When Samantha Mc Donald and her husband enjoyed a gorgeous lunch at the old Café la Fort approximately seventeen years ago they had no idea that it was their destiny to live in Fort Nottingham and actually own the wild, overgrown property, that the little restaurant was built on. But something incredible happened that day which sent the ‘McDonald Clan’ on a beautiful journey which meant leaving their busy lives in Pretoria behind and starting a new dream for their family in the Midlands.
While they renovated the tumbled down house, built in 1893, Samantha opened up her shop: “Simply Sam Antiques Brocante & Gifts” (currently located next to Café Bloom) and quickly became known to many locals and meanderers as ‘the pretty friendly lady’, passionate about French antiques. While she has enjoyed a very successful four year stint at Country Courtyard, it has always been her dream to move her shop back to where it first originated, in the Hamlet of Fort Nottingham ‘a beautiful piece of the past - where time has stood still’ which has remained undiscovered by most Meanderers. You will now be able to enjoy the Midlands best kept secret and Sam’s new showroom which will be located in the beautiful old barn, created out of old horse stables belonging to the late David Fox who founded the Highland Games. Fort Nottingham has one of the best 'micro climates' in the Midlands, often having stunning weather, which can differ quite significantly to other parts of Nottingham Road.
The new shop: “Simply Sam Trading” will be opening at the end of April. “My wish is for folk to enjoy a little escapism in the Hamlet of Fort Nottingham, away from the city madness – and for us to be able to share a piece of our tranquility with others whilst they browse the stunning items on offer, visit our quaint little museum or take a stroll down our lane to Roy’s restaurant – the infamous Els Amics,” Said Sam
The new shop: “Simply Sam Trading” will be opening at the end of April. “My wish is for folk to enjoy a little escapism in the Hamlet of Fort Nottingham, away from the city madness – and for us to be able to share a piece of our tranquility with others whilst they browse the stunning items on offer, visit our quaint little museum or take a stroll down our lane to Roy’s restaurant – the infamous Els Amics,” Said Sam
Simply Sam Trading offers a unique and interesting selection of beautiful Antiques, Vintage clothing and collectables, custom-made Oregon doors and windows as well as gorgeous local handmade South African Gifts. In collaboration with Lara Edmonds of “Just Boutique” and various merchants, the Simply Sam showroom plans to expand its offering to showcase beautiful items hand made by local people, providing a platform for boutique businesses to sell and market their wares. These will include ceramics, art, crafts, crochet, foodstuffs and gifts, with a focus on the ‘job creation’ element. Unique and exciting plans, include recreational cookery courses, as well as featured “Boutique Events” at the end of each month. The vision is that eventually all items can be viewed and purchased over the web store at www.simplysam.co.za, gifts beautifully wrapped, and that country-wide deliveries be undertaken.
Anyone interested in selling their hand-made items can contact Sam on 0726059909 or email: simplysam@telkomsa.net. Tel: 0332666940
Simply Sam Trading can be visited at the old stables Barn, next to the Fort Nottingham Museum, in the Hamlet of Fort Nottingham, opposite Els Amics restaurant. Follow the signs west from Nottingham Road. Webstore: www.simplysam.co.za Just Boutique http://www.justboutique.net
Remember the Highland Games is on this Saturday 16th April, from 9am - all welcome. Follow the signs from Nottingham Road. This is an annual fun filled event not to be missed.
Remember the Highland Games is on this Saturday 16th April, from 9am - all welcome. Follow the signs from Nottingham Road. This is an annual fun filled event not to be missed.
So sad you are leaving your lovely shop-but your new venture sounds so exciting.
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