Design with Jenn Martella: “Mostly Porches”
This 0.41 acre property on a desirable corner lot once had a small brick house that blended with the other houses along the side street. In 2018, the current owners demolished the brick house for better views of St. Michaels’ harbor. They then created a new “L” shaped house with a story and a half […]
Design with Jenn Martella: Eastern Shore Vernacular in Claiborne
When I moved to the Eastern Shore, I hoped to find a property near St. Michaels and I first discovered Claiborne, a charming village very close to St. Michaels. Being a history buff, I was intrigued by Claiborne Landing’s breathtaking views over the wide expanse of the Chesapeake Bay. I soon learned that locals go […]
Wine of the Week: Masseria Borgo dei Trulli Primitivo Rosato
Ciao Tutti! This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste a new Rosato, the Primitivo Rosato IGP ($14.95, ABV 12.5%) from the Masseria Borgo dei Trulli winery in Maruggio, Puglia, in the heart of the Primitivo di Manduria DOP, only five km from the Ionian Sea. The winery takes its name from the distinctive […]
Design with Jenn Martella: “Grafton Manour”
As an Anglophile, I was intrigued at the British spelling of this property’s name and since I am a history buff, I knew there must be an interesting explanation and indeed there was. The original Grafton Manour was a country estate in the village of Grafton Regis, South Northamptonshire and the name Grafton means “settlement […]
Design with Jenn Martella: “Grafton Manour”
As an Anglophile, I was intrigued at the British spelling of this property’s name and since I am a history buff, I knew there must be an interesting explanation and indeed there was. The original Grafton Manour was a country estate in the village of Grafton Regis, South Northamptonshire and the name Grafton means “settlement […]
Design with Jenn Martella: “Highcroft”, circa 1780/1840
The open side yard, makes for a perfectly sun-drenched home. Just a few blocks away from the center of Chestertown’s downtown is this property on a narrow and deep lot like others along the urban streetscape. Unlike its neighbors, this house has the advantage of abundant sunlight on one long side of the house […]
Wine of the Week: Easter Trio 2026
Ciao Tutti! As we begin to celebrate Passover, Easter and Orthodox Easter, we are offering several wines for your celebrations; a Rosato’ Ciro DOC ($19.50, ABV 13%); from the Scala Winery in Ciro Marina region of Calabria; a white wine, the Fiano di Avellino DOCG (425.25, ABV 13.5%) from the Rocca del Principe winery […]
Wine of the Week: Grosjean Torrette Vallee d’Aoste
Ciao Tutti! This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste the Torrette Vallee d ’Aoste DOC ($28.50, 13.5% ABV) from the Grosjean Vins winery in the tiny village of Olligan. Vallee d’Aosta or ‘Valley of Augustus’ is named for the Roman Emperor Augustus whose legions conquered the valley in 25 BC. Valle d’ Aosta […]
Design with Jenn Martella: Waterfront Haven
I always enjoy featuring a house in my neighborhood and this custom designed house is nestled in a clearing, surrounded by mature trees. There are only a few houses along this short lane so peace and privacy is ensured for the residents. This house’s rear yard gently slopes down to tranquil Harris Creek, where a […]
Wine of the Week: Otto Uve
Ciao Tutti! This weekend at Piazza Italian Market, we will taste the Otto Uve Gragnano Della Penisola Sorrentina Rosso Frizzante DOC ($21.50, 11.5% ABV) from the Salvatore Martusciello winery in Pozzuoli, a municipality of the City of Naples, Campania. “Otto Uve” (Eight Grapes) is named for the number of grape varieties in this wine, including […]