Summer Country Brocante

Saturday morning saw me up with the lark and on the M25 which was blissfully empty at 7am. In the boot I packed my hunter wellingtons (just in case!) and a large straw shopping basket - my destination? The Country Brocante organised by Lucy from Love Lane Vintage and her team of friends and family.
I wended my way along green leafy lanes and through sleepy little villages full of red brick and pantile cottages and finally got to Petworth Park where the fair was to take place; beautiful parkland landscaped by Capability Brown with the backdrop of Petworth House in the background - the perfect setting.

At 9 o'clock the doors opened and those who had decided to come for the early bird entry were ushered in. With over 80 stall holders, this was one of Lucy's largest events and was set out in 2 large marquees and with 2 outdoor areas surrounded by individual marquee "shops". It was beautifully arranged and I'm ashamed to say that I didn't take many photos as I was too busy shopping! By the time I did try to take a few there were so many people milling around that it made it difficult to take a nice picture, but there are lots on the Love Lane Vintage Facebook page.

My basket soon started to fill up; pretty little French ceramic heart dishes and a decorative metal robin stake from Wood Pigeon, a plain white mug from Caroline Zoob, hand painted pots from Suitably Vintage, a dress made out of vintage white embroidered lawn from Dotty Blue, an old French chicory canister and my favourite buy of the day - a pretty Art Nouveau pendant from Cherub Antiques.

After going around the fair a few times, I headed over to Petworth House to take advantage of the free entry that was included with the Country Brocante ticket. It is a beautiful building with so much to see, although I think my favourite room was probably the kitchen with all of the gleaming copper! Not sure what that says about me!

After mooching around Petworth House I headed back to the fair for one last look and a chat with Emma from Velvet Ribbon, Jo from Hesta Nesta, Chloe from Chloe Antiques, Madeline from Weathered and Worn and Emma from Little Wren Vintage. I love that Lucy's fairs are as much a social occasion as they are a shopping event! Coming back with my final purchase; an old border spade with a lovely wooden handle (I find old tools to be much better than new ones) I packed up the car and headed back home to London.

I now can't wait for the other Love Lane fairs, especially the Winter Brocante when I will hopefully be able bring along my Mum as well!