Go over the bay, across the highway, over the river, down windy roads, across a bumpy field . . . then, you will be rewarded by finding antique nirvana, Charles Phillips Antiques. The destination shop, which is the secret place of antique dealers and designers, is tucked away in Theodore, Alabama, which is in the same neck of the woods as beautiful Bellingrath Gardens.
I got out of the antiques business a few months ago, but it’s so terribly hard to squelch that inner desire to “hunt” for that perfect piece. You know, the one you don’t know you can’t live without until you see it.
Here I am searching for that perfect antique in the world’s cutest mirror. Bahahaha!
Charles Phillips has been scouring the corners of Europe for over 40 years to find the treasures he knows his local clientele wants needs. Not only does the antique compound offer original items, but they also join relics together to form new pieces like these beautiful twin-sized bed swings. (hand me my lemonade and give me a push, will ya?)
I didn’t know how much I needed an old wagon until I saw this and realized how adorable it would be filled with a bale of hay and pumpkins this fall.
Smaller items like old demijohns, glass containers and these gorgeous french grain sacks were amongst the treasures to be found in barn after barn of unique items.
Shipping containers filled the yard and spilled over with architectural accents.
This green and white cabinet was my favorite item I found on this trip. I’m planning a kitchen re-do in a year or two (or three or four) and wouldn’t this make for excellent storage and add uber-character along the wall? No, I didn’t get it, but plan to go back and measure, which means it will probably be gone. Sigh.
This is an example of some of the oversized pieces Charles’ staff creates right there on site. You can custom order items and choose which pieces you want to use to perfectly fit your style and space.
Even beneath the old magnolia trees you’ll find plenty of hidden jewels.
If you plan a trip to Charles Phillips, then make sure you remember, they are only open Thursday – Saturday 9:30-5:00pm. Bring cash or checks with you because they don’t do plastic. Having their address plugged into Siri is also a helpful tip, because they are located in a super secret place . . . or so it seems, which makes it all the more fun to visit.
Click HERE to find Charles Phillips Antiques web site with all the contact information and directions.