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| | Regular contributor to Antiques News and Fairs, George Johnson proprietor of proprietor of Lady Kentmores Antiques, has been on the road to reveal the  secret hideaways and high street antiques emporiums, places of interest, hotel and restaurant tips and much more on a two-day road trip designed to kick off in Glasgow. Watch out for future trails around Scotland from George.
Lady Kentmores is in Callandar, Stirling and boasts the accolade of being "under the patronage of foreign nobility", offering a warm and friendly welcome to all comers. Expect to see an amazing array of all things collectible and curious.
George Johnson is a fourth generation dealer of an antiques dealing family and an enthusiastic ambassador for the antiques trade. Well published in a variety of trade and national press, George is championing the antiques community of Scotland and flying the flag for the "Young Guns" of the antiques trade - a minority but growing group on the current scene - young dealers who are coming in to the trade with enthusiasm, wit and expert knowledge.
George entices us North of the Border...
"If you love history, antiques and breathtaking scenery one area seems to have all three in abundance: Scotland is sometimes overlooked as a destination for antiques and vintage treasure hunting but this can be a big mistake as it has many hidden gems.
Transport links to Scotland are brilliant with two major airports in the central belt - one in Edinburgh and the other in Glasgow. Both these cities have many antique shops and centres to be proud of and you could easily spend  a weekend in each and not visit all the bargain hunting delights they have to offer. But to really enjoy what this area has to offer you need to get out of the cities and roam the areas that were once roamed by such famous names as William Wallace, Rob Roy and Rabbie Burns.
In this article I will talk about what I would recommend doing on a two day trip arriving in Glasgow in the morning. From Glasgow airport the shores of Loch Lomond are less than 27 miles away and are very well sign posted. When you head into Balloch look for the Lomond Shores development that sits on the banks of this mighty loch. The
 development is home to many retail outlets including Jenner’s Department Store and others including Loch Lomond Jewellers which is an independent jewellers who stock pre-owned watches by Rolex, Breitling, Cartier and others.
But it’s the recently new addition to the development that interests me, as upstairs there is a new antique centre located at the entrance that faces the Sea life centre which can be used as a bribe if you happen to have children with you on your trip. I learned this from personal experience as it worked with my daughter on our last visit - I got to browse the antiques on condition that she got to see the sharks and other sea life that are housed within.
The Loch Lomond Antiques & Art Centre,, Unit 7 Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch, Dunbartonshire, G83 8QL has quickly established itself since it opened it’s doors in July 2011. Home to around 35 dealers selling a whole range of antiques and collectables and there are plans to  increase this number to 50. The Centre is also building on the art side of the business which currently makes up 25% of the sales area. The centre's art gallery is home to contemporary art by Peter Howson, John Bellany and other artists, as well as more traditional paintings and prints.
On my last visit to the centre I managed to find a few bargains including an antique Masonic rose gold Tie pin that made me a very healthy profit. There is also an exhibition room where the centre holds classes in different areas of arts and crafts including glassmaking.
If you are feeling hungry there is another hidden gem close by in the form of the Duck Bay Marina. This hotel and restaurant sits on the banks of the Loch and is one of  my favourite places to stop and eat. I love the huge fish tanks that are set into the walls, and have wasted many an afternoon watching the tropical fish swim around while eating some fine food.
Another great place to uncover a bargain is roughly 30 minutes away in the small village of Strathblane. What Nots Antiques 16 Milngavie Road Strathblane G63 9EH could be easily missed as it is located up a lane beside a house, but I always try to call in if I have the time. It is owned by Frank Bruce who has now reached the age where he is slowly trying to wind the business down but it is still worth a visit as located in the medium sized  building is an eclectic mix of items from Grandfather clocks and vintage silver to Scottish pottery. But the real reason to visit is for the owner himself who is one of the last of the old school dealers who has some great stories and a vast amount of knowledge about antiques and the trade. This is another place that I have uncovered a bargain or two myself, one of my favourite finds at What Nots was a beautiful 1920’s silver Art Deco brooch that was un-cleaned and unloved but with a little bit of TLC quickly returned to its former beauty.
From Strathblane we head north to the borders of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and it’s from here that you really start to appreciate the landscape on this short 30 minute drive and it’s easy to see why writers such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns wrote with such love of this area.
Junktion Antiques, Ben View Nursery Complex, Balfron Station, near Aberfoyle, G63 0QZ is just off the road and located next to a nursery and coffee shop. This 1800 square foot building is crammed full  of antiques and collectables. It is owned by David Hill who has over 16 years of experience in the trade.
One of the specialities of this shop is larger furniture but it also has plenty of smaller pieces, it is one of those places where you need to just get stuck in and have a good rummage. Junktion Antiques has been very successful so much so in fact that owner David is just about to open a second shop in nearby Aberfoyle this second antique shop will be called Juncktion 2 and I am sure it will become a familiar stop on my antique hunting travels when it opens in Spring 2012.
From Junktion Antiques Callander is only a 30 Minute drive, Callander is the main settlement within the National Park and is full of history. It’s also the birthplace of medium Helen Duncan who was one of the last people to be tried of witchcraft in the UK, another claim to fame the town has is that it achieved prominence during the 1960's as the setting "Tannochbrae" in the TV series DR Finlays Casebook.
There are plenty of places to get a room within the town but two of my favourites are: Roslin cottage which is a wonderful 17th Century cottage that now is run as a B&B by Sid and Lucy who are two of the friendliest hosts you could meet.
If you would rather stay in a Hotel, close by is the Roman Camp Hotel which is a traditional high class Scottish hotel and has played hosts to some famous names over the years including the Beatles and the Monty Python Team when they were filming ‘Life of Brian’ close by in Doune.
Depending on how you are feeling after a long day treasure hunting there are different ways you could spend an evening  in the town from walking along the river Teith which runs through the town to eating in one of the towns restaurants but whatever you choose you are sure to have an enjoyable evening.
The next morning your first stop should really be Lady Kentmores Antiques and this is not just for the fact that it is my own shop, well actually that is the reason but I am sure you will love it anyway.
Also in the town there are three charity shops that are worth having a browse around, it’s funny but even though I live here I still miss the odd bargain as was proved to me the other day when a customer came in brandishing a ivory and silver page turner. "That’s nice" I stated. She then told me she had just bought it from one of the local charity shops for only £1 and wondered if I could tell her something about it. It turned out to be a really fine Victorian Example and worth over 100 times what she paid for it and proves there are still bargains to be found.
As you leave the town you have a choice to make; you could head off to the next logical place or take a slight detour north into the highlands to Killin, 20 miles further north driving through some of the most breathtaking scenery. Its home to the Killin Gallery which is owned by Mauren & Jimmy Gauld this shop is an Aladdin’s cave filled with a vast range of antique treats including the largest selection of etchings in Scotland, with typically over 150 in stock at any one time, by artists such as Wyllie, Blampied, Soper, Langmead, Briscoe, and others.
While you are in Killin make sure you have a look at the magnificent Falls of Dochart. If you stand on the bridge  in the village you get a wonderful view of these cascading river rapids as they head down and around the island of Inchbuie, which happens to be the traditional burial place of the MacNab clan who once fought tooth and nail against Robert The Bruce.
From Killin we head back down the road and through Callander until we reach Scottish Antique & Arts Centre at Doune. This antiques centre has built up quite a fine reputation since it opened in 1999 and has over a hundred different dealers offering a wide variety of antiques from furniture to silver and everything in between. This is one place I visit as often as I can as it’s very rare that I don’t find at least one item that takes my fancy. My only tip is to look for any cabinets that appear as if they haven’t been cleaned in a while as these are the ones were you can pick up a bargain especially if you spot a gold item that hasn’t had it price increased in line with the gold spot price, believe me this does happen a lot and leads to an instant profit for the savvy buyer. I find the room at the rear of the centre is the best area for hunting down a bargain but it is one of those places where it pays to spend a bit of time looking around I would say you could spend at least an hour and half and still not see it all.
If all that bargain hunting is starting to wear you down you have luck on your side as attached to the centre is the Cafe Circa coffee shop which serves everything from coffee to full meals and I must say their Chocolate  Coca-Cola Cake is to die for, my only problem is that my seven year old daughter seems to fight me for the last bit every time we have it.
From the antique centre it is roughly a 15 minute drive to Stirling which once held the title of capital of Scotland and is overlooked by its breathtaking castle and the Victorian built Wallace Monument. Stirling is also host to the Scotfairs Monthly Antiques Fair www.scotfairs.co.uk which is held in the Albert Halls.
The City is also home to quite a few charity shops as well as a few other places that are worth checking out including Abbey Antiques which is a small antique shop located on Friars Street in the town who deal in various items including jewellery and antique coins.
One place that you would never know existed unless you were in the know is a little bric-a-brac and reclamation place that is part of a florist. The back of the florist is a great collection of outdoor statues, lamp posts, Victorian  sinks and other antique items. Last week I fell in love with two Victorian lion statues, the place is called Castle Reclamation and is located within Fleurtations and Temptations 8 Back O Hill Road Industrial Estate, Stirling, FK8 1SH and is well worth a visit.
From Stirling it’s only an hours drive back to Glasgow airport and its motorway all the way. This is only a taste of what Scotland has to offer for the antique loving visitor. I hope this little tour of one small part of this beautiful area of the country gets you thinking about paying it a visit the next time you are planning a little treasure hunting trip, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with what Scotland has to offer."
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|  Antiquesnews and Fairs is delighted to welcome guest editor Mark Hill for our latest Antiques Trail feature. Mark needs little introduction to our readers as he is rarely off our television screens and will soon be seen visiting dealers around the UK as one of the judges of of National Antiques Week 2011 Britain's Best Antiques Shops. The final announcement of the winners will take place at Bath Decorative Antiques Fair on Thursday 8 March 2012 when the delightful Kirstie Allsopp of Channel 4 "Kirstie's Home Made Home" and "Location Location Location" will present the awards the five winners in each category.
Mark was a specialist in the collectors departments at Bonhams and Sotheby’s in London before joining an internet company where he became a director, forming and running its ground-breaking alliance with eBay Live Auctions. He is now the resident 20th century design and collectables specialist for Miller’s, co-author of Miller's Collectables Price Guides and also writes regular columns for Collect It! and BBC Homes & Antiques Magazine . Mark is also the co-presenter of BBC Two’s antiques and interior design show "Cracking Antiques".
Mark is also an expert on the BBC Antiques Roadshow, has appeared on the BBC 20th Century Roadshow and Priceless Antiques Roadshow, lectured at prestigious locations (including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto), and has also contributed to newspapers and radio and TV programmes around the world. He is a member of the Decorative Arts Society, a committee member and Trustee of the charitable Glass Association, and a Freeman of the City of London Guild of Arts Scholars, Dealers & Collectors.
 Mark recently returned to his childhood home of Surrey and visited nearby Dorking, a fertile hunting ground for antiques...
"I always enjoy visits back home to see my parents – not only because I get the chance to see and catch up with them, but also because I can return to my old antiques ‘stomping ground’. Times have changed, and many of the shops I used to love hunting for treasures in as a teenager have now sadly closed. Today, arguably the most convenient and best place for me to go is the country town of Dorking, nestled under the beautiful South Downs.
Head to the antiques hub in West Street, but don’t forget the three or so charity shops dotted around the town! It’s also worth checking out if auctioneers PF Windibank or Crows have an auction or a view on, and the neighbouring Dorking Halls is often host on Sunday to Margaret Browne’s antiques fair.
As well as a number of shops specialising in everything  from scientific instruments, clocks, antique lighting, and desks, there are a few superb antiques centres that I always look forward to visiting. The first is Pilgrim’s Antiques Centre, which is literally crammed full of antiques and collectables ranging in price from a few pounds to a few thousand pounds. The front room is filled with glass and diecast toys, the next  room dominated by ceramics and brass, but I always head to the narrow corridor on the left as you enter as this ‘bargain avenue’, filled with treasures at reduced prices. I then move on to the two back rooms – the dealers in the back right corner of each room always have something of interest, with a strong 1950s-60s feel to the  stands in the back room.
Dorking House Antiques is up next – as well as a selection of furniture that would have done us proud on Cracking Antiques, make sure you explore all the rooms, both upstairs and downstairs, as there’s always something to tempt.
 The same is also true of the Talbot House Antiques Centre , on the other side of the road, as it has over 10 rooms filled with everything from fine furniture and glass to pictures, kitchenalia, and more. Always ask if you’re unsure of something as the staff are friendly and helpful, and there are a number of contemporary pieces for sale amidst the antiques.
 On the first floor I was delighted to see a new dealer, Jude Hill of StudioArt, who stocks wonderful 1950s-70s studio, Scandinavian and Italian ceramics and glass, as well as a selection of modern prints.
Zip back across the ever-busy West Street to visit a brand  new centre called Christique. The day I visited was also their opening day, and the lovely owner Christine gave me a warm welcome. The newly renovated house and adjacent ‘barn’ has its origins in the 16thC, and has been sympathetically restored. You’re sure to find  something that you love amongst the many well-appointed rooms and cabinets, ranging from Chinese and 18thC English porcelain, to a fabulous range of costume and precious jewellery, silver, antiquarian books, and affordable, beautiful furniture including a rather lovely early Victorian sideboard that almost came home with me.
After all that shopping you’re bound to need a break, and Christique yet again provides, with the charming Fig Tree coffee lounge. A fresh and welcome addition to Dorking’s famous West Street, I’m sure Christique will be a great success.
 If you’re looking for something stronger to recover, jump in your car and head up the country lanes to Coldharbour, the highest point in South East England. In this ancient village near Leith Hill, you’ll find the Plough Inn, a 17th century coaching inn. Apart from the stunning location, this super pub is particularly special as it has its own brewery – the Leith Hill Brewery. A pint of Crooked Furrow, Tickety-Boo, or the slightly stronger Tallywhacker, will hit the spot perfectly before you walk it off with a late afternoon amble in the countryside. And for dinner before you return home? If you’re done with the Plough Inn, then my parents and I can certainly recommend the Wotton Hatch, only 10 minutes drive from Dorking along the A25 towards Guildford. All in all, a perfect way to spend a Sunday!"
Mark has a busy time in Dorking and did not have time to visit all the shops, but Antiquesnews & Fairs can recommend  a visit to Arkell Antiques at 64-65 West Street where owner LAPADA member Margaret Monk deals in a wide range of period furniture on three floors. Arkell Antiques work hard to provide a welcome for their clients and organise Open Weekends twice a year where visitors can enjoy nibbles and wine with the soothing sounds of a classical harpist in the background and a free prize draw for a seasonal hamper completes the enticing event.
If you are "antiquing" in the Bedfordshire area, Arkell Antiques have another showroom in the delightful Woburn Abbey Antiques Centre.
Other recommendations in West Street include: Antique Elegance, Chantecleer, The Dorking Desk Shop, Elias Antiques, James Roberts, Malthouse Antiques, Surrey Hills Antiques Centre and West Street Antiques.
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| The Antiques Trail is designed to help buyers make the most of their time on the road. Antique shops are not always easily found on high street locations some are hidden away on farms in remote areas. Some areas are widespread so you might need to find a hotel for the night – The Antiques Trail is here to help and we have chosen the city of Bath and the surrounding Somerset countryside in the heart of the West of England, as the first location. Rich in antique shops, galleries and heritage sites, there is a wealth of specialist antique shops to delight the visitor.
If you would like your antique shop or centre to be included in any of these features, or if you would like your area to be included in a future Antiques Trail Feature, please Email Antiques News or contact the office on +44 ( 0) 1225 742240
For Antiques Trail readers from overseas who might like a virtual road trip and see inventory from any of the following shops via email,  Satellite Antique Sales would be able to help you.
Email Satellite Antiques or telephone +44(0)1225 742240 for more information about the service. Satellite Sales can be your virtual shopper and you can receive regular emailed images of new stock as it arrives from this roving photographer or you can use the service to locate a particular piece on request. The service is open to trade and private clients and shipping advice is also available on request. See Trade Index for details of UK shipping companies including Chudleys International based in Somerset in the West of England and offering a weekly consolidated service into Atlanta, Georgia with freight arrangements to other parts of the Southern States for single or multiple items at very reasonable cost. For full containers across the US or other parts of the world contact Hugh at Chudleys International on +44(0)1460 55655.
Entering Somerset from the Wiltshire village of Box, the first place not to be missed is the village of Batheaston which is home to Piccadilly Antiques, 280 High Street, Batheaston BA1 7RA with decorative and formal antiques and accessories. Ask for Robin Coleman who will offer a warm welcome to both trade and private buyers. Telephone 01225 851494 for more information.
Travelling into Bath the next important stop is Old Bank Antiques Centre 14-17 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath BA1 6AD. Telephone Alex or David to hear more about the other occupants of this rambling antiques centre, there are more than 18 of them dealing in a wide variety of country and formal, furniture and accessories. Contact Old Bank Antiques Centre via Trade Index.
A very unusual and possibly unique antique shop lies just a few steps up the road  at 3 Walcot Buildings, London Road, Bath BA1 6AD. Michael Saffell has dealt in British tins for the collector or decorator for 25 years from this shop. He also carries some decorative furniture and a visit to his charming bijou shop is a must.
A few hundred yards away along this busy road you will find a trio of seasoned antique traders with shops three in a row next to each other, James Townshend, Owen Hirst and Tim Snell. This is the place where the stock spills out on to the pavement and vans are unloaded and loaded throughout the day, you need to be quick to catch the bargains here at Cleveland Terrace, London Street, Bath BA1 1DF.
Walking into the city, half way down Walcot Street Anthony Reed’s shop, Looking Glass of Bath, 94-96 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BG where you will find antique and reproduction mirrors. Anthony also supplies reproduction antique style mirror glass useful if you need to replace a broken mirror or want to mount a frame.
If you are looking for a piece of Georgian mahogany - a perfect example of a linen press or wardrobe, across the road is Waterfall Antiques, 57 Walcot Street, Bath BA1 5BN. Richard and Carol also stock 18 – 20th century furniture and collectibles with an interesting array of decorators’ pieces.
A short walk away at 5 Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ, Mary Cruz Antiques is another well established Bath antiques shop, selling exquisite paintings, watercolours and sculpture from the 18th century to the present day together with decorative objects and period furniture. Mary is able to offer advice and is a recognised expert on Latin and Central American art and the sourcing of paintings from these areas.
If you are looking for a beautiful chandelier or textiles from 18 – 19th century, climb Lansdown Hill to Antique Textiles and Lighting, 34 Belvedere, Lansdown, Bath BA1 5HR, where Joanna Proops will give you the benefit of many years experience in the antiques trade. The shop is festooned with quilts, tapestries, cushions and haberdashery for decorators and home makers and has won the "Best Antique Textile Shop in Britain" award.
Immediately next door is Frank Dux Antiques at 33 Belvedere,  where you will find exceptional glass both for the collector and dealer. Margaret and Frank have been dealing in antique glass, particularly 18th century drinking glasses and Georgian decanters and anything eye catching, from Nailsea to Venetian for many years and can assist in finding that special piece to complete or add to a collection.
Bath offers many temptations for the visitor and you may want to stay overnight to enjoy the beauty of the city. Villa Magdala Hotel on Henrietta Road, Bath BA2 6LX has an essential Bath accessory – a spacious car park within a couple of minutes walking distance of Pulteney Bridge! Call Roy on +44(0)1225 466329 to make a reservation or see
Villa Magdala via Trade Index.
If you leave Bath and head south, you will find some enchanting towns and villages where some of the most interesting dealers in the country have their showrooms. One of these is Freshford Antiques, Freshford, Bath. Open by appointment only, 01225 722111, this is where you will find a fine collection of English period furniture, 18 -19th century.
You will need a map, and an appointment, but finding Wharton Antiques will be worthwhile! Buried deep in the Somerset hills, beyond Radstock, Simon Wharton stocks a vast array of English and Continental period fire surrounds in stone, marble and wood and garden pieces. Call Simon Wharton on 01761 420293 or 07974 579694.
Not too far by car is John Robbins Garden Antiques, just outside Frome, who specialises in obelisks, fountains, animals, sundials and all those rare and lovely pieces that complete a special landscape. John advises a phone call prior to travelling as he is often on the road finding these treasures. Call 07710 609043.
About 15 miles away in Chilcompton is an entirely different shop – Billiard Room Antiques, one of the few antique shops in the UK specialising in billiard room antiques. Paul McKeivor stocks all that is required for a bespoke billiard room. An appointment is advised so please call Paul on 01761 232839 to make arrangements.
Travel on south to the historic market town of Shepton Mallet where a very stylish new shop has recently opened - No21 Antiques is full of inspiration with decorative lighting a speciality. Owner Belinda writes one of the better blogs about antiques on the web - well researched and full of so many useful addresses not only antiques and decoration sources but travel tips and a great link for dog friendly hotels! No21 Antiques
Just past Shepton Mallet on the A37 and you will find Pennard House Antiques. A country house antiques centre set in the most wonderful countryside, it is home to Martin Dearden who has been dealing in French provincial country furniture for thirty years or more. A wide selection of French farmhouse dining tables is always in stock. LAPADA member Martin plays host to a number of other dealers at Pennard House, so you will find a variety of English Country House furniture and accessories including carpets and lighting. Packing and shipping of containers and on site restoration service are other services offered here. If you feel like spending a night in this enchanting location, bed and breakfast accommodation is available. Please call ahead to check availability on +44 (0)1749 860266. See Pennard Antiques via Trade Index
for more information.
A phone call will be required prior to a visit to Julian Rogers, who deals from a farmhouse off the beaten track about five miles from Pennard House at Babcary. Julian specialises in English furniture and accessories across wide range, from period 18th century mahogany to Victorian carved oak, all in unrestored condition. You never know what you will find here! Call 07774 281896.
If you feel like browsing through a large antiques centre, a short cross country detour to Somerton, the old County Town of Wessex, is your next stop. Market Cross Antiques Centre has recently combined with another antiques centre in this lovely old market town to play host to a large number of dealers selling furniture and collectibles. They are in West Street, and the phone number is 01458 274005.
Next stop is to the bustling Somerset town of Castle Cary, complete with original Corn Exchange, to find Primal on Fore Street, Castle Cary, BA7 7BG. Owner Tristram Latimer Sayer stocks eclectic sculptural objects for interiors and exteriors. Period and painted furniture and period garden items too. Call 07768 690056 to make sure he is there – another lone trade who needs to get on the road to buy!
Bruton is the next call! A clutch of shops here, varying from old established traditional antique dealers to vast export trade warehouses.
Quillon House Antiques is the sort of traditional antique shop that has a wonderful smell of old wax that assails you when you walk through the door – housed in fine 16th century Tudor building and displaying a large collection of arms and armour from the 15 – 19th century along with fine period oak and country furniture and an eclectic range of decorative antiques including Venetian Blackamoors, a warm welcome is assured from the knowledgeable owner Peter Magrath on 01749 812269. You will find Quillon House at 15 High Street, Bruton, BA10 0AA.
On the other side of the High Street is The Antique Shop, formerly in Bath for many years, a relocation to the country was decided upon by the owners who deal in oak and mahogany country house furniture with lighting, jewellery and silver, Georgian to Art Deco. Call 01749 813264.
For those people looking to fill a container bound for America or elsewhere, MGR Exports and Station Road Exports share a vast warehouse along the road past the famous 14th century St Mary’s church in Bruton at Station Road, Bruton BA10 0EH. Shipping goods through to period oak and mahogany are stocked here in vast quantities. Packing and shipping of containers is available here. New stock on daily basis. This the place to trade! Call 01749 812460for more information.
Right on the border with Dorset in the village of Templecombe, about 15 miles from Bruton, you will find Ottery Antiques and Restoration. Charles James, the owner, has been dealing in good quality mahogany, walnut, oak and elm furniture from the Queen Anne, Georgian, Regency and early Victorian periods for more than twenty years and sells to the trade and public. The restoration service is open to the public and trade alike. Charles is a member of LAPADA See Ottery Antiques or Trade Index for more information.
If you take the A303 from Templecombe to the Ilchester turn off, just a few miles away, you will find another long established Somerset antique dealer who specialises in fine French and English country furniture. Gilbert and Dale Antiques are housed in a converted Methodist chapel on the High Street, Ilchester, BA22 8BA. Roy Gilbert has been travelling to France for many years to find large scale pieces for his showroom which has for many years sold to the USA trade market as well as local private and trade buyers. An on-site restoration service is available.
From Ilchester head down the the A37 and on to the A30 to Chard, a lovely old Somerset town home to Chard Antiques, 23 High Street, Chard, TA20 1QF. Lots of genuine antique pine, restored and unrestored, oak, mahogany and decorative accessories. Chard Antiques welcomes trade and public.
Back on the A303 to Crewkerne to find Crewkerne Antiques Centre, 16 Market Street, Crewkerne TA18 7LA, for a wide selection of furniture, pictures and collectibles, more than 50 dealers here!
Looking for some pretty and stylish? Lafleure, The Corner Shop, Langport, TA10 9PW, stocks antique and period French and English furniture with the accent on upholstery of the best quality, together with mirrors, lighting and decorative items. A charming shop with a second premises across the road dealing in larger architectural items and luxury bed linens.
The next section of the trail through Somerset includes the coastal region and you may consider staying overnight in the Wellington or Taunton area to allow plenty of time to explore what is quite a wide area. A splendid choice would be Bindon Country House at Langford Budville, Wellington, TA21 0RU. Telephone 01823 400070.
Refreshed and ready to start your Antiques Trail again, if you can plan your journey to be in the area on Monday, an early start is advised to be at the Taunton Antiques Market, 25/29 Silver Street, TA1 3DH. This popular weekly antiques market was founded in 1978 and is open from 9 am to 4 pm.
While in Taunton, why not browse the extensive stock at Selwoods, Queen Anne Cottage, Mary Street, TA1 3PE. Mostly furniture here, Victorian and Edwardian.
Leaving Taunton and crossing the M5, if you are looking for an oriental carpet there is a specialist dealer in Wellington, Michael and Amanda Lewis at 8 North Street, TA21 8LT, are only open on Monday and weekends, otherwise you will need to make an appointment on 01823 667430.
The next part of the Antiques Trail takes you across Exmoor National Park on the B3222 to Dulverton. This is such a spectacular part of the country you might feel inclined to stay overnight.
There is a very charming cottage Bed and Breakfast in a riverside location at Staghound Cottages,, Exebridge, Dulverton, TA22 9AZ, telephone 01398 324453 where prices are very reasonable and there is a sitting room for guests in the evening.
Acorn Antiques at 39 High Street, TA22 9DW in Dulverton stocks decorative antiques and fine art, with period upholstery.
If you are collector of antiquarian books on hunting, horses or military history, you could spend a happy hour or two browsing at Rothwell and Dunworth, 2 Bridge Street, TA22 9HJ.
Time to take the scenic route to the Somerset coast, stopping off at Washford. Courtyard Antiques specialises in vernacular furniture and country pine, most of which is restored on site. You may need to call for directions as they are tucked away at the end of long winding lane – Rock Cottage, Torre, Washford, TA23 0LA. Telephone 01984 641619.
Just a few miles away in the pretty coastal town of Watchet, Nick Cotton Fine Art has been dealing from these premises since 1970. Nick deals in superb period oak furniture and paintings 1850 - 2000. Find him at Beachstone House, 46/47 Swain Street, TA23 0AG.
For your final town on the Somerset Antiques Trail, you have a choice – you can take the scenic coast road up to Weston Super Mare or travel back to the M5 and follow the motorway to junction 21. David Hughes has been trading in Weston Super Mare for many years. He deals in an eclectic mix of furniture and often has named Arts and Crafts pieces in stock. He is a specialist exporter, in particular to Australia. You will find the shop at 37 Baker Street. The shop is open during the morning and weekends or by appointment.
Before you leave town at the end of your trip, your last call is to Winters Antiques. Richard Winters is a LAPADA member and has dealt for more than thirty years from this beautiful part of the UK. He specialises in architectural and garden ornaments, decorative items, 19th and 20th century furniture, paintings in oils and watercolours. This is an appointment only visit, so please call ahead on 01934 814610.
If you want to buy just a few items and don't think you will need to fill a whole container, Mark Chudley Shipping offer a very competitive groupage service into Atlanta with an on carriage service to other states. This is really inexpensive way to get your goods home to the States. For any other locations, call Chudleys on +44(0)1460 557700. Based in Somerset, they are ideally located to collect from this Antiques Trail!
We hope you enjoy your tour of Somerset and invite comments from readers Email Antiques News
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