Chimney Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Chimney Farm
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 617 East Neck Rd., Nobleboro, Maine |
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| Area | 20 acres (8.1 ha) |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 07000012 |
| Added to NRHP | February 7, 2007 |
Chimney Farm is a historic farm property found at 617 East Neck Road in Nobleboro, Maine. This special farm was home to two famous writers, Henry Beston (1888–1968) and Elizabeth Coatsworth (1893–1986). They lived here from 1931 until they passed away. Both were award-winning authors, and the farm itself was an important part of some of their stories. Because of its history, Chimney Farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
What is Chimney Farm?
Chimney Farm is located on a piece of land called East Neck. This land stretches out into Damariscotta Lake, separating two parts of the lake. The farm used to own land all the way across East Neck. Now, it covers about 20 acres (8.1 hectares) right next to the lake.
The property includes a farmhouse and a barn. There is also a small cabin where the writers worked. You can also find a small family cemetery on the farm. Both Henry Beston and Elizabeth Coatsworth are buried there.
The Farmhouse and Land
The farmhouse is a large, rambling building made of wood. It has a main part that looks like a traditional Cape style house. There's also a tall section on the east side. Another long, single-story part extends from the northwest corner. The oldest part of the house was built in the early 1800s. Later, in the 1800s, a small tower-like part was added above the front door.
A side door on the west side has a beautifully carved cover. This cover shows detailed flowers and animals. It's a great example of the artistic touches added to the farm over time.
Who Lived Here?
Henry Beston and Elizabeth Coatsworth bought Chimney Farm in 1931. They had married in 1929. Elizabeth Coatsworth was especially famous for her books for children. In 1931, she won the important Newbery Medal for her book The Cat Who Went to Heaven. Henry Beston also wrote books for children.
His most famous book, The Outermost House, was about nature. It is said to have greatly influenced another famous nature writer, Rachel Carson. You can see parts of Chimney Farm and its surroundings in the writings of both Henry Beston and Elizabeth Coatsworth. The farm was a source of inspiration for their stories.
