A Kenwood House Worth the Wait

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a prominent figure in American history, resided in an array of opulent homes across the East Coast throughout her life. Her early years were spent in spacious New York apartments and extensive estates. After her marriage to John F. Kennedy, she frequented the famed Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port and the family's Palm Beach estate. Despite the grandeur of these residences, she reportedly considered the years spent in the White House with her husband as her family's "happiest." One of her final properties, Red Gate Farm on Martha's Vineyard, has recently opened to the public in parts, now known as Squibnocket Pond Reservation, following its sale to two nonprofits in 2020 by the Kennedy family. This property features public trails for visitors. Prior to her marriage, Jacqueline Lee Bouvier's childhood included living in an apartment at 740 Park Avenue in New York City. This building, developed by her grandfather, was once considered one of the city's most iconic residential structures and later became a residence for billionaires. Her former apartment in this building sold for $25.25 million in 2017. Following her mother's remarriage in the 1940s, they relocated to Merrywood, a Georgian-style mansion in McLean, Virginia, owned by her stepfather, oil magnate Hugh D. Auchincloss. This 23,000-square-foot estate featured nine bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, extensive gardens, and a location on the Potomac River. Her summers were divided between her paternal grandfather's 8,500-square-foot East Hampton estate, "Lasata," which was purchased by fashion designer Tom Ford for $52 million in 2023, and her maternal grandfather's 18th-century home, "Wildmoor," also in East Hampton, which sold for $6.8 million in 2021. Upon her marriage to John F. Kennedy, she became associated with the Kennedy family's summer home, the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, originally bought by Joseph Kennedy Sr. in 1928. Their wedding reception was held at "Hammersmith Farm" in Newport, Rhode Island, a grand Victorian-era mansion owned by her mother's husband, which served as a part-time summer retreat for the Kennedys. After their marriage, the Kennedys rented a four-story, four-bedroom house in Washington, D.C., where they lived for nearly two years before moving to "Hickory Hill," another Georgian-style house in McLean, Virginia, in 1955. This estate, with a tennis court, pool, and 12 fireplaces on 5.6 acres, was later sold to John's brother, Robert. In 1956, they acquired another summer home in Hyannis Port, adjacent to the original compound, contributing to the now-famous "Kennedy Compound." In 1957, they bought an 18th-century brick row house in Georgetown, where John F. Kennedy successfully campaigned for the presidency. During his presidency, from 1961 to 1963, Jackie resided in the White House and spent winters at Joseph Kennedy's Palm Beach estate, known as the "winter White House." This estate was sold for $70 million in 2020 and has since undergone extensive renovations. Following her husband's assassination in 1963, Jackie and her children moved to an 18th-century home in Washington, D.C., but its public nature led her to return to New York in 1964, where she purchased a 5,300-square-foot apartment on Fifth Avenue with views of Central Park. This apartment remained her home until her death in 1994. After her second marriage to Aristotle Onassis in 1968, she divided her time between various international locations and her New York base. In 1974, she bought a converted barn in Peapack, New Jersey, for its natural beauty and equestrian opportunities. This property, painted yellow with white trim, was later torn down by a neighbor who purchased it after Jackie's death. In 1979, after Onassis's death, she constructed "Red Gate Farm" on Martha's Vineyard, a 340-acre estate with a 6,456-square-foot main house, a guest house, a pool, and a tennis court, situated along a mile of beach. A significant portion of this estate was sold to nonprofits in 2020 for $27 million, with the Kennedy family retaining 65 acres. #JackieKennedyOnassis #LuxuryHomes #RealEstateHistory #KennedyFamily #ArchitecturalStyles #Martha'sVineyard #HyannisPort #NewYorkCityRealEstate #HistoricHomes

Maggie Griffin, an interior designer, found her charming 1940s cottage in Gainesville, Georgia, and immediately fell in love with its historic appeal. The house, with its original features, small rooms, and quirky ceilings, perfectly fit her design philosophy of mixing old and new. Maggie's passion for items with history is evident throughout her home, which is filled with inherited pieces like an antique secretary and settee, alongside modern elements such as lucite and parsons tables. Her approach creates a warm and welcoming environment that reflects her personal style. Upon moving into the Gainesville cottage, Maggie and her husband, David, made minimal cosmetic changes. They focused on refreshing the space with new paint, countertops, and a few faucets, maintaining the integrity of the home's original character. The previous homeowner, who shares a friendship with Maggie, had impeccable taste, which facilitated a smooth transition. The cottage's curb appeal, characterized by painted brick, a charming side addition, a gable roof over the front door, and single-pane windows, embodies the quintessential cottage style that Maggie admires. Inside, the original floors and slanted ceilings on the second floor further enhance the cozy, historic atmosphere. Maggie's keeping room, located off the kitchen and breakfast area, serves as the central hub of her home. This multi-purpose space is designed for family gatherings and features a mix of antique market finds and contemporary pieces. The Thibaut wallpaper adds a touch of happiness, and layered rugs provide depth. The breakfast table and server were sourced from Scott’s Antiques, while the chairs are from Serena & Lily. A settee, inherited from her maternal grandmother, has been re-covered in velvet, adding a layer of family history to the room. An acrylic coffee table from Amazon.com offers a practical, easy-to-clean surface, ideal for a home with a young child. The kitchen, though previously remodeled, received Maggie's personal touch. She painted the cabinets and island, incorporating a wooden countertop for warmth and swapping perimeter counters for granite. This blend of finishes and the natural light from a large window over the sink contribute to the kitchen's inviting ambiance. The exterior also received attention, with shutters painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Herbal Escape,” complementing the vibrant spring blooms of her ten bright pink peony bushes, which bring Maggie joy each summer. Outdoor living is a significant part of the Griffins' lifestyle. From April to October, all meals are enjoyed on their back porch, which is furnished with a comfortable sectional for watching football games and a farm table from Scott’s, paired with easy-to-clean metal chairs. This space is designed for entertaining, accommodating both adult dinner parties and neighborhood playdates, and even hosted over 150 guests for a Halloween gathering. The master bedroom showcases Maggie's affinity for blue and white, with the design originating from a remnant bolt of "La Grenade" fabric by Bailey & Griffin, used for the bed skirt. Nightstands, acquired from a friend’s mother, were painted in Benjamin Moore’s “Half Moon Crest.” A custom upholstered headboard, inspired by Bunny Williams, and a bench from Scott’s with a leopard-print cushion from Lewis & Sheron further personalize the space. The bedding combines elements from Pine Cone Hill and Serena & Lily, alongside a custom bolster. An upstairs sitting room features original pine paneling and flooring, creating a charming den for guests. A camelback sofa, inherited from her paternal grandmother, is recovered in navy velvet. A hand-me-down ottoman and bobbin chairs from Pier 1, re-covered in fabric from Scott’s, complete the seating arrangement. The room also includes an IKEA jute rug layered with an antique store find, and a gallery wall displaying a mix of collected art, personal creations, and pieces from artist friends. Her son Henry’s room, located off the breakfast room, features a sophisticated look with Schumacher linen on the headboard and elephant art by Erika Lackey. A dark-blue chest from Scott’s Antique Market, framed alphabet book pages, and discarded turtle shells decorate the space, reflecting a blend of whimsy and personal history. Henry's bathroom includes Schumacher wallpaper, gray-painted trim and vanity, a Target turtle shell, and antique silver canapé dishes with the New Orleans crest. Maggie's background in furnishings and interiors, influenced by her chic grandmothers and mother, led her to a career in design. Her early experiences at Heery’s Too!, a high-end home furnishings gift shop, allowed her to transition from assisting shoppers with small decorative tasks to managing larger design projects, establishing her career as an interior designer who cherishes history and mixes it with modern sensibilities to create unique, inviting homes. #HomeFeatures #InteriorDesign #CottageStyle #AntiqueDecor #HomeDecoration #GainesvilleGeorgia #MaggieGriffinDesign #OldMeetsNew #FamilyHome

This blog post highlights a custom-built home located at 8522 Lewinsville Rd. in McLean, Virginia, offering a detailed look into its features and amenities. Situated on just over a half-acre, the property provides both convenience and a private setting. The house, constructed in 2008, spans 6,840 square feet across three levels and includes six bedrooms and five bathrooms. The interior design emphasizes luxury and attention to detail, evident from the moment one steps inside. The main level and all bedrooms are adorned with cherry hardwood floors, providing a cohesive and elegant aesthetic throughout. The formal dining room showcases intricate three-piece crown molding and detailed woodwork, adding a touch of classic sophistication. The kitchen is designed for both functionality and style, featuring dual sinks, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. It seamlessly opens into a family room, which is equipped with a gas fireplace, creating a warm and inviting space for gatherings. The family room also offers direct access to a den, providing additional versatile living space. The primary bedroom is a significant highlight, characterized by its tray ceilings and recessed lighting, which enhance the room's spaciousness and ambiance. This master suite further boasts two walk-in closets, offering ample storage and organizational solutions for personal belongings, making daily routines more streamlined. The en-suite bathroom complements the primary bedroom with a walk-in shower, providing a modern and accessible bathing option, alongside a bathtub for those who prefer a relaxing soak after a long day. Outdoor living is equally prioritized in this property. A flagstone patio extends from the house, presenting an ideal setting for outdoor dining and entertaining. The expansive half-acre backyard offers considerable space for various outdoor activities, gardening, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings. The lower level of the home has been recently updated with luxury vinyl plank flooring and includes an additional bedroom, along with significant storage areas, increasing the overall utility and liveability of the residence. For those interested in this property, additional photographs and contact information for Jack Wang at RLAH Properties are available online. This custom-built home represents a blend of refined interior design, practical living spaces, and a desirable location. #McLeanRealEstate #CustomBuiltHome #LuxuryLiving #NorthernVirginiaHomes #RealEstateMarket #HomeForSale #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick's home features a rustic kitchen island crafted from reclaimed wood, which has sparked a discussion among interior design experts. While the piece is visually stunning and aligns with popular rustic aesthetics, its practical application as a kitchen island is questioned by some designers. The island is part of the couple's farm-style kitchen, which showcases a blend of vintage and modern elements, including white cabinetry, industrial-style pendant lighting, and an antique-looking oven. The choice of reclaimed wood for the island makes it a focal point, contributing to the cozy and lived-in feel of the space, which is characteristic of the rustic interior design trend. Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein acknowledges the aesthetic appeal of a reclaimed wood island, highlighting its ability to add warmth, character, and a touch of nature to a kitchen. She notes that such pieces often evoke a sense of history and craftsmanship, making them unique and charming. However, she also points out the potential downsides of using certain types of untreated wood in a high-traffic area like a kitchen, particularly concerning hygiene and durability. Untreated reclaimed wood can be porous, making it difficult to clean and potentially susceptible to absorbing moisture and harboring bacteria. It may also be prone to scratches, dents, and general wear and tear, requiring significant maintenance to preserve its appearance and structural integrity. For those interested in replicating the rustic look without the practical challenges, Lichtenstein suggests several alternatives. One recommendation is to opt for a sealed or treated reclaimed wood island, where the wood is properly finished to withstand kitchen use while retaining its natural beauty. Another option is to choose new wood that has been distressed or treated to mimic the appearance of reclaimed wood. This allows for control over the wood's surface and ensures it is suitable for a kitchen environment. Additionally, designers recommend incorporating rustic elements through other means, such as wooden cutting boards, decorative bowls, or even a smaller, treated wooden countertop section, rather than the entire island. The article also touches upon the broader trend of incorporating natural and authentic materials into home design. The popularity of rustic and farm-style aesthetics continues to grow, with homeowners seeking to create inviting and personalized spaces. The use of natural materials like wood, stone, and woven textures plays a crucial role in achieving this look. Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick's kitchen serves as a high-profile example of how celebrity homes often influence interior design trends, even when featuring unconventional material choices. The debate around their kitchen island underscores the importance of balancing aesthetic desires with functional considerations in home design. Ultimately, while Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick's reclaimed wood island is praised for its visual impact and contribution to their home's character, design experts advise caution and suggest practical alternatives for those looking to emulate the style. The key is to select materials and finishes that are not only beautiful but also appropriate for the specific demands of a kitchen environment, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance. This approach allows individuals to achieve a rustic aesthetic without compromising on hygiene or durability, demonstrating that thoughtful material selection is paramount in creating both stunning and functional living spaces. #KevinBacon #KyraSedgwick #KitchenDesign #WoodenIsland #ReclaimedWood #RusticStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CelebrityHomes