Reclaim the past
More and more of us are embracing vintage materials, which explains why Home Barn in Marlow is in so much demand. Absolutely meets one of the founders to uncover more
Many homeowners are now looking to furnish their homes whilst reducing their carbon footprint. Embracing the beauty of reclaimed materials adds a distinctive charm and contributes to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Home Barn is at the forefront of this movement and has provided an innovative outlet to showcase their combined love of vintage and reclaimed finds worldwide.
Home Barn, based in Marlow, was founded by Sally and Sarah Wilkie, and here the former tells Absolutely how the two came together to embrace the beauty of the past
Have you always had an interest in vintage and antiques?
Yes, antiques have always fascinated me. This probably stems from studying fashion design at Kingston and looking to the past for inspiration.
What were you doing before Home Barn?
Before Home Barn, I lived in Columbus, Ohio, where I worked as a women’s design director for the fashion brand Abercrombie and Fitch. It was an exciting chapter in my career and provided me with a wealth of experience to bring to our business.
Was there a particular moment when you thought, yes, let’s go into business together?
Sarah and I had always envisioned running our own business. Even when we lived in different countries, we would talk about sending antiques to each other to sell in the opposite country. However, it wasn’t until I moved back to the UK and our children started school that we felt the timing was right. It was a realisation that our shared passion for creating something extraordinary could be fulfilled through Home Barn.
Was it challenging to get things off the ground?
Building Home Barn has been an organic journey that has taken us 14 years to reach where we are today. We intentionally grew our business at a pace aligned with our lives and families. After leaving the corporate world behind, I wanted to create a business that allowed us the freedom to embrace our passions while prioritising our loved ones.
How key was finding the barn in Marlow?
Finding the barn in Marlow was absolutely crucial to our success. Not only did we need a unique, not-on-the-high-street location, but we also wanted something with character to house our collection of unique products.
What’s great about being based in Marlow?
Being based in Marlow offers numerous advantages. Firstly, its proximity to London ensures that our customers are within easy reach. Additionally, the town’s strategic location near major motorways makes it convenient for people to travel to our store. It’s truly a win-win situation!
Do you work alongside other local businesses?
At Home Barn, we take great pride in supporting and collaborating with other local businesses. We truly believe in the power of our community and the spirit of unity that arises when like-minded individuals join forces. That’s why we recommend our favourite local spots for lunch and country walks and strive to work with as many local craftsmen and makers as possible. Together, we create a network that encourages growth, innovation, and a sustainable local economy. From our shared interest in the past to our commitment to supporting local businesses.
What kind of experience can we expect when visiting the barn?
When you visit our barn, you can expect a one-of-a-kind experience. Housed in a traditional tithe barn, Home Barn exudes an inviting and enchanting rustic charm. We take pride in curating a diverse range of unusual products to pique your interest and inspire your home decor aspirations.
What tends to be your most popular products?
Our most popular products are undoubtedly our solid wood reclaimed dining tables. These tables have become our signature item, known for their exquisite craftsmanship and timeless appeal. We believe in producing quality family tables that can be cherished for generations.
Do you have a favourite product right now – if yes, why?
Absolutely! My current favourite product is the reclaimed rustic wood stool. This piece is not only a favourite among our customers but has also become synonymous with our brand. Its versatility and timeless design make it a perfect fit for any modern or traditional home. I love how effortlessly stylish it looks in any setting.
Have you evolved in any way since 2010?
Since founding Home Barn in 2010, we have evolved remarkably. While we have remained true to our quality and rustic charm principles, our style and offerings have continuously developed over the years. We pride ourselves on not being part of the fast fashion trend, instead focusing on curating a collection that stands the test of time and resonates with our customers’ evolving tastes.
What’s new for 2024?
We are excited to announce the development of a trade element for our business. We will extend our services to cater to the needs of hotels and restaurants, bringing our unique style and quality craftsmanship to create memorable spaces for their guests.
Do you still have ambitions for developing Home Barn even further?
We always have ambitious plans for the growth and expansion of Home Barn. One of our goals is to venture into the US market, bringing our distinctive brand and curated collection to a wider audience. Our passion for quality and timeless design drives us to push the boundaries and create unforgettable customer experiences continually.
