Guests staying at La Maison de la Grange sometimes ask a rather dangerous question: “Is that antique for sale?” The answer is often yes. Just across from our chambres d’hôtes is La Grange de Saint-Martial-le-Mont Brocante, also owned by Helen and located right here on the property. Guests are always welcome to visit the brocante, and many of the antiques displayed and used throughout the house may also be available for purchase.
We source predominantly from homes and sellers within the Creuse, as well as vide-maisons, vide-greniers, private sales and other local brocanteurs when we discover something particularly interesting. Our collection reflects styles that feel at home in the historic houses of the region: French provincial furniture, Louis XV and Rococo Revival pieces from the later 19th century, including examples dating from around 1860–1900, Henri II-style furniture, regional Limoges porcelain, decorative objects, paintings and the occasional piece that simply refuses to fit neatly into a category. Some pieces are restored or refreshed through the brocante, while others are preserved much as we found them, complete with the small signs of a life already lived.
If you fall in love with something during your stay, ask us about it. Smaller antiques can often be carefully packed for you to take home, while packing and delivery can sometimes be arranged for larger pieces at additional cost, depending on the destination. We love the idea that an antique discovered during a stay in the Creuse might eventually become part of another home and continue its story there. We are, however, still waiting to open an old drawer or venture into a forgotten attic and discover an ancient Aubusson tapestry. That would be quite a day at the brocante.
