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Marjory Sweet in Maine: The ‘Farm Lunch’ Author Starts a New Chapter in a ‘Ghostly’ New England Rental

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Marjory Sweet in Maine: The ‘Farm Lunch’ Author Starts a New Chapter in a ‘Ghostly’ New England Rental

June 7, 2024

It is telling that Marjory Sweet describes herself on her website as “a farmer, cook, and writer”—in that order. Though she no longer manages the organic vegetable farm in Albuquerque, New Mexico, that inspired her to write Farm Lunch (a sweet, spiral-bound, cult recipes book published in 2020 that encourages us to eat what’s on hand, what’s in season, and what feels right), “farming is still the work I identify with most,” she says. “Anything else I do or plan to do, farming is the origin point.”

After a decade living in New Mexico, Marjory moved back to her home state of Maine a couple years back. Here, in the midcoast town of Rockland, an hour from where she grew up, she’s re-put down roots, fashioning a new life for herself that’s focused on cooking (she and her friend, Marcy Taubes, started double grazie, a Maine-focused, Italy-inspired baked goods business) and writing (her poetic new book [   ] is a breakfast food was published earlier this year).

Yet, “I still have that farmer brain,” she says. Many of the ingredients in double grazie’s offerings are sourced from Marcy’s family’s farm. “And we’re working with our hands, we align our goods with the seasons, we sell at farmer’s market, we participate in the community. The product is different, but the intention and what I care about is the same.”

Her affinity for the honest, humble, and human can also be felt in her new home, a modest 1840s two-bedroom cottage she rents from her friend Adam McPherson, an artist who “has a nice light touch with homes,” she says. “He strips them down and doesn’t mess with the essential character so much. Adam’s style is a little more New England-y and ghostly. My style is a little more Donald Judd wannabe. The two end up being more complementary than clashy.”

Recently, Marjory gave us a tour of her “ramshackle-elegant” home. (Follow her on Instagram @marjorybsweet.)

Photography by Jo Silver for Remodelista.

though the house is small, the eat in kitchen is roomy. there are no upper cabi 17
Above: Though the house is small, the eat-in kitchen is roomy. There are no upper cabinets, which adds to the airiness of the space.
on the wall shelf is marjory&#8\2\17;s collection of favorite cups and dish 18
Above: On the wall shelf is Marjory’s collection of favorite cups and dishes, many by ceramicist friends including Sarah Keats, Krysta Jabczenski, and Ginny Sims. The “DON’T LOOK ” print is by Eva Claycomb.
marjory asked adam to build this shelf in the narrow space next to the refriger 19
Above: Marjory asked Adam to build this shelf in the narrow space next to the refrigerator. It holds pantry items, including her stock of homemade jams. “I was a very rigorous preserve maker. Most of of them were made in New Mexico.” The large vintage enamel bowl on top of the shelf contains her spice collection. The dried chili peppers were from a friend visiting from New Mexico. The two colorful little paintings on the fridge are by Allison Cekala.
marjory moved some key pieces from her home in new mexico, including her belove 20
Above: Marjory moved some key pieces from her home in New Mexico, including her beloved, temperamental Bertazzoni stove.
&#8\2\20;this house is typical rockland. and the \1940s stucco house i had  21
Above: “This house is typical Rockland. And the 1940s stucco house I had in the south valley of Albuqurque has a very rich agricultural past that was very essential to it. In that way, they’re energetically sharing a wavelength. They’re both very much rooted in place and history.”
marjory&#8\2\17;s love for donald judd is apparent in the living room. she  22
Above: Marjory’s love for Donald Judd is apparent in the living room. She had a friend construct the Judd-inspired daybed for her, as well as a simple record case, which holds her collection of vintage Jamaican albums. Both pieces made the cross-country move.
&#8\2\20;cooking and writing are both outlets that help me understand farmi 23
Above: “Cooking and writing are both outlets that help me understand farming,” says Marjory.
marjory&#8\2\17;s home is filled with art by friends. this painting is by h 24
Above: Marjory’s home is filled with art by friends. This painting is by her partner, Nate Luce.
&#8\2\20;renting frees up my brain. it challenges you to be more accepting, 25
Above: “Renting frees up my brain. It challenges you to be more accepting,” says Marjory, who wasn’t fond of the chandelier in the formal dining room but decided to embrace it. Now she loves how it plays off the simple dining set that Adam made for her. Most nights, Marjory lights candles with her meal. “It’s the most accessible form of magic.”
in the guest room, a bright red quilt makes a statement. it was once a neutral  26
Above: In the guest room, a bright red quilt makes a statement. It was once a neutral colored quilt that a friend dyed for her.

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N.B.: This story originally ran on August 7, 2023 and has been updated.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the location of the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house?

The Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house is located in Rockland, Maine.

Can I rent the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house for vacation?

Yes, the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house is available for vacation rentals.

Are pets allowed in the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house?

No, pets are not allowed in the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house.

How many bedrooms does the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house have?

The Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house has three bedrooms.

Is there parking available at the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house?

Yes, the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house has parking available.

What amenities does the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house offer?

The Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house offers amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a backyard.

Is the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house near any attractions?

Yes, the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house is near attractions such as the Maine Lighthouse Museum and the Farnsworth Art Museum.

What is the rental price of the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house?

The rental price of the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house may vary. It is recommended to check the website for current pricing and availability.

Are there restaurants or shops within walking distance of the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house?

Yes, there are restaurants and shops within walking distance of the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house.

Is smoking allowed in the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house?

No, smoking is not allowed in the Marjory Sweet Maine Rockland house.

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