Courthouse Interiors was founded by my parents in 1998 initially as an extension for our obsession with Persian carpets and love of fine fabrics. Located in the picturesque countryside town of Wiveliscombe on the edge of Exmoor, it is a nineteenth-century Grade II listed building that started off life as a merchant’s home.
My father was always looking for a space to sell antiques, carpets and fine fabrics. As a family watching films together, there would be as much discussion about the interiors, fabrics and upholstery as the plot twists and character developments! Growing up we’d spend a lot of time going to auctions, antique shops and hunting for fine china and unusual pieces. Courthouse Interiors is a place that we collectively fell in love with, a remarkable space set over 3 floors featuring over 12 rooms with the current set-up echoing the original layout of the merchant’s house.
The shop is home to over 500 Persian carpets stocked in a myriad of styles, shapes, sizes and colours. There is also an abundance of unique objects and home furnishings that you’ll find in every nook of the building.
A real family affair, everyone knows that when they come and stay with us they’ll probably end up helping out and ‘earning their keep’! At Christmas, the shop will be full of siblings, aunties and cousins serving mulled wine and mince pies and helping customers find last minute gifts.
Coffee, scones and cakes quickly evolved into a brunch club and licensed restaurant when I took the helm from my parents. I also started to use the space to host exhibitions, talks and lectures by prominent artists and designers such as William Morris & Co.
Annual summer trips to Italy visiting family has developed into a fierce passion for Italian design and we stock a range of products and brands from the European design capital. We’re proud to be an authorised Seletti partner and official Qeeboo reseller in addition to being stockists for selected brands including Mulberry, Cole & Son, Colefax & Fowler, and Morris & Co.
In 2018 we took the digital leap and started selling our products online, we’re growing and evolving every day but our commitment to work with unique and discerning brands stands true as much online as it does in our store. While we’ve had to adapt and evolve the business in reaction to the recent times, which has sadly resulted in the closure of our coffee shop and restaurant, we’re still able to offer local services such as curtain making and bespoke design and interior consultancy.
My sister has recently re-joined the team and together we’re working hard to grow Courthouse Interiors whilst maintaining the spirit and integrity of the family business.
Oliver Fatemi
UTR: 2113384376
