the sounds and sights of the peaceful forest. Delivered by basket, our lunch was set out for us complete with china and glassware and was a far cry from the picnics I enjoyed in my childhood treehouse. twinfarms.com

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PORCH PHOTO CREDIT - LINDA DAVIS . BEDROOM PHOTO CREDIT - TWIN FARMS

Nestled in the mountains of Vermont, Twin Farms was so named when Nobel Prize-winning novelist Sinclair Lewis and his wife Dorothy Thompson, bought two adjoining farms to create one large property.

Once known for its legendary parties hosted by the Sinclairs in the thirties and forties, it is now Vermont’s only five-star, all-inclusive resort.

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CA STLE HILL INN Newport, Rhode Island

PHOTO CREDIT: CASTLE HILL INN . COTTAGE PHOTO CREDIT: LINDA DAVIS

Located on Ocean Avenue, Castle Hill Inn overlooks the waterway of East Passage where one can watch the ongoing parade of sailboats and yachts glide by.

Rich in history, the property was first built in 1874 as a summer home by Harvard University marine biologist and naturalist, Alexander Agassiz. During World War II, the property became an impromptu Naval base until the war ended, then it was transformed into an elegant summer hotel that lured well-known guests such as actress Grace Kelly and novelist Thornton Wilder.

As it stands today, the main house is where you will find the inn’s bar, restaurant, private tea room, and guest rooms, but there are also several secluded beach houses at the base of the hill.

Windward Beach House:

The short path to my beach house was layered with crushed oyster shells and bordered by flowers and foliage of white, green, and purple. The entry door, painted a soft sea green and adorned with a brass sailboat door knocker, gave way to a charming one-room suite. Soft classical music from a bedside radio was already drifting through the air and in true Relais & Chateaux fashion, a bottle of wine and small savories were placed on the coffee table for us to enjoy. The interior of the cottage, including the ceilings, were painted pure white offering a crisp background to the soft blue and green tones used in the room’s decor. A small kitchenette, complete with a farmer’s sink, made it apparent that the beach house would be a perfect choice for those wanting to prep their own light meals.

Immediately upon opening the French doors leading to the back deck, the sound of waves and a warm summer breeze entered the room and mingled seamlessly with the classical music; a perfect way to start the evening since we were off to enjoy the Newport Music Festival. castlehillinn.com NewEnglandFineLiving.com

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T H E C H A R L OT T E I N N Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard

Built in 1866 for Zoraida, wife of Samuel Osborne Jr, who was a nineteenth century whaling ship owner, their home became a popular destination for many of Zoraida’s social events. In the early days of the twentieth century, the home was sold to Manuel Silva Jr. who moved his established grocery store to his new South Summer Street address. Again, in 1922, the building was sold to Charlotte and Phillip Pent, and they continued to run the store until the Great Depression. It was in 1943, that Charlotte took a leap of faith and transformed the building into a beautiful inn which she ran successfully for 12 years. After becoming a widow, Charlotte decided to sell the property. Three owners later, the current owners took on the challenge of restoring the property which includes several outbuildings.

A Step Back in Time:

Instantly, I was transported back to the 18th and 19th century. The Inn’s rooms were adorned with stunning antiques, oil paintings, and accessories without a hint of modernization to be seen. Remembering that I left my husband standing outside, I made plans to return later that evening to enjoy cocktails by the fire. Upon our return later that evening, we found ourselves in two soft leather chairs right next to the crackling fire.

It was then that I slowly took in the collections which I could tell were placed with precision within the room. Vintage top hats and their boxes were placed under a table, oil paintings of horse and rider adorned the walls, and a plethora of silver and crystal pieces accented tabletops. After a quick tour of the property, I got a glimpse of what makes The Charlotte Inn so special. It truly is an inn that time has forgotten. thecharlotteinn.com

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PHOTO CREDIT: LINDA DAVIS

It was an overcast day, and my husband and I were strolling along the streets of Edgartown. We soon came upon the inn and with a familiar quick glance towards my husband, that he knows all too well, I disappeared through the front door of the inn to see if it looked as charming inside as it did outside.

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PHOTO CREDIT: THE INN AT HASTINGS PARK . “ARTISTRYˮ PHOTO CREDIT: LINDA DAVIS

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T H E I N N AT H A S T I N G S PA R K Lexington, Massachusetts

Centrally located in Lexington, Massachusetts, the Inn at Hastings Park is close to many historic attractions such as a walking path once traveled by Paul Revere during his famous midnight ride, Battle Green where “The Shot Heard Round the World” started the first battle of the Revolution, and Munroe Tavern where the British Redcoats established their local headquarters. During these historic events, weary travelers would take refuge and relax in local inns and taverns. The tradition of relaxing in Lexington still holds true today thanks to the Inn at Hastings Park. With a passion to “bring back the spirit of inn keeping to Lexington”, three historic buildings were purchased and transformed into the luxurious inn which we know today. The original resident of the main house, built in 1888, was a descendent of one of Lexington’s original settlers in the 1600’s. The second home on the property is the Isaac Muliken House, and the third building, that stands between both homes, served as Muliken’s carpentry shop.

Artistry on the Green: Since I’m in Lexington often, I made plans to visit the Inn at Hastings Park and Artistry on the Green, the inn’s restaurant, to enjoy a hearty breakfast and cup of coffee before my morning stroll around town. In the dining room, black chairs reminiscent with those found in the late 1700’s, surround each dining table; a large decorative American flag is placed horizontally on a side wall, and a whimsical portrait of Paul Revere hangs over the fireplace as if keeping watch over the guests. The interior decor of all three buildings, including the 22 guest rooms, creates a “contemporary twist on the traditional” showcasing many of New England’s talented designers, decorators, and artisans.

The guest rooms, each different in style and color, offer locals a place to getaway and relax, corporate travelers a close commute to Boston, and world travelers a home base while visiting our historic region. innathastingspark.com

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OCE AN HOUSE Watch Hill, Rhode Island

Opened in 1868, and immortalized in the silent movie American Aristocracy, starring Douglas Fairbanks, Ocean House welcomed summer guests for over 135 years until it was deemed “beyond feasible repair”.

Luckily, Ocean House stands proudly yet again and welcomes guests year round.

Upon my arrival, I quickly noticed the iconic Relais & Chateaux logo that I have come to know and admire.

This would mark my seventh visit to a Relais & Chateaux property, six of which I have visited in New England so far. It was then I realized that simple logo created an unexpected feeling of calm, and I felt my shoulders slowly drop as I approached the front door.

As I crossed the resort’s threshold, attendants who were flanked at each side of the doorway greeted me with a welcoming nod. I quickly assessed my surroundings - reception area to the left, boutique to the right, and ahead of me, a large open lobby full of plush seating arrangements. In the far right-hand corner of the room, a large bank of windows overlook a porch where rockers were gently rocking in the ocean breeze as if visitors from days gone by were still sitting and enjoying the ocean view. After taking in the architectural details, I was surprised to learn that the building itself was a fairly-new replica of the 1868 building that once stood in its footprint. The current owners painstakingly made sure everything that could be saved would be, and they strived to use each item as it was once used. With this sort of attention to detail and use of authentic architectural items, it made perfect sense why I thought the building was original.

Room # 308:

The king size bed was dressed in crisp white linens including a small white accent pillow (monogrammed with a blue letter “D” for my last name) and a matching blue throw was placed at the foot of the bed. The seating area had a view of the ocean and through a large window-like opening, with bi-folding shutters pulled aside, a soaking tub was complete with a tray crossing over its top holding a sachet of lavender scented bath salts, a loofah sponge, and the remote for the in-bathroom television.

With such a passion for preservation and detail, the building is full of historic energy and visual beauty. It is truly a luxury resort reminiscent of elegance and grandeur found in days gone by. www.oceanhouseri.com

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PHOTO CREDIT: LINDA DAVIS

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magical forty private acres in newport, america’s first resort.

888.466.1355 | castlehillinn.com

THE DINING ROOM

artfully crafted cuisine

SAY ‘I DO’

ocean view weddings

THE RETREAT luxury wellness

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The Grey Lady Becomes Sunny Yellow By: Penny Lyons Photography: Brian Sager As the days become longer and the temperatures warmer, we close our eyes and take a deep breath in as the sweet smell of daffodils fills the air.

The scent inspires us and fills us with hope as our thoughts turn to rebirth, and we bid adieu to winter and celebrate the awakening of springtime on Nantucket at the Nantucket Daffodil Festival.

The love affair between daffodils and Nantucket:

There is something for everyone:

It all started in the early 1970s, when summer resident, Jean MacAusland, publisher of Gourmet magazine, joined forces with the Nantucket Garden Club and planted thousands of daffodil bulbs down Milestone Road all the way to Sconset. The very first Daffodil Festival came shortly thereafter. Starting out as a small celebration of spring, a mere 18 antique cars were displayed on Main Street, followed by a parade from town to Sconset where townspeople gathered for a picnic.

In the 1980s, Mrs. MacAusland ordered an additional eight tons of bulbs (100,000) from the Netherlands to be delivered to Nantucket.

During this fun-filled, three-day weekend, one is able to enjoy parades, floral exhibitions, lectures, art shows, walking tours, live performances, music and dancing. There is a children’s parade with contests for best decorated bicycle, wagon, and stroller, followed by a family beach picnic at the children’s beach.

Through fundraising efforts and contributions over the years, there are an estimated four million daffodil bulbs all over this magical island today. This year, 2017, we will be celebrating the 43rd Annual Nantucket Community Daffodil Flower Show, sponsored

by The Nantucket Garden Club and held at Bartlett’s Farm. It’s a not to-be-missed pageantry of stunning daffodil species, daffodil arrangements, and daffodil photography. Nantucketers take their daffodils very seriously!

Pets are coveted and honored too with their own parade, the Daffy Dog Parade, with a prize for the most “daffy” dog. There are contests for just about everything one can imagine. For the athletically inclined, there is the 5K race with, of course, a “daffy” winner. One of my favorites is the window-decorating contest, a contest for the most cleverly bedecked daffodil window, in which retailers from all over town participate.

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The Sconset Tailgate is the piece de resistance: In a grand parade manner, the cars make their way through town, along the traditional Milestone Road route out to the eastern end of the island, to the famous Sconset Tailgate Picnic... and what an event it is! Each car and truck has a coordinated theme from the very cute to the extraordinary. They park diagonally, on both sides of the road, throw open their doors, trunks and hatches, to reveal sensational creativity, color and humor, with themed tailgate food and cocktails and truck loads of joi de vive! Some even have live bands as part of their entourage or rented furniture. One year, there was an actual cabaret set up on the lawn with bar stools, and patrons seated at bistro tables complete with linens and centerpieces. Patrons partake in the daffodil stroll, wandering up and down, cocktail in hand, cheerfully socializing and congratulating strangers with warm applause and lots of laughter. Children dance in the streets to the cheerful sound of bells echoing in the air from an English folk dance group, The Pine Woods Morris Dance group, the oldest Morris team in the Western hemisphere. They perform in different locations throughout the day, joyfully wielding sticks and handkerchiefs as they perform their choreographed steps with bell pads on their shins. No festival would be complete without music and dancing!

The jam-packed days then melt into magical evenings:

Some in costume, some in couture: As the number of daffodils has grown, so too has the number of visitors who take to the island each spring. Though boat slips lay in wait, the docks are filled with thousands (an estimated 9,000) who come from near and far, dressed in their yellow and green daffodil regalia, many in wildly decorated hats with daffodils dancing atop their heads. It would not be unusual to see someone in a yellow ball gown, a yellow sweatshirt and jeans or even in yellow pajamas, but one thing is for sure, the fun attire is what you will see all over the island.

The Antique Car Show: With the excitement beginning in Hyannis, over 100 cars are driven onto the ferries, many already adorned with hundreds of daffodils, eager to make their way thirty miles out sea, to show themselves on Nantucket’s cobblestoned Main Street. These vintage beauties are most often decorated with a fun theme, such as “Gatsby”, with owners in flapper costumes; or “Grease”, with owners decked out in hot pink poodle skirts with real black poodles on leashes. One year, a gorgeous “Smurf blue” antique car arrived with a Smurf theme. Even the owners of the car painted their faces Smurf blue! With clipboards in hand, judges meander through the rows of these jaw-dropping antique cars and trucks, studying each one, before awarding ribbons.

Dinner parties are in full swing, complete with dining tables beautifully tablescaped in yellow and green. The magnificent island restaurants reopen to welcome islanders and visitors alike, with advance reservations a must, as many clamor to take advantage of the amazing culinary excursion for which Nantucket is known. A late-night walk through the cobblestone streets, illuminated by cozy colonial lanterns, begs you to peer into the restaurant windows. You can hear the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses all over town; a scene reminiscent of a Renoir painting, with folks joyously happy to be out and about, reconnecting once again. The level of enthusiasm is infectious and bellows out to the world “spring Dinner parties are in full swing, complete with dining tables beautifully tablescaped in yellow and green. The magnificent island restaurants reopen to welcome islanders and visitors alike, with advance reservations a must, as many clamor to take advantage of the amazing culinary excursion for which Nantucket is known. A late-night walk through the cobblestone streets, illuminated by cozy colonial lanterns, begs you to peer into the restaurant windows. You can hear the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses all over town; a scene reminiscent of a Renoir painting, with folks joyously happy to be out and about, reconnecting once again. The level of enthusiasm is infectious and bellows out to the world “spring has sprung and so have we!” has sprung and so have we!”

It’s the moment when the island opens its sleepy eyes and stretches after a long winter’s nap,and millions of daffodils all over the island pop their heads up to say “Happy spring!

The 2017 Daffodil Festival on Nantucket Island, sponsored by the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce, runs April 28th through April 30th.

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HAUTE HAPPENINGS

The Newport Flower Show – Newport, Rhode Island With camera phone in hand, we took a few snapshots during our 2016 visit to the Newport Flower Show.

Vibrant garden displays and floral exhibits graced the interior and exterior of Rosecliff mansion, while vendor booths, food, and music held court on the back lawn; where we enjoyed sweeping views of grand mansions dotting the Atlantic coastline.

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Flowers & Fashion As a former co-chair of the Newport flower show, Bettie Bearden Pardee, garden furniture designer and author of Private Newport and Living Newport shared with us a few of her suggestions on what to wear to the Newport Flower Show.

Bettie says: Dress in layers. This is New England; the weather changes on a dime, foggy in the morning, hot at noon. Bring a Newport staple (a Pashmina) or other shawl; temperatures here drop 20 degrees at night. Leave your stilettos at home. Go for comfort by wearing flat shoes or wedges. I like to wear my favorite gardening shoes. Enjoy the opportunity to wear bright floral shades and forego the LBD (Little Black Dress). Off the shoulder dresses are fun and current, especially in a “Newport-in-the-summer� colorful print and hats of any style. privatenewport.com

2017 New port Flower Show Fete des Fleurs: Paintings and Parterres Show Dates/Hours Friday, June 23, 2017 - Sunday, June 25, 2017 newportmansions.org/events/newport-flower-show Dress By: saracampbell.com NewEnglandFineLiving.com

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Online: NewEnglandFineLiving.com

Mail: New England Fine Living 116 Spectacle Pond Road Littleton, MA 01460 NewEnglandFineLiving.com

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PA R T N E R S - A F F I L I A T E S - S O U R C E S

Page 5 LandVest – landvest.com Page 15 Eric Haydel Design – erichaydel.com Page 17 Westchester Homes – westchesterhomescorp.com Page 23 Matouk – matouk.com Page 23 Frank Webb – frankwebb.com Page 24 Nora Murphy Country House – noramurphycountryhouse.com Page 28 Reed & Barton – reedandbarton.com Lenox – lenox.com Page 35 Oysterville Vodka – oystervillevodka.com Page 38 Tallulah & Poppy – tallulahandpoppy.com Page 52 Manoir Hovey – manoirhovey.com Ocean House – oceanhouse.com Spicer Mansion – spicermansion.com Weekapaug Inn – weekapauginn.com Page 53 Castle Hill Inn – castlehillinn.com Page 54 The Inn at Hastings Park – innathastingspark.com Page 59 The Roberts Collection – therobertscollection.com Page 65 Patrick Ahearn Architect – patrickahearn.com

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Reed & Barton Photo Shoot The Reed & Barton photography project could not have taken place without the gracious assistance of the following people and businesses: Lead Hair and Makeup Artist, Producer, Creative Director: Sarah DaRosa Assistants to lead HMUA: Mackenzie Burgess; Maggie Myers; Molly Field Co-producer: Julianne Oates Photographer: Mansour Bethoney Intern: Olivia Thrasher Furniture: Leonard’s Antiques Silver, Chairs and Table Cloths: Rentals Unlimited Crystal Decanters: Lenox - Reed & Barton: Table Arrangement: Merriweather’s Flowers Dresses: Alexandra’s Boutique Jewelry: Jason & Co. Trees and Flowers: Garden Patch - Steve Vilas-Boas Place Settings, Silverware and Silver Items: Acuity Management Suits: Tux Towne Thanks to Peter G. Mazzone for Reed & Barton history.

BOSTON | 617.266.1710

MARTHA’S VINEYARD | 508.939.9312

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Photography by Svyatoslava Vladzimirska

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“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. �

Nathaniel Hawthorne Born July 4, 1804 / Salem, MA