by Kathryn Retzler [2004]

[Ridgway, Colorado] Ken Walker, new owner, but a familiar face since he's been there since the shop opened, now heads up Old Home Highlights in the old schoolhouse at the west end of Ridgway. The sign outside proclaims architectural salvage, antiques and books await within. But, that sign, enticing as it may be, is a gross understatement. Inside is a heavenly hodgepodge of period (and reproduction) furnishings, hardware, plumbing and lighting fixtures, artwork and decorative items. The plumbing stuff alone is worth the trip—footed bathtubs (one, made of copper with oak trim!), old faucets, copper piping, radiators and register covers.

If you’re looking for the truly unique, consider the pair of 15-foot-high, carved temple doors, complete with lentils, from India. Too big? Walker has a slightly smaller pair from Mexico. For a one-of-a-kind dining experience, consider the hand-carved dining table and chairs and an enormous (retractable) vintage chandelier to hang above it. How about a bed built from Pennsylvania timbers, circa 1750? Or an 1800’s stained glass window from Florence, Italy? If an authentic, vintage Victorian bathroom is your dream, you can find everything at Old Home to make it come true. (Except, perhaps, for the embroidered, monogrammed towels.)

Former owner Mike Ritchey and his partner Ralph Watterson of Texas, traveled to old Mexico, then to India, where they gathered so many wonderful things it required two cargo containers to transport it all back to the new store. Other items have come in on consignment from the various area homes and estates. “We've got a barn full of more antiques from India and Mexico and plan to make another trip soon to collect even more," promises Walker.

If the next shipment is anything like what's in there now, you'll be hooked.  Come visit Old Home Highlights and explore for yourself. You'll be redecorating before you know it.

Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1075 W. Sherman (Hwy 62), Ridgway, Colorado • 970 626-3042.