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This stunning effect is created by pulling 2 long tables together, interspersing unmatched chairs, and running a fabulous, 8′ (or so) long tin trough down the middle. The lighting is several long, thin branches suspended from the ceiling, wound with tiny white lights. But the touch that puts it over the top: dainty strands of tiny, white, paper butterflies dangling from the structure. Perfect.

[NOTE:  Please excuse the quality of these photos; I had only my phone, and I was enjoying the tour so much, I didn’t focus as carefully as I should have . . .]

I tour houses and gardens for one basic reason:  inspiration.  And this weekend Smithsburg, Maryland delivered. The extraordinary dining room you see above is in The Old Stone Mill, about 5 minutes outside of town on Edgemont Road.

It was built in the mid-1800s, serving as a mill, distillery, cannery, and fruit-packing plant before being renovated into a home in the 1970s.   Note the beautiful original floors and the depth of the stone window sills.

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Though not original to the mill, the doors in the house are extraordinary. This one is about 4′ wide and was salvaged from a train station. The original brass plaque states, “1st Class Only”. It now serves as the entrance to the first-floor bedroom.

This first floor bedroom opens directly from the entryway.  With the window open, you can hear the gurgling stream just beyond.

This first floor bedroom opens directly from the entryway. With the window open, you can hear the gurgling stream just beyond.

Next to the bedroom is the first-floor bath.  I knew the owner was a kindred spirit when I saw the color she painted the walls, and the wow-factor chandelier she chose – for a bathroom.  Small space, big statement.  Love it!

White-glass chandelier scored at ReStore.

White-glass chandelier scored at ReStore.

From the hall you spilled into the fabulous space with the dining table you saw in the first shot.  Off of that was a comfortable sitting room.

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Do not miss those random-width floors.

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Vintage, industrial light, fashioned as a sconce.

Above the sofa, I spied this fabulous find.  Such a great use of a vintage treasure.

While the entire mill has been renovated, the only addition is this spectacular garden room, which hovers over the gardens beyond.

While the entire mill has been renovated, the only addition is this spectacular garden room, which hovers over the gardens beyond.

Though the day was hot, and the house was open to the air, this room was delightfully cool.  The sound of the waterfall and babbling stream outside certainly helped.

On a design note, notice how graciously this room extends out to the deck, creating the sense that the room and the garden are part of one large, continuous space.

And so we head to the gardens . . .

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The patio of this adorable little garden house is actually a huge chess board. The large plastic pieces are tucked away inside for handy use.

In addition to The Old Stone Mill, there were several other houses and gardens.   Here’s the highlights: (click on the image to get more details)

Thanks for reading!

Virginia