Whilst you are in the beautiful township of Sorrento do not miss the amazing Antique Shop in the heart of the Main Street.
In 1985 Marlene Miller had a small Sorrento holiday house, whilst living in Melbourne and having a great job which she loved. But one day, whilst waiting for the ferry she noticed that the building at 106 Ocean Beach Road was completely ready to be demolished and an immediate reaction set in for her, feeling how sad it is to lose these original buildings in such a historic township.
Marlene left her much loved job, where she was paid well, had holidays and loved the people she worked with and hightailed down, with the dog, to save and restore 106. She explains, ” As I paint and love art I was disappointed there was only one Art Gallery in the township (the First Settlement Gallery). I promptly decided to restore the building and make it into a Gallery, but art is a little personal and it is hard to say you do not like people’s paintings, so my concept for my new business in Sorrento evolved into what it is now, an antiques, collectables and jewellery store.
The end result is Marlene has been responsible for preserving, not one but three beautiful old buildings in the main street of Sorrento. 106 Ocean Beach Road was built probably in the 1920’s, 136 built in 1904 and a great old home built in the 1890’s just past the roundabout. Her stunning eclectic store is now homed in her purpose built 15 year-old building at 128 Ocean Beach Road.
Marlene’s treasure chest houses a huge range of beautiful antique china, furniture and jewellery, as well as newly handmade quality pieces by Melbourne’s top jewellers. Her selections are hugely appreciated by so many people, locals and visitors, some of whom stop her in the street to let her know they purchased their engagement ring from her thirty years ago and still absolutely love it.
Marlene says, “It is an honour to be able to preserve these beautiful pieces, some of which are up to 200 years old. Sorrento is such a wonderful place with a beautiful atmosphere, thank you Sorrento and the fabulous people who live and visit here. If we haven’t met yet, come in and say hello.”
Marlene’s store is open 10-5 every day, except Christmas Day and Good Friday, although she may gift herself an ad hoc day or two off once or twice in a blue moon.
