Martha Stewart House: Inside Her Stunning $20M Maine Estate Tour

When we talk about lifestyle moguls, Martha Stewart is the undisputed queen. Over the years, she has owned some incredible properties, from her famous farm in Bedford, New York, to her Hamptons hideaway. However, there is something truly magical about her Maine estate. It stands out from the rest.

While her other homes are beautiful, the Martha Stewart house in Maine represents a different side of her. It is wilder, more historic, and deeply connected to nature. It is not just a place where she sleeps; it is a project of passion. She didn’t just buy a stunning house; she bought a piece of American history and polished it until it shone.

This estate serves as her summer retreat. It is where she goes to disconnect from the chaos of New York City and reconnect with her garden and the ocean. But don’t let the word “retreat” fool you. This place is massive. It is a fully functioning estate that requires a dedicated team to maintain.

On this tour, we will look at the architecture that makes this place unique. We will peek inside the rooms where she entertains A-list guests. We will also wander through the gardens, famous worldwide. By the end of this, you’ll understand exactly why this property is valued at over $20 million.

Location, Location, Location

The house is located in Seal Harbor on Mount Desert Island. If you have ever visited Acadia National Park, you know exactly how breathtaking this area is. The landscape is dramatic. You have towering pine trees, massive granite cliffs, and the crashing waves of the ocean.

Living here offers a level of privacy that is hard to find elsewhere. It sits high on a hill (hence the name Skylands), offering commanding views while keeping it hidden from prying eyes. It is the perfect hideaway for someone as famous as Martha.

The Inspiration

Why did she buy it? Martha has said in interviews that she fell in love with the “spirit” of the place. She loved that the home felt like it grew out of the rocks. The previous owners had left it fully furnished, right down to the linens and the dishes. For Martha, this was a treasure trove. She viewed herself not just as the new owner, but as the steward of the estate.

The property spans roughly 63 acres of woodland and gardens. It is a massive chunk of land that ensures her views will never be blocked. The combination of historic charm and raw nature makes the Martha Stewart Maine house iconic.

Architectural Highlights of the Martha Stewart House

When you pull up to the estate, the first thing you notice is the driveway. It isn’t made of asphalt or concrete. It is made of crushed pink granite. This sets the tone for the entire property. The architecture is a stunning example of the Shingle Style, but with a twist.

The exterior is covered in cedar shingles, which have weathered over time to a beautiful silvery-gray. This helps the massive house blend in with the surrounding trees. It doesn’t scream for attention; it sits quietly and confidently in the landscape.

Size and Scope

Let’s talk numbers for a second. The main house is approximately 35,000 square feet. Yes, you read that right. It is absolutely enormous.

• Bedrooms: There are 12 bedrooms.
• Bathrooms: It features nearly a dozen bathrooms.
• Living Space: Three stories of living space.

Unique Features

The house features expansive porches and terraces. These aren’t just small balconies; they are wide, stone-paved areas designed for sitting and watching the fog roll in. The architecture features a beautiful tower offering panoramic views of the ocean.

There are also several outbuildings. There is a carriage house, a playhouse (originally for the Ford children), and a guest cottage. Every structure on the property follows the same architectural language. It feels cohesive and intentional.

Step Inside: A Room-by-Room Tour of Martha Stewart’s Maine House

Now, let’s get to the good part. Let’s walk through the front door. The interiors of the Martha Stewart house are a masterclass in design. Unlike many modern celebrity homes that feel cold and sterile, this house feels warm and collected.

Grand Entryway and Foyer

When you step into the foyer, you are greeted by history. The space is grand but not intimidating. The floors are made of stone, perfect for handling the muddy boots that come with Maine living.

The walls are often adorned with botanical prints and local area maps. The lighting is soft and warm. You’ll immediately notice the antique furnishings. Martha kept much of the original Ford family furniture, reupholstering pieces to freshen them while preserving their soul. It sets a vibe of “old money” elegance that is very hard to replicate.

Gourmet Kitchen – The Heart of the Martha Stewart House

If you are a fan of Martha Stewart, you know the kitchen is the most important room in the house. The kitchen at Skylands is the stuff of dreams.

Interestingly, it is not a hyper-modern, sleek kitchen. It is a working kitchen. It features:

• Professional-grade appliances: Massive stoves capable of cooking for 50 people.
• Marble counters: Miles of cool marble for rolling out pastry dough.
• The Porcelain Room: Adjacent to the kitchen is a room dedicated to storing her vast collection of dishes and servingware.

The cabinetry is often painted in soft, natural tones. You will see hanging copper pots, open shelving, and jars of ingredients. It feels like a commercial kitchen disguised as a home kitchen. Martha has filmed many cooking segments here, and you can tell it is a space designed for serious cooking, not just for show.

Luxurious Bedrooms and Primary Suite

The bedrooms in the Martha Stewart Maine house are sanctuaries. The primary suite is particularly stunning. It faces the ocean, allowing Martha to wake up to the sunrise over the water.

The bedroom design is simple. She uses a lot of white linens and neutral colors. The goal is to keep the focus on the view outside. The beds are piled high with high-quality quilts and pillows. The bathrooms are spa-like, featuring deep soaking tubs and vintage fixtures. It is all about comfort and quiet luxury.

Cozy Living Spaces and Library

One of the most famous rooms in the house is the Living Hall. It is a massive room with a high ceiling and a giant stone fireplace. This is where everyone gathers. Despite its size, Martha makes it feel cozy by creating small seating areas. You can sit by the fire with a book, or play a game of cards at a table in the corner.

Then there is the Library. This room is wood-paneled and stocked with thousands of books. It smells like old paper and wood smoke. It is the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon in Maine.

Outdoor-Indoor Flow: Sunrooms and Verandas

The house is designed to blur the line between inside and outside. There are glass-walled sunrooms filled with ferns and tropical plants. These rooms allow you to feel like you are in the garden, even when it is raining.

The covered terraces are outdoor living rooms. They are furnished with wicker furniture and comfortable cushions. In the summer, the doors are thrown open, and the sea breeze flows through the entire house.

Breathtaking Outdoor Features of the Martha Stewart Maine House

You cannot talk about the Martha Stewart house without talking about the grounds. The landscaping at Skylands is just as famous as the house itself. Jens Jensen, a legendary landscape architect, originally designed it.

Sprawling Gardens

Martha is a serious gardener, and this estate is her canvas.

• The Terrace: The large stone terrace is lined with kiwi vines that have been growing for decades.
• The Cutting Garden: She grows massive amounts of flowers here to use in arrangements throughout the house.
• The Vegetable Garden: Tucked away is a functional garden where she grows organic produce for her meals.

Martha follows an organic ethos. She doesn’t use harsh chemicals. She focuses on creating habitats for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Waterfront Perks

The property has significant frontage on the Atlantic Ocean. While it is too rocky for a sandy beach, there is a beautiful pebble beach. There is also a private dock where she keeps her boats.

One of the coolest features is the swimming pool. It is tucked away in the woods, surrounded by granite rocks. It looks like a natural pond, but it is a heated, crystal-clear pool. It is incredibly serene.

Eco-Friendly Elements

Martha is very conscious of her environmental footprint. The estate utilizes solar power to help offset the energy costs of running such a large home. She also practices rainwater harvesting for the gardens. The entire estate is managed with sustainability in mind, ensuring it remains pristine for future generations.

Interior Design Secrets from Martha Stewart’s $20M Estate

Do you want to get the look of the Martha Stewart house without spending $20 million? It is possible. The secret lies in her design philosophy.

Signature Style: Layered Neutrals

Martha rarely uses jarring colors at Skylands. The palette is drawn directly from nature. She uses:

• Skylands Green: A specific teal-grey color found on the window trim.
• Stone Gray: Pulled from the granite cliffs.
• Moss Green: From the forest floor.

She layers these neutrals to create depth. It’s never boring because she uses a variety of textures—wool, linen, stone, and wood.

Sourcing Tips

Martha loves vintage finds. She scours flea markets and antique shops in Maine. She isn’t afraid of furniture that shows a little wear and tear. It adds character.

Tip for you: Don’t buy everything new. Go to a local antique store. Find a solid wood table with scratches. It gives your home a sense of history.

DIY Inspiration

One of the biggest design elements in the house is “Faux Bois” (false wood). This is a technique of making concrete or plaster look like wood. Martha has faux bois benches and tables all over the garden. Try painting a simple concrete planter with a wood-grain effect to mimic this style.

Lifestyle at the Martha Stewart House – Daily Life in Paradise

What is life actually like inside the Martha Stewart Maine house? It is disciplined but delightful.

Martha’s Routines

Martha is an early riser. She is often up before the sun, taking a walk through the woods with her dogs. She checks on the garden first thing in the morning. Her days are filled with activity. She doesn’t just sit around. She is weeding, pruning, hiking, or cooking. It is an active lifestyle.

Entertaining Spaces

Entertaining is central to life at Skylands. Martha often hosts dinner parties for 20 or more people.

• Al Fresco Dining: Weather permitting, dinner is served outside on the terrace.
• Lobster Bakes: A classic Maine tradition. She will sit down by the water and cook lobsters and clams over a fire.

Wellness Focus

The estate is designed for health. There are miles of hiking trails right on the property. The fresh air and physical activity are a huge part of why Martha looks so amazing for her age. It is a modern house that encourages you to move.

The $20M Value Breakdown – Why This Martha Stewart House is Priced So High

You might be wondering, “Is a house really worth $20 million?” In this case, yes. Here is why the value is so high.

Value Driver Description

Provenance: The Ford family owned the home. It has historical significance that cannot be replicated.

Acreage Owning 60+ acres on Mount Desert Island is incredibly rare. Land here is finite and highly protected.

Condition: Martha has maintained the home to museum-quality standards. The roof, foundation, and systems are immaculate.

Privacy The level of seclusion offered by this estate is a major selling point for high-net-worth individuals.

Since she bought it in 1997 for a reported $6 million (approx.), the value has skyrocketed. The combination of Maine’s booming real estate market and the “Martha Stewart” brand association makes this property priceless.

Fun Facts and Hidden Gems of Martha Stewart’s Maine Estate

Let’s look at some fun details you might not know about the house.

1. The Moss Driveway: Martha famously employs people to tuck moss into the cracks of the stone terrace. She doesn’t want weeds; she wants moss. It creates a soft, green grid pattern that is visually stunning.
2. No Cell Service: In certain parts of the house, cell service is spotty. Martha actually likes this. It forces guests to put their phones down and talk to each other.
3. The Flower Room: A dedicated room for arranging flowers. It has deep sinks and shelves for vases. It is every florist’s dream.
4. The Wine Cellar: Hidden in the basement is a wine cellar stocked with vintage wines, perfect for her large dinner parties.

Lessons from the Martha Stewart House for Your Dream Home

You don’t need a mansion to live like Martha. Here are three takeaways you can apply to your own home today.

Embrace Your Surroundings. Don’t fight nature. If you live in the woods, use dark greens and browns. If you live by the sea, use blues and whites. Let the outside guide your interior design.

Quality Over Quantity Martha buys things that last. Instead of buying cheap furniture that breaks in a year, save up for one really good piece. It adds weight and dignity to a room.

Bring Life Indoors. Every room in the Martha Stewart house has something living in it—a plant, a flower arrangement, or a bowl of fruit. It makes the space feel alive. Buy a cheap fern or cut some branches from your yard. It immediately changes the energy of the room.

FAQ: Common Questions About Martha Stewart’s Maine House

Is the Martha Stewart house in Maine open to the public? No, Skylands is a private residence. Martha lives there during the summer, and it is not open for tours. However, you can see plenty of it on her Instagram and in her books.

How much did Martha Stewart pay for her Maine estate? She purchased the home in 1997 for approximately $6 million. Today, estimates place the value well over $20 million, reflecting renovations and market appreciation.

Can you tour the Martha Stewart house virtually? Yes! Martha frequently posts video tours and photos on her social media channels. This blog post also serves as a comprehensive text-based virtual tour.

What makes the Martha Stewart house design unique? The seamless blend of Shingle Style architecture and landscape architecture by Jens Jensen makes it unique. The house feels like it grew out of the forest floor.

Where is the house located exactly? It is located in Seal Harbor on Mount Desert Island, Maine, very close to Acadia National Park.

Where Does Martha Stewart Currently Live?