Downsizing Helps Couple Realize Their Dream

Dave Drew has been interested in antiques for as long as he can remember. His grandmother had an antique shop in her garage when he was growing up. He and his wife Melanie rented booths at Scranberry Coop, a family-run business in Andover, for several years.

When Dave lost his job suddenly in June due to downsizing at his company, that love of antiques came in handy.

“We were driving down Route 15 on our way home from Vernon one day and we saw the ‘For Rent’ sign on this building,” Melanie said, referring to their new store on Route 15. “We called and met with the owner the next week, and said yes to the store almost immediately.”

And so Country Cottage Antiques was born. The store had its official grand opening on Thursday with a visit from Jefferson Township Mayor Russell Felter and a ribbon cutting.

The shop doesn’t cater to one particular style. Rather, it’s the owners’ tastes that prevail.

“I try to get things that I think are cool,” Dave said. “My definition of cool is pretty wide open.”

One trend the Drews are following is “shabby chic.”

“It’s very in right now,” Melanie said. “We have a lot of painted pieces that are part of that trend.”

Melanie also said she is very into repurposing, showing off an old chair back that she painted and turned into a coat rack.

The Drews hunt down auctions, estate sales and flea markets for their finds. They’ve also counted on the help of family. Dave’s mother, Sally Drew, makes quilts and Melanie’s mother, Barbara Callahan, crochets items. In addition, they sell silver jewelry made from flatware pieces made by Karen Campbell on consignment.

The Drews said they will do special orders for painted pieces, and will help customers to find a particular piece they may be looking for.

“If they bring us a picture or give us an idea of what they want, we can help them look for it,” Melanie said.

Country Cottage Antiques is open on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The store is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Cash, checks and all major credit cards are accepted.