A true gem hidden in Margate

Today is the first day I have had without any children or without any work meetings for a very long time.  I have been super busy with wedding fayres, photoshoot, orders and general Mum duties.  So the eldest child is at school and the youngest at nursery and I decided to close the door on my messy house and head to Margate.

Firstly I must say that I am in two minds about sharing this as I would love to keep it as just my secret but the excitement has got the better of me.  I had been told about Scott's Furniture Mart in Margate www.scottsmargate.co.uk by a friend who also shares my love of vintage.  Her exact words were 'I can't believe I didn't know it was there, it's huge', having lived a few miles away for 30 years.  On the website for Scott's there is a quote from Tracey Emin;

"What to do on a rainy day in Margate? Go to Ron Scott's Antique Market where you can get lost for hours and hours". 

Well I did!  All my best laid plans for a quick look led to so many treasures it took my eyes hours to really look around. 

Established in 1969 it is based in the old Ice Works in Margate.  Shabby from the outside Scott's does not look much, but it covers 3 floors and lots of little nooks and crannies. As I walked in there were three friendly staff all busy sorting out handles, screws and jewellery.

It is stuffed full of gems;

Glassware stacked high with china and pottery plates below.

Tools and wood work

As I wander through (by this point I have already gone back to the car to put my coat in and bag so that all hands are free!) I came across this beauty.  Hidden right at the back of the third room on a chair is a beautiful ornate box.  At the top there is a little key on a string.  I took the key off and unlocked the box on the right hand side only to be greeted with this BEAUTIFUL Singer Sewing machine.  The sticker on the box said £25.00. It is now sitting in front of me.  The box is absolutely beautiful.  There are a few Singer sewing machines around but they rarely have the box in tact with the key and are in working order.

I found a gorgeous working Arlington Typewriter brilliant for all the brides who want to do their guest comments.  I also bought some beautiful decanters, small crystal vases for single stems arrangements and two vintage leather suitcases.

At the bottom of the building there is a room that is packed full of chairs and table legs.  I wish I had of known about the table legs as my friend with a puppy who had chewed hers would have loved them.  (She now has a new table!)

Just as I was about to leave I noticed these.  There were 6 huge glass jars with chandelier crystals in them. 

So I came home with some of the small crystals and the large ones.  The large ones I hope to make into Christmas decorations and the small crystals are going on my Christmas floral arrangements.  They will reflect the candle lights beautifully.

All in all I have had a fantastic morning, filling my soul with beautiful things and giving me lots of ideas.  Thank you Scotts!