A Sea Captain’s Cottage Transformed with Color & Textiles

Step inside the colorful, story-filled beachside home of Chelsea McDermott, former Textile Director at Anthropologie.

Nestled near the shore of Ventnor City, New Jersey, this 1915 gem was originally built by a Navy sea captain and his wife, Anna Keyes—a direct descendant of Francis Scott Key, author of The Star-Spangled Banner.

Chelsea and her family lovingly restored the home, infusing it with rich layers of history, texture, and vibrant design. Drawing on her years in textiles and creative direction, Chelsea embraced a whimsical, nautical aesthetic filled with preppy vintage treasures: oil paintings of ships, striped fish, mallard ducks, signal flags, and subtle nods to derby horses in honor of the home's name—Derby Cottage.

On the property sits a rare surviving barn from 1888—a relic of the island’s dairy-farm past—which adds an extra layer of charm and historical magic to the setting. From thoughtful color palettes to storied objects around every corner, this home is a joyful reflection of Chelsea’s creative vision and deep respect for the past. Enjoy!