For many years Annette Goddard had dreamed of turning her favourite hobby into a fully-fledged business and that dream came true in November 2007 with the opening of Rushall Dolls House in the quiet Norfolk village of Rushall, near Diss. “I’ve always loved miniatures and dolls houses,” she says, “but I never expected the opportunity to make a career out of it would ever arise. And yet here I am, with my very own premises packed with high-quality houses and furniture. And what’s even nicer is that a large percentage of my stock comes from artisans working here in East Anglia.”
Buying Miniatura
The shop sells a mix of luxury handcrafted items, alongside well-chosen imports and items suitable for children. “I think it’s important to have a good mix,” Annette explains, “which means catering to all tastes and budgets, as well as stocking items in all period styles. I have a particularly good election of Tudor items, including a full range of items from local makers McQueenie Miniatures, and I’m also lucky enough to be the only shop where you can buy Crabtree and Evelyn miniatures. These are proving very popular at the moment, especially the bath salts display box and the elegant wicker basket filled with luxury bathroom goodies.”
Being an avid collector of dolls’ houses herself, Annette has a special empathy with those who visit her store. “Sometimes I have to pinch myself and remember I’m the shopkeeper and not the customer,” she says, “because I get so much pleasure just being surrounded by miniatures and would be happy just to stand here browsing all day. In fact, the work part never really feels like work. For instance, I have to dress the houses to go on display, but you can imagine how much fun it is decorating a house with all this wonderful handcrafted furniture to choose from. And best of all is having customers who trust me enough to be part of their ongoing dolls’ house projects. I get to share their enthusiasm and offer ideas.”
Dolls' House Furniture
As well as running the store, Annette is a regular exhibitor at fairs across the country and now runs her own fair in Roydon, near Diss, and so far this year Lynne and Bernard McQueenie Miniatures porcelain expert Victoria Cornish have both held workshops at the store. “Selling dolls’ houses and furniture is just the beginning,” she says, “and I hope to keep on finding new ways to bring people together to share this wonderful hobby of ours. So if you’re looking for an item, want some help and advice or you merely want a chat about miniatura, then pop along to the shop to say hello. If you’re a dolls’ house person, you’ll be welcome here!”
Rushall Dolls House
Half Moon Farm
The Street
Rushall
Diss
Norfolk
IP21 4QD
Tel: 01379 742557
Open: Wed - Sat, 10am – 4pm
Stephen Albrow - Hi! I'm a 38-year-old writer from the UK who contributes to a number of specialist publications, including Dance Today, The Dolls' House ...
