By Joseph Montebello Anyone who knows Bruce Glickman, Wilson Henley and Betsey Nestler is aware that they each have a discerning eye and a magic touch when it comes to home furnishings and design. George Home in Washington Depot, Conn. simply reconfirms that fact. Glickman and Henley previously owned Duane in New York City and produced a line of furniture called Duane Modern, which was sold at the Interior Design Building in New York. Many of those pieces are now offered at George Home. Years ago, the three partners had a shop in New Preston called Betsey and Duane. Although it closed, the three friends, who have known each other for more than 20 years, knew one day they would have another shop.
Wilson Henley, Bruce Glickman and Betsey Nestler
“Bruce and I had been talking to Betsy about it for years,” says Henley. “We would go off shopping for our new venture — we called it our imaginary store — for years. And then it all came together. “It was a question of finding the right space,” he continues. “When we closed Duane and moved to Washington full time, we knew we wanted to be part of the community and that the Depot would be our choice of location.” When the white clapboard building on Titus Road came up for rent, the three agreed that they'd found the perfect spot. The Depot, where retail was dormant for several years, has come to life recently, thanks to several retailers who have joined George Home in opening stores. Since its official opening in July, George Home has become the go-to place to find a well-selected and inspired global mix of mid-century modern, antique and contemporary furniture, baskets, fine soaps, unusual objects, art, accessories, lighting and unique tabletop items, meticulously curated by its three owners.
"We share the same vision of design,” explains Henley. "We call it a kind of sophisticated rusticity, a palette of similar neutral tones, simple and uncalculated. Items that would fit into any décor.” The light-filled, 1800-square-foot shop is set up with three distinct areas: the Living Room, which displays bigger piece of furniture, art and lighting; the Library, which has dark walls, deep sofas and a moodier feel; and the Marketplace, chock full of contemporary finds from small antique items to perfect hostess gifts and creative accessories. In addition, the Design Studio at George Home offers full interior design services. “We feel very fortunate to have found this space and to have been welcomed into the Litchfield County design community,” says Henley. “So many talented people live in this area and we have been getting customers from New Canaan and as far as Boston.”
All photos courtesy George Home
That’s because word has spread quickly that George Home is the place to find an item to complete or complement the decor of a room or to inspire a total home redesign. As for the name, it eluded the designers at first. “We went through a lot of names,” says Glickman. “We considered Titus for the name of the road. Then a friend suggested George, and it suddenly clicked.” And yes, there are some items that pay homage to the father of our country. George Home and The Design Studio @ George Home4 Titus Road, Washington Depot, CT (860) 868-0323 Thursday-Monday 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sunday noon - 4 p.m. (and by appointment)
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