A Lifelong Dream, Realized in Every Detail

From the time I was a young girl growing up in Durban South Africa, I was enchanted by the magic of retail. Sunday mornings meant wandering through bustling craft markets — the scent of sun-warmed wood and leather mingling with the gentle, salty breeze off the Indian Ocean. The rhythmic voices of vendors, the clink of handmade goods being set out, the thrill of discovering something one-of-a-kind and crafted with care — it was intoxicating. I loved tagging along to flea markets with my mother, watching her spot the one thing no one else noticed. Friends and family who worked in retail seemed like gatekeepers to another world — always revealing samples from distant lands, or unpacking boxes filled with treasures that hinted at faraway stories. There was wonder in the rustle of tissue paper, the glint of hand-beaten metal, the soft scent of sandalwood and faint smokiness of incense. It wasn’t just the selling of things that captivated me, but the art of storytelling through beauty, texture, provenance, and presence. I dreamed of one day opening a shop where every item had a reason to be there — a past worth sharing and a future to look forward to in someone’s home.

When John and I acquired Pennyweight in St. Helena, it was more than a business decision. It was the beginning of a new chapter — for the store, for us, and for a lifelong vision I’d carried across continents. We’ve since renamed the store Hartford House — a name that nods to heritage, to craftsmanship, and to the elegance of an old-world sensibility refreshed for today.

In building our collection, I’ve sought out makers and brands that echo our values: artistry, integrity, and adventure. Many of these brands come from places dear to me — Africa, England, India, Australia — and all share a deep respect for materials and story.

We’re proud to carry:

• Ardmore: South African silk scarves and ceramics that are as rich in color as they are in cultural narrative. Every piece is handcrafted and exuberantly alive with symbolism.

• Cape Cobra: Makers of fine leather handbags from Cape Town, whose timeless silhouettes and exquisite craftsmanship rival the great European maisons.

• Bardo Vano: A lesser-known but deeply refined brand born in Cape Town and made in Italy, known for luxury sunglasses rooted in artisanal tradition with a modern edge.

These brands don’t just “fill shelves” — they anchor Hartford House with their gravitas, their grace, and their point of view.

Retail, to me, is ultimately an act of hospitality — of welcoming someone into your world, offering them a sense of wonder, and letting them leave with something meaningful. Whether it’s a silk scarf with a hidden narrative, a field bar ready for its next picnic, or simply a warm greeting at the door — Hartford House is that dream, now lived daily.