I get involved in a lot of strange trips in my quest to collect, save and bring forth great vintage pieces to the masses. I am in many homes as well, often after owners pass on or move to retirement homes. The families are cleaning out so they can unload the real estate and cash in on their inheritance or have the funds to pay for the nursing home, etc. I was invited to shop at the estate of a prominent interior decorator who, at one time, hosted a work room full of sewers to make decorating dreams come true. The byproduct of this business, which may be a hazard for any of us creatives, is collecting hoards and hoards of fabrics. Bolts upon bolts. From velvet to chintz, there are 60 years of textile history in one building from all the top mills in the finest weaves. It truly is a textile heaven and I got to shop in it!
Nestled in a crook of a Creek bed that formerly worked a mill from the looks of a neighboring converted building, this opulent stone manor had all the makings of luxury. A ballroom with a ceiling so high and equally magnificent windows, a traditional library with beautiful dark wood built in casework and an elusive back staircase. Many little nooks, alcoves and rooms to explore. Traditional craftsmanship that had seen better days but is salvageable with the right financial backer. The times have changed and the sewing machines are no longer humming, but the notes and work orders still hung and there were even bolts out on the work tables. Everything is as it was. A time capsule of a career and a working business. It was chilly exploring on this cold winter day and as we all know, massive homes cost massive money to heat, so minimal energy was being pumped to keep things from freezing up but not enough to keep you from shivering.