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“It was a real learning experience,” Susan says. “A piece of furniture can say so much about human ingenuity, art, design, history and the values that prevailed at a certain time. I started understanding the different design periods, from Georgian to art deco, and those classic design principals informs the items I choose for the store today.”
Susan bought the three-hectare Dome Valley property in search of “a bit of dirt and a garden”.
“I started with no stock, no money and a huge mortgage. There were possums living in the leaky roof, no bathroom or kitchen, and the only toilet was in a half-demolished shed. It also had millions of frogs in nearby ponds that would keep me awake all night – hence the name Frog Pool Farm.”
The business now sells new furniture, lamps and decor items made in traditional styles, but Susan says it has reached the point where it’s time to hop ponds. She will continue to run the Dome Valley store, but the Wellsford shop – at over twice the size – has the space to allow people to browse and it will focus on furniture.
“I want to get people inspired. Don’t put up with a home you don’t enjoy – turn it into your palace.
“I have the variety that the big-box shops don’t have. Everything is made from real wood and real leather. It will last and be an heirloom for years to come.”
Susan’s partner, Phil Braddick, makes bespoke tables, dressers and kitchens from recycled matai under the name Bradwood Furniture, which is also sold exclusively at the stores.
