New in Town: The Gate House Antiques and Collectibles

Stepping in the door of The Gate House Antiques and Collectibles feels a bit like walking into the home of a favorite friend. That's because proprietors of the relatively new Beach Boulevard business, artfully filled a cottage with vintage furniture, retro collectibles, paintings and storied pieces.

Perched behind a fascinating counter, Shannon Eckhardt and Koll Walsh seem relaxed in their 1,700 sq. ft. storefront with a pleasing appeal.  

“That’s actually by a Florida Highwayman," said Walsh, enthusiastically pointing to a reasonably-priced landscape with wisps of white in the sunset.

That led to a discussion of vernacular art. A customer paused to also admire the unusual counter behind which, Eckhardt thumbed through an antique book searching for details on a particular piece of interest.  

“It’s a wonderful counter,” she said, patting the top.

Walsh explains it is actually a conglomeration of two doors that are planks from an architectural salvage company, in Atlanta, Ga. After visiting local antique stores in search of the perfect piece, he and Eckhardt were referred to a Bellaire woman who had the piece in her storage unit. They knew instantly it was the right fit, and Walsh dismantled it for transport to Gulfport.

That flair for recognizing the ideal missing piece is what makes a visit to The Gate House a treat. The engaged couple have a genuine interest in each piece, and seem to approach selection, buying and selling with meticulous dedication. That means you get good conversation and some interesting tidbits on each visit.

“This is a special place, and you can see the care and thought they put into it,” says Cristina Jones-Reich, who stopped in on a whim. “We were walking down the street after visiting friends here in Gulfport, and I just knew this place was gonna be different inside."

Jones-Reich lives on Florida’s east coast, but vowed she’d return – with a truck. Like other patrons strolling through the house, she was enthusiastic about an Art Deco era bedroom set displayed in what was once a bedroom.

“Everything is in great shape, and very reasonable,” said the antiques aficionado, pointing to a mirrored armoire. "It's so inviting here."

From gleaming pink Depression era glass plates, to a vintage setee, a stack of shiny china, and carved chairs, the store offers a historic journey blended with a pleasant shopping experience sure to pique your interest. Eckhardt and Walsh share more than a passion for antiques. They both hail from New Jersey, and both migrated here. Between them there are three children and two dogs at their Seminole, Fla. home. But their keen interest in the stories behind the items they sell and Gulfport itself is what may keep you visiting their unique storefront on Beach Boulevard.

There are telltale signs of meticulous attention to detail throughout the fledgling antique shop. Each room has been painted in complimentary colors, lights are hung in to illuminate wares, and furniture is angled to create an inviting atmosphere. Floors have been sanded, and the place invites you to take a closer look at the carefully crafted placement. The result is a harmonious blend of vintage, retro and collectible items with a storied past.

“They’re very knowledgeable," said Jones-Reich.

Eckhardt and Walsh have spent hours poring over the history and craftsmanship of each piece. That in turn, invites research, which they seem to relish. Though both have parents who have been in and around antiques, they started out as licensed massage therapists.  Their initial idea was to open a bed and breakfast decorated with antiques, but that morphed into buying trips.

Their combined interest in doing things with careful planning and consideration led them to pursue certification as a licensed auction house within the state of Florida. They can also orchestrate estate sales. The pair offers appraisal services and also sells antiques on eBay. While their website is under construction, you can fill out a form requesting information, which the duo encourages. Walsh said it should be complete within two weeks, but links to Facebook, and other social media sites have also been posted.

“If you’re looking for something or have a question, contact us,” said Walsh.

They admit to a personal interest in Stickley furniture, but cater to the fancies of clientele. A growing list in their featured  “wish book” offers a glimpse into customer cravings, which currently run the gamut from a steamer trunk, to a gumball machine.   

“I like trying to figure out what our customers want, and what sells most,” said Eckhardt.

Other customers wander in the front door. One asks a question about a desk in the front room, while another examines a wood and pleated glass washboard in mint condition. Eckhardt and Walsh chat amicably about an unusual chandelier as Otis, their English bulldog, stands watch under an oak table, shyly peering out.

His owners share a sense of creativity laced with doses of practicality that helps keep the inventory fresh. Sometimes, they have a strong feeling about furniture arrangement, even before the piece is unloaded from their van. Other times, they shift things around until the right angles line up and the symmetry feels right. That was true when they recently added Danish modern furniture, nestling it among older pieces. Their meticulous attention is evident throughout the always evolving store and even in the comfortable furniture in front of the cottage.

In addition to learning about antiques, Eckhardt and Koll enjoy scouring markets from the south to the northeast, searching for pieces to replace those that have found a new home. But a recent trip was postponed, once they heard about Gulfport's Fourth of July festivities and Rand McNally Road Rally activities.

“This town has been absolutely wonderful to us, and we want to lend our support,” said Eckhardt, a newly minted member of the Gulfport Chamber of Commerce.

That neighborly view is certain to make The Gate House Antiques and Collectibles a welcome addition to Gulfport's eclectic and artsy offerings.

2825 Beach Boulevard S.,

Gulfport Fla. 33707, (727) 657-1555

Hours: Tues through Sat. 11ish - 5:00 p.m.

www.g8house.com