Village Green Antiques Shop in Barre MA store review
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There are a lot of reasons I consider myself lucky to live in the small town of Barre, MA what is called the jewel of Central MA, it's great school system, the beautiful world renown Insight Meditation Society,Barre Pizza, (really, just try some), and the subject of this article, Village Green Antiques located at 699 West St. (rt 122) in Barre.
The owners, Bill and Carol Neylon have been friends of mine for years and supported my picking endeavors early in my career, many moons ago.
I'd scour the barns and attics of local residences and bring my finds to them, they would always pay fair and give me pointers as to what was selling well and how to identify quality.
I even did one of my first clean outs with Bill which I ended up getting a batch of great antique books and ephemera in exchange for my efforts that day.
I knew from the way Bill that worked right alongside the help, that he was someone I could do business with in the future and we have quite a few times since.
That was back when Village Green Antiques was located in a piece of property that is now the Village Common Shops a place where I rent booth space to sell my antique & collectible books.
Somewhere in the 90s, he physically outgrew that shop and found it nessecary to move into the old town Bus Garage on 122. It's a huge building and you'll always find it well stocked
I still do bring things to Bill now and then and consider him one of my best local contacts, but Carol and he get a myriad of curiosities from many different sources such as local estates, country auctions, pickers and other avenues.
They have some of the finest furniture I've seen in any antique shops as well as staples in the business that are regularly priced right, such as the collection of Wallace Nutting prints ($55 - $95) I spotted upon the visit I made to do this review.
Bill is also the #1 Real Estate agent in Barre and he gets a LOT of estate purchases by treating people fairly and rendering superb service in the Real Estate market.
When, I hope it's when, and not if, you stop by the shop, the first thing that jumps out at you are the larger than life sized farm animal statues that are marketed as signs. Often I'll be riding down the road and I'll see a 9ft bronze Rooster strapped to the back of a Pickup bed, and I know that Bill has just sold one of his unique 'road signs'.
As with any great antique shop, when you enter the large metal building, there's a slight feeling of being transcended back in time you'll get from the ambiance and decorating efforts of Bill, Carol and their very capable and helpful store manager Ron.
After the initial 2 or 3 second lighting adjustment from stepping inside, it's all eye candy from there.
I was greeted by a huge hand carved cigar store Indian and took a left to view a stunning 15 gallon stoneware churn on it's original stand.
There are cases of smalls, books and glassware, postcards, china, fireplace tools.
Unlike some shops that can be stuffy, you'll also find lots of fun here, amusing cookie jars, novelties and lots of local history.
There are country cupboards and fine Victorian furniture, Oak and Mahogany pieces that look like they were born together, I won't bore you by entering prices for each item, but suffice it to say, that as an auctioneer with more than 25 years in the business, I wouldn't bother doing this shop review nor ANY for that matter, if things were priced out of this world.
Nope, not the case here, not at all.
Many of the wonderful pieces are exotic and 5th Avenuesque, but the prices are down to earth Barre, MA prices, suitable for the new homeowner starting out, and even dealers looking to re-sell certain items.
Arguably, there are more antiques in New England, than anywhere in the US after all the country started here, it's almost like we grow them up here.
Treat yourself this to a beautiful scenic weekend drive in Barre, MA, stop in at the Village Green Antiques shop and tell them Auctionwally sent you, who knows, you may love the town so much that you decide to buy a house here!
Hours:
Saturday 10-5pm
Sunday 11-5pm
also by appointment and chance.
Phone # 978-355-4240
email: barre6@aol.com
