Both Kathryn and I have had loads of emails and tweets asking us where we found the antiques and vintage pieces we used in the series. None more so than for Karen Jones and her ‘shabby chic’ dining room this week! So, to save some time, here goes. The chairs, ceramics and wonderful French ceiling lights were found at Barn Antiques Centre, in Long Marston, near Stratford Upon Avon. One of the many rooms is shown above. With over 13,000 square feet packed to the gunnels, there’s sure to be something for everyone. This is a proper antiques centre, just like they all used to be before reproductions began to sweep in and take over. Plus, when you’re done, pop into the lovely bistro next door for some delicious food. And please do say a cheery ‘Hello!’ from Kathryn and I to the lovely, helpful ladies behind the desk there, who kept us smiling and primed with tea when we filmed.
The reclamation yard we visited is in the same part of the world, and is as brilliant a place to find bargains as Barn Antiques. It’s called Leominster Reclamation Yard, in Leominster, Herefordshire, and is owned by the friendly and helpful Rupert. You’ll find everything there from statues to floorboards to fountains – and the proverbial bedsticks and pump handles! Finally, the cabinet and a couple of other wonderful treasures were found at the The Secondhand Warehouse & Antiques Centre in Leominster. This excellent emporium is similar to Barn Antiques, offering an enormous range of antiques and collectables, and really is a must to visit. I also believe that Karen now has a stand there all of her own, selling shabby chic, so don’t forget to drop by and have a look.
For more information and tips from Kathryn, check out her BBC blog by clicking here. If you have a question you’d like to ask her, I know she’d be pleased to hear from you. More next week…
