Our Story

First established in 1997 on Micklegate, York, The French House soon after opened a second shop in South West London. Then in 2008 the York shop moved to North Lane, Huntington on the York outer ring road.

The French House - Our Story

The French House boasts a large range of French antiques, including a large selection of beds, mirrors, lights, tables and seating – among many other treasures – ranging from the 17th to 20th Century. There are also smaller decorative items available, for example pretty picture frames, French kir glasses, a range of French linens and textiles and all manner of ephemera!

The French House is a family business and we pride ourselves on our vision for sourcing authentic antiques from France, selling beautiful affordable pieces for the home. Searching out the hard to find, restoring the ‘past its best’ and keeping our prices low and our stock current with trends.

It all began when Stephen bought a holiday home in the Pyrenees, with a surplus of furniture, and entrepreneurial son Marcus saw a business opportunity. Marcus said “I bought an ex-post office van and set off, eyes alert for ‘brocante’ signs and iron baths”.. (it was common for stately home 19th century tubs to finish up as a cattle water trough which  could then be spotted in the countryside).. heading home when the little red shuttle was completely full.

The French House - Our Story

And so 'The French House' in York was established and we were hooked, there would be no going back.”

We now drive to France where we live part of the year and spend our time visiting house clearances, brocantes and working with local sources to find the beautiful and the unusual. 

Customers enjoy hearing the history of our purchases, and we love telling them the personal stories behind some of the pieces we find. Buying direct from the original owner enables their story to be passed on hopefully to future generations.

Stock is available to view in our York showroom, open to the public, Monday to Saturday inclusive, 10am-5pm.

Contact us to find out more.
For press enquiries, please contact our PR Consultant Caitlin Hazell at hello@caitlinhazell.co.uk.