Palatine's Harrington Manor expands to second location
Since 2000, Harrington Manor, 16 S. Bothwell St., has been the go-to destination in Palatine for home décor and accessories for the holidays and year-round.
The business recently opened its second location in the downtown Palatine area, Harrington Manor II, at 25 W. Palatine Road, just west of Plum Grove Road and steps away from its first location.
Harrington Manor II is located in a 125-year-old Tudor chalet-style building that boasts 2,000 square feet of display space. There is a strong emphasis on holiday décor items for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas in a majority of the location. One of the display rooms houses industrial farm house accents and items appropriate for year-round decorating.
Owner Vicki Ruetsche says the new and larger location better helps customers to envision how items would fit into their own homes.
"We wanted to stay with the original feel of the residence to create a comfortable, homestyle setting. We have several accent furniture pieces, including chairs, couches, tables, lamps and lighting that creates a 'home for the holidays' vibe inside of this very special location," Ruetsche said.
Ruetsche says customers will many times bring in pictures of rooms they would like to redecorate, or even a mantle or table-scape. She offers advice and guidance to those who need assistance with new home decor ideas.
The building that houses Harrington Manor II has a charm all of its own. It was originally a framed house built in the late 1870s that was later added onto, and is complete with window cranks from that period, in addition to highly detailed molding and trim work. Original lead glass and sub-pine wood floors are located throughout the location.
The holiday period has traditionally been the busiest time of year at Harrington Manor for the last 16 years. To accommodate customers' busy schedules throughout the fall and winter seasons, both locations will be open seven days a week through Dec. 31.
Ruetsche, who was raised in the historic downtown Palatine area, jokes that she can walk to every house she has ever lived in. She also notes that her love for the downtown is the very reason she chose to open the second location so close to the first.
"Since I was a girl, I've always loved the downtown feel in Palatine. I am thrilled to help grow the offerings for our residents and those in neighboring suburbs," she said.
Holiday hours for Harrington Manor and Harrington Manor II began Oct. 1 and are: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays.
The businesses' yearly Christmas Open House will be Thursday, Nov. 8, through Monday, Nov. 12, and includes a number of specials and items, along with a free gift (one per customer).
"I believe we have lasted as long as we have because we offer something for every taste and make our customers feel at home. We answer any questions they might have, and help them with decorating ideas - it's simply part of the strong customer service we provide," Ruetsche said.
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