Guest Author - Brenda Potter Reynolds

A novel piece is located on the second floor - a Kitchen-in-a-Cupboard. The wooden armoire contains a sink, microwave and mini-fridge, along with packets of coffee, cocoa, and other items that a guest might need. When the doors were closed, however, it looked just like another example of furniture.

Even their brochures are a joy to behold. One is a three-fold with selected cut-outs and depictions of the property and their products. Another is shaped like a teapot, with a fold-out square "teabag" on a string.

The MacKenzie-Childs property began life as a dairy farm in the 1840's. The land, along with the barns and farmhouse, was purchased by Victoria and Richard MacKenzie-Childs in 1986.The dairy barn was turned into the studio, and the farmhouse was reborn as the company's reception area and office space.

In June 2001, Pleasant Rowland bought the property. Pleasant, creator of the American Girls Collection, has been revitalizing Aurora, where she attended Wells College. Pleasant took charge of the decorating in the Farmhouse during its two-year renovation, mixing pieces of her own artwork and antique collection with the MacKenzie-Childs signature dishes and home furnishings.

Her intent was to show that MacKenzie-Childs products can be comfortably mixed with a variety of styles, Shawn said. She certainly succeeded, as far as I am concerned. This decorating-challenged writer was inspired to seriously check out the shop - and when I got home, I downloaded their Table Top catalog, which I'm still perusing. I may become a home decorator yet!

MacKenzie-Childs is located on State Route 90 in Aurora, NY. Tours of the Farmhouse are offered weekdays and weekends, throughout the year. Fees are $10 for adults, and $6 for children under 12 and Senior Citizens.

Guided tours of the Studio are offered Monday through Friday. Fees are $10 for adults and $6 for children under 12 and Senior Citizens. Reservations are recommended for both tours but not required. Call 800-640-0546 or 315-364-7123, ext. 1401 to reserve a spot in either tour.

The Shop is open seven days a week.

For more information, visit McKenzie-Childs.