The Rustic Country Barn

A Litchfield County hidden gem is The Rustic Country Barn on route 202 in New Milford. The place has been open a little over five years now and to be honest, although I drive by it several times a day, I didn’t give it much thought. Litchfield County is kind of a Mecca for antique shops and old furniture stores.
So on what should have been another glance as I whizzed by (observing the speed limit of course) was rudely interrupted by my wife’s suggestion that we stop in and take a look. (hear my sigh) Fine I mumble. As we entire the store I am pleasantly surprised. It’s filled with all the kind of furniture I always imagined I would build myself in my own workshop someday. But as my wife will quickly point out, you can’t sit on someday.
About a minute into the place my wife gives me the look. You know the look I’m talking about guys, the «this is a beautiful thing and you know I’m worth it» look. Once this happens and I come to the realization that were probably not going home empty handed there’s only one thing left to do; make sure my input is dooly noted and prepare to limit the damage to our budget.
As I’m cruising around the store the first thing that catches my eye is this very cool rustic looking pub table. As I belly up to kick the proverbial tires I can’t help but say, «Honey, I could totally build this in my workshop!» Out of the corner of my eye I see my wife staring at the floor and shaking her head. She didn’t say it out loud, but deep down I knew she was right. So with dignity still intact I decide to run this pub table through the paces.
For those of you that know me, petite is not a word that most people would use to describe me. So when I reluctantly enter a typical big name furniture store filled with imported poorly made junk I always rate the quality based on one thing. What is the shimmy factor? When I sit down, how bad does it shimmy? If you’re a big guy like me, you know what I mean.
Back at the pub table I begin by kicking the first tire; the old grab the top on both sides and give it a shake followed by a feeble attempt to lift it off the ground. Table feels solid and vertical lift was negligible. Check! Next comes the big one. The old hop up on the stool and check the shimmy factor. Whoa, no shimmy! I even tried my rendition of the bar stool boogie and she held her ground. Impressive! Now for one final test; the old, «I’ve have 9 beers and it’s time to let the table hold me up» test. I lean in and give the pub table everything I’ve got. Folks, we have a winner! The table didn’t give a bit. As I walk through the rest of the store and barn, I find these qualities to hold true everywhere I turn.
Bottom line, it’s clear to me that the motto of The Rustic Country Barn, «Quality American made furniture that will last for generations» are not hollow words. I highly recommend a visit.