Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Christmas at Ashby House Interiors

I love Christmas in Queenscliff. 

It reminds me of the Christmas of my childhood when family, food and peace were the main features of the season.  There is an absence of the craziness which seems to pervade big shopping centres and people go about their Christmas activities in a calm and unhassled way.  You can drive up and park outside where you want to and punctuate your shopping with a good coffee and bite to eat.  If your activities linger on into the afternoon, you can have a stroll along the beach before you go home and maybe a glass of wine and an early dinner at one of the excellent establishments in town.
 
As Ashby House Interiors our focus is on quality not quantity, glamour not glitz and above all serenity!! We will help select your special Christmas decoration and/or a gift for family and friends and giftwrap all at no charge. 

We'd love to see you over the weeks leading up to Christmas and don't forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.  Enjoy!!








Thursday, September 8, 2011

An Appartment in Paris

Part of the charm of staying in Paris is, even for a little while, to live like a Parisian lives.  To stay in an apartment near Rue Mouffetard is to experience Paris as the locals do.  It is in the heart of the Latin Quarter, a neighbourhood with local shops and businesses catering for the locals who range from busy professional couples and families, students and retirees.
The market around Place Monge metro station operates three times a week: Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays which is especially popular with Parisians.  The lower part of the street is pedestrianised, making it a charming area where the visitor can truly experience the “real” Paris.  You’ll find any number of cafes, restaurants, patisseries, two wine shops, four speciality cheese shops, three or four chocolatiers, first class butchers that also sell their own pâtés and terrines, a terrific fishmonger, fruit and vegetable shops as well as a florist or two.
Check out the gorgeous Paris Gourmand apartment and picture yourself after a long day of sightseeing, shopping and strolling sitting on the terrace having a drop of wine  before heading out for a meal at any of the local restaurants all within a very short distance from the apartment.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Sinikka Floral Design




Had an idea for ages to do a Spring window in our beautiful shop to herald the coming of all things floral, fresh and new.  Unfortunately I don't have the talent to back it up, just the idea.  Someone who does though is Sarah Wilkinson from Sinikka Floral Design, another talented Bellarine Peninsula gal.  Sarah has set up the most gorgeous display in our Hesse Street window showcasing our spectacular fake blooms, some of our Spring stock just arrived, but most of all her talent in putting together this fabulous rustic display.  Come in and check it out when you get the chance.  Sarah does floral design for all kinds of events and displays.





It will be in store until the end of September after which time I am going to have a different theme for the next month.  Look forward to seeing you!

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Nikole Furnari photographer

Sometimes people wander into your life when you need them.  Such was the case with the lovely and talented photographer Nikole Furnari.
Nikole as it turned out was commissioned by Penguin in London to take the gorgeous shots that you see in the book, "At My French Table" She came into my shop one afternoon and we immediately started talking about things French, travel and we hatched a plan to do a photo shoot of some of my stock, which she subsequently did.  She also took some of me for an article in French Provincial Magazine, which is no mean feat given that I hate having photos of me done. The results are what you see here on my blog, facebook, some on our website (the good ones) front page of the current issue of French Provincial, back page on the June/July issue.  Beautiful shots evoking all things French but also what comes across here is Nikole's rapport with people.  She is a genius!




Thursday, July 21, 2011

Laguiole

For all of you Francophiles out there come in and check out our Laguiole cutlery, which is high grade stainless steel made in France.  We have the Jean du Bost range which is made in Thiers, France.  We have ivory, multi coloured, red, black and some navy.  There are cheese and pate knives, cutlery sets, and lots of other bits and pieces but it's all gorgeous!!!
They all feature the bee emblem which is what Napoleon used for his heraldic symbols because bees represent teamwork and efficiency.  Very French.
There you go, learn something every day!!
We ship anywhere in Australia for free for orders over $100. 

Friday, July 1, 2011

Small Business Victoria

Just found out that we have been successful in being chosen to be represented at the Small Business Heroes Exhibition - Retail at Federation Square in Melbourne in August.  It is a photographic exhibition about our business and is showcased in Melbourne and then off to Ballarat for 10 days.  Excellent.  Come and see us at Fed Sq on Friday August 12. 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Winter Solstice

Today is the shortest day or the longest night, whichever takes your fancy.  It means from here on in the days are gradually filled with more light and hopefully sunlight.  There are still chilly days to come, warm winter scarves, open fires, red wine, quinces, and solitary walks along my favourite beach but with the promise of warmer days to come.

When I look around my beautiful shop the late afternoon rays of light flood into the spaces between the furniture and give everything a romantic look.  The chandeliers twinkle brighter, the warm comfy salons look inviting and I'm often tempted to curl up on the Napoleonic day bed in the winter like a cat having an afternoon nap in the sun.... mmm.  but customers await!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Just because it’s beautiful…(and French)

Just because it’s beautiful…(and French)

Are they whippets or are they greyhound?




There is much discussion about whether these gorgeous nickel dogs are whippets or greyhound.  The consensus seems to be whippet from those who have a passionate interest in this breed.  Any way you look at them though they are gorgeous.  They stand 70 cm high x about 20 cm across and won't tarnish.  Sitting squarely and solidly they are not easily toppled.  Call in for a closer look at these regal animals.  Although new they have a touch of art deco about them.  They're priced at $375 each or $725 for the pair.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Empire chandelier. Sorry but both gone now.

We've been waiting for nearly 6 months for these gorgeous chandeliers to reappear.  They are 1.1 metres high and stunning.  Come into the shop and cast your eyes above the counter if you want to see how they look.  We only have 2 which are off being rewired to Australian standards at the moment but they will go quickly.  If you want to have these beauties in your home contact us, but quickly!!  Email ashbyhouseinteriors@bigpond.com or phone on 03 52581907.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Where do old bikes go when they die ?


 My daughter has just bought a gorgeous new pale pink Pashley bicycle http://www.pashley.co.uk/ resplendant with baskets front and back, which she rides around town with great style. 

Her dilemma was then what to do with her beloved old bicycle "lady", hard to miss in canary yellow but somewhat obsolete.  So we thought she deserved a spot in the window displaying flowers, baskets and anything else that we can artistically hang off her. 

Can't miss her now, the pride of Hesse Street !

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Winter in Queenscliff

Today is one of those days that makes you think that Winter is gorgeous. Sunny crisp days with the remains of Autumn leaves rolling down Hesse Street and the sun setting over Swan Bay, is truly something to behold.

I love Queenscliff in the Summer because it brings lots of people weary from a year's hard work who relax into a slower paced life, just for a little while, swimming in the Ocean and enjoying balmy nights with family and friends

Queenscliff in Winter is just as endearing. Grand historic hotels with open fires and good food and wine to share and world class wineries within an easy drive. Cosy B&Bs and restaurants, fabulous shops not found elsewhere, the steam train, ferry trip to Sorrento and on it goes. Walks along the beach with a beanie and scarf and no crowds.

Victorians are really resourceful with utilising their spare time well all year, because if we waited for Summer weather it might never come. The Queenscliff Visitor Centre staffed by volunteers are friendly and helpful folk who will happily help you find accommodation, dining options and things to do. Treat yourself to a weekend in Queenscliff.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Sunday, May 8, 2011


We're loving the French Laguiole range of cutlery. It is high grade stainless steel made in the Aveyron region of France. We have a complete range of cutlery sets, salad servers, cheese sets, bread knives, cheese and pate knives, knife sets and a whole heap more in various colours. Order by emailing us at ashbyhouseinteriors@bigpond.com and our prices include postage to anywhere in Australia.