By defiantly posing for bikini photoshoots in her seventies, Martha Stewart, a well-known homemaker, is altering the way you and I think about becoming older. On the other hand, she takes pleasure in the tranquility of her farm life and is overjoyed to be a grandma.
It made quite a fuss on social media when Martha posed for a swimsuit shot, and a variety of people shared their thoughts and ideas about it. She finds happiness in spending time with her grandchildren and appreciates the straightforward pleasures that come with living on a farm when she is away from the limelight of Hollywood.
Martha’s appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated in May 2023, when she was 81 years old, generated a lot of attention since it presented a fresh perspective on the process of getting older. The photoshoot showcased the elegance and self-assurance that can be achieved in older life.
In one of the photographs, she can be seen displaying a sense of tranquility and glamor while lounging on a luxurious sofa that is surrounded by lush vegetation and sophisticated furnishings. In a different picture, she was seen wearing a stylish silver swimsuit and enormous sunglasses, and she had a happy expression running across her face. She was shown beaming with self-assurance while wearing a striking red dress against a stone background in another photographic image.
Martha’s cover for Sports Illustrated elicited a wide range of responses on the internet, with some individuals expressing disapproval of her appearance as well as the manner in which the photographs were presented. The words “Grow up…you look absurd” were spoken by one individual, while another individual made a comment on her legs, referring to them as “chicken legs.” Other people joined in, saying things like, “OMG, Old woman, you need to give it up.” I have no tolerance for her. With one commenter stating, “The airbrushing makes her look 30 years old,” the retouching of the photographs was called into doubt by a few others. “If she is so proud of being 81 years old, then show your true, authentic self!”
One commenter commented, “Pull that press-on wig, Martha!!!” in response to the aforementioned criticism of her styling. Oh, anything makes her happy is fine with me! One of them said, “I cannot unsee this,” and another one declared, “Shame on her.” Others were succinct and straightforward in their statements. A cook is not someone who exploits people; rather, they are someone who serves food.
Martha’s personal background demonstrates that she has a strong familial relationship, particularly in light of the mixed responses she has received. Jude and Truman, who are her grandsons and are the children of her daughter Alexis, are frequently the recipients of her time and attention. In addition to throwing themed birthday parties and holiday meals at her farm, Martha takes great pleasure in providing unique events for them.
The farm is a very meaningful place for Jude and Truman, as it is where they take pleasure in activities such as gathering vegetables and feeding animals. At one point in time, Martha related that the children had expressed that a day spent working on the farm was “perhaps the best day so far.”
Ever since the year 2000, Martha has made her home on her 152-acre farm in Katonah, New York, which is also referred to as “Bedford Farm” or “Cantitoe Corners.” It has been transformed into a retreat that features a horse farm, guesthouses, greenhouses, flower gardens, and a chef’s restaurant, all of which combine the rustic allure of the past with the contemporary elegance of the present.
A central farmhouse, clipped hedges, and stone pathways are all features of the farm’s landscape, which is well-organized. Her first notable home, Turkey Hill, attracted a lot of attention, and this meticulous design reflects that focus. In 1973, she married her then-husband Andrew and purchased a farmhouse in Connecticut for the price of $46,000. This farmhouse eventually became the foundation of her brand.
Over the course of time, she converted the three-bedroom house that was built in the early 19th century and was situated on four acres into a mansion that was 6,710 square feet in size and had five bedrooms. A representation of her early fortune, she sold Turkey Hill in 2007 for $6.7 million, making it a symbol of her early triumph.
On Martha’s farm, there is also a greenhouse that has been created specifically for her, so that she can enjoy fresh produce throughout the entire year. The majority of the structure is made of glass, and it is situated behind her equipment barn. It is designed to take advantage of sunlight and features programmable windows for ventilation and cooling, so reducing the amount of artificial heating that is required.
16 wooden garden boxes are located inside the greenhouse. These garden boxes are designed to improve drainage and avoid soil compaction, both of which are beneficial to the growth of healthy plants. Watering instructions are printed on the label of each box, making it simple to take care of plants. Martha cultivates a wide range of cold-resistant vegetables, such as root crops and brassicas, which are able to flourish over the winter months.
The use of grow lights that simulate natural sunshine is another method that she employs to ensure that plants receive the light that is necessary for their development. Fans that are built in keep the air circulating, which creates an environment that is perfect for gardening throughout the year.
It is clear that Martha has a deep appreciation for environmentally responsible methods and locally grown, fresh ingredients because of her dedication to her farm and greenhouse. She has built settings that represent her enthusiasm for nature and design, as well as her belief in living a life that has a purpose, and she has done so beginning with her well-known home in Turkey Hill and continuing with her meticulously maintained greenhouse.
Her hands-on attitude, as well as her appreciation for beauty and pragmatism, are apparent in every aspect of her home, from the raised garden beds to the greenhouse. Martha is able to motivate others to cultivate a mindful connection with the land, which in turn provides them with sustenance and joy throughout the year via their efforts.
