48 Turkey Hill Road South in Westport, CT: The Fixer-Upper That Launched Martha Stewart

Long before Martha Stewart became a household name, she poured her energy and creativity into a humble farmhouse at 48 Turkey Hill Road South in Westport, CT. This property, once part of an onion farm, served as both her home and an incubator for her passion for gardening, entertaining, and design.

The Beginning of a Transformation

Martha purchased the farmhouse in 1971 for $46,750. The house, though charming, was in disrepair. It lacked a functional kitchen, had no usable bathroom, and the yard was overgrown. But for Martha, it was full of potential. With its wide-plank floors, elegant windows, seven fireplaces, and sturdy bones, the property presented an opportunity to transform a neglected house into a warm, inviting home. In addition, the property came with two acres of rich, loamy soil, perfect for cultivating gardens. Martha wasted no time planting an orchard of fruit trees, setting the stage for the sprawling gardens that would later define the home.

Expanding the Property

Over the next decade, Martha expanded the property and its functionality. In 1975, she purchased an additional two acres, providing more room for gardens and outdoor features. She also added a two-story garage and installed a heated swimming pool strategically placed to take advantage of the sun and surrounding landscape.

One of the most unique additions was a disassembled 1900 Connecticut tobacco barn that she purchased for $15,000 and gifted to her then husband Andy on Father’s Day in 1976. Martha repurposed the barn into a space for gatherings.

The Gardens of Turkey Hill

The gardens at Turkey Hill became Martha’s personal canvas, where she honed her gardening skills and developed her appreciation for landscape design. She planted perennial borders, fruit trees, and exotic specimens. Working with skilled local craftsmen, she added intricate stone walls, pathways, and fireplaces.

Viewing the gardens from above—by helicopter—helped Martha perfect the symmetry and layout, ensuring every detail contributed to the overall beauty of the property. The gentle slope of the land toward Long Island Sound provided ideal growing conditions, and the site flourished under Martha’s care.

A Legacy of Creativity

Turkey Hill was more than just a home for Martha Stewart—it was a place where her creative instincts came to life. She scoured local tag sales and antique shops for period-appropriate furniture to complement the home’s historic roots, collecting treasures like four-poster beds, Sheraton settees, and gilt-framed mirrors.

Her time at Turkey Hill also shaped her appreciation for craftsmanship. She sought out artisans skilled in traditional methods, ensuring that renovations respected the home’s original character while enhancing its functionality.

Martha eventually moved on from Turkey Hill, selling the property in 2007 for $6.7 million, after years of careful cultivation and development. However, the lessons she learned there—about gardening, design, and the value of hard work—remained central to her career and personal philosophy.