Pam and Keith Foster are back in Middleburg from their two-month search through Africa, England and Istanbul for seductive decorative objects for The Outpost, their exquisite shop on South Madison Street.

"We brought back 1,000 amazing pieces" Keith explained. "But it took looking through 100,000 pieces to find the quality and authenticity we and our clients expect."

"It was a wonderful trip," Pam added. "But we are so glad to be back home and to have found pieces that have both style and historic substance."

Clients who met the Fosters when they opened The Outpost last year know they may expect much more than the acquisition of a charming piece when they visit the shop. Keith and Pam thoroughly document the source and history of their inventory so clients may take home something that tells an authentic story.

"Authenticity adds both romance and value to their purchase," Keith continued, "and finding fascinating campaign and travel pieces make our search so much fun."

From the framed patchwork of inch-square English cigarette silks to the Ship's Captain's bed sitting atop a beautiful mahogany seven-drawer chest with handsome brass hardware that predates the Titanic by twenty years, it is even more difficult to escape The Outpost without purchases this year than it was last season.

Stunning kilim carpets and a massive yet elegant partners' desk from Buenos Aires frame the back wall of the shop where a superb 1840 Turkish tent panel holds court, competing for customers' attention with Colonel G. B. Archer-Hoblen's black and gold tin traveling estate case.

Individuals who use lots of antlers in their decorating will be delighted with the wide assortment of chandeliers, sconces and wall pieces.

"People quickly understand how much we love turn-of-the-nineteenth-century pieces. Our search for them is most successful in England where the fabulous estates were often furnished with exceptional pieces from the exotic colonies. Hunt Country customers seem to love these pieces as much as we do, and we found some wonderful things on this last trip."

As one browses around, the Han vessels that date from 2,000 years ago and the generous silver traveling cups attract attention. As do the many silver and leather flasks and antique desk pieces that would delight any friend for whom it is difficult to shop.

The black and gold specimen boxes might guard a prized collection of butterflies or the biscuits for your next tailgate party. And, speaking of parties, the enormous pine campaign cooler from the late 19th century would be fabulous for your next Hunt breakfast… it has beautifully turned bun feet and is lined in tin with an ice compartment in the bottom to keep your drinks cold. It is in tip-top shape to be wheeled out to provide the morning toddies.

Beautiful African photographs, stellar vintage railroad posters and hand-painted lampshades are quietly settled among the leather furniture and sporting treasures.

"We're back," Keith emphasized, "and we're so excited about all the wonderful treasures we found!"

You'll find The Outpost at 6 South Madison Street in Middleburg, Virginia. Please telephone 540-687-4094 or visit www.keithfosteroutpost@msn.com.

Shop hours are Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.