“Have you seen our diamonds?” asks 5-year-old Abigail Keller as customers enter The Ivy Cottage, her parents’ 25,000-square-foot upscale consignment shop in Wilmington. As the “Ambassador of Love,” Abigail guides her guests through the main building to the fine jewelry section, offering complimentary coffee along the way. She navigates a winding maze of memories: handcrafted furniture, fine china, and home decor that once belonged to Wilmington residents.
Despite its size — and more than 10,000 consignors — the store is “overwhelmingly organized,” says owner Andrew Keller. He considers every one of his consignors part of an extended family, and it’s an honor when they choose him to sell their items, he says. “My consignors are trusting me with their family heirlooms. They want to know that someone is caring for their belongings as they would.”
Keller developed an eye for antiques early on, while traveling the world with his parents, who were in the Air Force. In college, he took a job as a delivery driver at The Ivy Cottage. When owner Sam Dunn retired in 2013, Keller bought the business. Since then, The Ivy Cottage has become a labor of love for Keller; his wife, Marie; and their two children, Abigail and Aiden, who he hopes will take over the family business one day. By the looks of it, the Ambassador of Love is well on her way.
The Ivy Cottage
3030 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 815-0907
threecottages.com
All aboard! This magic-filled train ride through a Montgomery County wonderland includes seasonal sweets, plenty of cheer, and a few extra-special passengers.
Communities across the state celebrate the holiday season with sparkling lights, vibrant displays, and festive events that bring joy to the world.
North Carolina’s celebrated homes and historic districts are never more beautiful than by candlelight at Christmastime.
The thrill of the hunt takes on new fervor during the holidays. Seek and find in Randolph County, where the bounty of antiques can tempt a picker to abandon her list.
