Carla Westerman is a freelance writer who has lived in Chester County for 25 years. She is the author and photographer of the pictorial guide Chadds Ford: History, Heroes and Landmarks. She has written features and news for regional magazines and newspapers since 1980 and enjoys writing about people, art, history, food, and travel. Carla was a food writer for a decorative arts magazine while living in Hong Kong. She speaks four languages and works as a consultant leading cross-cultural seminars for business executives.
Carla Westerman's Articles
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Cross Cultural Architecture
John Milner has designs on China
Published on 1/17/12
When architect John Milner took a call from China two years ago, he was puzzled. Why would a Chinese developer be contacting a Pennsylvania firm best known for its work in new traditional design and historic restoration? Read More »
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Hilltop Sanctuary
Chester County living, circa-1830
Published on 12/17/10
As they drove up the steep, rutted driveway through a tunnel of overgrown shrubbery, Dick and Diane Gies had no illusions that the old house at the top of the hill would be in good condition. And it wasn’t. Read More »
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Life At Full Gallop
A riding teacher looks back at three decades
Published on 11/19/10
Marie Jakubauskas doesn’t mince words when people come to Gateway Stables in Kennett Square saying they just want to take one of her horses out for a ride. Read More »
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Well Nested
Birds now live in high style
Published on 12/06/09
Tom Burke spent 25 years building custom homes with his father in Delaware. He still builds houses but now his business card reads: “Builder of Fine Bird Homes.” Read More »
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National Bank of Malvern
125 years of thinking small
Published on 7/20/09
Not many banks are in a celebratory mood this year given the upheavals on Wall Street. But one small Chester County bank with three women at its helm is not only toasting its 125th anniversary but also five generations of family involvement in bank operations. And to top it off they are having a very good year. Read More »
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The True Story of Lucky Foot Stables
JoAnn Dawson plots a horsey life
Published on 6/01/09
On any given morning, JoAnn Dawson might be leading a trail ride or heading off to a movie set, taking her pony to a book signing or preparing breakfast for overnight guests. Read More »
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Nemours
French opulence and American ingenuity
Published on 3/01/09
It took just 18 months to build the Nemours mansion after ground was broken in 1909 on a 300-acre site north of Wilmington. There was no budget—just a handshake between Alfred I. duPont and his builder, who must have been awed by the scope of the plan. Read More »
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The Four Horsemen
On the trail of Virginia’s presidential gentry
Published on 12/01/08
They look stiff and sedentary in their formal portraits, but in fact our Founding Fathers were vigorous young men when they launched the American Revolution. They were accomplished horsemen who rode under arduous conditions to political meetings or off to battle. Read More »
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