Gentlemanly Pursuits

Gentlemanly Pursuits
The Story:
From City to Forest. I am a lifelong New Yorker who spent years immersed in the worlds of design, fashion, and food—honing the craft through studies in both Europe and America. For a long time, I thought I'd found a calling in the city's creative pulse.
But after countless adventures traveling the world, I made a bold decision to trade the bustling energy of NYC for something far more precious—a true sense of home.
The journey first took me to Cape Cod, where we paused to defragment lives and brains, letting the ocean air and slower rhythms prepare for what came next. Then I discovered our true sanctuary nestled deep within an old-growth forest in Northern Vermont.
After a search I found Hemlock House—a magnificent hemlock log house, weathered by time and surrounded by towering trees that have stood for generations. Here, among the woodland creatures and carpet of wildflowers that change with each season, we found our inspiration and life's calling. Sharing this enchanted space with two formerly feral cats, Kitka Darling and Poor Cousin Anatole, who have become cherished companions and are part of everything we do.
Living mostly off-grid has given a skill set we never imagined I'd have or need—culling firewood from the forest, stacking cords for winter, and who would have thought we'd go from a Mercedes to a 1940s tractor that our neighbor, an old-time Vermonter, keeps running smoothly. Each morning, we drink coffee from old French porcelain cups on the porch as the sun rises. Tending the gardens and forest while filling days with music, books, Persian carpets, French porcelain, and admittedly far too many books and antiques. It's a life rich in beauty and stories, where every corner holds a treasure with its own tale to tell.
Passionate Curator. I am passionate about beauty and distinctive design, dedicated to sharing extraordinary finds with kindred spirits near and far. The treasure hunts has taken me from the enchanting flea markets of Paris to the hidden gems tucked away in New England's oldest farmhouses, with amazing discoveries in Quebec along the way. Each piece we discover tells a story and carries the patina of lives well-lived.
The collection spans the spectrum from rustic charm to refined elegance, embracing everything that captures our imagination in between. With a particular collector's eye for old linens, textiles, and carpets, and fortunate to find them regularly for sale. Drawn to pieces with soul—objects that show honest wear, unexpected proportions, or that irreplaceable quality the French call je ne sais quoi. Whether you're drawn to a weathered French garden ornament or a pristine piece of American folk art, we celebrate the unexpected and the sublime.
Shipping & Care
Handled with Care. We handle each treasure with the same care we'd give our own cherished possessions. Most items ship via USPS Priority Mail, though larger or particularly delicate pieces may travel UPS for extra protection—we'll always note this in the listing. Trying to upcycled packing materials and boxes whenever possible...
From a forest home to yours, its a delight to share these carefully chosen pieces that have caught my eye and captured my heart. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your own treasure hunt, I'd be honored to help you discover something extraordinary.
Be Well, Joe