In the BNOTP Library: Martha Stewart’s New Old House

Pssst: I’ve created a new category at the top of BNOTP called Library so if later you’re trying to remember the name of a book I featured from my decor library, you’ll be able to click on that category and find it there. I also dropped the rating scale because I realized that I’m only going to be sharing those books that I own and really like.  So if I’m sharing it here, you know it’s one I love.

Recently, we toured Martha Stewart’s historic 1820 home, Turkey Hill, in Westport, Connecticut here on the blog. Never one to turn away from a challenge, Martha purchased another beautiful old home in Connecticut, a farmhouse, and she began an extensive restoration and renovation. Fortunately for us, she documented the whole thing in a book.

BNOTP Library 3

 

In the BNOTP Library: Martha Stewart’s New Old House: Restoration, Renovation, Decoration, Landscaping
Author: Martha Stewart
Published: Clarkson Potter; 1 edition (November 3, 1992)
Hardcover: 288 pages
Book size: 10.2 x 10.2 x 1.1 inches

Martha Stewart's New Old House Book

 

3 Things I Like About This Book:

Lots of photos showing the daunting work that goes into restoring an older home, as well as pictures of the gorgeous furnishings and antiques Martha chose for her home
Great ideas and tips about her garden and landscaping in the last section of the book
Loved seeing photos of Martha when she was so young and just really getting going in her career.
Okay, I’m cheating and adding a 4th thing I like about this book. I like the short personal stories and tidbits Martha includes throughout. Those add so much to the book. Books written by designers about their own homes are some of my very favorites.

You can read more about this book and preview it at Amazon, where I usually order my books, via the picture link below.  

You’ll find previously featured books from the BNTOP library here: In The BNOTP Library or just click below.

In the BNOTP Library

*If a post is sponsored or a product was provided at no charge, it will be stated in post. Some links may be affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. *



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Comments

  1. Yes I own this book. Also several of Martha’s other older books. Thanks to my Mom.

  2. Every time I come here I end up ordering a book! Ha! This looks great…love Martha! My niece is a Senior Editor at Martha Stewart Weddings magazine and she loves her, too! And I love to brag! Ha!

    XO,
    Jane

  3. This isn’t about Turkey Hill but about another house near there that she bought and redone. I bought it because I, too, thought it was about Turkey Hill and thought so even after I had read it. But, alas, it turned out to be a different house although from a similar time as Turkey Hill. For a Martha Stewart fan, it is an interesting book and I love to see the after pictures!

    • I always thought it was about Turkey Hill…it even looks like it to me on the outside. I wondered why she never discussed the barn in that book, figured it just hadn’t been added yet. Thanks for info. Rereading the first pages tonight, I see she talks about failing to document her renovations at Turkey Hill and how she wished she had done that, so she made sure to do it with this house. I can’t believe all the work they did in both those houses on their own!

  4. I also love books written by people who renovated their own homes. This is my current favorite – actually my longtime favorite: My Passion for Design, by Barbra Streisand. It’s here on Amazon but also can be found on eBay. http://www.amazon.com/My-Passion-Design-Barbra-Streisand/dp/0670022136 .

    I love it because we share the same taste, exactly. My house is a miniature version of hers, if she shopped at JCPenney, Target, IKEA, Marshall’s, TJMaxx, and local yard sales! LOL! (Plus had a lot of antiques handed down from family).

    But she really knows her stuff, and the pictures are to die for. Truly a beautiful book.

  5. This is a great book for anyone thinking of renovating an old house. My son recently bought a house built in 1929. Houses around here no longer build cellars or basements but old houses have them, and sure enough his home has a small basement. Parts of the basement show the original shaker shingle that covered the house. Part of me wants to take over his house and really renovate, but since it isn’t my house…LOL I’ll stay put.

    I was reading the “look inside” on amazon and I think it is interesting that Martha opened her house to designers to decorate each room.

    Great book! I am sorry I don’t know enough about Martha, where does she currently live?

  6. Hi Susan, I love your newest feature post of books, but fyi…I think today’s post superseded your Met Monday (if I read your intentions correctly on how you wanted to stagger these posts). 🙂
    Have a great week!
    Rita

  7. This is one of my all time favorite Martha books – along with her Gardening book. It had me dreaming of restoring an old house – before we found our lovely old home 10 years ago. The detail she took – pictured with her brother – amazed and inspired me! Her dedication to Turkey Hill, her style in decor was and is timeless. Great choice!
    Have a blessed day,
    Kathy

  8. You ARE a FULL SERVICE blog!! THANKS!! franki

  9. What a great idea to add to add a category to keep the list of books you recommend. I’ve been putting them on a list on my iPad of books I want to check out of the library. If I love them, then I’ll buy them.

    • Ann, so funny you mention that right now. I was just changing the name of the category from Great Books to Library and when I hit save, my categories vanished from the top of the blog. Can you see them? I don’t know what happened. I hope they come back.

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