Charles and Marilyn Read, owners of Olde English Cottage, not only sell English antiques but sell them out of their own old-English style cottage which Charles Read designed almost four decades ago.
Charles Read, who has a rich English heritage, said he loves to design English style homes. His is located in Ooltewah.
Charles and Marilyn Read pose inside their old-English inspired home that Charles Read designed. The two have been selling antiques out of their home for the last 41 years."There are so many cupolas, little rooms and towers," he said. "It's a lot of fun to work with."
The Reads have also completed an English style garden outside their home that they say customers enjoy as much as the shop.
Their shop, which has been operating out of their home for the last 41 years, primarily sells china, glassware and antique furniture. Their oldest pieces are approximately 200 years old, ranging from the early to mid-1800s, said Charles Read.
The difference between their shop and larger antique malls is the personal touch, he said. Unlike antique malls where customers wander around large rooms of furniture, the Reads said their inventory may be small but they are always willing to help customers look for pieces at auctions or other venues.
Both of the Reads agree that the best thing about being in the antique business is meeting people with similar interests and going to different antique auctions.
"We were at an auction when we decided to start the business," Charles Read said. "We figured we could make money selling the stuff we got."
Olde English Cottage is located at 128 Cliff Diver in Ooltewah. The Reads can be reached for appointments or questions at 396-2703.