Mar Jennings goes for the gold in more ways than one. His life is dedicated to marching on in style through the decades while relying on the discipline he learned from being a former world-class figure skating champion, as well as his financial and analytical skill set garnered as a former banking executive. Mar is an award-win-ning, multimillion dollar real estate producer, as well as a Five-Star rated professional in his field, working with the prestigious Higgins Group.
Mar is also an 11-time Emmy® nominated, nationally syndicated television show host, a top-rated interior designer, a lifestyle expert authority, a social media influencer, a philanthropist, and a dog dad.
“When I started my business, I created a tagline that would represent my drive and abilities: ‘Big enough to deliver, small enough to care.’ That truly underscores what Westport is all about – it delivers global resources but still is small enough to care about commu-nity, and the world, and to make a difference,” says Mar, President and Chief Creative Officer of S&J Multimedia, LLC. Currently, the Mar Jennings brand reaches approximately one million consumers each month across all media platforms. “With dedicated followers throughout the globe, they all love Westport, CT as my home and ultimate inspiration.” In so many ways, Mar has brought Westport, and Westport style, to them.
Since 2015, Mar has produced and hosted ‘Life on Mar’s: The Home Makeover Show,’ streaming on Amazon Prime, Tubi & Roku, a multiple Telly Award winning series and winner of the first-ever People’s Telly Award in 2018. The show is now filming its fifth season. “The show is a vehicle to create his brand of ‘Casual Luxury’ homes using my six core Design Principles which include: Representing Mother Nature; Embracing Light and Refection; Natural Materials and Colors; Repurpose; Repeat Shapes and Patterns; and Consider Size and Scale – while also highlighting local artisans and businesses within the state of Connecticut. Casual Luxury is the cure for all design dilemmas and the blueprint for great livable spaces,” he says.
Mar is also an author of two exquisite coffee table books: Life on Mar’s: A Four Season Garden; and Life on Mar’s: Creating Casual Luxury, the latter which highlights his Casual Luxury design philosophy and style. He does everything proudly, passionately, and with fun from his Westport home.
Mar is referred to as “America’s Top Lifestyle Expert,” by many networks when appearing as a real estate expert, designer, and authority across the country. “I’m driven personally and profession-ally, and I live and breathe my lifestyle brand. This comes from a place of being connected to what I do. There’s an old saying, ‘Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. I disagree.
Do what you love, and you’ll work every day of your life – and with passion.”
“I adore my home, which I called Rosebrook Gardens after the many roses on the property and the meandering brook at the end of the street.” Growing up in Westport and calling Rosebrook Gardens his home for almost three decades now, he feels safe and great comfort there. “I never had a sense of home when I was growing up, so when I could buy my own home, I marched on and jumped on it. I’ve always hated to move because I did it so often when I was younger, so of course I looked for not just a home but a permanent nest. Today, I surround myself with the things I love, a garden that I adore, and my miniature schnauzers Daisy (6) and Clover (1). Although Westport is my oasis, my home will always be my sanctuary,” he says.
Daisy has quite an instagram following herself, using handle dai-syvonschnorkenheimer. Clover, growing her own virtual presence, celebrated her recent first birthday in style with a embellished dog cake from Earth Animal Westport and all the trimmings in treats, cookies and decorations.
Upon purchasing what was to become Rosebrook Gardens in 1997, the home was new, but not quite finished. “The first month I owned it I repainted the exterior, took down trees and planted new ones, created new garden beds, pulled out the new asphalt driveway and replaced it with crushed stone, installed copper gutters, and built the garage aka now the Garden Studio,” says Mar, who, over the years, focused on updates for style and function. Over time, he has added a stunning wisteria-covered pergola, a classic English folly, a side terrace, two parterre gardens surrounded by a profusion of flowers anchored by lush green boxwoods, a cedar shingle roof, a custom fireplace, and delightful backyard firepit. “I also installed a classic Dutch door to greet deliveries while keeping my schnauzers at bay. Rosebrook Garden reflects my life, my style and of course my passions for livable spaces all inspired by Mother Nature and infused by my love for great design.”
Mar had a successful eighteen-year banking career as Senior Vice President for a global financial institution with direct management responsibility for the State of Connecticut. But after experiencing the impersonality and instability of the banking industry, in 2005 he took a leap of faith to embrace his creative self and establish his multimedia company. “When I stepped back and identified what I loved, it was always all about being resourceful, creative, and having beautiful spaces. I had turned my back on my passions and real purpose, and it wasn’t until I became a bit wiser and yes older, I realized, ‘let me see if I can be successful doing something that is natural and organic to me. Even while in banking, I was considered creative as I organized fashion shows, art exhibits and conducted creative out-of-the-box sales initiatives. I was also always open to offering my home and garden for tours to help benefit local charities such as The Westport Historical Society and the Near & Far Aid just to name a few important to me.” With a positive mindset, Mar appreciates expanding his service base. “I’m always pushing myself and rethinking the standards and expectations. You must put yourself out there to learn and grow, question the ordinary way of thinking and create something new and exciting, he says.” A widower since 2005, Mar’s life wisdom is deep, and humbling and he wants to make a difference and leave things better than he found them. “I’m in so many different avenues of business, but I also have a very deep emotion and connection to being philanthropic.” Last year, he hosted a fundraiser at his home for Fairfield County-based The Graham Foundation, raising $24,000 for suicide prevention. “I’m always thrilled when I can lend both myself and my home to do something impactful and by doing, being relevant and making a difference within my community.”
“I march on with confidence with my team of realtors, production company and multimedia branding/lifestyle services. I thank my hometown of Westport for the graciousness it has bestowed on me and the many blessings our town has to offer. I march proudly and will always do so as making a difference will always be worth marching for.”
Mar even has his own candle. The inspiration was to take a bit of Mar home with a signature candle inspired by his home and garden and created with sustainability in mind. It’s 100% Soy Wax, 100%, Pure Essential Oils, Phthalates & Paraffins Free! It will make your home more delicious, and is available locally at Millie Rae’s on the Post Road in Westport, or online at marjennings.com.
By now, you are certainly in need of seeing Rosebrook Gardens in all its glory. Westporters and others will want to save the date June 8th for Mar’s Garden/House Tour. As part of The Garden Conservancy pro-gram, Mar will open up his home at Rosebrook Gardens to the public to share the energy and soul of his house and property. The tour offers layers of ideas and stunning vignettes all designed and curated by a passionate gardener. Learn more at: gardenconservancy.org/open-
You can also always tour Mar’s charming Westport home on youtube:
By Pamela Brown and our featured person this month
Photos Courtesy of Dariusz Terepka Photography
