The Purple Rose is located in Northborough, Massachusetts on historical Route 20. As the only road from Boston to New York during the Revolutionary War, this road was traveled by George Washington, Paul Revere, and Henry Knox. 

 

While the date of construction is debatable, we do know that the estate across the street known as the White Cliffs was built by Daniel Wesson, of Smith and Wesson Firearms Magnate, in 1886. This was Wesson's summer home, for a while we believed that Hunt was Wesson's son in-law, but recent evidence states he married Maria Fay of Northboro. Alas, there isn't much information on the history of our building, but it is said that there are underground tunnels that lead between the two house, believed to have been used by servants and women during the winter months. Some of the Purple Rose’s former residents are believed to have never left their second floor dwelling. That’s right, the spirits of three women have been mildly haunting the first room to the left at the top of the stairs. If you arrive early in the morning you can smell the faint scent of fresh coffee brewing in that very room. They are harmless though, and very protective. Unless you want to see bottles mysteriously fly off shelves, I would suggest you don’t mess with the employees.

 

When Vicki purchased the location in 1997, after becoming a victim to corporate "down sizing" with 20 years at AT&T. It was only fitting that she open an antique store in this perfect historic venue.  For the past 14 years the eight rooms of this colonial home have been filled with  styles ranging from  american country antiques, victorian laces and velvets, shabby chic pastels and ruffles, to the eclectic mix that the home decor evolution has brought it to today. Weather scouring the national trade shows for unique reproductions or leizurely strolling through the fleas,  The Purple Rose has managed to keep up with the trends while staying true to New England Style. Each room captures a different design component and represents the best of color. 

 

Joining the Team in May 2005, Vicki's daughter Kim brought in fresh ideas and an ambition to push the store into the next tier.  With a degree in fashion design, her passion for fashion and clothing began to dwindle as she worked by moms side learning the beauties of home decor and furnishings.  Kim began an advertising campaign of "Unique, Not Antique", to attract a wider range of demographics as well as launching purplerosehome.com in that same summer.  

 

While the mother an daughter team have their moments and argue over everything from style to where their beloved golden retriever Sam's bowl should be, there is never a dull moment when these two put the heads together. And no one can settle the score better that the website manager, Finola.  "Fin"  joined the team in 2007 to help update the website with new product and to begin generating and online presence.  She's not only a web manager, but always available to fill in, and take over the daily duties of running the store while Vic and Kim are busy getting inspired in the outside world.  Thanks to Finola, purpleroshome.com is a good chunk of annual sales, and growing everyday.

 

Once you step foot into the Purple Rose, you feel as though you have just walked into the warmest home on the coldest day. Smell the sweet aroma of the newest candle scent as you saunter through each room admiring the displays created by the very talented visual team. Vicki and her team are gifted sales people and visual merchandisers that have helped make the Purple Rose the store that it is today. After twenty years in the corporate retail world, Vicki has brought her love for her home and excellent business sense together to create an environment of peaceful and affordable home shopping for New Englanders to Enjoy.