2015 Kitchen Tour: The Inside Scoop from Ann Kendall
RB: Why Kittery Point? As a resident, what do you love about this area? What’s new and exciting there?
AK: We rotate locations for the Kitchen Tour, and it is time to visit Kittery again! Kittery is truly a special place with our town and state parks, our beaches and boating, and the vibrant Kittery Foreside and Kittery Center Village. We are growing on all fronts, from small businesses to The Kittery Community Center and from fine art galleries to amazing restaurants. The tour will feel different to me this year because not only am I on the committee but my home is on the tour as well— so I will experience the tour as a homeowner.
RB: What else about the Kitchen Tour is new and exciting this year?
AK: It is truly amazing that there are so many wonderful choices every year! And now that we are using trolleys, we can include homes that were unavailable to us in the past. So besides finding homes and willing homeowners; writing descriptions of the homes and lining up sponsors (vendors and designers from each home to showcase their work and other businesses in the area who want to support The Music Hall); we have learned about traffic engineering! This year the trolley routes will be more like a mini train line with hubs rather than one big route. With six trolleys, this should be a great experience for all.
RB: What makes these kitchens special? What design styles can visitors expect to see? Are there any interesting stories about the homes that you can share?
AK: We work hard to offer many unique homes. This year we are excited to have homes from the 1800’s, new construction, remodels, and even a small “green” home. My home has many green features as well. All the homeowners—with the help of their architects, builders, and designers—have created homes that work for their lifestyles and I am sure our guests will enjoy all of them. The Marra-McCarten home was bought and remodeled by Kathleen while her husband was deployed in Afghanistan. The artisans worked through the night to have it ready for his homecoming. The Nagle home had three architects. Their primary architect bases his work on Oriental Feng Shui, which focusses on the spirit of the place from start to finish, from kitchen to attic. The Erikson beach home will be their future retirement home but meanwhile it welcomes a houseful of friends and family—up to 23 overnight guests can be accommodated at at an amazing dining table! These are just a few of the great stories this year.
RB: What would you say to returning Kitchen Tour fans? And to newbies?
AK: We are thrilled to welcome our many repeat guests—and volunteers—some of whom will be joining us for their 24th year! I cannot thank them enough. If this is your first year, I hope the homes, the trolleys, the people working the tour, and beautiful Kittery, Maine will make this a wonderful experience that you will treasure again and again.
RB: Why does the Kitchen Tour make a great Mother’s day gift?
AK: We initially offered the Kitchen Tour the first weekend in April—yes, it was hard to pound in the signs through the frost and snow—then moved to better weather in the first weekend of May. Now we have the perfect date on May 9, Mother’s Day weekend. HIstorically, we have seen many mothers and daughters go on the tour.
RB: Any parting thoughts?
AK: There have been many changes during the past 24 years of the tour. Each season we improve it by listening to our guests, homeowners, staff, committee, and sponsors. Thanks to all for being part of the experience.