Amongst the industrial streets of Albion, a warehouse space has been inhabited by Vieille Branche taking it from run-down to a vintage haven.
Representing the countryside of France with large wagon-wheels, vintage chairs hanging from the ceiling and quirky pieces found along the French coast, Vieille Branche is more than meets the eye.
Walking into the space you’re greeted by a café serving up homey, country style food. The back of the warehouse is worth a wander, with every corner stocked with unique antiques unlike you’ve ever seen, creating a trendy, rustic feel.
We sat down with the owner of Vieille Branche, Jennifer Hillhouse, and asked how her and her husband, JC Lehuby, came to creating the space.
At this time, we were surprised to see all that goes on at Vieille Branche. Check it out!
How was the space created?
JC and I travelled to France to meet his family and we came back with a whole heap of exquisite antique pieces that were unlike anything we’d ever seen.
From there we opened our first antique store.
We found quickly that customers loved coming to the store and staying for quite a while. We had built a comfortable, relaxed space.
With JC having come from the country side of France, the style of the space has that country feel to it.
When people think of French antiques they think of ‘lade-da’ things, but it doesn’t have to be like that. Each of our pieces have a very rustic, industrial feel to them.
A number of customers said to us over the time “you should also have a coffee shop here”.
We decided to add a café into the mix that served up wholesome, homey country style cooking that we’re really passionate about.
From there, we had a couple tell us how much they adored the design of the space and asked whether we’d consider hosting their wedding here.
It was a great success and before we knew it we became a venue for weddings, parties and functions.
I think people are really attracted to the relaxed nature of the interior.
