Inspired By Maine Heritage
The Downeast Maine National Heritage Area is rich in history, value, and inspiration. It is home. I can help transform your spaces to highlight the best of Maine character, keeping true to our heritage and rugged mystique, while also keeping your space luxurious, comfortable, and true to you.
Dawnland.
This easternmost region of the continent has been known as the Dawnland, where the sun first rises, for thousands of years. Vibrant pinks, oranges, yellows, purples, and blues of our magnificent Atlantic sunrises inspire artists and designers alike while drawing people like you who want to experience the powerful magic of the first dawn every morning.
Settlers.
Adventurers, pirates, mariners, and more were drawn to the imposing granite shores of Downeast Maine for hundreds of years before too many, if any, permanent European settlements were established. War and disease ravaged populations and brutal winters thwarted efforts to settle here until after 1763. If you are fortunate enough to spot it, Colonial architecture still graces the region, such as the Burnham Tavern in Machias (pictured) that played a fascinating role in American Revolution. Regardless, we can pay tribute to this style in a number of ways.
The Maritimes.
The ocean has been the bread and butter of our culture and economy since time immemorial. The Wabanaki before us were masters of the sea, and if not for the ocean later efforts to settle the area would have failed for many reasons. Whether for war or industry, windjamming or bootlegging, the beautiful Gulf of Maine is liquid cultural gold with her merciless temperament, boundless mystique, and treacherous fog. Her history and lore are central to our heritage and legacy and offer endless inspiration for art and design.
Lumber.
One of the quintessential assets of Maine has always been her magnificent forests of pine, cedar, and spruce. Many of our first colonies of European settlers came here to work the forests and build mills on our white water rivers. Fundamental to our economy for hundreds of years was the export of lumber and wood products, including state of the art ships and boats. Today, we can source local lumber and craftsmen to create custom pieces for your project.
Granite.
One of the defining characteristics of the Downeast region is our unforgiving granite shores and mountainous granite bluffs. Quarrying this stunning rock exposed by glaciers thousands of years ago makes it available to you for incorporation in masonry, art, or landscaping, and even as countertops or flooring in local projects, as well as those afar. It comes in a multitude of colors and patterns, with pink being some of the most iconic of our area.
Revival Architecture.
Like the more understated Colonial architecture of our area, Revival architecture is something we can always pay tribute to even if it doesn’t already appear in your home. Greek Revival and Gothic Revival are both common styles in Maine, with Greek Revival having been most popular among the affluent. In this example, we have Ellsworth’s Melatiah Jordan House (now the Ellsworth Public Library) with its six-over-six windows, arched Palladian window facing the sunrise, and columned entry.
Victorians.
Downeast Maine saw a boom during the Victorian Era. By that time, the region was hitting the end of its first modern century and had established its independence from Massachusetts in 1820. Victorians were lavish and had a flare for the ornate. Victorian homes are known for their details, especially in woodwork and textiles. Victorian decor is a lot of fun to work with. It is featured in many legacy homes in the area. Note the details in the bay window, masonry, and broad entryway in this example, the Cranberry Lodge at the prestigious luxury hotel, the Asticou Inn in Northeast Harbor.
Rusticators.
During the Victorian Era, Maine’s desirability as an ideal summer vacation destination blossomed. There were many reasons for this shift in economy and cultural dynamic, but it has endured as crucial to our State’s well-being. Rusticators, people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, were drawn to the raw, rugged beauty of Maine. This tradition was popularized by the likes of the Rockefellers (pictured), Roosevelts, Carnegies, Fords, Vanderbilts, and more. We owe our continued legacy as a destination to the Rockefellers in particular for having created and donated much of what we now know as Mount Desert Island’s Acadia National Park, and to the Fords for their contributions to the prestigious Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, which has bolstered our year-round economy and offered opportunities to folks both local and international.
Historic Preservation.
As you can see, our local history is an important part of my work. I am passionate about both honoring history and creating it. Whether it’s a cabin or a mansion, all homes are a tribute to those who have lived there and should tell their story. Your home should represent you, help you thrive, reflect your story, and build upon the roots from which it has grown. Together we can masterfully weave together these elements and tap the work of world-class local craftsmen and women to create you an extraordinary custom sanctuary in the heart of Downeast Maine.
