Historic Preservation

interiors

The historic Jethro Athearn house built in 1735 now resides on a Chilmark hillside off North Road adjacent to North Tabor Farm fields.

The new owner’s fell in love with the house at first sight with its abundance of natural wood paneling, wide plank floors, a multitude of big fireplaces, and its surrounding historic gardens. They were committed to honoring the past as they pursued their plan to update the house.

The interior design was focused on historic preservation and bringing light to dark spaces by way of finishes and cleverly integrated lighting. Wood wall paneling was stripped of old uneven finishes and refinished with wax, as were all the wide plank floors.

Hand screened wallpapers, high gloss paints, Turkish & Moroccan rugs, a blend of furnishings, (including locally sourced bespoke pieces), all create a blend of periods in this historic house update.

As the interior designers our mission was "Working with the quirks that time imposed, without obliterating its treasures."

Interiors: Mary A. Rentschler

Photography: Randi Baird