What a Surprise

When the girls went for a walk to look at the main street of Grenfell late on Saturday afternoon we noticed a shop that was still open.  It doesn’t have big picture windows, so we didn’t really know what we would find inside.  We were somewhat pleasantly surprised.

This is just not what we expected to find.

The shop has only been open since November.  Jan Parlett purchased the old Exchange Hotel building in the main street and is in the process of transforming it.  There were several rooms of delightful bits and pieces and a coffee shop.  The shop will soon be expanding to do high tea, complete with champagne and strawberries (she still has the liquor licence). There is also gorgeous jewellery, cute kichenalia, beautiful baby gifts and room dedicated to Christmas.

Another project Jan has in the pipeline is to refurbish the old pub accommodation upstairs to make a boutique, but still economically priced B & B.  The plan is then to also be able to make arrangements for guests to visit some of the places of interest in the area during their visit.  I’m thinking this would be a great destination for one of our bike rides, or maybe a Historic Car Club run in the future. 

While chatting, Jan and I discovered that we have actually met before.  She used to be involved with Rick Rutherford’s stores at Lawson in the Blue Mountains and Rick had introduced us once as we are both keen green depression glass collectors.  What a small world and what a treat for Grenfell that Jan has come along.

What did I bring home?

Just a couple of gift cards and this little sign to hang on the wall.  (Lucky we have the sidecar.)  It really captures the way Mick and I try to live.  We hope not to be one of those people who go about saying “When I retire I’m going to………..”  We intend to to things now and take retirement as it comes.  That’s not to say we don’t have dreams for the future.

I think another trip to Grenfell will have to take place to visit again.

Unfortunately, Jan doesn’t have a website or blog as yet.  They are also future projects, so if you are in the area you will just have to call in and visit.