It was a magical moment to open the House to Haven shop door for the first time…
Saturday 24 July marked the Grand Opening of our new House to Haven store on Cranfield High Street. With beautiful balloons, miniature cheesecakes and rows of glasses filled with pink and white fizz, all ready to welcome our new guests – it was a magical moment to open the front door for the first time to a long queue of excited and very lovely people.
We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came down and helped make the day so special. There was an enormous buzz in the shop all afternoon as we watched our home decor treasures fly off the shelves. We’re so touched you loved what you saw!
“It’s really exciting because it’s the only shop in the village of this kind.”
Inna Palmer lives in Cranfield and is a keen home decorator, she adds: “I like home decoration and interior design, so having this on the doorstep is great. I walked here today. I’d already placed a few orders on the website, but it’s good to see things in real life because it can make it easier to choose something. You can see the colours and there are items in the shop that I haven’t seen online. I think I will shop from both in the future – it depends on the weather!”
Flamingo cushions and dusky pink hearts
Colours and style inspiration are something we’ve focused on in the shop, as well as creating distinct sections of products so customers can easily find what they’re looking for. Our new flamingo cushions stand out on the shelf beautifully next to dusky pink gold-glittered heart wreaths – and vases, pots, candles and glass dispensers in an array of different shades from light burgundy to a blush pink.
“There are so many stunning things to choose from – today will be the first of many visits!”
“The shop has been beautifully set out,” adds Natalie Faye from Milton Keynes Village. “I was thrilled when I found out it was opening up in Cranfield. You often get more unique and exciting gifts, and rare finds for the home, in small village shops in the surrounding areas to Milton Keynes. This is no exception.”
“It’s just great. Sarah’s done a brilliant job.”
“It’s good for Cranfield to have something so different,” said Jane Lansbury who runs another small business in the village, Queen Bee Curtains and Blinds. “It’s going to be useful just to pop in for things for the home, as well as inspiration for stuff to do around the house.”
Hares, owls, robin red breasts, bumble bees and pheasants
Our founder, Sarah, said: “We’re proud of our village location and have chosen to weave a greenery and wildlife theme throughout the shop to reflect country life and the fact we are animal lovers. Pooches are more than welcome to come and hang out with their owners, we even have treats and water bowls ready and waiting.”
Hares, owls, robin red breasts, bumble bees and pheasants feature across mini wooden sculptures, cushions, doormats and the House to Haven stationery range. The new store also has a number of cute seagrass doggies who are lovingly looking for new owners.
“Like the flamingos, we also have more exotic animals, like gold wild cats and metallic elephants, on our shelves,” added Sarah. “These are all part of our new handpicked animal collection which will also include zebras and lions very soon.
“I’m really impressed with how it’s all been set out.”
Local villager, Steph Williams, added: “There are lots of little gifts so it will be really handy for presents and things – coming here when you need something rather than having to travel into one of the towns.
Good luck to Sarah. I hope House to Haven does really well here in the village.”
“We’ve been looking in the window as we’ve walked past before today to see what’s in the shop.”
Anthony Shepherd, who had accompanied his daughter, added: “She’s currently on a course and was excited about the Grand Opening. There’s a bit of a queue so I’ll wait for everyone else to get in and then I shall have a nose around. I’ve got three daughters, all over 20, so they tend to do their own thing on my behalf.
I hope the shop moves forward because it’s something unique for the area and every little concept helps in relation to the village. I don’t think there’s anything in Marston or Salford so this should go well. I wish Sarah and House to Haven all the best.”
“Your support means the world!”
Sarah wanted to add: “Again, I can’t thank everyone who came to our Grand Opening enough – your support means the world and I feel like all the hard work has paid off!
Now the fun part begins where I can find more unique treasures and focus on displaying them in the shop to give everyone inspiration, as well as expanding our range online.”
Buy a raffle ticket to help Decorate a Child’s Life – you could win something fabulous!
From today, every guest in store and online can purchase a raffle ticket for your chance to win amazing House to Haven prizes and support a truly wonderful cause at the same time. Decorate A Child’s Life is very close to our hearts.
The volunteer programme redecorates dilapidated bedrooms of children living in poverty. By supporting them you could be the proud owner of a:
Summer garden hamper, featuring a contemporary wicker lantern with pillar candle, an artsy doormat, a woven stab stitch cotton throw and cute herb planter markers.
Beautiful bouquet of faux flowers and a dragonfly decorative clip.
Luxury hummingbird stationery set consisting of a greeting card, notebook, notepad and pen set.
£10 gift voucher to spend online or in store.
The raffle closes on Friday 6th August and we’ll be announcing the winners on Sunday 8th August.
There’s lots of exciting ideas bubbling away, stay updated on Facebook or Instagram for VIP launch events, workshops and a mini local market, all coming soon…
If you haven’t popped in to see us at the store yet we’d love to see you!
If you have been kind enough to visit already don’t forget we’re always looking for stunning new treasures so there will be lots to explore when you come back. We also provide a personal shopper service, so we can help if you can't find what you're looking for.
Or explore our handpicked collections online – you can even click and collect!
