About Chester County Dwell

Chester County Dwell is collaboration between two freelance colleagues (one a writer, one a graphic artist), both with an editorial background spanning over 18 years.

We shared an interest in capturing Chester County’s simple roots through its homes and community, and believed that by writing about the region, and shooting local images, we could encourage area preservation while promoting a simple lifestyle.

So we launched Chester County Dwell in January 2009 as an expression of our interest. Our intent is to inspire you with images, articles and blog posts featuring the simple, more responsible life we both pursue.

After our first year online, we discovered that even as a hyperlocal weblog, our focus on conservation and simple living is a topic of interest for many, and viewers worldwide are reading and linking to our stories and blogs. We love the idea that our message is being carried around the globe.

(When emailing us, change the (at) to @ in our address, below. We do this to avoid getting spam emails.)

Leslie Kedash | Creative Director: Leslie(at)ccdwell.com

Leslie established an entire art department for a large corporation in 1985 and created her own freelance graphic design team in 1988. Since then, she’s concentrated on publication, print, identity and web work, designing for corporate and non-profit clients. When she’s not working, you’ll find Leslie creating artful projects around the home with her 13 year old daughter. Other interests include cooking, knitting and her pack of Australian Shepherds.

Margaret Gilmour | Editorial Director: Margaret(at)ccdwell.com

Margaret is a freelance writer specializing in online media and simple living, sustainable gardening and conservation, her work appearing on numerous Web sites and in a variety of magazines for the past 19 years. You can usually find Margaret hiding out with a book, or looking for any excuse to get outdoors to run, hike, soak up nature or dig in her garden. She also loves hanging out with family and friends any place there’s good food made with local ingredients. It’s her first son who anchored her life 19 years ago, and her second, now seven, is the one who reminds her to live in the moment.

Both freelancers are creative professionals for hire.

All photography on Chester County Dwelll is either by Leslie, Margaret or purchased online (and customized), unless otherwise noted.

Chester County Dwell is an independent weblog supported by paid advertising and the hard work of the few of us involved with the site who believe in our mission. We never accept freebies, discounts and other compensation from a business or individual we write about. All content is carefully selected and planned for in advance to posting.