SHOPPING ON OLD BELLS LINE IN KURRAJONG

Kurrajong Antique Centre

Kurrajong Antique centre - hawkesbury shopping at its finestAddress: 101 Old Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Village
Phone: 02 4573 0683

In another life, the Kurrajong Antique Centre was an Art Deco movie theatre. Today, this sizeable old building (8000 sq ft) is home to an amazing array of antique furniture and splendid collectibles.

More than 90 cabinets are occupied, shelf upon shelf of one-of-a-kind collectibles – tiny 200-year-old Burmese weights, a delicate ivory pin, a beautiful hand-blown glass objet d’art.

A collection of Hummel and Bestwick in the Art Deco cabinet stands next to an attractive display of Royal Doulton character and Toby jugs. Yet furniture and brimming cabinets are sufficiently spaced so that one does not feel overwhelmed by the sheer size of the collection.

Crystal scent bottles, egg cups, fine china dinnerware, teapots and biscuit barrels – browse and you may find that inspired item you must have.

Many items are studio designed and only a few manufactured, such as an exceptional vase by Charlotte Rhead. Our favourite is a pair of china teacups, gold gilded and hand painted – exquisite.

Minaloo Lodge - Kurrajong

Jam shopping at Minaloo lodge in KurrajongAddress: 70b Old Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Village
Phone: 0418 670 142

“A work of love,” say the Kurrajong locals of Minaloo Lodge. From floor to ceiling, shelves are lined with jams, jelly, preserves and homemade gifts, including quilts and dolls, woodwork and wind chimes, some made by the owners, sisters Bonnie and Wendy.

Scenes in the shop: A young child chooses a friend’s birthday gift and stands shyly at the counter with her money in a tightly closed fist; a Kurrajong visitor mulls over her choices among the knitted baby clothing and Bonnie gives her undivided and kindly attention to each customer.

At the front door, amidst the decorative yard items, a beautiful array of seasonal plants – little pots of tiny roses, herbs, jonquils in bloom and lavender everywhere. At the front, lavender pots down the side alley – lavender pots on a big table in the back garden. And in the shade of the big umbrella, all sit primly under the watchful eye of a mischievous garden gnome.

Carey & Co.

Fine Shopping at Carey & CoAddress: 70 Old Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Village
Phone: 02 4573 1920

In a charming old cottage with a sweeping verandah, you’ll find Carey & Co., where the front room on your right as you enter is now home to toys, books and precious clothing for children. Perhaps it was a child’s bedroom in an earlier incarnation.

Opposite, on the left in a light and airy room – most likely the parlour in an earlier day – windows, tables and shelves are filled from floor to ceiling with extraordinary items – painted iron racks for towels, dark metal roosters for the garden, china and linen. In temperate weather, the French doors are opened and homewares spill out onto the verandah. You’ll often find large tables and chests – French provincial style – and lovely antique specialty pieces – a console from Mongolia perhaps. We can’t list all the choices, but we were spellbound by the options and the artful arrangement.

Women’s fashions? Clearly, Carey & Co. is retail therapy for most of us. A couple of hours spent browsing before choosing a luscious sweater – pale winter white European cashmere – is a joy. Very smart, very sophisticated wear for parties is a specialty for the savvy owners and buyers, Emma and Natalie. Twenty-something Emma – who has a mischievous sense of humour – will often stock some very trendy items, such as colourful Wellington boots for casual wear with jeans or long skirts. Delicate lingerie and sleepwear you’ll find displayed, where else but in a large (former) sleeping room at the rear of the house. 

A major distinction for Carey & Co is the exceptionally skilled staff – kind and first-rate at choosing items perfect for you. They are there when you need them for suggestions and are quite content to let you browse on your own – no hard sell here!

Sassafras Creek

Great food and shopping at Sassafras Creek in KurrajongAddress: 83 Old Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong Village
Phone: 02 4573 0988

Sassafras Creek is a village unto itself – we’ll talk more about that later. But first, it’s a smart upscale restaurant with stunning views from the large dining area out to the hills of Grose Vale. With a menu to match the views, locals bring their guests to Sassafras Creek when they want to show off their village eateries. 

The large room fills quickly for weekend breakfast, spilling out to the shaded rear deck or the patio out the front. Produce and meats are Hawkesbury fresh. The food is not compounded or overshadowed by sauces, but rather, it is clean – the simplicity and taste of freshness are a foodie’s dream. Bookings are recommended especially for Friday or Saturday evenings. Sundays, Sassafras Creek closes at 5 pm.

So, how is Sassafras a village? It’s a gallery, too. When dining or just having an afternoon coffee and cake, you are surrounded by art – beautiful fine art. Displayed on walls, shelves and tables are paintings or photography, china ceramics, or unusual jewellery – the exhibition changes frequently as the owners find new or established artists.

And as you enter Sassafras Creek, cookbooks, homewares, candles, charming cottage china, some beautiful shawls for winter and large French provincial style furniture are all for sale. It’s an upmarket general store – 21st century style!
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