| . |
| The Weare Mansion Cape Neddick, Maine Home to 'Cottage Home' |
| This house first came into the possession of the Weare family in 1720. At that time, this small house was enlarged into an L-shape, adding a long room on the west side. A large pile of stones that supported the chimney-work of this house is still evident under the floorboards of the Mountain Road entry of the current house. The great half-round support timbers under the current dining room may be the oldest documented structure in York and is certainly the oldest in Cape Neddick. Descendants of the first Joseph Weare lived in this house through the 1760’s. In the 1760’s, Jeremiah Weare Jr. and Lucy Webber married, moved in to the house and then rebuilt it into a classic center chimney cape structure. The current dining room with the large fireplace and brick bake oven served as the typical 18th century kitchen and remained the kitchen until 1840. The fireplaces were the central focus of all the surrounding rooms and were all fitted with mantel shelves. The mantels, particularly the one in the current living room, are perfect examples of 18th century style and craftsmanship. As of 1840, William Weare, a grandson of Jeremiah Weare Jr., owned the house. In 1840 Captain Theodore Weare Jr., a prominent merchant, ship owner and another grandson of Jeremiah Weare Jr., bought the property from William Weare. He then raised the main house by one story (now 2 ½ stories) and added a new 2 story L- wing and a 2 story barn. All of the additions were done in the popular Greek Revival architectural style. This house has been frequently photographed and painted. The proportions of the wide frieze boards and deep roof overhang make this one of the handsomest antique houses in Cape Neddick. The interior of the newly expanded house has numerous architectural details including two curved staircases finished in walnut, large windows with fluted woodwork and the orginal grain painted trim. In 1903 Captain Weare’s last surviving heir, his daughter Mary Ann, left the house and estate to her adopted brother, David Farwell. Farwell operated an orchard and saw mill across the street and a hardware store at what is now the "Pie In The Sky" bakery. Unmarried and without heirs, David Farwell died in 1917 and left the house to his housekeeper, sixteen year-old Susie Leer. Susie Leer later married Percy Hutchins and they raised their family in this house between 1917 and 1960. Percy Hutchins passed away in the 1950’s and Susie Leer Hutchins finally sold the property to a Mr. Floyd Arcola of Muncy, New York in 1960. Mr. Arcola owned the house for 32 years but never lived in it or completed any of his planned renovations. During this period the house declined to a remarkably decrepit condition. As of 1992 the first c. 1900 wiring system was still in use and no central heating system had ever been installed. Despite the general deterioration, the house retained every original feature and detail from the 1840’s. In 1992 Roland Labrie and Paul Mazgelis purchased the the property. Over the next 10 years they carried out an extensive renovation to preserve the many special details of the 1840 house. For example, the cellar’s huge brick arch supporting the main chimney remains intact, as well as the copper laundry tubs, the water cistern, and main fireplace bake oven. All of the door and trim were restored to their original hand painted grain finish and most of the windows retain their original glass panes. A new furnace, hot water boiler, roof and master bedroom were added to the building. Both men operated their respective businesses from the property and Mr. Labrie used the first floor of the barn as a showroom for his hand painted furniture business, “The Painted Piece”. In 2002 they moved to Weston, Vermont to run "The Judge Wilder Inn", a bed & breakfast. Roland also continues to operate his painted furniture business there. In 2002 the property was sold to Judy and Dave Brown, the current owners. In addition to living in the house, they renovated the barn and opened a home décor business, "Cottage Home", in the late fall of 2002. A decorative garden section was added to their business in 2004. The Browns also completed a kitchen renovation, which updated the appliances and workspace, while preserving the historic integrity of the house. Their most recent project is the addition of this website and the on-line store to their business. The Cottage Home website, created by their daughter, Sarah, was launched Summer 2006. The Browns also purchased the small house across the street from the Weare Mansion and in the spring of 2008, the "Corporate Headquarters" of Cottage Home officially set up office there. |
| Shop By Product |
| Shop By Style |
| About Us |
| Started in 2002, Cottage Home is a family owned & operated business located in Cape Neddick, Maine. At Cottage Home, we specialize in high quality standard and custom-sized cottage furniture and farmhouse tables in any color or finish. Our product range covers living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture as well as area rugs, lighting, and decorative accents. We also offer these products in coordinated cottage furniture packages for a single room, multiple rooms, or a complete home. We ship nationwide. |
Dave – A global business executive running $200 million industrial companies for
more than 30 years. With a background in marketing and engineering…running
factories…traveling the globe…moving frequently where work took him, along with
his wife Judy and their family.
more than 30 years. With a background in marketing and engineering…running
factories…traveling the globe…moving frequently where work took him, along with
his wife Judy and their family.
| “We want you to enjoy your home. We won’t sell you a chair that we don’t think is comfortable. If it's not up to our standards, we won’t sell it. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.” - Dave |
Judy – Each move meant setting up a new home. Judy soon became an expert at
decorating homes – her family’s and those of friends and relatives. With a natural
flair and an eye for style, she gained a wealth of practical, on-the-scene experience
in home furnishings and decorating.
decorating homes – her family’s and those of friends and relatives. With a natural
flair and an eye for style, she gained a wealth of practical, on-the-scene experience
in home furnishings and decorating.
Sarah - Webmaster, marketing guru and Internet shopper, their daughter Sarah joined
the business in 2006 to create a sophisticated e-commerce website for Cottage Home.
Selling furniture – taking custom orders – providing design solutions for customers
throughout the country.
the business in 2006 to create a sophisticated e-commerce website for Cottage Home.
Selling furniture – taking custom orders – providing design solutions for customers
throughout the country.
In 2002, Dave and Judy decided to take the plunge. They said good-bye to the corporate world and did what
many people only dream of doing. They bought an old farmhouse just off Route 1 in Cape Neddick, Maine and
put down roots. They combined all their skills and accumulated years of experience to follow a new path. The
old barn (circa 1840) was transformed into a store – and the farmhouse – was remodeled, restored and became
their ‘cottage home’.
In May 2002, they opened ‘Cottage Home’ in the old barn adjacent to the house. The business evolved over time.
With Judy’s practical experience and decorating know-how, Cottage Home became more than a store…It became
a design center with a focus on farmhouse and cottage furniture. Boundaries expanded and the business grew.
many people only dream of doing. They bought an old farmhouse just off Route 1 in Cape Neddick, Maine and
put down roots. They combined all their skills and accumulated years of experience to follow a new path. The
old barn (circa 1840) was transformed into a store – and the farmhouse – was remodeled, restored and became
their ‘cottage home’.
In May 2002, they opened ‘Cottage Home’ in the old barn adjacent to the house. The business evolved over time.
With Judy’s practical experience and decorating know-how, Cottage Home became more than a store…It became
a design center with a focus on farmhouse and cottage furniture. Boundaries expanded and the business grew.
Meet the Browns
| “We believe a cottage home should reflect you and fit your own unique lifestyle and personality. You are the decorator – we can provide advice and offer suggestions on everything from layout to choice of furniture, fabrics and accessories. After all, it’s your cottage home.” - Judy |
| “I love shopping on the Internet. However, there are certain things on other sites that irritate me when I am shopping online. I wanted Cottage Home's site to be different. With that in mind, we developed a website where it is easy to see things and find what you want. People feel welcome when they walk in the store. We wanted to create that same atmosphere on the web.” - Sarah |
Affordable Customization
A cottage-style home evokes nostalgia. It harkens back to a former era when furnishings were made by local
craftsmen, carpenters – or even fashioned by hand by a homeowner. Each piece was unique – designed for a
particular home and location. But in today’s era of mass production, custom designed and hand crafted
furnishings have all but gone by the wayside – replaced by look-alike furnishings often made in off-shore
factories. What’s more, the cost of custom-made furniture has become prohibitive for all but the very few.
There had to be a better way! As our business evolved, we began to see that there was an alternative to mass
produced furnishings and look-alike interiors. We call it ‘affordable customization.’ Here’s how it works.
As we scoured the market for cottage-style furnishings, we discovered that there were smaller scale craftsmen
and workshops that could produce the custom products our customers wanted at prices they could afford.
Looking for a farmhouse table? You can choose style, wood, finish, color, size, pedestals, legs and more. And
that’s just the beginning !
Here’s where Dave's years of experience running factories kicked in! We decided to contract with select crafts
people and furniture makers to build the products and choices our customers wanted. Overseeing production,
purchasing, scheduling, quality control, delivery and marketing – we could make it happen. And our customers
could get the affordable customization that a true cottage home needs.
And it happened! Today, about 95 percent of the home furnishings we sell are made in the U.S.A. Most are
made in small workshops by skilled craftsmen. At Cottage Home – we like to say that we think big – but we buy
small and we buy local.
craftsmen, carpenters – or even fashioned by hand by a homeowner. Each piece was unique – designed for a
particular home and location. But in today’s era of mass production, custom designed and hand crafted
furnishings have all but gone by the wayside – replaced by look-alike furnishings often made in off-shore
factories. What’s more, the cost of custom-made furniture has become prohibitive for all but the very few.
There had to be a better way! As our business evolved, we began to see that there was an alternative to mass
produced furnishings and look-alike interiors. We call it ‘affordable customization.’ Here’s how it works.
As we scoured the market for cottage-style furnishings, we discovered that there were smaller scale craftsmen
and workshops that could produce the custom products our customers wanted at prices they could afford.
Looking for a farmhouse table? You can choose style, wood, finish, color, size, pedestals, legs and more. And
that’s just the beginning !
Here’s where Dave's years of experience running factories kicked in! We decided to contract with select crafts
people and furniture makers to build the products and choices our customers wanted. Overseeing production,
purchasing, scheduling, quality control, delivery and marketing – we could make it happen. And our customers
could get the affordable customization that a true cottage home needs.
And it happened! Today, about 95 percent of the home furnishings we sell are made in the U.S.A. Most are
made in small workshops by skilled craftsmen. At Cottage Home – we like to say that we think big – but we buy
small and we buy local.
| Cottage Home is proud to be listed on ABC News' Made in America interactive map! |
| Circa 1900 |
| 2011 |
| Why Cottage Home? |
Comfort, Color & Quality
Decorating choices can be overwhelming. Colors, patterns, furnishings, accessories, rugs, lighting, and more.
Where do you start? How do you put it all together to create a comfortable home that suits your lifestyle and
reflects your own unique personality?
Comfort: Like the ‘three little bears’, we sit in every chair and we try out every sofa. This one’s too big – that’s too
small -- this is just right! We’re big on comfort – and we won’t sell anything that we don’t think is comfortable.
We help customers select the right sizes and styles that are just right for them.
Color: Bright blues, deep reds, sea-worthy greens – what colors fit your cottage home? Everyone should live with
furnishings they love within a budget. We don’t think you should settle for a piece or a color just because it’s
in stock. We customize colors, finishes and sizes at an affordable price.
Quality: Does it just look good – or was it built to last and hold up under the wear-and-tear of everyday practical
living? We look for the highest quality furnishings and accessories – quality in both design and durability.
How do you put it all together? Whether you are looking for one particular item that will fit in with your existing
décor – or starting from scratch to furnish a room or an entire home – our design team is here to give you the
assistance you need.
Where do you start? How do you put it all together to create a comfortable home that suits your lifestyle and
reflects your own unique personality?
Comfort: Like the ‘three little bears’, we sit in every chair and we try out every sofa. This one’s too big – that’s too
small -- this is just right! We’re big on comfort – and we won’t sell anything that we don’t think is comfortable.
We help customers select the right sizes and styles that are just right for them.
Color: Bright blues, deep reds, sea-worthy greens – what colors fit your cottage home? Everyone should live with
furnishings they love within a budget. We don’t think you should settle for a piece or a color just because it’s
in stock. We customize colors, finishes and sizes at an affordable price.
Quality: Does it just look good – or was it built to last and hold up under the wear-and-tear of everyday practical
living? We look for the highest quality furnishings and accessories – quality in both design and durability.
How do you put it all together? Whether you are looking for one particular item that will fit in with your existing
décor – or starting from scratch to furnish a room or an entire home – our design team is here to give you the
assistance you need.
Our Design & Service Team
Whether you visit us in our store in Maine or browse through our home on the Internet, our goal is to make it
easy for you to shop and to see all the options available. We live by the belief that every home is unique and
should reflect the taste and personality of the homeowner. Design schemes are never pre-packaged. Instead,
they are customized for each individual home. That’s the very essence of the Cottage Home experience.
We provide color samples and swatches, along with coordinated color palettes. We can give you a little help – or
a lot. As a team, we offer suggestions and give you our honest opinions. We don’t want to sell you items that
don’t look good together. We can help you make the choices to create a cottage home that is all about you.
Shopping on the Internet? Online shopping is easy and intuitive. You can see everything we have available with
all the options and colors to customize your décor. We are here to answer any and all questions you may have
about our products. Our goal is to build a comfort level when shopping on the Internet. We spend a lot of time
listening to our customers and answering their questions.
We strive to ensure customer satisfaction from start to finish. From the time a purchase order is generated till
an item is delivered to the customer’s home, we do everything we can to make sure everything goes smoothly. We
work closely with our furniture suppliers and delivery companies to make sure that each job is on schedule and
delivered on time. We track the progress of every order and we stand behind everything we sell. In the event that
an item is damaged in delivery and a repair is needed, we take care of that too.
At Cottage Home, when you work with one of us – you work with all of us. We all get together to discuss
various projects and collaborate to find the best design solutions for your home.
easy for you to shop and to see all the options available. We live by the belief that every home is unique and
should reflect the taste and personality of the homeowner. Design schemes are never pre-packaged. Instead,
they are customized for each individual home. That’s the very essence of the Cottage Home experience.
We provide color samples and swatches, along with coordinated color palettes. We can give you a little help – or
a lot. As a team, we offer suggestions and give you our honest opinions. We don’t want to sell you items that
don’t look good together. We can help you make the choices to create a cottage home that is all about you.
Shopping on the Internet? Online shopping is easy and intuitive. You can see everything we have available with
all the options and colors to customize your décor. We are here to answer any and all questions you may have
about our products. Our goal is to build a comfort level when shopping on the Internet. We spend a lot of time
listening to our customers and answering their questions.
We strive to ensure customer satisfaction from start to finish. From the time a purchase order is generated till
an item is delivered to the customer’s home, we do everything we can to make sure everything goes smoothly. We
work closely with our furniture suppliers and delivery companies to make sure that each job is on schedule and
delivered on time. We track the progress of every order and we stand behind everything we sell. In the event that
an item is damaged in delivery and a repair is needed, we take care of that too.
At Cottage Home, when you work with one of us – you work with all of us. We all get together to discuss
various projects and collaborate to find the best design solutions for your home.
| Distinctive Cottage Furniture & Farmhouse Tables |
| 1-866-223-2757 |
Unfortunately, Judy passed away in June 2012. Dave & Sarah continue to grow and build the business together.