A Look At Martha Stewart's Woodsy, Whimsical Summer Home

For decades, Martha Stewart has set the standard for home inspiration, so it's no surprise that her summer retreat on the coast of Maine is the picture of woodsy, whimsical perfection. Of all the homes that Martha Stewart owns, her Maine estate (known as Skylands) might just be the most enchanting, with its natural charm and decor details that Architectural Digest claims "is a model of what a great American country house should be." Deep in a remote island of the east coast, Skylands feels like a hidden treasure. Built in 1925 by architect Duncan Candler for Edsel Ford, the home effortlessly blends into its landscape of lush greenery and awe-inspiring terraces.

Stewart bought Skylands in 1997 and has kept its original character intact, preserving many of the details that keep the estate's history alive. The house is more than just a summertime destination — it's a time capsule of elegance with distinct charm that only someone like Martha Stewart can capture. The stunning landscape of the Maine coast adds the perfect finishing touch, making Skylands a true celebration of both history and nature.

Among the home design choices you likely won't see in Martha Stewart's home is unkempt landscaping. At Skylands, the grounds are a masterclass in natural beauty and meticulous upkeep. In an episode of her show "Martha" (via Facebook), she delved into the scenery of her Maine estate, praising landscape architect Jens Jensen's design, who aimed to "enhance and refine what already exists in nature and never outshine it." You can see this approach all throughout the estate, whether it's in the winding trails lined with native plants or the carefully placed stones that blend beautifully into the natural terrain.

In her Instagram post, Stewart shared how maintaining the landscape at Skylands is an ongoing effort, proclaiming the benefits of regularly keeping up with repairs. During the summer, Stewart brings in her trusted stonemasons to repair terrace walls, level pavers, and restore the natural stonework that defines the property. These careful touches help preserve the estate's classic landscape, so the picturesque paths and terraced gardens stay as beautiful and natural-looking as ever, blending lovingly with the surrounding scenery.

Martha Stewart's love for preserving older details shines through in everything she does, whether she's bringing an old cutting board back to life or maintaining the history within the walls of her Maine home. She's kept the estate true to its original style by preserving details like vintage china and silverware still in the cabinets and stonework that reflects the home's 1920s origins. The commitment to honoring these elements makes the property feel timeless and authentic, giving visitors a peek into the home's history throughout every room.

Stewart's touch is evident in the vintage decor she carefully selects for the estate, which expertly gives the space a sense of history and style. In an Instagram post, she shared a photo of the entry hall, where she hung two 18th-century Japanese screens, noting in the caption (via Instagram), "I call it 'bringing the outdoors in' which is a recurring theme in this 1925 gracious home." Other vintage touches add to its historic charm, like vintage Georgian stools in the kitchen and a 1958 Edsel Roundup in the driveway. By staying true to Skylands' roots while thoughtfully incorporating her own elements, Stewart allows the property to remain a living piece of history. The result is a home that feels timeless, where every aspect tells a story and the past is always present.