Pietermaritzburg - This business in Pietermaritzburg was introduced to me by colleagues who recommended it for a meeting. I had no idea what to expect and when I arrived I was thrilled with the beauty and nostalgic feel of Rosehurst.
Owner Candy Wise says owning the old-fashioned shop came about through her love of gardening and as a landscape architect; she was intrigued by the beautiful formal garden.
The cottage intrigued her. Previous owner Lorraine Ketley treasured an earlier era when times were elegant and her home and garden reflected this. Ketley’s husband David stayed on after her death but did not share her love of gardening. When the house came up for sale Candy put in an offer but before she obtained it, objects had been removed.
Her plan was to use the Victorian cottage and its garden as a drawcard. She chatted to people who were interested in running businesses in the rooms and today there are various complimentary and eclectic elements in the little house.
She said: “I hope people step into the shop and feel as if they have gone back in time. I think life is so rushed and we need spaces where we can retreat. I sometimes feel as if I am from another era.”
Candy does not “do” e-mails or cellphones.
The main drawcard is the café and the shops are filled with gifts, antiques, handmade Belgian chocolates, books and a vintage clothing store. The house has been renovated but it retains its nostalgic feel and the fragrance of flowers and bath salts fills the space. Antiques mix with retro fun crafts and there are hundreds of knick-knacks.
It was described by a friend as the perfect go-to place for presents, because you cannot fail to find something old, new, borrowed or blue. The manicured garden gives the venue a sense of tranquillity even though it is in Boom Street.
The menu is an adventure of unexpected flavours and the plates are a picture. Tables are sprinkled with rose petals and any purchase from the shop is nicely bagged and dry rose petals are added.
l Courtesy Potholes and Padkos – Taste, travel and interesting titbits from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. See more at www.potholesandpadkos.co.za
Saturday Star