Melissa Neal and Brooke Thomson, two local Middleburg residents, had a dream: to open a store that offered some of the finest things they had found only in New York, England, and Italy. So, on May 1st, Hampton House opened for business.

"Although we've only been open for a short time, we're very pleased with the response. We specialize in high quality items for people who appreciate the country lifestyle," said Melissa.

A life-sized horse stands at the window, wrapped in a colorful blanket. "A lot of people are surprised to find that we offer much more than just things for horse people," Melissa explains. "It's true that we do have great items for horse enthusiasts. For example, we're the exclusive American dealer for Lansdown Custom Horse Rugs from England. These are all hand sewn and are available in custom colors; they do fine embroidery and family crests (the company supplies the Royal Family). The blankets are custom fitted for your horse (or dog) to minimize rubbing. The fit is beyond anything we've ever seen." "For the stable we have Gardy Bloemer trunks made of antique leather, and iron and copper racks for cleaning bridles which," says Melissa, "are also great for hanging pots in the kitchen."

There's a wide variety of gifts, including Ettinger of London flasks, trays, and martini shakers, and beautiful ceramics modeled on 14th-18th century designs, hand blown Czech glass, and lifestyle books. For entertaining in the home, Hampton House has colorful table linens, pitchers and trays. "We carry a lot of items made of horn, which are very popular."

You can find antiques, shooting and walking sticks, elegant barware, plus Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry, men's silver accessories, and an assortment of Italian leather and crochet gloves favored, once again, by the Queen. A large painting of a greyhound hangs on one wall. "This is by a local artist, Susan Van Wagoner. She is a tremendously talented portrait artist who is nationally known for her large scale portraits of pets," says Melissa.

For both men and women, the store offers Beretta (yes the same Italian company that makes firearms) clothing for the field and country lifestyle. Melissa holds up a plaid jacket. "This Chrysalis jacket is made to order and there are a lot of colors and plaids from which to choose."

Things for the garden, gifts for gardeners, items for the home and stable, and apparel for the field—Hampton House offers a fine selection of items for discriminating people.

"Everyone has been absolutely wonderful to us, including the other retailers in town. Brooke and I had a dream, and here we are!"

Hampton House
15 East Federal Street
P.O. Box 1613
Middleburg, Va 20118
Tel 540-687-4730
Fax 540-687-6150
Hours Tuesday–Saturday 10:00–5:00
Sunday 12:00–5:00