ABOUT COUNTRY VILLAGE STONEWARE
Based in a rural location in Himatangi twenty minutes
from Palmerston North the business of Country Village Ltd owned and operated
by Steve and Michele Welsh.
For well over a decade Country Village Ltd were heavily involved in the importation
of antique furniture and decorative items from both England and Europe.
On a buying trip to England they were fortunate to discover a vast selection
of ornamental stoneware pieces displayed at a trade only warehouse in Bath.
Both avid gardeners Steve and Michele knew instantly that New Zealand has
been void of such a quality product.
To test consumer response they purchased a cross section of classical pieces
packed into one of their antique containers.
Upon arrival the response not only from their loyal clientele but also localgarden
centres was amazing, so much so they sold out within two days.
Although Steve had been involved with antiques for over twenty years, he
knew the market had changed for quality pieces with appreciation and regular
sales depleting annually.
It was decided that another trip to the UK was required sooner than later,
and rather than purchase thru a wholesaler the manufacturers had to be found.
Upon arrival and some Sherlock Holmes investigating Hampshire Gardencraft
was discovered.
" I will never forget that day", Steve says I explained to the owners
where we were based and the response given to their product
There was a small obligation on their
part particularly after travelling 12000 miles so it was suggested that the
conversation should continue at the local pub.
After four hours and beer coming out of my ears, Country Village Ltd secured
the franchise for Dragonstone.
It is important to note that Country Village Ltd are not trying to compare or compete their Dragonstone range with product manufactured locally or they are doing is offering another alternative or option.
The main selling
points are;
• All pieces are manufactered
from a reconstituted Cotswold stone, cream in colour with an antique wash
applied creating a timeless appearance.
• Moulds made from a latex
rubber giving sharpness and excellent detail.
• All classical pieces
based upon 17th - 20th century English and European originals.• With
the manufacturing process used, each piece is unique
and once placed it has the appearance of being there for a lifetime.
With over 4000 lines available the product selection
is the largest in Australasia, and with a lead-time of three months it is
sometimes difficult to get stock holding 100% right particularly with people
tastes changing constantly.
Fortunately Country Village Ltd have their own computer programme recording
sales nation-wide annually creating historical data.
Now in their tenth year the Dragonstone range of classical pieces are a popular
now, as when first released into the New Zealand Market. With the range of
statues, pots and urns, birhtbath and water features proving the most desirable.
Have a look you will be amazed of what is available.
The nature of the hand made manufacturing process will give rise to some
colour variations throughout the product range
Copyright
All designs on this site designated © are registered exclusively to
Hampshire Gardencraft Limited. We reserve all our rights in them and have
taken steps to protect them by way of registration with the Designs Registry
in the Patent Office.
We would
particularly draw our customers' attention to the fact that none of our
products may be reproduced without infringing our rights. It is our policy
not to permit this and to preserve and protect these designs.
© Hampshire Gardencraft Ltd 1987 - 2001. All rights reserved in all countries.