A country store worth a visit
Rebekah Bay at Beacon Hill Country Store.
Beacon Hill Estate on the foothills in Hope on Paton’s Road is owned by Rebekah and Roger Bay. It comes with a plethora of history having been purchased in 1862 by Roger’s great great grandfather, Major Paton who used his pension from the Bengal Army in India to acquire the original 653 acres.
While the land is used for deer and the only herd of breeding Yaks in the country, Rebekah has converted the old farm workshop into the Beacon Hill Country Store. It is a very special place to visit at any time of year but November and December bring the additional delights of the Christmas barn, overflowing with rustic charm and a carefully curated selection of decorative wares. Rebekah has a natural talent for choosing beautiful things and putting them together in a way that inspires and enchants.
Centre stage in the main part of the store are Beacon Hill’s much sought-after women’s clothing ranges. The star of the show is the Magnolia Pearl brand. “It is bohemian-vintage, free-spirited style clothing which is very unique,” explains Rebekah. “It is created from exquisite fabrics, often with extensive hand-working. The people who buy it love antiques and things that are quirky and eccentric.” Produced in very small batches that arrive every few weeks, it is highly sought after and quickly becomes collectable.
From Positano in Italy comes a small range of hand-woven garments from La Bottega di Brunella and Rebekah designs her own Beacon Hill’s Closet bespoke brand of easy-to-wear, quality linen clothing, inspired by the heritage property’s ambience. Megbydesign, known for its simple yet elegant, timeless and ageless style, provides yet another range from which to choose.
Latest to arrive is another Italian collection, Miss Rose Sister Violet. This is designed by a mother/daughter team and comes in free sizes to fit almost anyone and is perfect for the warmer months. “It has an easy summer-living feel and is very affordable” says Rebekah.
Right throughout the store are beautiful homewares and accessories. Currently there is a strong on-trend botanical theme with foliage cascading from urns, bell jars showing off angels and Christmas greens spilling across baskets. There are rustic wreaths, collections of ceramic houses, sumptuous cushions and delicate Christmas decorations. “Nature is my happy place,” says Rebekah. “I like to bring the feelings it inspires into our own home as well as to the store.”
Only a short drive from Richmond you turn off Paton’s Road into a magnificent tree-lined driveway which leads to an ample parking area and the Beacon Hill Country Store. Rebekah, warm and welcoming, loves to meet new people and share her passion for beautiful clothing, contemporary country style and Christmas treasures.
Beacon Hill Country Store
205 Paton Road, Hope
beaconhillestate.co.nz