https://chestertownspy.org Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Chestertown Thu, 08 May 2025 11:00:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/05/08/house-of-the-week-go-dutch-colonial/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/05/08/house-of-the-week-go-dutch-colonial/#respond Thu, 08 May 2025 11:00:44 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/05/08/house-of-the-week-go-dutch-colonial/ Several of my friends have very fond memories of growing up in this neighborhood off Goldsborough with its long blocks, wide streets with parking on both sides of the streets and rear alleys. This house on a corner lot has been well maintained and it is now being offered for the first time in forty […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/05/08/house-of-the-week-go-dutch-colonial/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/05/01/house-of-the-week-captivating-craftsman-bungalow/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/05/01/house-of-the-week-captivating-craftsman-bungalow/#respond Thu, 01 May 2025 11:00:31 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/05/01/house-of-the-week-captivating-craftsman-bungalow/ When I began my search for this week’s feature, I looked no further than this Craftsman Bungalow, since I am besotted with bungalows in general and this one in particular! I coveted it when it was on the market before and I enjoyed my tour to reacquaint me with its many charms. This bungalow has […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/05/01/house-of-the-week-captivating-craftsman-bungalow/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/24/design-with-jenn-martella-the-dover-a-sears-roebuck-company-design/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/24/design-with-jenn-martella-the-dover-a-sears-roebuck-company-design/#respond Thu, 24 Apr 2025 12:00:58 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/?p=183819 Two years ago I wrote a special feature about the Sears Roebuck pre-fabricated houses that I illustrated with images of houses I discovered on the Eastern Shore.  From 1908 to 1940, Sears Roebuck offered a complete package of house plans and materials that were shipped throughout the US. There were five series of 447 house […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/24/design-with-jenn-martella-the-dover-a-sears-roebuck-company-design/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/17/design-with-jenn-martella-the-second-empire-strikes-back/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/17/design-with-jenn-martella-the-second-empire-strikes-back/#respond Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:00:56 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/17/design-with-jenn-martella-the-second-empire-strikes-back/ As I was searching for this week’s feature, I had just finished watching Season Five of “The Parisian Agency” so France was on my mind and this house spoke to me. The Second Empire style became popular in France during the reign of Napoleon III, France’s “Second Empire”. Its origin was actually in the 17th […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/17/design-with-jenn-martella-the-second-empire-strikes-back/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/10/design-with-jenn-martella-highfield/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/10/design-with-jenn-martella-highfield/#respond Thu, 10 Apr 2025 11:00:06 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/10/design-with-jenn-martella-highfield/ As an ardent proponent of historic preservation, I am honored that today’s feature is “Highfield”, the home of Michael and Ann Bourne since 1989. Michael Bourne was a giant in the field of historic preservation in the Mid-Atlantic region. His research and drawings of historic structures and sites in Kent County are now housed in […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/10/design-with-jenn-martella-highfield/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/03/design-with-jenn-martella-thinking-inside-the-box/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/03/design-with-jenn-martella-thinking-inside-the-box/#respond Thu, 03 Apr 2025 11:00:28 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/03/design-with-jenn-martella-thinking-inside-the-box/ This unique house, designed by its Architect/Owner, is sited on a narrow peninsula between the Honga River and the Chesapeake Bay. The 0.9 acre lot includes a dock with a boat lift across the entry road, a driveway that can accommodate two cars and a bayside outbuilding. The aerial shot illustrates the house’s simple form, […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/04/03/design-with-jenn-martella-thinking-inside-the-box/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/27/house-of-the-week-sunnyside-up/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/27/house-of-the-week-sunnyside-up/#respond Thu, 27 Mar 2025 10:00:38 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/27/house-of-the-week-sunnyside-up/ The first neighborhood I discovered after I moved to the Eastern Shore was Travelers Rest. My sister’s in-laws’ property along the Tred Avon River was the scene of many family gatherings and they kindly included me. I soon appreciated how sought after the neighborhood was, due to its being set back far from highway 33/St. […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/27/house-of-the-week-sunnyside-up/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/20/design-with-jenn-martella-twin-peaks/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/20/design-with-jenn-martella-twin-peaks/#respond Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:00:18 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/20/design-with-jenn-martella-twin-peaks/ It is sometimes challenging to find contemporary houses in our area to feature, so I was delighted to see a picture of this home with steep gables that reminded me of Swiss chalets.  I then knew the title for this article had to be “Twin Peaks”. On the day of my tour, I drove along […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/20/design-with-jenn-martella-twin-peaks/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/13/design-with-jenn-martella-rest-full-cape-cod/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/13/design-with-jenn-martella-rest-full-cape-cod/#respond Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:00:51 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/13/design-with-jenn-martella-rest-full-cape-cod/ Today’s house is a story and a half house Cape Cod design that has the elements of this popular style: compact floor plan, symmetry in plan and elevation; side gable walls, and windows flanking the front door and single dormer windows. The white lap siding is accented by the blue shutters, entry door and the […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/13/design-with-jenn-martella-rest-full-cape-cod/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/06/design-with-jenn-martella-coastal-cottage-in-rock-hall/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/06/design-with-jenn-martella-coastal-cottage-in-rock-hall/#respond Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:00:16 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/06/design-with-jenn-martella-coastal-cottage-in-rock-hall/   Since my most recent Houses of the Week have been historic or Eastern Shore vernacular houses, I felt as the Monty Python movie proclaimed “ and now (it’s time) for something completely different” this week. Rock Hall is always a happy hunting ground for me and this house’s blend of contemporary and craftsman styles […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/03/06/design-with-jenn-martella-coastal-cottage-in-rock-hall/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/27/design-with-jenn-martella-the-koast/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/27/design-with-jenn-martella-the-koast/#respond Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:00:15 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/27/design-with-jenn-martella-the-koast/ When I moved to the Eastern Shore 21 years ago, I drove around to select a town in which I hoped to live. Claiborne became my first choice for several reasons; its mix of house styles, its village life and as a history buff, I was intrigued by its unique place in Talbot County’s history. […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/27/design-with-jenn-martella-the-koast/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/20/design-with-jenn-martella-tilghman-treasure-trove/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/20/design-with-jenn-martella-tilghman-treasure-trove/#respond Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:00:31 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/20/design-with-jenn-martella-tilghman-treasure-trove/ This unique property is nestled in a setting of mature trees and lush landscaping that gives it privacy from the main road. The original two-story, three room house’s first owner was probably a waterman and there are views of Dogwood Harbor from the rear of the property. The house dates from the early 1900’s and […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/20/design-with-jenn-martella-tilghman-treasure-trove/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/13/design-with-jenn-martella-victorian-transformation/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/13/design-with-jenn-martella-victorian-transformation/#respond Thu, 13 Feb 2025 13:00:08 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/13/design-with-jenn-martella-victorian-transformation/ It is always gratifying for me to see an older house in need of renovation to be given a new life through renovation/restoration. This house’s eclectic mix of styles of its Victorian shape, 2/2 windows, full front porch and the Queen Anne accents of the multiple gables and the tower gives this house charming curb […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/13/design-with-jenn-martella-victorian-transformation/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/06/design-with-jenn-martella-the-fannie-stuart-house-c-1885/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/06/design-with-jenn-martella-the-fannie-stuart-house-c-1885/#respond Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:00:19 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/06/design-with-jenn-martella-the-fannie-stuart-house-c-1885/ This street in Chestertown’s Historic District has been featured many times for its gems and the middle house in this colorful streetscape is today’s feature. When the current Owners bought the house, they had been told the three houses were built by a father for each of his daughters, so they would be close to […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/02/06/design-with-jenn-martella-the-fannie-stuart-house-c-1885/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/30/design-with-jenn-martella-the-mary-thomas-house-c-1860/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/30/design-with-jenn-martella-the-mary-thomas-house-c-1860/#respond Thu, 30 Jan 2025 13:00:21 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/30/design-with-jenn-martella-the-mary-thomas-house-c-1860/ The nucleus of St. Michaels’ town plan began in the 18th century with the individual land speculator, James Braddock, who was an agent employed by the firm Gildart and Gaywith of Liverpool. Braddock soon ventured out on his own to acquire property that grew to thirty six lots grouped around a central square, now known […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/30/design-with-jenn-martella-the-mary-thomas-house-c-1860/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/23/design-with-jenn-martella-golden-oldie/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/23/design-with-jenn-martella-golden-oldie/#respond Thu, 23 Jan 2025 13:00:21 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/23/design-with-jenn-martella-golden-oldie/ This street is one of my fave cross streets through Easton’s District and it has been the location of several Houses of the Week. On my trips, I have watched the transformation of this gem on its corner lot so I am thrilled to feature it this week. The three-bay house has very appealing massing […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/23/design-with-jenn-martella-golden-oldie/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/16/house-of-the-week-townhome-living-in-chestertown/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/16/house-of-the-week-townhome-living-in-chestertown/#respond Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:00:33 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/16/house-of-the-week-townhome-living-in-chestertown/ Chestertown’s North and South Queen Streets streetscapes are uniquely different in their architectural character. Much of North Queen’s single family housing stock on tree-shaded blocks dates from the 1770’s to the mid-19th century. South Queen’s streetscapes have some more recent development, including this row of townhomes with a mix of façade treatments. From the front […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/16/house-of-the-week-townhome-living-in-chestertown/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/09/design-with-jenn-martella-little-giddings/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/09/design-with-jenn-martella-little-giddings/#respond Thu, 09 Jan 2025 11:00:30 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/09/design-with-jenn-martella-little-giddings/ Neavitt is one of my fave villages so I never pass up an opportunity to feature one of the houses that give this village its unique charm. Ironically, last week’s feature was a house transformed by architect Mark McInturff, FAIA, and today’s feature is the home of his sister, who is a good friend of […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/09/design-with-jenn-martella-little-giddings/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/02/design-with-jenn-martella-chesapeake-sunset-cottage/ https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/02/design-with-jenn-martella-chesapeake-sunset-cottage/#respond Thu, 02 Jan 2025 13:00:46 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/02/design-with-jenn-martella-chesapeake-sunset-cottage/ It is always a pleasure to feature designs by my fellow architects and I am very pleased to kick off the new year to feature another design by architect Mark McInturff, FAIA. When the Owner purchased this property eight years ago, the cottage was a wreck caused by a broken frozen pipe on the second […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2025/01/02/design-with-jenn-martella-chesapeake-sunset-cottage/feed/ 0 https://chestertownspy.org/2024/12/26/design-with-jenn-martella-a-christmas-card-to-one-and-all/ https://chestertownspy.org/2024/12/26/design-with-jenn-martella-a-christmas-card-to-one-and-all/#respond Thu, 26 Dec 2024 15:20:25 +0000 https://chestertownspy.org/?p=181588 I always enjoy being a volunteer for the Christmas in St. Michaels Tour of Homes.  Since this event is usually sold out, I am offering this Christmas card to my readers featuring my fave house in this year’s tour. Several years ago, I had seen this house with architectural clients when it was for sale, […]]]> https://chestertownspy.org/2024/12/26/design-with-jenn-martella-a-christmas-card-to-one-and-all/feed/ 0