Issue Four Summer 2020

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98 Little Nahant Rd Memories by Chuck I have always loved the sight, smell, and sounds of the sea. Perhaps because of my Italian heritage and my fond memories of family events being celebrated at the seashore. The Nahant area became my favorite retreat during my Somerville high school years when we discovered the tables and fireplaces could be reserved in advance with just a phone call. We had our favorite prime location most weekends in close proximity to the old bathhouse where I enjoyed my time at the beach with twenty five or thirty of my closest friends. Our favorite spot was located at the mid point of long beach, and it was at one of these gatherings that I gazed up at the point of Little Nahant and said aloud, “I’m going to live there someday.” More than ten years later, I owned a business in my home town of Cambridge. My wife and business partner and I opened a second location in Lynn. We decided to shop for a home on the North shore. It would be a getaway from our busy schedule and a safe place to raise a family. Our criteria was a water view, with a large enough yard for a pool, three bedrooms on high ground. We looked in Marblehead, Swampscott and Nahant for more than two years. In the 70’s we didn’t have the Internet like we do today and finding a home was much more time consuming. We looked at dozens of homes for sale that advertised water view and a large yard, only to find the water view was only visible from the roof and the postage stamp sized yards were too small for a pool. Some of the basements we saw had water marks along the walls from when the sump pumps failed. It seemed at that time, the only houses on the market in our price range were problem properties with too many defects. We were ready to settle for a waterfront condo in Boston, when we saw an obscure ad in the Lynn Daily Item, placed by an attorney selling what he called a “mini estate” for one of his clients. I went to look at it with great hopes, but not knowing what to expect, and for the most part I was disappointed. It had ugly exterior stucco walls painted pink, a broken garage door, old windows that didn’t shut tightly, gaudy bright blue white shag carpet and was priced at more than we wanted to spend, but the location was perfect. In my high school days when I dreamed of living on this hill I never imagined the amazing view I saw on that windy spring day as the waves rolled in and crashed beneath us on Long Beach. I could see Lynn and the Swampscott shoreline with Marblehead across the bay from the backyard. There was a clear view of egg rock, with miles of open ocean beyond Big Nahant as well as the fabulous Boston skyline. The air smelled clean and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks was mesmerizing. The full views of both sunrise and sunset was an added bonus that we discovered after spending our first evening in the house when the spectacular sunset we witnessed was only bested by the incredible sunrise the following morning. We bought this house for the view and started remodeling it that first month. We removed the ugly pink stucco, replacing it with ceder shake shingles, we replaced the windows and brought the home back to it’s original French cottage style by removing some of the gaudy art deco changes made by a former owner. In 2019, I created even more spectacular views from inside the home, by adding windows in strategic locations and opening the floor plan to allow unobstructed views from all rooms. Nahant Magazine | 14
I am Andrew Anderson, co-Owner and Creative Director of Ilex Designs, a South Boston boutique floral and event design studio. As a florist and event designer my daily life revolves around people and their celebrations. To go from planning, organizing and executing events one day to not a single event for the next several months overnight, still doesn’t quite register. Over the last several months as the weather was yucky and we were all confined to our homes, we turned to video conferencing to stay connected with our friends and families. Now that the weather has turned for the better I am looking to my outdoor space as I am sure a lot of you are to embrace summer in our new reality. Since we all will most likely be spending lots of time at our own houses this summer, everyone is focused on the design of their outdoor spaces. Here are a few of my current obsessions in a variety of budgets that anyone can easily add to their outdoor space to give it a design boost. Because you need a comfy spot to perch in the sun or shade (whichever is your preference) I am lusting after this Teakwarehouse sofa, or this very curvy and comfy looking Crate and Barrel number is also very cute and will add a great pop in a smaller space. Of course no patio is complete without a great space to eat and eventually entertain. I can’t wait to get this great grey washed table from World Market, it seats 8 to 10 so there is plenty of room. The Ikea Sjalland table is another option for a great price. Pair either with a simple chair and you are ready for sunset dining. To decorate the dining table I love a long low trough planter by Tina Frey. My Emma Lanterns will also make an appearance on the table to add a soft glow on the table as a finishing touch. My garden is relegated to shades of white and green but the planters are where the blooms (and colors) live. For a more modern look, Geometric White pots are a great option. Planters are available for special order through Ilex Designs Garden Division Price on request. Lighting is the key for intimate summer evenings outside. I love fire and these modern torches from Blomus are so much cooler than the traditional tiki torch. For a budget friendly version check out Anywhere Fireplace Torches from Lowes for an equally cool option. For a finishing touch I will set the table with my favorite heavy linen napkins by Libeco Home. Finally when you are ready to enjoy your newly refreshed outdoor space you’re going to need an equally great cocktail. Mine? My own special take on the classic margarita. I love to serve it in a beautiful acrylic glass that looks like crystal but is shatterproof. 15 | Nahant Magazine
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Page 23 and 24: Gene Canty Candidate for Selectman
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Issue Four Summer 2020

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