C.P. Farmhouse offers wholesome surprises

LITCHFIELD — Open on the Litchfield green since June 2018, C.P. Farmhouse is mostly known for the colloquialism “Amish furniture,” but a recent visit on a minus temperature winter day belied that assumption.

Prominently located at the check-out counter was a sign declaring “60 Percent Off” and beneath that was a delectable collection of assorted boxed chocolates, an unexpected post-holiday bargain. The stairs leading to the second floor are posted with a collection of painted quotes and sayings on vintage wood and the space is surprisingly large since they recently expanded. Future plans include an events area on the second floor for afterhours craft lessons and special discount shopping.

Amish furniture is generally known as being made completely out of wood, without particle board or laminate. The styles most often used by the Amish woodworkers are generally more traditional in nature and prized for their beauty and quality of craftsmanship.

Every first Friday at 3a.m., Chad Melisky begins a journey to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, making purchases for the shop, and after a layover in Pennsylvania, drives four hours back home with a full truck. “We can also offer custom designed furniture to suit any home,” he noted. “I know all of our woodworking artists personally.” Some of the décor items are also created with reclaimed barn wood for an authentic rustic appearance. And the furniture isn’t just for adults — there are two diminutive “activity tables” with small seating

The business is all about family. Husband and wife Chad and Sarah Melisky are assisted by Sarah’s parents Ellen and Charles Connolly, Aunt Kathie makes a unique line of blank greeting cards and sister Kristen Hale offers back-up support as well. Even the name on the door was inspired by their children Charlie, age 2 and Piper, age 4, both girls. When asked how they came to open a new business while both still have full-time jobs, they agreed they were motivated when their own experiences shopping at furniture stores were unsatisfactory and they fell in love with the patina and clean classic lines of Amish furniture. They started with showing at local fairs and quickly began searching for a storefront.

Guardians Farm is one of their largest local vendors, using 100 percent milk from their Nigerian Dwarf goats and high quality ingredients you can actually pronounce for their goat’s milk soaps and lotions, sugar scrubs, beeswax lip and skin care and homemade men’s shaving products.

The Meliskys are planning to bring other local artists and crafters into the mix as well since their goal is to feature American made products. A lovely collection of Farmhouse Quality artisanal pottery pieces in dove and white, wheel-thrown in Woodstock, Vermont are of varying sizes, perfect for beginning a collection or housewarming gifts, especially the charming beehive salt cellar and spoon.

C.P. Farmhouse is located at 43 West Street overlooking the Litchfield Green and can be emailed at contact@mycountryprimitives.com or on Facebook and Instagram as @cpfarmhouse.

Jo Ann Jaacks / For Hearst Connecticut Media Chad Melisky intersperses primitive country style with lighter farmhouse décor.