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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Coffee Cake. Horses. Grapes. Love.

This past weekend, when Howard and I were out on
eastern Long Island's North Fork, we took a scenic and slow
(of necessity -- where did all those tourists come from?)
drive along the North Road.

We got stuck in farm stand and horse show traffic next to one of the vineyards:
 Hello, Martha Clara;
your grapes are harvested but you are lookin' good, girl!
This vineyard has an interesting history.  Are you familiar with Entenmann's baked goods?
Entenmann's used to be a local, regional company -- yes, we kept the good stuff to ourselves in New York.
But the family sold the baking business to Big Business in 1978,
and one of the sons bought a potato farm in Riverhead on the East End and turned it into a horse farm. 
Can you see the Entenmann's "E" in the horseshoe on the sign?  There are still horses at the Big E Farm.
In the 90s, as other farms also morphed into beautiful vineyards, Robert Entenmann
began Martha Clara Vineyards, named for the matriarch of the family.

Near Martha Clara, this house just captured my heart:

Really.  If I were a house, this is the house I would be.
That is, unless I were all covered in fancy fretwork and cupolas and painted pink and purple, because that's sweet too.
She even has a sandy driveway and a white barn.
How simple and pure, unpretentious and beautifully plain-jane
American, is this old house and its grounds?
I am in love.

Well, I'm still more in love with this guy driving my red minivan, but I love that house, too.
Sshhh, don't tell That Old House that I'm two-timing her.  She's so sensitive.

Tomorrow -- my loot from yesterday's antiquing trip.  -- Cass

Link parties.
Laura at Decor To Adore sponsors Fall In Love With Your Home ... Click here!
Susan at A Southern Daydreamer sponsors Outdoor Wednesday ...  Click here!
Kathleen at Faded Charm is the hostess for White Wednesday ... Click here!



13 comments:

  1. A perfectly beautiful area to take a drive.

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  2. I fondly remember Entenmans! What a lovely house and barn. I could just move right in and be totally happy! Enjoyed your post.

    Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  3. Cass, what a peaceful drive! That house is just captivating, I love it too! Thanks for sharing such a great post!

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  4. What a charming post!! I loved the story about the farm and the family (okay, I can't spell it) and how it was turned into a vineyard. I agree with you one hundred percent... that house just shouts 'I'm Middle stream American all the way'.

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  5. I love that house too and a barn and a really BIG spot for an herb garden -- I'm smitten as well -- but we shan't tell Linderhof either because she knows that I can't up and sell -- that that white house is way more than she is worth!

    Can't wait to see your treasures!

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  6. Cass,
    I remember that bakery. Their crumb cake was to die for. I would pick away at the topping and then leave the rest for my sister. (That is my story and I am sticking to it. )
    Sounds like a good weekend. I shipped most of my treasures to Florida today. Lots of blogs planned.
    Carol

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  7. What a gorgeous drive this was! The vineyards look beautiful. We have Entemanns here...I didn't know it originated in New York. Interesting!

    XO,
    Jane

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  8. It looks like a lovely drive. And that house is the salt of the earth. I love it too!...Really who wouldn't? It says "Grandma, apple pies and memorable Christmas celebrations" *winks* Vanna

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  9. I love to visit vineyards.

    And that house is great. I like it... but I LOVE "that old house".

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  10. Cass- I love that old house too. So REAL..honest and simple. What a great story about that family. I never knew the bakery started in NY! Hope you had a wonderful drive home- xo Diana

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  11. Oh I too have a love affair with old homes. I like your choices. Alot. :)

    I really appreciate you linking this gem up!

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  12. What a charming place! I have always loved old houses but my guy isn't handy so I've had to settle for new. But, my love affair with older homes will live on. Thanks for sharing this gem with us.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  13. Cass, I just stumbled onto your blog. What a great site you have! LOVE your home!! Thanks for sharing these great photos. I am now your newest follower. I hope you will follow me, too! God bless you!

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