Success in The Bank
An Eltham couple’s passion for interior design, fashion and art is evident as soon as you enter their Eltham shop The Bank.
Packed with eclectic vintage furniture, bric-a-brac, clothing, costume jewellery, antiques, homeware as well as art, the store has been a popular destination over the last 10 years.
“You would be amazed who comes in here — we have customers from all over — Wellington, Wanganui, New Plymouth and people who are passing through . . . it’s a great place for people who are looking for one-off pieces,” says Barbara Valintine, who owns the business with Mark Bellringer.
More than 100 years ago the building housed the BNZ bank, and after a series of owners the beautiful building was purchased by the couple who turned it into a shop and home.
The couple were living in New Plymouth when they spotted the 1916 two storey building for sale and fell in love with the property which features five bedrooms. They spent their time painting and renovating the space, including the development of a champagne bar which is accessed via a spiral staircase. Out the back is a French-style garden which Barbara has developed over the years and enjoys spending time in and Mark also runs his travel and photography businesses from the property.
Barbara says the building is a constant work in progress, but they get a lot of enjoyment inviting people over.
“We really like the little village vibe of Eltham, it really is a great place to live”